Fundraiser for driver tops $13k

A fundraiser set up to support the long-term recovery of a truck driver seriously injured in a crash has topped $13,000.

Craig Clapperton, of Palmerston, was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital with five fractures on one side of his body following the crash north of Hampden last month.

The crash, which involved his grain truck and a logging truck, resulted in the closure of State Highway 1 for several hours.

Mr Clapperton’s wife Kelly Clapperton said in a social media post her husband would require multiple surgeries.

A Givealittle page was set up to help support his "very long road to recovery", and help pay for the family’s travel to and from hospital, room stays and rehabilitation.

In a recent update posted to the fundraising page, Mr Clapperton’s sister-in-law said he would remain in Dunedin for several weeks following a leg operation which was a "huge blow" to those expecting him home.

She said the family had been overwhelmed by the "love and support given to Craig and Kelly" and "hugely appreciated" the donations.

charley-kai.john@oamarumail.co.nz