Thankful Sue riding again after lengthy rehab

June 10th, 2014

Sue Clark is back in the saddle and thanking the many people who supported her through the horrific accident she had in January when a large, old tree fell on her in her Thorp Street property during a massive storm.

Sue, who was for some time a reporter at The Guardian newspaper, has been a volunteer in several of Motueka's community groups in recent years.

Most recently she has been the driving force behind the Motueka Dressage Group, organising their monthly events and competing on her much-loved horse, Ollie.

She returned to Motueka a few months ago after her rehabilitation, and last Saturday mounted Ollie for a slow walk. Being Volunteer Week this week, she asked Motueka Online if she could use this website to "thank so many volunteers who have helped me over the last six months". Here is her story.

"It has been quite a journey. My first vote of thanks is to the Wwoofa Chris who raised the alarm when he found me under the tree. Then I would like to thank the St Johns team, the Fire Service who freed me, and the Rescue Helicopter who raced me to Nelson Hospital.

"Then of course I need to thank the many nurses, doctors and specialists who pieced me together. Whilst in the Intensive Care Unit in Christchurch I am told that it took four nurses 20 minutes every two hours to move me 5 cms!

"Then I have many friends who kept in touch whilst I was in Christchurch and Nelson hospitals. Sarah Whittingham gave me somewhere to stay when I left Nelson hospital. The Motueka Dressage Group paid for me to fly down to my daughter in Cromwell for more rehabilitation.

"While all this was going on Sandie Burn (head teacher at Greenwood Kindergarten) moved into my home to look after all my animals.

"Rose and Russell Scott, with Sandie and Sue (Community Gardens), moved my household and animals across the road to Scotts Bin Hire to a very comfy retreat until I was strong enough to be on my own again. So ... my grateful thanks to Motueka and its wonderful community of volunteers and friends.

"Of course I should not leave out my three wonderful children: Dylan who works for GJ Gardner Homes in Richmond, Amanda who with husband Ben own Aurum Helicopters in Cromwell, and Chase who is working in Orange Australia. The three of them sat at my bedside for three weeks hoping I would open my eyes and smile - which eventually I did but not before Chase had to return after three weeks.

"And - to round the story off ... a photo! Yes I climbed aboard Ollie on Saturday and did a slow walk about - what a tonic! Pictured also is Sarah Whittingham who demanded to be present to help me climb aboard!"

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