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A woman who lost her arm in an accidentsharkattack has recounted the instant the creature latched onto her leg and the horrifying realization that flashed through her thoughts.

Leah Stewart, a 34-year-old educator and mother of one, was swimming at Coogee Beach inSydneyher eastern suburbs when she encountered a shark on June 13.

When the animal attacked, Stewart’s thoughts immediately went to her one-year-old daughter.

‘It was clinging to my leg, and then I suddenly thought of August,’ she said in her first media interview with60 Minutes Australia since the attack.

I thought, ‘She won’t have a mother. She’ll grow up without a mother.’

I couldn’t cope with that. I didn’t want her to grow up without a mother.

Stewart suffered severe injuries that put his life in danger, and he remained in a critical state at the hospital for over two weeks.

Her wounds were so extreme that medical professionals ultimately had to remove her arm.

Remembering the instant she spotted the shark, Stewart described its face as ‘terrifying’ and mentioned she would ‘never forget it’.

“It was a creature,” she stated.

Giving an update, she mentioned that she now perceives a path toward a return to a state similar to normal life.

In a message posted on a GoFundMe campaign created to assist with her medical expenses, Stewart stated: “Following what has been an extremely challenging few months, I’m very pleased that I’ve improved enough to start gaining some independence, and I can finally glimpse hope after everything.”

I have been actively working to do everything I can to return to a normal life.

I still have a long journey ahead, but my recovery has been impressive, and a significant part of this is due to the massive network of love, support, prayers, and encouragement that my family and I have received from around the globe.

To date, the fundraising effort has collected over £293,256 since the incident, and contributions have now been closed.

She said: “I want to express my deepest gratitude for taking care of me, for showing concern for my family, and for being kind enough to assist my family during this time.”

What you have provided has given us sufficient means to recover, remain in our home, and offer us choices for additional medical care in the future.

As my health improves, I am determined to make the most of this second opportunity and strive to offer even greater kindness, compassion, and love.

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