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Kelowna  

Struck cyclist's friends rally

The Kelowna cyclist and yogi who nearly lost her life after being pinned under a water truck is doing better, beating the odds and slowly recovering in Vancouver.

Andy Hayden, 31, was riding her bike in the Pandosy area when she had a collision with a water truck. Hayden was dragged underneath the back wheels and she remained pinned for nearly 30 minutes. Witnesses at the scene thought Hayden wouldn't make it given the blood loss and length of time she was pinned.

Kelowna Firefighters had to use jacks to lift the water truck off of Hayden before she could be rushed to hospital.

Despite all odds she survived and was even stable enough to be transported to Vancouver General Hospital. She is still in VGH, where she is starting a long recovery process.

Kelowna RCMP say the incident is still under investigation and at this point no charges have been laid. 

Now, her friends and family are rallying behind the woman they all love and admire.

Kelowna realtor and fellow yogi, Krista Suchar is one of those planning the fundraisers.

“Her injuries are critical and serious, so she is in great hands in Vancouver,” says Suchar.

Hayden has had several surgeries and there are more to come, including skin-grafting this week.

“I have spoken to a couple of people who were there and it was just so horrific,” says a still shaken Suchar who notes Hayden was dragged under the truck for 10-feet. “I don't think anyone who saw the accident expected her to survive.”

Suchar is confident her friend will pull through.

“She is in great hands and I know she has an amazing attitude and spirit... she is absolutely going to recover.”

Hayden is a yoga instructor at Bikram Yoga on Lawrence Avenue and has a large following of students rallying behind her.

“You know her livelihood is fitness and being active and myself and the whole yoga community have been thrown for a loop, and we are really worried about our friend,” says Suchra.

Hayden lost several litres of blood during the accident and, starting Monday, the yoga community is banding together for a blood drive to help fill the reserves at the blood bank.

“We just want to shed some light and some awareness on the importance of giving blood regularly,” says Suchar. “As well as some focus on the importance of being a conscientious driver out in our community with respect for cyclists. Focused on what you're doing, focused on driving and being careful out there.”

If you would like to donate blood call Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-2-DONATE and make an appointment at the Kelowna clinic on Dilworth.

Hayden's friends are also concerned for the financial burden the accident has caused.

Suchar says they are planning a big fundraiser in the near future and they are selling t-shirts to support their yogi.

Hayden's boyfriend, Stephen Scott, designed the ink-work on the shirts (to the left). People can buy them with the logo on them or bring an item of clothing in to be silk-screened (for a donation). The t-shirt reads “Iron Andy Pants – Yoga Bike Ninja – Pandosy Aint Got Nothin On Me.”

If you'd like a t-shirt or want more information check out their Facebook page. 

“If Andy is reading this we love you and we are rooting you on,” adds Suchar.



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