Angela and Kerry Connors

Trampers ‘never lost hope’ in 19-day epic survival

Rescued tramper Jessica O'Connor says she "never lost hope" despite being lost for 19 days in rugged bush and running out of food. O'Connor and her friend Dion Reynolds – both aged 23 – were rescued in Kahurangi National Park on Wednesday after not being seen since May 8. They were saved when a search helicopter spotted smoke from a fire they had lit in a dense bush northwest of Nelson. Now, O'Connor has spoken out for the first time, to say she's "eternally grateful" for the rescuers who saved their lives. "What we went through is something that you never think would happen to yourself, but I am eternally grateful for the emergency response that led to us being found," she wrote on a Givealittle page set up by her brother Dominic to fundraise money for LandSAR. "At the end of the day, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for the efforts of the Police, LandSAR, Fire Service, Defence Force, all the volunteers, friends and family, donors and the power of positive energy. "While I would never wish this experience upon anyone, there has been a lot learnt and I'm hoping to use this experience to educate others that explore this beautiful country." O'Connor, who had injured her back while searching for water, struggled to find the words to express her near-death experience. "Where do I begin!" she writes. "Firstly, thank you to every single person that has been following and supporting this crazy story. The community's love has been overwhelmingly beautiful and it just shows what we can do when we come together in a positive way." She says she has "so much gratitude for this precious life we all live". Although the pair spent 13 days without food, and suffered severe bad weather, O'Connor said she "never lost hope". "It really is amazing what you can do when your life depends on it!" she says. "Again, a huge thank you to

Jessica O'Connor and Dion Reynolds, both 23, entered the bush on May 9 and were not seen for another 19 days. Photos: Supplied.

everyone. This doesn't come close walking in a loop after recognising while out getting water. to repaying everyone for your one of his own footprints in the They spent 13 days without food, support, but please know I will be mud. but the "saving grace" was a stream eternally grateful." "I told Jess we need to stop now of water two minutes away from Yesterday, police said the trampers because that's my footprint. We the gully, he told RNZ. would not face any charges, were very lost at that point," he "That's what kept us alive." even though they embarked on told RNZ. They feasted on chocolate bars the forbidden adventure during When they only had two days' when they were rescued and coronavirus alert level 3 lockdown. worth of food, he sprained his before they were reunited with Reynolds earlier revealed he had ankle traversing a steep gully – their relieved loved ones. only realised the pair were lost and and then O'Connor hurt her back With NZ Herald and RNZ

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