Which is Maori for "aah...the pain (sorrow)"...
Alexander had a bad accident today.
We were walking down to Mercer Bay (south of Piha), Ian Mander, John Selman, Daniel Smith (Alexander's cousin) and myself (Gerald).
The track was pretty rugged, though manageable (though how were we going to get back?).
The reason was to explore some caves on the beach that had been highly recommended by the speleological (sp?) society.
We came to the edge of a 6 metre bluff/cliff, and Alexander was first over it...his confidence exceeding his skill, he lost his hold and plummeted down, banging his head into the cliff twice on the way down (according to Daniel, who was with him at the cliff edge).
He landed head first in a tiny creek near a waterfall...Ian scuttled down to provide first aid and comfort etc., and we found, miraculously, that John's phone was able to contact emergency services (Telecom).
Alexander was helicoptered out (the wind was a very real challenge for the helicopter) to Ak Hospital, children's emegency unit, and the rest of us eventually got ourselves together and scrambled back up the "track", ably and willingly aided by Andy, the park ranger.
As I write, Alex is awaiting surgery to remove (reduce) a large haematoma on his forehead, and fix up broken bones in his left wrist and possibly right arm...Lois is currently with him, and we will see what tomorrow brings...
We have all been shocked at the accident, grateful for the "miraculous" (telecom cellphone, Alex wearing a helmet, which could well have been the difference between life and death...), and are all numbed by the events.
Please pray for Alex's swift healing.
In love and sorrow,
G and A.
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The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called out just after 12.30pm today this afternoon to a 14-year-old boy who suffered significant injuries as a result of a fall down a six-metre bluff at Mercer Bay at Piha, west of Auckland.
ReplyDeleteWhen he was found his head and shoulders were hanging over a seven-metre drop.
The boy had lost a lot of blood and had lacerations to his head. He has been flown to Starship Hospital and is in a serious condition.
A party of young trampers assisted the rescue crew in getting the boy off the bluff.
I am praying for a fast recovery, and for you all at this time....Andrew C
Your family certainly don't need this. Will be praying for Alexander and that he will soon recover. Thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteHi, Andrew. The recovery indeed appears to be quick!
ReplyDeleteThank you (all) for your prayers.
G.
Hi, Coralie.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow sufferer of broken bones, ETC.,it is good to know you are with us in thought and prayer.
G.