‘I am learning to walk again’: Shark attack survivor who lost a chunk of her leg when mauled while swimming in the idyllic Whitsundays takes her first steps on her road to recovery
- Shark victim Justine Barwick, 46, is now able to stand and walk with assistance
- The mother recognised that many more hours of physiotherapy lie ahead of her
- Ms Barwick continues to recover from her life-threatening injuries in hospital
The survivor of a vicious shark attack is on the road to recovery and is now able to stand on her feet and walk with assistance.
Justine Barwick uttered her first words since the attack earlier this week and she continues to make daily progress, since she awoke from her surgery on Monday.
The 46-year-old mother suffered life threatening injuries to her upper thigh after she was mauled by a shark at the Whitsunday Islands.
Shark attack survivor Justine Barwick (pcitured) is on the road to recovery and is now able to stand on her feet and walk with assistance
The 46-year-old mother suffered life threatening injuries to her upper thigh after she was mauled by a shark at the Whitsunday Islands
In a statement released on Friday, Ms Barwick said that she was learning to walk again although she recognised she has hours of physiotherapy ahead of her.
‘I am learning to walk again but there are many hours of physio and occupational therapy sessions in my future.
‘I think I am up to the task. Please be patient with me as I undertake this work.’
Ms Barwick said ‘it is my sincere hope to be back to you as soon as I possibly can be it is just going to take a while’, adding that ‘work for me isn’t just a job; it is a family.’
Ms Barwick remains at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital where she underwent extensive surgery.
Her husband released a statement earlier in the week confirming that his wife had spoken to him.
Justine Barwick (pictured) incurred life threatening injuries to her upper thigh whilst she was swimming at the Whitsunday Islands. She continues to make progress in hospital
Drumbates were installed at Cid Harbour following the attacks. Five tiger sharks and a black tip shark have been killed
‘In typical Justine fashion her first words to me were: “Sorry I have caused so much trouble”.’
An avid snorkeller, Justine had been swimming off the shore of Cid Harbour when the shocking attack happened.
Less than 24-hours after Justine’s attack, a 12-year-old girl from Melbourne was bitten in nearby waters.
Drumbates were installed at Cid Harbour following the attacks. Five tiger sharks and a black tip shark have been killed.
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