Leah Stewart: Coogee shark attack victim wakes from coma to reunite with daughter and family
The family of a woman who was viciously mauled by a shark at Coogee Beach have provided a heartwarming update on her recovery in hospital.
The family of Coogee shark attack victim Leah Stewart have provided an update on her condition as she recovers in hospital.
Her brother Joshua Stewart shared that Ms Stewart has continued to make progress over the last few days.
“She has now been stabilised and is no longer critical,” he said on a GoFundMe page that has raised more than $506,000 for his sister.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Leah has been brought out from the heavy sedation and is now awake and alert and has been able to speak with our family and her medical team.
“It’s amazing to hear from her so much sooner than anyone expected.
“Both Leah and August were overjoyed last night to see each other for the first time since the attack.”
Mr Stewart said his sister was looking forward to replying to the messages she had received from people.
She still does not have use of her remaining arm, which suffered severe tendon and nerve damage in the attack, he revealed.
Mr Stewart said she wanted to share her appreciation to everyone who supported her and gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Hospital who continued to be so caring.
“In time Leah will want to share more of her story, she remembers the whole event in detail, but for now is focused on resting and healing,” he said.
Ms Stewart is preparing for more surgery on Friday and is undergoing treatment for pain management and rehabilitation to regain movement.
“Leah still has a long way to go, with an extensive recovery and rehabilitation process that will have her in and out of surgery through the coming weeks,” Mr Stewart said.
“Leah has shown she is so strong, fighting to come back to her daughter August.”
Ms Stewart survived a terrifying attack from a great white shark at Coogee Beach on June 13.
She suffered life-threatening injuries with bites to her arms and legs, multiple fractured bones and massive blood loss.
Her family confirmed that she had lost an arm in the attack.
On Sunday, hundreds of people braved a morning swim at Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east in a remarkable show of community support for the brave mum’s fight for life.
