Leah Stewart: Coogee Beach shark attack victim overwhelmed by messages of kindness, family says

The family of the victim of a shark attack in Sydney have revealed how she gets through “challenging days” as she navigates her recovery.

Leah Stewart, 34, was mauled by what is believed to have been a 3.5m great white shark on June 13.

She was swimming less than 30 metres offshore and inside the flags at Sydney’s popular Coogee Beach at the time.

Ms Stewart sustained “severe and life-threatening injuries” and suffered bites to her arms and legs, significant blood loss, and fractures throughout her body.

The 34-year-old has since undergone several surgeries, including an amputation of her arm.

On Sunday, Josh Stewart provided an update on his sister’s condition.

He said Ms Stewart had been “beyond overwhelmed” with the kindness of strangers from across the globe.

“We’ve been sharing some of the beautiful messages we’ve received with Leah and she’s loved them, finding inspiration from the care and love you’ve all shared,” he wrote.

“Leah has had some challenging days but has found real strength from your kindness and support, and wanted to pass on a huge thank you to everyone who has shared her story, sent her uplifting messages and supported her.”

The message from Mr Stewart was delivered to donors of a GoFundMe established for Ms Stewart’s family in the wake of the horrific tragedy.

Since established on June 15, it has raised more than $540,000 from 17,000 donors.

Mr Stewart said that his sister had had difficulty sleeping since the attack last month.

“Since the incident Leah has had difficulty sleeping, and on those nights she’s been reading back through your messages, not only from her family and community in Australia and her whānau in New Zealand, but also from people all across the world,” he said.

“They’ve given her real comfort and strength.”

He said the family was working closely with GoFundMe’s IT team to reply to many of the messages received.

“Leah is beyond overwhelmed at the amazing support she has received and that her story has resonated with so many people. Thank you,” he added.

While he did not provide an update on Ms Stewart’s health and recovery, a previous update confirmed that she was no longer in a coma.

“She has now been stabilised and is no longer critical,” he wrote on June 25.

“Both Leah and August were overjoyed last night to see each other for the first time since the attack.

“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.”

He added that Ms Stewart did not have use of her remaining arm, which suffered severe tendon and nerve damage in the attack.

“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,” he said.

“Leah has shown she is so strong, fighting to come back to her daughter August.”