Australia news live: shark attack victim thanks donors after ‘incredibly difficult’ recovery; second fur seal dies of suspected bird flu

Leah Stewart lost her arm in a great white shark attack at Sydney’s Coogee beach. Follow today’s news live

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Leah Stewart, the woman who was bitten by a shark at Sydney’s Coogee beach in June, issued an update on GoFundMe yesterday, thanking the community for its support during her recovery.

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’m sorry we’ve been quiet on the GoFundMe recently, we’ve just been focused on my healing, and I’ve been actively trying to do everything in my power to get back to some sort of normal life. 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.

As I get better, I know I’ll make something of this second chance and aim to give back even more in generosity, care, and love. I will forever be grateful for everything, and everyone, I’ve been given.

You’ve inspired me to get better, not bitter.