Pike River family: Generosity 'humbling'

The family of Ben Rockhouse, who died in the Pike River Coal mine explosion last month, have thanked Greymouth, the West Coast and New Zealand for their support in the wake of the tragedy.

In a message sent to nzherald.co.nz, Sonya Rockhouse and Ben's family share the sentiments of Clayton Adams, the brother of lost miner Conrad, in a letter published in the Herald.

Mr Adams said the "selflessness, generosity and compassion of the people of Greymouth and New Zealand has been humbling", and wished to thank the public for their support during the ordeal.

Mr Rockhouse's brother Daniel was one of only two miners to make it out of the mine following the November 19 explosion. Ben was aged only 21.

Below is the message from Sonya Rockhouse and the Rockhouse family.

We agree with Clayton. The kindness of heart of the Greymouth, wider West Coast and NZ communities is overwhelming indeed.

We as a family who also lost a treasured son in the mine disaster can never repay the kindness shown to us.

The Charles Court Motel, who gave us a 3 bedroom unit, and after two weeks, still refused to accept payment. I urge readers travelling to the coast to stay with these fine young folk.

The beautiful breakfasts at Maggies Kitchen. Food the way food should be. Simple food with simple names but beautiful tastes.

Artico hair and beauty, who made an old girl look good when it mattered.

And all the countless other kind acts which serve to make you realise we don't live in an uncaring world despite how it appears sometimes.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sonya Rockhouse and family