Pike River: Rally to heal families' hurt

Mayor Tony Kokshoorn and Steve Williams. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A speedway rally led by Steve Williams, Tiger Woods' caddy, offered a grief-stricken community a break from tragedy last night.

Hundreds of Greymouth residents turned up at Greenstone Park Speedway for the races, which began with a minute's silence.

Williams said they had raised $16,000 for the families from races in Dunedin and Christchurch on Thursday and Friday.

Last night, it was Greymouth's turn. "We want give these people a few hours to take their minds off the events that have happened this week," Williams said.

Greymouth speedway president Robbie Brown said they considered cancelling the event but locals believed it was important to carry on.

Chrissy Turner came out so she could support the community. "Not one person here hasn't been touched," she said.