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Statement - survivor Mt Ruapehu fallColin Lightbody, 41, an IT consultant from Malvern East, Melbourne, Australia who survived a 200 metre fall from Mt Ruapehu yesterday asked us to release the following statement. Colin is in a stable condition in Waikato Hospital. He has two broken ankles, multiple abrasions and bruising. A free to use photo is available either from NZPA or by request to me. Statement follows: "My friend Peter Ittak and I had hiked up to The Dome and were descending the same way. It was 6.20pm. "We were about an hour or so away from the ski lift when I walked through an area with chunks of ice and soft snow. I stepped on an icy lump, which collapsed under my weight and caused me to lose my footing. "Peter estimated I then fell 200m down the snow face vertically and 600-800 in distance. Peter dug out a seat in the slope for me to sit in then moved quickly to get help. "Peter from the ski patrol coordinated the rescue effort with help from the snow-making team." "I want to thank Peter, Dan and others from the ski patrol, Shane who drove me down on a groomer, Jason and others from the snow-making team, Graham and Darryl the paramedics, Police Search and Rescue, Hendry the pilot of the Youthtown Rescue Helicoper and all the medical staff at Waikato Hospital." Date: 7 September 2009 ENDS Contact: Mary Anne Gill Media and Communications Director Waikato District Health Board Mobile: 021 705 213 Email: gillm@waikatodhb.govt.nz |