Newstalk ZB
The pensioner who was missing out in Christchurch’s cold winter for four days is surrounded by her family in hospital. And they say they are “hugging her a little tighter” after an “incredibly worrying few days”. Valerie Hargrave, 81, was reported missing on Saturday, prompting an extensive search. She was last seen on Thursday. Police carried out detailed inquiries, including an initial search and reviewing hours of CCTV and traffic camera footage. “From that, an area of interest was identified,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie. The search for Valerie Hargrave was extensive. Photo / Anna Heath “Around 30 staff were deployed to carry out a grid search, and Valerie was located lying in long grass on Tunnel Rd, SH74, between the walking track and the road. “It is not yet known how long she had been in that location. Inquiries into her movements remain ongoing. “Valerie has spent four nights in the elements, and police acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in helping to locate her.” Baillie said local businesses were “instrumental” in the operation – recognising her as a regular in the area and helping confirm sightings. He thanked all those involved in the search. “Valerie remains in hospital receiving medical care and is surrounded by her loved ones. Our thoughts are with Valerie and her family as she recovers,” he said. “The family are requesting privacy at this time. Any further comment from the family will be provided through police when appropriate.” Hargrave’s grand-daughter posted a message on Facebook earlier today. “On behalf of our family, I wanted to express our gratitude for the incredible support and kindness we have received from the community, as well as Canterbury Police and the Land Search and Rescue teams,” she wrote. “We are so pleased to have Val found safe and alive after an incredibly worrying few days. “We are so amazed and thankful for the way this community has shown up and effortlessly helped us search for Val. “We are overwhelmed with relief by such a positive outcome and to have her back with us. We are certainly hugging her a little tighter today.” Christchurch woman Valerie Hargrave is receiving medical care in hospital after spending four nights in the elements. Photo / Police Hargrave’s grand-daughter wrote that the pensioner was doing “okay” and was being looked after by the “incredible staff” at Christchurch Hospital. Hargrave was found in Ferrymead last night, about 5km from her Woolston home. Baillie said locating the pensioner alive was a “great result”. Lifecare Ambulance Service led the community effort to find the missing woman. Photo / Anna Heath Police thanked everyone who assisted with the search over recent days. A community-led search attracted 30 helpers yesterday. Locals helped search the streets surrounding the New World in the search for Valerie Hargrave. Photo / Anna Heath The search was centred around New World Woolston, where she had last been seen, fanning out across the Heathcote River. Before she was found, police had expressed their concerns about Hargrave’s wellbeing given the length of time that had passed
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