A serious car accident in Beaumont in 2006 left the Lawrence woman with serious injuries — a broken back, a broken foot and a cut in her hand.
She spent five months in the spinal unit at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch.
This year, Miss Robertson (30) decided it was time to "give back" and raise money for the New Zealand Spinal Trust.
To do this, she rode part of the Clutha Gold Trail to encourage people to donate. She and a group of about 20, including Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan and NZ First MP Mark Patterson, went along for the ride.
"It’s just so amazing, the support from people," she said.
"More and more people put their hand up and said: ‘You’re doing an excellent thing’."
She excepted the ride would take about 10 hours but it only took eight, with a few stops in between.
She said the highlight of the ride was "making it fun." "By pulling jokes and talking to the mayor, he was pretty cool about coming."
Miss Robertson said her recovery was taking a long time. She still occasionally used a wheelchair but tried to use crutches mostly.
"I want to eventually get off the crutches and get out of the wheelchair, but I can’t really say that will just happen. It’s all time," she said.
Her fundraising target was $3500 and by yesterday she had just surpassed it.
Money came from many individuals and organisations she said, including The Warehouse and New World, and Subway in Balclutha.
It was very important for her to fundraise for the trust.
"So many people end up in the spinal unit and that place was a true eye-opener for all. I never wish anyone to be up in that place."
Dignitaries from the community supported her all the way.
Clutha district mayor Bryan Cadogan said Miss Robertson was "bubbly."
"She’s always a positive person, one of the characters of our community. Why wouldn’t we support her?"
NZ First MP Mark Patterson, who lives in Lawrence, also biked along.
"She’s certainly an iconic member of our community. It’s her day," he said.
