Sydney shark attack survivor Leah Stewart has spoken publicly about her recovery more than two months after she was critically injured while swimming at Coogee Beach.
Stewart, a 35-year-old mother and teacher, was attacked by a white shark on June 13 while swimming between the flags at the popular eastern Sydney beach.
She suffered serious injuries to her arms and leg, multiple fractures and significant blood loss. She spent days in an induced coma and underwent several operations during her treatment, including the amputation of one of her arms.
On Sunday, Stewart shared an update about her recovery for the first time herself.
She said the past few months had been extremely difficult but that she had made enough progress to regain some independence.
Stewart described the experience as giving her a “second chance at life” and said she did not intend to waste it.
Her recovery has been supported by a major fundraising effort that has raised more than $500,000. Stewart thanked members of the public for their generosity and said the money raised had given her family enough financial security to continue her recovery.
She has now asked for donations to stop.
The attack shocked the Sydney community and became one of several serious shark incidents recorded in New South Wales this year.
In January, 12-year-old Nico Antic died after being attacked at Vaucluse. Later that month, musician Andre de Ruyter lost a leg after being bitten by what was believed to be a bull shark at Manly Beach.
The incidents have prompted renewed discussion about shark monitoring and safety along Sydney’s beaches.
NSW authorities have expanded drone surveillance, with the program now covering dozens of beaches along the state’s coastline. The technology is being used to identify sharks and alert swimmers where necessary.
Stewart’s latest update comes as the community continues to follow her recovery.
She said she still had a long way to go but described her progress as remarkable.
Her message also focused on the support she had received from people in Sydney and beyond. She said the kindness shown to her had helped motivate her recovery and encouraged her to focus on rebuilding her life.
For Stewart and her family, the recovery is likely to remain a long process. But her decision to speak publicly has given the community its first detailed insight into how she has been coping since the attack.
