The parents of Barry and Tracy Pike would like to thank the media for their understanding following the accident on Mt Ruapehu involving their son William, 22.
Mr and Mrs Pike, and their son Andrew, 18, along with other friends and family - are amazed at William's recovery. He remains in a stable condition in Waikato Hospital's intensive care unit.
They have also taken the opportunity to thank William's friend James Christie, rescuers, St Johns, staff at Taumarunui and Waikato hospitals, surgeons, nurses and doctors, particularly Dr John Bonning - the emergency department doctor who flew down to Taumarunui on the Westpac helicopter.
The family are asking the media to respect their privacy at this time and neither they nor William will be available to the media for at least 48 hours. If there is a change I will let you know.
ENDS