- Monday 6 September 2010
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Hero's actions drive big thank you
Whangarei hero Tania Lewis has been given a vehicle by a car dealer impressed by her story.
She said yesterday her phone had been ringing off the hook with offers of help after reports of her heroic actions earlier in the week.
Ms Lewis stopped her car on Hilltop Ave in Whangarei on Tuesday evening when she saw a traumatised woman being chased by a hammer-wielding man.
She picked the woman up in her car to take her to safety but the man pursued them in another vehicle, and allegedly repeatedly rammed the car Ms Lewis was driving.
The car was left undriveable. It belonged to Ms Lewis's son, Levi, 16, who was in the car with her, and had been bought with money inherited from his grandmother. Police say Ms Lewis "put her life on the line" for a stranger during the drama.
The victim, who cannot be named, called Ms Lewis her "angel" and said she had saved her life.
The story featured in the Northern Advocate yesterday, and in other media, and the offers of help poured in.
Kia dealer Stephen Moore appeared on Close Up with Ms Lewis last night, and said he would give her a car that had been traded in. It was getting a tune-up and a new warrant of fitness.
Ms Lewis said she was "so thankful and so blessed".
"It's been overwhelming. There have been so many people ringing and sending messages. I've even been given a gift basket," Ms Lewis said.
Before the offer, local panelbeater Bert Rowsell had volunteered one of his courtesy cars for Ms Lewis to use until she could get the damage to the family car fixed.
An Auckland company offered to pay for the repairs or to replace her car. That offer came after
Peter Gormly, project manager for The Broken Car Collection Company, read the article and discussed it with his managing director, Warren Strong.
"We both feel that heroes need a reward and should be recognised for their bravery, not disadvantaged. There's not enough people prepared to help their fellow citizens in need."
