Crossing Taupo Quay to pick up a few things from the shops at Trafalgar Square was a regular activity for Mary White.
That was before she almost died after being struck by a car outside the Whanganui shopping centre on September 30.
"I often park opposite the mall if I just want a couple of things," said Mrs White.
"I didn't want to drive in and have to find a park when I was already pointing in the right direction for home."
Mrs White said she feels no animosity towards the driver who hit her because she did not see them coming and believes they did not see her until it was too late to stop.
"I remember seeing a big light-coloured vehicle that was turning into the carpark and the car that hit me must have been a smaller, darker one.
"I'm just very grateful that they weren't speeding because I wouldn't be here now if they were.
"I really think we need a pedestrian crossing there to make it safer for everyone.
Mrs White suffered severe concussion and a month later she is still experiencing headaches as well as pain in her back and shoulders.
"I can't speak highly enough of the staff at Whanganui Hospital," she said.
"I would like to record my appreciation for the work of all the medical staff - from the ambulance officers to the occupational therapists and physiotherapists who helped get me back on my feet.
"To Dr Lill and all staff in the surgical ward, all the doctors and nurses who treated me, I want to thank them all.
"Whenever I experienced pain or discomfort, they were right there straight away."
Mrs White is now visiting a community physiotherapist and her walking is slowly improving.
She looks forward to the time when she will be able to join her husband and their border collie for walks on the beach but for now she says she is just grateful to be alive.