Shark attack victim can ‘finally see light’ in recovery
Young mum and teacher Leah Stewart has made a "remarkable" recovery after a shark attack.
A young mother who lost an arm and was left fighting for life after being mauled by a shark on a popular beach has finally spoken about her recovery.
Leah Stewart spent a week on life support and had numerous surgeries, including an arm amputation, after being bitten by a great white shark at Sydney’s Coogee Beach in June.
In an update posted to an online fundraiser, which raised nearly $560,000 to support her recovery, Stewart said she had finally regained some independence after an incredibly difficult few months.
“I can finally see some light after all of this,” she said in her first public comments since the horrific attack.
“I still have a long way to go, but my recovery has been remarkable. I will forever be grateful for everything, and everyone, I’ve been given.
“You’ve inspired me to get better, not bitter.”
Stewart said donations had been closed and thanked all of of those who had supported her.
She said the money raised was enough to allow her to stay in her home throughout her recovery and for further medical treatment in the future.
“I want you to know I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I’m not going to waste it,” Stewart said.
“As I get better, I know I’ll make something of this second chance and aim to give back even more in generosity, care, and love.”
Stewart, a 34-year-old teacher, is the mother of a young daughter.
She was bitten multiple times on her arms and legs while on a morning swim just metres from the shore and between the flags, her brother Joshua Stewart said on the fundraising page.
Her attack reignited calls to cull sharks to protect swimmers, but NSW Premier Chris Minns said the great white population could not be targeted as it was protected.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority granted a temporary exemption for aerial surveillance of Coogee Beach following the attack.
The beach is about eight kilometres from Sydney Airport.
Shark nets, which are temporarily removed during the winter whale migration season, will be reinstalled at the start of September.
-AAP
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