Shark Attack Survivor Achieves Milestone in Recovery
Leah Stewart, who lost an arm in a shark attack, celebrates being able to tie her own hair after months of rehabilitation.
Shark attack survivor Leah Stewart has reached a significant milestone in her recovery, successfully plaiting her own hair four months after a shark attack resulted in the amputation of her arm.
Stewart, a 35-year-old teacher and mother, was attacked by a suspected great white shark on June 13 while swimming at Coogee Beach in Sydney. She spent two weeks in a coma and underwent multiple surgeries. Until recently, she relied on her partner to help with daily tasks such as braiding her hair.
"I have managed a plait! I am so happy - and I tied it myself," Stewart shared, showcasing her achievement. She acknowledged the difficulty of the task, challenging others to try it with one hand to understand the complexity.
Stewart also recently returned to Coogee Beach to address locals participating in a community swim. She spoke about raising awareness, enhancing safety protocols, and the potential for infrastructure improvements to help people regain confidence in the water. Stewart expressed gratitude to the community for their support.
An avid ocean swimmer before the attack, Stewart has indicated a desire to eventually return to the water, possibly participating in future community swims. She previously stated that factors such as the presence of drones and shark nets might influence her decision to re-enter the ocean.
