Former Chester resident caught up in Christchurch quake

Feb 24 2011 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

A CHESTER woman has told how she ‘hung on for dear life’ in a coffee shop during the Christchurch earthquake as the city collapsed around her.

Leigh Gough, who settled in New Zealand in 2005, is originally from Chester and attended the Catholic High School.

“I was hiding under a table and hanging on for dear life,” she said.

“The building was swaying from side to side. I was getting thrown around under the table and there was a constant roar. It felt like it went on for a lifetime and I actually thought I was going to die.”

When Leigh emerged, she saw buildings all around her reduced to rubble.

She continued: “There was just silence as the dust settled. Then it sank in just how bad the earthquake actually was before the noise started, just crashes and screaming.

“It was like a warzone with bodies everywhere. I could see people trapped and others staggering around covered in blood. It was carnage.

“There are so many aftershocks we can’t relax. I am very grateful to have survived with just concussion, so I feel very lucky.”

Leigh said that the amazing community spirit has helped people to cope.

“I couldn’t believe the extent people went to in helping each other. It makes me so proud to call Christchurch my home.

“It has been handled in the most profound way and I could not fault a thing. Everyone went above and beyond to help others before themselves and the government could not be faulted.

“We have a saying here, Kia Kaha, which means ‘be strong’ in Maori.

“We know it’s going to be a long recovery but with all the community support we will get there eventually.”