As families around Australia gather to celebrate Father’s Day, shark attack survivor Leah Stewart has shared a touching tribute to her partner Fernando Alves – who has stood by her side throughout her long recovery.
“He’s taken on so much since June and had to pause work while I’m recovering,” Leah, 35, shared on Instagram.
“From having to do all of my personal care, wrapping up my leg before every shower, attending every appointment, non stop helping me with hand therapy, all on top of taking on the majority of the care role for our daughter.”
HOLDING THE FAMILY TOGETHER
On June 13, when Leah was attacked by a four-metre great white shark while swimming at Sydney’s Coogee Beach, Fernando was on his way to Paris to speak at a conference.
But as soon as he heard about Leah’s harrowing encounter, which nearly claimed her life, he was on the first flight home to be with her and their 18-month-old daughter August.
“He’s helped hold our family together in the most stressful of times,” Leah wrote.
“I’m feeling very lucky to have him in my life.”
When Leah spoke to 60 Minutes recently, Fernando was right by her side to provide loads of emotional support as she explained every detail of the horrific attack.
“In my head, I was like, ‘You ugly f*****, you are not taking me away from my daughter,” she told Tracy Grimshaw, recalling the moment the shark pulled her underwater.
“I twisted myself around and I just started punching it over and over and over again. Just punch, punch, punch.”
FERNANDO’S SIMPLE GESTURE
After Leah was pulled to shore by paddleboard world champion Charlie Verco, she was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney where she spent 10 days in an induced coma, and underwent ten operations.
While Leah was in her coma, a worried Fernando – who had been told by doctors that his partner could still die from the extreme injuries and blood loss she sustained during the attack – offered a simple gesture to let her know he was there.
“Her mum kept telling me ‘she might be listening to things and she might remember things, play songs that would make her escape to a place that she likes,” Fernando said during the 60 Minutes interview.
Luckily, Leah was listening.
“When I was in the coma, I was half-present and I’d sort of drift in and out of darkness to reliving the attack over and over again,” Leah said.
“Then I’d hear the music, and it was just the same song over and over again. Somehow when I was in the coma, I was just like ‘guys choose a different song’.”
“It was annoying her,” Fernando replied as the pair laughed.
LITERAL LIFE SAVERS
Now back home with Fernando and little August, Leah is focused on making the most of her “second chance” as she continues to heal.
“After what has been an incredibly difficult few month, I’m so happy that I’ve progressed enough to build some independence, and I can finally see some light after all of this,” Leah wrote on her GoFundMe page, which raised more than $500,000.
“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.”
She’s also recently reunited with Charlie White and Luke Twizzo, who are two lifeguards at Coogee who played a vital role in saving her life.
“Last time we met they were perfoming CPR and breathing for me, this time we had a big hug and got to hang out at Maroubra surf livesaving club,” Leah posted on Instagram.
“Thank for being literal life savers.”
