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Lockdown bus driver attack - second attack

  • Rehab update

      7 October 2021

    Hi all, dad is settled at a truamatic brain injury rehabilitation clinic, where he'll be for several weeks. Currently suffering from post-traumatic amnesia and his brain needs time to heal. Had a successful surgery on his hand also. Thank you all so much for your continued support. This will be a long road to recovery for my father.

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  • Day 9 update (attack #2)

      1 October 2021

    Hey guys, yesterday dad was considered stable enough finally for his hand surgery which was completed at Middlemore. Today he is being transferred to a rehab facility in West Akld that specializes in traumatic brain injuries. He is likely to be there for several weeks. They'll be working hard to get him sitting up, eventually standing, learn to walk again etc. Praying for an Akd Level 2 with no borders so I can get up there and give him a big fat hug.

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    • 02/10/2021 by Deb

      Thankyou for updating us, I'm sure Dad's journey is on lots of minds including myself. Thinking of you guys Gabrielle and sending lots of love and prayers your way.

    • 02/10/2021 by Adrian

      Thanks Gabrielle for this update. You will hopefully have some donations from some Uber drivers around the country as I have shared this with their FaceBook page. We are thinking of your dad at this time. We are conscious that tis could happen to any of us. Our thoughts are with your Dad , you and his whole family.

  • Seriously unwell - update

      27 September 2021

    Today dad is going to Middlemore hospital for surgery on his injured hand. He also has stitches to his ears, and most concerning a brain haemorrhage which is being monitored closely. Dad is still not walking or speaking well. He is not cognitively capable at the moment, and we have been told he will require rehab to walk and for his brain function. I am still praying for Level 2 so I can visit.

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    • 27/09/2021 by Rachel

      Thank you for the update Gabrielle. I still can't believe this has happened again. I'm really hoping you can visit him soon. Sending love. Rachel.

    • 27/09/2021 by Nicci

      Gabrielle, I and my family are thinking of you and your Dad. This is horrific and I wish I could be of support. Thankyou for keeping us updated.

      My husband suffered permanent Brain damage from the measles virus two years ago. The process of rehab through the NZ health system was supportive and well rounded. Sending love

    • 27/09/2021 by Deb

      Gabrielle, just wanted to say we're all thinking of Dad and praying for him and hoping for a speedy recovery. Stay strong girl, we're right there with you. Deb xx

  • Attack #2 I'm at a loss for words right now

      24 September 2021

    Dear community of amazing people. You'll have heard dad was subject to a second, not related, unprovoked attack. This one nearly killed him.

    I have just spoken to the detectives in Akld and they have all footage and audios and it was a horrific and sustained unprovoked attack. He was stomped and almost killed, and we’re super ‘lucky’ the offender didn’t use the knife he had in his backpack, discovered on arrest at the scene.

    The hardest thing is the distance and akld’s lockdown. I know many many people are affected by this adversely, so I’m just a needle in a haystack of people who can’t be with family when needed. The hospital is not allowing any visitors so there’s no point trying to get u there at this point, but I will try to get dad down here to recover on discharge and lockdown L2 (fingers crossed). He’s not expected to be able to leave hospital til some time next week anyway, at this point he can’t stand nor speak properly. Still to have a suite of cognitive tests. everyone has been so supportive, and it’s a testament to the community we have here.

    From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness and love expressed to us: complete strangers to you, but you've shown what community should be about. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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    • 24/09/2021 by Rachael

      I’m so sorry to hear about this. Unbelievable. Our hearts go out to your Dad and your family. Lots of love to you all and I hope your Dad recovers well and is with you soon!

    • 24/09/2021 by New

      Hi Gabrielle, When I heard this yesterday I found it incredibly hard to read in the news. I thought I must have heard it wrongly. It was hard to comprehend. Im just so so sorry to hear that it could happen once let alone twice. Lets hope he can be with you for his time of recovery. Auckland is a frightening place now and doesn't feel safe anymore. Will be thinking of him.

    • 24/09/2021 by Rachel

      Absolutely unbelievable and disgusting. Sending lots of love.

    • 24/09/2021 by Sacha

      What the absolute hell!! Oh Gabrielle, my heart breaks for you both and I pray you can be reunited soon as he sounds like he needs a well deserved break after all of this! I was holding my breath up until after the knife part. Angels are truly watching over him for that not to have been used. Don't give up on this exemption fight, we're so behind you 100% waiting for the reunion photo. Bless you all as a family in hope waiting. Arohanui 🙏

    • 26/09/2021 by Kham

      Hi Gabrielle, I understand no visitors are currently allowed. Does he have a device for you to be able to video call? If not I can get one to him for the duration of his stay. I work at Auckland hospital. Auckland next COVID level review is Monday 4th October. If we go down it would be from Wednesday I assume like last time.

  • One week update

      6 September 2021

    Dear New Zealand! Thanks so much for your kindness! Dad is doing really well (at least physically). He wanted to 'get back on the horse' as quickly as possible before the fear got to him, so he's back on the job! we are so massively appreciative of your support, I'm convinced that all the words of kindness received has really helped buoy his spirits and faith in humanity.

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  • Thank you New Zealand

      31 August 2021

    Hi New Zealand, your endless and mind-blowing generosity now also means Dad can afford to take a little time out to recover from his injuries: body and soul. I just can not possibly thank you all enough.

    Words directly from my dad himself: "I am over the moon and so encouraged by the good wishes and generosity of a huge number of good people who have stood by me at this time. Words can not really express my gratitude".

    I'm not sure what the workplace policies/procedures are, and someone has also advised me that ACC may also pay to replace his prescription glasses - we will be looking into this.

    We have clearly more than surpassed our fundraising goal, and we'd like to be transparent that the money will fund dads recovery. We are endlessly thankful.

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    • 01/09/2021 by stewart

      I’m sure I’m like most people. The donation wasn’t for the glasses it was to show people care.

    • 02/09/2021 by Dianne

      Hello Gabrielle, I hope your Dad is recovering well? My husband works for WINZ and is currently trying to recruit bus drivers! He said to tell your father to contact WINZ to see what support they can offer. All the best to you and your family. Dianne

    • 02/09/2021 by Gabrielle Wildbore

      Thanks Dianne I'll let him know.

    • 02/09/2021 by Gabrielle Wildbore

      Thank you Stewrt for your kind words, dad is stunned and overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness he's received.