Blenheim family open home to brothers of injured girl

A big Blenheim family, expecting another child in three weeks, thinks nothing of taking in three boys whose parents are at their sister's side in Auckland's Starship Hospital.

Lynley Baker and husband Warren did not hesitate to look after three of their neighbour's boys, Josh, 15, Connor, 13, and Kaleb, 10, so their parents Andy and Paulette can be with their sister, Jacqueline, who is recovering after falling off her bicycle and going under a truck.

The Bakers already have five children living at home, and Mrs Baker is due to have another baby soon.

"It's just what you do. Neighbours always do things for each other," she said.

"The biggest thing [is that] they are looked after, happy and settled so they [Andy and Paulette] don't have to worry about anything back here," Mrs Baker said.

Jacqueline was seriously injured when she was run over by a six-tonne truck trailer while cycling to school six kilometres south of Blenheim on State Highway 1 last Thursday morning.

Kaleb, who was cycling with Jacqueline and her friend to Riverlands school that morning, said he wanted her home for Christmas, even if she was just transferred back to Wairau Hospital.

Before her accident, he and Jacqueline were "arch enemies", but were now pretty "close", he said.

He and his brothers have been trying to keep their lives as normal as possible by going to school, feeding their pets and watering the garden.

Mrs Baker said the two families were close: "We're sort of used to being together. The kids are always in each others' houses.

"I'm used to cooking big meals any way."

Donations from the community had helped keep their pantry stocked with food.

When asked if the family needed any more food donated Mrs Baker said: "It's hard to say. People are still bringing stuff in. There are bits and pieces arriving every night. The pantry is full.

"We are very grateful. It goes a long way."

Mrs Baker knew the Blenheim community was generous to those in need, but "it's different when it's you who experiences it".

The children would stay with her until their father, Mr Wyatt, arrived home next Friday.

BLAIR ENSOR AND SIMON WONG - The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 24/11/2010

BEN CURRAN/Marlborough Express

GOOD NEIGHBOURS: Lynley and Warren Baker, at rear, with some of the children living at their home in Blenheim. They are neighbours of Jacqueline Wyatt's family and are looking after her brothers while her mother and father are with her at Starship Hospital, in Auckland. The children in the picture are: middle row, from left, Daniel, 11, Georgia, 15, Connor Wyatt, 13; front Kaleb Wyatt, 10, and Rhylee, 6.