It’s Going To B-i-t-e My Face”: Mother Reveals Ter-rifying Moment She Fought Off Great White Shark
A teacher who survived a great white shark attack has revealed what went through her mind when she came face-to-face with the ‘monster’ and how she fought back.
Leah Stewart, 34, was left fighting for her life after she was attacked while swimming between the flags at Coogee Beach on June 13.
She spent two weeks in a coma and underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one of her arms.
The mother-of-one will appear in an extended interview with 60 Minutes airing on Sunday, marking her first interview since the ordeal two months ago.
‘It got to the point where it was about 30cm from my face and it started opening its mouth,’ she said in a promotional clip published by Nine News on Friday.
‘I’m like, “It’s going to get my face, it’s going to bite my face”… I’m like, “I’ve got to try and punch it. I’ve got to try and push it away or else it’s going to bite my head off”.
‘And in that moment I thought, “Well, which limb am I willing to lose?” I’m right-handed. So I decided, let’s do a left hook.’
In a previous clip, Ms Stewart was seen crying as she described her survival instincts kicking in for the sake of her one-year-old daughter, August.
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Shark attack survivor Leah Stewart (pictured) has opened up about her ordeal ahead of her first sit-down interview since the attack
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Ms Stewart spent two weeks in a coma and underwent several surgeries, including the amputation of one of her arms
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The attack occurred at Coogee Beach on June 13
‘Its face was horrific – I will never forget (it). It was a monster. It was holding onto my leg,’ Ms Stewart told host Tracy Grimshaw.
‘All I was thinking of was August and I thought, “she’s not going to have a mum”.
‘I just thought, “I’ve got to fight it and do everything I can to be here”.’
The interview will also feature the Triple zero call made in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
‘Hi, we’ve got a shark attack at Coogee Beach… There’s a lot of blood,’ a female beachgoer told the operator.
The interview comes after Ms Stewart shared a heartfelt message about her recovery in a GoFundMe that has raised more than $558,000.
‘I want to say the biggest thank you for looking after me, for caring for my family, and for being generous enough to help my family through this,’ she said.
‘I am constantly overwhelmed at how supportive people I know, and even strangers, have been and how much they’ve cared about my family to make such an impact on our lives.
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Ms Stewart said her survival instincts kicked in as she fought to stay alive for her one-year-old daughter
‘After what has been an incredibly difficult few months, I’m so happy that I’ve progressed enough to build some independence, and I can finally see some light after all of this.’
The money raised will allow Ms Stewart and her family to remain in their home and explore further medical treatment options in the future.
‘I’ve been actively trying to do everything in my power to get back to some sort of normal life,’ she said.
‘I still have a long way to go, but my recovery has been remarkable, and a huge part of that is because of the absolute army of love, support, prayers and encouragement surrounding my family and I from all over the world.
‘That means more to me than I can say, and I truly believe it’s played a huge role in my recovery.’
Ms Stewart vowed not to waste the second chance at life she has been given.
‘As I get better, I know I’ll make something of this second chance and aim to give back even more through generosity, care and love.
‘I will forever be grateful for everything, and everyone, I’ve been given. You’ve inspired me to get better, not bitter.’
