HEARTWARMING UPDATE AFTER SHARK ATTACK HORROR: FAMILY SAYS THEY ARE ‘OVERWHELMED’ AS COMMUNITY RALLIES BEHIND SYDNEY VICTIM
The family of Sydney shark attack victim Leah Stewart have provided an update on the 34-year-old’s condition, thanking the public for their messages of support.
In the update shared on Sunday, Stewart’s family said she has at times been struggling to sleep following the horrific attack at Sydney’s popular Coogee Beach last month.
Leah Stewart is a teacher with a young child. GoFundMe
“Leah has had some challenging days but has found real strength from your kindness and support, and wanted to pass on a huge thank you to everyone who has shared her story, sent her uplifting messages and supported her,” her brother, Joshua, said.
“Since the incident Leah has had difficulty sleeping, and on those nights she’s been reading back through your messages, not only from her family and community in Australia and her whānau in New Zealand, but also from people all across the world.
“They’ve given her real comfort and strength.”
The 34-year-old mother-of-one and local high school assistant principal was attacked by what is believed to have been a great white shark on the unseasonably warm morning of Saturday, June 13, while swimming at Coogee.
She suffered severe bites to her arms and legs, and was immediately rushed to hospital in a critical condition and placed in a medically induced coma.
She was taken out of that coma after close to two weeks following multiple operations, including the amputation of one of her arms, and Joshua Stewart said late last month she has severe nerve and tendon damage in the other which will require “intensive rehabilitation”.
An online fundraiser set up in the aftermath of the attack has raised almost $550,000 for Stewart, and her brother said she has been deeply moved by the widespread messages of support.
“She’s loved them, finding inspiration from the care and love you’ve all shared,” he said on Sunday.
Hundreds of people flocked to Coogee Beach for a swim-out in support of Stewart following the attack. Katie Davies
“We look forward to replying to all the really beautiful messages we’ve received.
“Leah is beyond overwhelmed at the amazing support she has received and that her story has resonated with so many people.”
SOURCE: https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/nsw/sydney-shark-attack-victim-leah-stewart-update-messages-suport-20260705-p60cr1.html
