Shark attack survivor masters one-handed hair plait after hundreds of attempts
Four months after a shark attack at Coogee Beach, Leah Stewart braided her own hair for the first time.
Leah Stewart, 34, was mauled by what is believed to be a great white shark while swimming at Coogee Beach in Sydney and lost her arm below the elbow. After 11 surgeries and 10 days in an induced coma, she survived.
Four months on, she posted a video to Instagram showing herself completing a one-handed plait, something she said had been one of her most frustrating challenges since the attack. "I have tried to tie up my hair hundreds of times and failed but luckily I'm very stubborn," she wrote.
Before this breakthrough, her partner had helped with her morning routine. Stewart is now an ambassador for St Vincent's Hospital's fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 for new ICU equipment.
- Below the elbow
- Arm amputation
- 11 surgeries, 10 days induced coma
- Hospital procedures
- Hundreds of times before success
- Hair plait attempts
- $100,000
- Fundraising target
Why it mattersHer recovery shows remarkable progress and determination, and she's using her platform to help the hospital that saved her life.
AustraliaAn inspirational Australian story of recovery from a severe injury that occurred at a popular Sydney beach.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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