The Auckland school teacher critically injured when Mt Ruapehu erupted two months ago was to undergo a minor operation before leaving Waikato Hospital tomorrow.
William Pike, 22, and his friend James Christie were inside Dome Hut, near Ruapehu's summit, when a lahar came through the door of the
hut and crushed Mr Pike's legs during the eruption on September 25.
Today Mr Pike was to undergo his 12th and hopefully last operation to prevent the wire holding his left knee-cap together from piercing his skin. It's hoped he will be able to go home tomorrow, and he is quietly optimistic about his future.
Despite having his lower right leg amputated, suffering such severe hypothermia that his kidneys and liver almost shut down and barely keeping his left leg, Mr Pike is philosophical about his life-altering injuries.
"It's just one of those things," he told The Waikato Times. "At least you're alive. My kidneys were a big problem at the start because of renal failure, so I think it's probably better to have a missing leg than be on dialysis for the rest of your life."
A teacher at Clevedon School in southeast Auckland before the eruption, Mr Pike found out yesterday he gained honours in his education degree. He said teaching was still part of his plans.
"I definitely still want to teach, without a doubt. I'm aiming to start again half way through next year so we'll see how we go. I want to be very fit and confident before I go back to teaching."
Mr Pike, who has lost 15kg since the eruption, plans to get back into as many of his previous activities as possible.
"I'm going to start swimming again. I was a water polo player, it's great fitness and something I can do without putting pressure on my stump."
Cycling, scuba diving, and mountain climbing are a passion of Mr Pike's, though he's keen to give kayaking a go too.
Mr Pike is determined to re-climb Mt Ruapehu next summer. "I won't be flown up, I'll walk up. Just getting back on any mountain will be an achievement."
Mr Pike is considering motivational speaking at schools when he gets back on track, along with writing a book about his experience.
- NZPA
