Injured girl’s family want answers about crash

CRASH victim Gemma Johnstone recovering in Waikato Hospital under the round-the-clock care of her mother (and trained nurse) Loretta. TC050508SP06

Seven-year-old Gemma Johnstone should be back at Te Akau Ki School Papamoa with her friends— instead she still lies in Waikato Hospital with horrific injuries from being hit by a car while delivering pamphlets in Kihikihi. Meanwhile her family in Te Awamutu and Bay of Plenty wait for answers as to why this happened to their girl.

Gemma was on the footpath on Whitmore Street near Kihikihi School on the first Monday of the school holidays when she was mown down by a man driving towards the village. The car went on to crash into a power pole—causing a blackout for much of the region.

Gemma’s family still waits to hear from Police as to what may have caused the horrific incident and what actions, if any, will be taken against the driver. They are appalled that their beautiful little girl is suffering and they don’t know why.

Gemma is the daughter of former Te Awamutu residents Loretta and Brian Johnstone. Her grandparents are Sharie and Peter Cain and Betty and Harold Johnstone, all Te Awamutu locals.

Gemma has an eight-year-old brother Callum. The family now live in Papamoa where the Johnstones own Papamoa Mitre 10. Presently Mum has put the business on the back-burner and reverted to her trained nursing background to give care to her daughter.

The family is amazed at how brave Gemma is — putting up with the pain of her injuries and ongoing operations as she looks to bounce back to her old self.

TALENTED YOUNGSTER

They say Gemma is a beautiful and bright little girl with a wonderful personality and sense of humour and far reaching talents. She is a Papamoa Surf Living Saving Championships Little Nipper gold medal winner, competing in five events to take the title. The same month she was a member of the Flippa Ball (junior water polo) team which won the Bay of Plenty title and she also enjoys singing, drama, learns ballet and enjoys art.

Gemma will be missed by pupils and teachers at Te Akau Ki School Papamoa until her return.

The family wish to extend their grateful thanks to all the support service people who attended the scene and helped Gemma, especially St John Ambulance and the lovely woman, whom they did not get to meet, who carried Gemma to the safety of her house away from the live power lines.

Still under investigation

Te Awamutu Police say the April 21 crash is still under investigation by the Serious Crash Unit so no charges have yet been laid. They say the offender, who is not a local person, is known and it is almost certain he will face charges as a result of the crash.