Crash victim dreams of modelling career

Daisy Sparke. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A New Zealand's Next Top Model contestant who was badly injured in a crash last month still hopes to pursue a career in modelling, her family said last night.

Daisy Sparke, 17, was knocked out when the final 13 were chosen to go into the Top Model house on Friday night's show, her step-grandmother Beth said.

The Rotorua Girls' High student broke her pelvis in two places as well as her foot in a van smash on July 17 that left 12 teenagers injured.

She is believed to have watched the pre-recorded TV3 show from her Rotorua home after being released from hospital this week.

Beth Sparke said Daisy had been thrilled to reach the final 33 contestants.

"We are a bit biased but I would have thought that she would have gone through before some of the others."

She said Daisy was in high spirits and looking forward to getting back to school. She had talked about continuing to model "but she is still only 17".

"She is managing quite well on her crutches. She just wants to get on with her life."

Meanwhile, another Rotorua Girls' High student badly injured in a crash on July 22 has woken from her coma. Tui Martin remains in a serious condition at Waikato Hospital and would not be able to see visitors for another few days, reported the Rotorua Daily Post.