Nicky Wootton remembers nothing of the accident, and almost nothing of her life preceding the crash.
"I don't remember much. I don't remember my children being born. I don't remember making love to my husband . . . but I am grateful that my children are fine and I am getting better."
Returning to Dunedin from a holiday weekend, Ms Wootton crashed into a bridge near Beaumont at 5.15pm on Monday, February 5, 2007.
It took six months for her to realise she had been involved in an accident, in which she suffered severe head injuries. The 43-year-old has progressed from a hospital bed, to a wheelchair, to living in her own flat, and is determined to make a full recovery.
"You have to be positive," she said.
While her children, aged 12 and 9, had recovered from the accident and now lived with their father, Ms Wootton continues to make small but significant steps on her road to recovery.
Her achievements were acknowledged yesterday when she was given the honour of officially opening the new McGlynn Centre in Maryhill, Dunedin.
The 12-bed centre offers rehabilitation and respite care for people with physical disabilities. Ms Wootton has lived at the centre in her own flat since mid-September.
Being able to have her children stay with her had helped the rehabilitation, with one of her favourite achievements being learning to cook again.
"They love my spaghetti Bolognese," she said.
Ms Wootton has also rediscovered her love of painting, sending a recently-completed artwork and a letter to the man she credits with saving her life, Dr Stephen Packer.
Dr Packer, who was one of the first on the scene of the accident, assisted Ms Wootton and her children until the rescue helicopter arrived.
"I haven't met him yet, but I hope to," she said.
McGlynn Homes manager Sue Connor said the centre catered for people such as Ms Wootton who required rehabilitation in a supported environment.
