Australian shark attack survivor says she has been given a 'second chance at life'
A Sydney woman bitten by a shark in June has spoken publicly for the first time, thanking supporters who raised over AU$550,000 for her recovery. She lost an arm and underwent multiple surgeries but says her progress has been remarkable.
Leah Stewart, 35, was attacked by a shark in June while swimming at Coogee Beach in Sydney, suffering multiple bites to her arms and legs. The mother of one was placed in an induced coma and underwent several surgeries, including the amputation of one arm.
On Monday, Stewart shared her first public comments since the attack, thanking the people who had raised more than AU$550,000 (about US$394,000 or £289,000) for her through an online fundraiser. She described her recovery as incredibly difficult but said her progress had been remarkable.
Stewart wrote that she feels she has been given a second chance at life and does not intend to waste it. She said she had been overwhelmed by support from family, friends and even strangers, adding that this support had inspired her to get better rather than bitter.
The fundraiser will now be closed, with the money allowing her to recover at home and giving her options for further medical treatment in the future. She acknowledged she still has a long way to go, but credited her remarkable recovery to the support, prayers and encouragement she has received from around the world.
A series of attacks
Australia has seen a spate of shark attacks this year. In January, four attacks occurred over a two-day period, including one involving a 12-year-old boy who later died of his injuries. In May, a man was killed by a shark in Queensland while spearfishing, and in Western Australia, a father of two died after being attacked by a shark measuring about four metres.
