Leah Stewart, a 35-year-old mother-of-one, was mauled by a shark during a morning swim at Coogee Beach in June, suffering multiple bites to her arms and legs.

Gratitude for Support and Recovery

In an online post on Monday, Stewart expressed her gratitude toward her supporters who have raised more than AU$550,000 (US$394,000; £289,000) for her — she said her recovery has been ‘incredibly difficult’ but that she is making ‘remarkable’ progress.

‘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,’ Stewart wrote, in her first comments since the attack.

She added, ‘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.’

Community and Global Support

Stewart said she had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support from family, friends, and ‘even strangers.’ She noted that this support has inspired her to get better, not bitter.

An online fundraiser for her would now be closed, with the money raised giving her the chance to recover at home as well as ‘options for further medical treatment down the road.’

‘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,’ Stewart said.

Increased Incidents of Shark Attacks in Australia

There have been a spate of shark attacks in Australia this year, with four attacks over a two-day period in January, including one on a 12-year-old boy who later died from his injuries.

In May, a man was killed by a shark in Queensland while spearfishing, and in Western Australia, a father-of-two died after he was attacked by a 4m (13ft) shark.

Stewart, who had one of her arms amputated following the attack, was placed in an induced coma and underwent several surgeries.

She has now shared her journey with the public and emphasized her determination to make the most of her ‘second chance at life.’