Shark attack survivor Leah Stewart speaks publicly for first time

A Sydney teacher who lost her arm in a horrific shark attack has spoken publicly for the first time, saying she feels she has been given a “second chance at life” and is determined not to waste it.

The incident occurred on June 13 when the 34-year-old was mauled by a suspected 3.5-metre great white shark while swimming near the shoreline at Coogee Beach.

The single mother received numerous bites on her arms and legs, had undergone numerous operations, had been put in a coma for almost two weeks, and had one arm amputated. Stewart made her first public statement since the incident when she thanked all those people who had supported her and who had raised almost A$559,000 (£293,000) via a GoFundMe page established by her brother.

She said: “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 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. You’ve inspired me to get better, not bitter,” she added.

While interviewing, she described coming face-to-face with the shark, saying: “I’ll never forget its face; it was a monster.”

She revealed that thoughts of her young daughter, August, gave her the strength to fight for survival.

Fighting back her tears, she said: “I just thought of August, and I thought, ‘I’ve got to fight it and do everything I can to be here.”

This incident formed one of many shark attacks in Australia during the year. In January, there were four shark attacks in two days that led to the death of a 12-year-old boy. There were two deaths of two men separately in May due to shark attacks.

Stewart announced that the fund raising drive is now closing since it has enabled her to recuperate at home and receive future medical treatment.