Friends of a wedding photographer who was injured alongside a bride and groom in a tragic helicopter crash on Saturday are fundraising to support her "long recovery period".
Photographer Rachel Jordan was one of four onboard the helicopter which crashed at Terrace Downs Resort golf course in Canterbury just after take-off. The group were supposed to head off to take wedding pictures.
All four survived the crash but three, including Jordan, were seriously injured and rushed to Christchurch Hospital.
A Givealittle page has been set up to raise funds for Jordan and her family as she faces "significant injuries" and a "long recovery period".
"Rachel has spinal fractures and has had surgery. She also has five fractured ribs, lung laceration, fractured sternum, fractured arm in a few places, fractured feet," the description reads.
"Rach has been able to move her legs but is having trouble with her feet and cannot move them but that could change as swelling around her spinal cord goes down. She can, however, feel people touching her feet, which is good."
Jordan's friend Emma MacDonald, who is behind the Givealittle, says her survival is a "miracle".
"Rachel was the wedding photographer in the helicopter crash on the 12/6. Miraculously all on board the helicopter have survived the crash and for that we are all very thankful."
MacDonald says the funds will be spent on household expenses, rehabilitation and medical costs. So far it has raised almost $4000.
Ronnie Ronalde, the group operations manager for CPG Hotel Group, says wedding guests at the resort were traumatised by the accident.
"A bridal party were going off to take some photos in the helicopter and off they went. The next thing we heard is that it had come down on one of the fairways.
"It's horrible. Just the confusion. They are all waiting for their family to have all the photos and this accident happens. Devastating for all the family, and the staff who were there, all of us first, to try and help with it. It is quite a traumatic day."
A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson told Newshub on Saturday the accident occurred after take-off.
"Since we were notified of the accident, our Investigation and Response team has been in close contact with Police and first responders as they have attended the accident scene."
CAA began an investigation into the crash on Sunday.
