A Dunedin man has gone to extraordinary lengths to bring comfort to his London-based friend who was stabbed in the terror attack in the UK capital earlier this month.
Ollie Dowling and his girlfriend, Marie Bondeville, were among victims of the Borough Market terrorist attack in London on June 3 in which eight people were killed and 48 others injured.
Mr Dowling met Willy McKee while at high school in Christchurch.
Mr McKee, of Dunedin, said he was shocked to hear of Mr Dowling’s injuries — which included multiple stab wounds — and hatched a plan to show him how much he meant to those on the other side of the world.
Knowing Mr Dowling supported the Scottish rugby team and that three Scottish players would be visiting Dunedin on June 11 with the British and Irish Lions, he took his video camera to Dunedin Airport to see if they would send a message to his injured friend.
Scottish captain Greig Laidlaw was among the first to step off the plane and was more than willing to help. He was also able to rope injured fullback Stuart Hogg into sending Mr Dowling a message of support.
The Otago rugby team also got in on the act, as did Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull and Prime Minister Bill English.
Mr Dowling attended the University of Otago in 2003, prompting Mr Cull to describe him as an "asset" to the city in the mayor’s message of support.
"The whole thing has come about because you feel a bit useless over here and you want him to know he’s supported," Mr McKee said.
"When you are so far away from these tragic events you want to do something ... these sort of things affect everyone and shock us equally.
"You want to try and offer your support. I thought he’s going to have a long road to recovery, as is his girlfriend, so why not try and put a smile on his face and let him know that everyone is thinking of him way over here?"
Mr Dowling and Miss Bondeville were out in London having dinner at the time the attacks unfolded, Mr McKee said.
"What a horrific experience to go through."
Both required surgery for their wounds and were slowly recovering physically.
The video had come as a huge morale boost to Mr Dowling.
"He’s got personally in contact a couple of times and said ‘thank you very much’," Mr McKee said.
"His sister saw it ... she was thrilled. He messaged and said ‘thanks very much’. He was chuffed, but probably a little embarrassed."
Those involved in the video were more than willing to help, which was heartening, he said.
