Woman who lost her arm in shark attack speaks out about ‘horrific’ ordeal with the ‘monster’ great white
A woman who lost an arm in an horrific shark attack in Sydney has spoken out about coming face-to-face with the ‘monster’ as she thanks supporters.
Leah Stewart, 34, was left fighting for her life after she was mauled by a great white shark while swimming at Coogee Beach on 13 June.
Stewart, a teacher, spent two weeks in a coma and had to undergo several surgeries, including the amputation of one of her arms.
The mum-of-one has recently taken part in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia, in which she spoke out about the ordeal.
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In a preview of the interview, which is set to air next Sunday, Stewart revealed that her survival instincts kicked in as she recalled the only thing on her mind during the attack.
“Its face was horrific - I will never forget. It was a monster,” she said.
“It was holding onto my leg.
“All I was thinking of was August and I thought, ‘she's not going to have a mum.’
“I couldn't handle that. I did not want her to grow up without a mum.
“I just thought, ‘I've got to fight it and do everything I can to be here.’”
Her shocking new account comes as she took to a fundraising page to thank people for their support in the wake of the incident and revealed she felt like she’d been given a ‘second chance at life’.
In an update shared yesterday (Sunday 23 August), she wrote: “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. 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.
“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.”
'I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life'
Stewart said that after receiving $558,925 AUD (around £293,500) she had decided to turn off donations as what had been raised was enough ‘to recover, to stay in our home, and to give us options for further medical treatment down the road’.
Stewart went on to apologise for being quiet on the fundraiser and explained it was due to her attempting to get back to ‘normal life’.
“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.
“Once again, I don’t feel like I can say thank you enough. I want you to know that I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I’m not going to waste it. 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. I will forever be grateful for everything, and everyone, I’ve been given.
“You've inspired me to get better, not bitter.”
Topics: Australia, Shark Attacks
Claire Reid