The family of Coogee shark attack victim Leah Stewart has shared an emotional update, revealing she faces a long recovery after the terrifying incident
Family shares key update of ‘long road ahead’ for Coogee shark victim Leah Stewart
The family of shark attack victim Leah Stewart say she has a long road ahead after hundreds took part in a swim in her honour.
The family of a Sydney mum who was attacked by a shark at Coogee Beach have given a fresh update on her condition after a major community event to show support for her.
Hundreds of people braved a morning swim at Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east in a remarkable show of community support for Leah Stewart’s fight for life.
The Coogee Community Swim drew huge crowds on Sunday morning in the name of raising funds for the family of Ms Stewart, who was bitten by a great white shark on June 13.
Following the event, the family issued a fresh update on her condition through St Vincent’s Hospital.
“Leah remains in a critical but stable condition and it is expected this will remain her condition for some time,” they said.
“There is a long road ahead for her and her family.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up by her brother, Joshua Stewart, which thus far has raised a staggering $474,000.
The primary school teacher and devoted mum suffered catastrophic injuries and continues to be treated at St Vincent’s Hospital, having undergone “extensive surgery”.
Footage taken by Randwick City Council on Sunday morning shows a vast crowd of swimmers, surfers and paddleboarders taking to the icy-cold waters in a show of strength and support from the community, which has been left deeply shaken by the incident.
Leah Stewart was attacked by a great white shark. Picture: Supplied
A statement from Ms Stewart’s family was read out before the swim kicked off, describing the event as “amazing”.
“This is the community that Leah loved, and it’s amazing to see you all have her back,” the statement said.
“As you swim out, wave hi to the blue gropers. They are her favourite underwater sighting.”
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the event was emblematic of “community at its best”.
“Being out there with the thousands of swimmers, you can just feel the warmth in what was pretty fresh water,” he said.
Many were there to help donate to Ms Stewart’s family. Picture: Randwick City Council
Coogee Surf Life Saving Club Ben Heenan said the community had shown an “absolute force of strength”.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Premier Chris Minns said the Coogee community was “suffering” but he was pleased to see the show of solidarity.
“I know that there’s a big swim out today – I think the rest of Sydney is thinking about them, and I can only imagine what the family is going through,” Mr Minns said.
“They’re resilient people, they believe in the water, they believe in that beach, and I think they’re showing a lot of resilience today.”
CRE: https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/news/hundreds-of-swimmers-brave-icy-waters-to-raise-funds-for-coogee-shark-attack-victim-leah-stewart/news-story/a210525f410287b7ef5874f72bc54cf9
