About this episode

Mark Law shares his incredible life story, including surviving multiple near-death experiences and his heroic actions during the White Island eruption.

Mark Law passed New Zealand SAS selection at 18 - the youngest ever to do it - and his life since has read like fiction. In this episode we trace the whole arc: a rugged Whangamōmona childhood, the New Zealand and British SAS, private security work in war-torn Angola, and a string of near-death experiences that would have ended most lives - a parachute that opened at 60 metres, an ambush he barely escaped, and a flesh-eating disease that nearly cost him his leg. Then there's Whakaari. When White Island erupted in December 2019, Mark flew his helicopter to the island and helped carry survivors to safety - an act later recognised with the New Zealand Bravery Star, even as his company faced a WorkSafe prosecution over matters predating the eruption. It's a remarkable, at times harrowing conversation about risk, resilience, family, and what it takes to move toward danger when everyone else moves away. Mark's book, Lucky, You're Tough , is out now. This episode contains descriptions of the Whakaari/White Island tragedy and other themes that may distress some listeners. Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while…

People in this episode

Hosts: Steven Holloway, Seamus Marten

Guest: Mark Law

Topics covered

• survival
• military
• bravery
• rescue
• personal stories
• risk
• resilience

Keywords

• SAS
• survivor
• helicopter rescue
• New Zealand
• bravery
• near-death experiences
• military service
• Whakaari
• personal resilience
• Lucky, You're Tough

Sponsors

One New Zealand

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Barkers Clothing

Books & works: Lucky, You're Tough

Places: Whangamōmona, New Zealand, Angola, White Island

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