Amanda, Gemma, Lola and Ziggy A couple whose lives were turned upside down by a freak surfing accident are being embraced by people from all sectors of society, who are pitching in to help them concentrate on rehabilitation, rather than finances. Tauranga sociologist Amanda Lowry broke her neck on 7 March in a surfing accident and is now tetraplegic. Lowry and her partner Gemma Holroyd have been together for 11 years and have two young daughters, Lola and Ziggy. Ziggy was just six days old when the accident happened. Holroyd stopped working to be with her family full time. They put their story out into the world and raised their initial goal of $20,000 within 10 days. Now they have raised more than $50,000 which will help with the significant resources they need. Check out their Givealittle page here Amanda and Gemma with Lola After a long stint in Auckland at a spinal unit they are back in Tauranga and Holroyd is able to return to work. They are selling their house in favour of somewhere more suitable. Lowry says the family is totally humbled and grateful for the incredible love, compassion and generosity of friends and strangers during an incredibly difficult time. “I am angry, I am sad, I am broken that I am broken, but I am alive, I am sharp, and I am here for my girls,” she says. “I get to love them and see them grown up with Gemma at my side and wouldn't trade that for the world.” Watch the couple’s inspiring story on TV One’s Attitude here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 25th July 2013 - 11:13am