LEON Christiansen was at the RACQ Capricorn Rescue Hangar in Rockhampton recently for a cheque presentation.

The $18,000 cheque is going towards the RACQ Capricorn Rescue team, after Leon and partner Samantha raised the money at the Christiansen Charity Ball, on May 11, at the Biloela Civic Centre.

The work of the RACQ Capricorn Rescue service is something that is close to Leon's heart, and a service he himself has experienced a couple of times.

"I was flying on a late afternoon and made contact with power lines,” Mr Christiansen said.

"Hit them and ended up tearing the blades off the machine and crashing into the dirt

"Ruptured my bowel and broke some ribs.

"Got carted out by the rescue chopper to Rockhampton and was in intensive care for a while.”

That accident motivated Leon to do all he can to raise money and pay back the RACQ Capricorn Rescue service.

"Once that first accident happened, I realised how vital they are,” Mr Christiansen said.

"Thought we'd better pay them back for the trips I've had.”

The Christiansen Charity Ball produced a wonderful time for those that attended, with Leon slightly disappointed though with the number of people who turned up to show support.

"Whoever came to the ball was really thrilled, but having more numbers would've been good,” Mr Christiansen said.

"But a lot of people probably get scared and they don't want to dress up and or think they have other priorities.

"They think it's a lot of money for a ticket.

"It's nothing compared to the cost of what someone's life is worth.”

Leon and Samantha plan on continuing their years of avid support for the RACQ Capricorn Rescue service and come up with new ideas to increase community awareness and appreciation.

"They really need to know its extremely important and vital to our communities,” Mr Christiansen said.

"People don't place enough importance on it.

"Whatever we've gotta do to keep doing that, and come up with other ideas for events.”