Families of traffic crash victims say thank you

YOUR STORY: The parents of a woman killed and a man seriously injured in a traffic crash have reached out to those who helped in the aftermath of the incident.

THE parents of a woman killed and a man seriously injured in a traffic crash on the Warrego Hwy west of Toowoomba have reached out to those who helped in the aftermath of the tragic incident.

Andrea Murray, 35, died when the ute her husband David was driving collided head-on with another vehicle west of Chinchilla on November 9 last year.

Mr Murray is recovering from his injures and returned to work at a sawmill in Roma.

"His recovery is being achieved with the help of family, friends and specialist staff," the parents say.

His parents, Desleigh and Bill Murray, and Andrea's parents, Barbara and Brian Harper, sent The Chronicle a letter to say a "very, very special thank you" to everyone who assisted at the crash scene and in the months since.

In the letter, they thank:

• The Queensland Ambulance Service
• The doctors and staff of the Chinchilla Hospital
• The volunteers who supply and service the Red Cross rooms at the Chinchilla Hospital
• The helicopter service and pilots who transported David to the Toowoomba Base Hospital
• All the surgeons, doctors, nurses and other staff who attended to David in the ICU and the surgical ward during his stays at the Toowoomba Hospital
• The doctors and staff of Theodore Medical and the nurses and staff of the Theodore Hospital who took care of David in the time before he was flown back to Toowoomba Hospital
• The Royal Flying Doctor service that delivered him back to the Toowoomba Hospital
• The medical staff of Roma Hospital and the doctor, physiotherapist, and support specialists for their ongoing care and support of David
• All our family who came to Toowoomba and the farms to provide support for ourselves and David during the early days of his recovery

The letter pays special tribute to family and friends who have supported Andrea's parents and Mr Murray.

"(Thank you) to all those who came to support both our families at the beautiful ceremony commemorating Andrea's life and many achievements.

"Your love and understanding will always be appreciated," it reads.

"All those who have called, emailed, posted beautiful cards, and provided food and unsought support. 

"Your friendship and generosity is much treasured."

The letter continues to thank:

• The very special workplace friends in Roma and Wallumbilla who visited David in Hospital and continue to support him in the workplace. Your caring attitude has assisted, and will continue to assist, greatly in his recovery.
• To the many who have given extraordinary gifts and time to help us during this difficult time.  All are greatly appreciated.
• To friends and neighbours at Shoestring and Kobarda; your help and support through this period complicated by drought is very much valued
• To Bill's Mum - 95 years of age - who cared for us through the initial stages of David's recovery.  Your love and understanding and countless cups of tea for so many eased the tensions of this difficult time
• To Desleigh's Mum who gave us the use of her home for David's recuperation,  Its air-conditioning was a factor in hastening David's recovery during the December heat
• The staff of the Downs Motel for your special service
   

Originally published as Families of traffic crash victims say thank you