I haven't told my Erebus story until now.

I went to Air NZ to book on that flight, but as they had just sold the last seat I went on the waiting list.

The day before departure I phoned to be told my name was top of the list and they would ring me if there was a cancellation.

I waited and waited for the phone call that never came, then listened to Radio NZ's coverage of the flight's departure feeling very disappointed.

When news of the disaster came through I went into shock and stayed that way for several days. My closest ever escape from certain death.

I owe my life to all those unfortunate people who did get killed, and I am so thankful that I wasn't one of them.