‘Without him I believe I would not be alive today.’

One of the victims of a horror home invasion in New South Wales’ north has broken her silence with a powerful message of thanks and gratitude.

Di Blessing, 72, has been discharged from hospital following the terrifying ordeal at her Torrington property, where she and her husband Keith, 75, were allegedly attacked with a knife in their rural home.

“This horrific incident has left us shattered,” Di said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Last Thursday, Joshua Trethewey allegedly broke into the couple’s home and attacked them with a knife. Keith bravely fought him off, managing to grab his rifle and shoot the 34-year-old in the stomach.

Di revealed Keith is still in hospital but out of intensive care.

“He is in a stable condition and is receiving the very best comprehensive treatment for multiple stab wounds as well as post-operative care for internal organ damage,” the statement said.

The 72-year-old took the opportunity to provide a powerful message to her beloved husband.

“My husband, my hero. There can surely be no greater love than shielding and protecting a loved one. Without him I believe I would not be alive today,” she said.

She also praised her family for weaving a “web of support” around them.

“Our two daughters and their immediate families, has stepped in, putting their lives on hold, to weave a strong and defensive web of support for us now and into the future,” Di said.

“This nightmare has taken its toll on them, too and all of their lives will be forever changed. Our good friends and extended family have also reached out to add their support.”

Their daughter Kathy Blessing spoke out last Friday, saying: “We’re very proud of our parents and their bravery. No family should ever have to go through this.”

Di also thanked first responders including police, paramedics, hospital and Westpac chopper crews who landed in a paddock in the blackness of night, saying: “We owe them our lives.”

The 72-year-old also expressed gratitude to the local Torrington community for their support.

“We have been overwhelmed, completely blown away and comforted, by the messages and support of hundreds of people – the media, hospital staff, strangers – all rallying behind us,” she said.

“We’re all just so pleased to hear that they’re making a good recovery,” Tenterfield Mayor Bronwyn Petrie said.

“It’s just such a terrible random thing that’s happened to them, something completely unexpected.”

The Torrington community had set up a GoFundMe page for the blessings, but the couple have politely declined, saying they’ll pass any donations straight back to the Westpac Rescue Service.

“I think Keith acted like a hero in these circumstances. He saved himself and his family. I wish them nothing but the best,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

NSW Police detectives are expected to interview the couple in coming days.

Donations can be made to the Westpac Rescue Service until June 30.

“We wish Di a swift and full recovery from her injuries and are most grateful for Di’s vote of confidence in our Service in Northern NSW and for her support for our current Appeal,” the service said.

Accused Trethewey is now out of a coma and is expected to be interviewed by police within days, after being charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.

SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/news/survivor-di-blessing-breaks-silence-calls-husband-her-hero-after-horror-home-invasion-in-torrington-nsw-c-22406166