I THOUGHT OF MY DAUGHTER: COOGEE SHARK ATTACK SURVIVOR LEAH STEWART BREAKS HER SILENCE ON THE MOMENT SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS GOING TO D-IE
Sydney shark attack victim Leah Stewart says her first thoughts as she was being attacked by a suspected Great White Shark were of her daughter.
“I was holding onto my leg and I just thought of August [her daughter]. And I thought … she’s not going to have a mum,” Stewart said ahead of an extended interview with 60 Minutes airing on Sunday at 8.30pm
Shark attack survivor Leah Stewart thought only of her daughter that day at Coogee Beach. Nine
“She’s going to grow up without a mum.”
Stewart was in tears as she recalled the brutal attack at Coogee Beach on June 13, which left her fighting for life in hospital and needing to have an arm amputated.
She said she will never forget the sight of the shark as it came for her.
“Its face was horrific, I’m never going to forget its face. It was a monster,” she said.
Her husband comforted her as she revealed details of the harrowing attack publicly for the first time.
Stewart said her recovery has been “remarkable” in her first personal message after her incredible survival.
The 34-year-old mother said she was clawing back normality and was trying to embrace “a second chance at life” after an incredibly difficult few months.
Shark attack survivor Leah Stewart opens up about that day in Coogee on 60 Minutes. Nine
“I’m so happy that I’ve progressed enough to build some independence, and I can finally see some light after all of this,” Stewart said in a message posted on her GoFundMe page, which she said would no longer accept donations after more than $558,000 had been raised.
She thanked family, friends and strangers for an overwhelming amount of support.
“I’m sorry we’ve been quiet on the GoFundMe recently, we’ve just been focused on my healing, and 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.”
Stewart said she had a second chance at life and was not going to waste it.
Leah Stewart. GoFundMe
“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. Love Leah.”
SOURCE: https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/nsw/coogee-shark-attack-victim-leah-stewart-shares-personal-message-20260823-p60qsr.html
