Homeward bound after car crash ordeal

Thanks again: Emergency services extricate Papamoa man Gregg Shaw from his car after crashing en route to Gisborne on Christmas Day. Mr Shaw, who returned home today, reiterated his gratitude to all those involved in finding, subsequently rescuing and treating him. He was looking forward to being reunited with his cat Misty. Rescue picture supplied, Gregg Shaw pic from Herald files

The Bay of Plenty man trapped in his crashed car for two-and-a-half days over the Christmas holiday weekend headed home today.

gregg Shaw, 67, failed to arrive in Gisborne from Papamoa on Christmas Day and was reported missing.

His car went off the road and into a deep ditch just north of Otoko Hill on Christmas morning (Friday). He was trapped inside and could not be seen from the road.

Mr Shaw was found by pure chance by searching family members on the Sunday afternoon of that long weekend.

Emergency services extricated him from his car and he spent New Year in Gisborne Hospital.

He was discharged from hospital on Wednesday of last week.

“I was recuperating at my sister Sue's place in King Road after I left hospital,” he told The Herald yesterday.

His sister drove him back to Papamoa today.

Mr Shaw said he still had a “few aches and pains”.

“The chest is still a problem. I'm walking but the ribs and sternum are still sore. If I cough, it hurts like hell.

“I'll be seeing a doctor when I get home about a return to work but I don't expect to be back at work any time soon.

“I'm certainly pleased to be going home. It'll be good to see my tabby cat Misty again.”

The crash survivor again thanked his family, hospital staff and everyone else who helped him.