Thousands voice support for Susan Wood after she suffered serious head injury

Broadcaster Susan Wood suffered serious injuries in a fall at her home.

High-profile good Samaritan Lucy Knight has joined thousands of New Zealanders sending messages of support and encouragement to broadcasting stalwart Susan Wood, who is recovering from a serious head injury after a fall at her Auckland home.

News of the January 10 accident was made public yesterday, when her sons Matt and Alex Beck said their mother was receiving rehabilitation for the injury.

It is understood Wood, who has been a journalist across print, radio and television since the late 1970s, fell down some stairs.

The extent of the NewstalkZB presenter and Q+A TV host's injuries and her recovery progress was unknown last night.

It is understood Wood was due to head to Sydney to visit friends the day after her accident.

Ms Knight, a mother of six who received serious head injuries when she intervened in a bag snatch attempt at a supermarket in Northcote in September, said she was moved by the news of Wood's accident.

"I saw the news and I thought, 'Poor Susan', because anything about head injuries happening to anyone tends to really trigger feelings for me because I know what it's like and I know that it's awful.

"Especially as a mum with kids and when you are used to being independent, and Susan really is an independent, confident, amazing lady and it is going to be a really hard time for her and her family."

Ms Knight said there was a long road to recovery, but having a strong support network and understanding really helped.

"There is a lot of rehabilitation with head injuries. It's a long-term thing and it is hard for your family because it is hard for them to see what is happening."

In a statement to the media yesterday, Matt and Alex Beck said: "The treatment of our mother has been outstanding. We also appreciate the concern and goodwill shown by others."

Friend and Q+A co-host Corin Dann said he was "devastated" to learn of the accident.

"I am absolutely devastated and gutted for her and hope she can make as speedy a recovery as possible," he said.

NZME. Radio managing director Dean Buchanan said colleagues and friends at Newstalk ZB were shocked by the news. "Susan is much loved and much respected, and we wish her all the very best for a speedy recovery," he said.

Louise Ryburn, managing director of Celebrity Speakers, said: "She is a wonderful presenter and journalist much respected by Celebrity Speakers and the wider community."

Yesterday, wellwishers flooded social media with thousands of messages as friends, colleagues and fans took to the internet to express their concern for Wood.