Hundreds of swimmers brave icy waters to raise funds for Coogee shark attack victim Leah Stewart
Hundreds of people braved a morning swim at an east Sydney beach in an extraordinary show of community strength after a horrific shark attack left a young mother fighting for her life.
The Coogee Community Swim drew large crowds to Coogee Beach on Sunday morning to raise money for the family of Leah Stewart, a local woman who was bitten by a great white shark on June 13.
Thousands of swimmers took part in a fundraising swim for a woman fighting for her life following a horrific white shark attack at Coogee Beach earlier this week.
The primary school teacher and devoted mother suffered serious injuries and remains in a critical condition at St Vincent’s Hospital after undergoing “extensive surgery”.
Footage taken by Randwick City Council on Sunday morning showed a large crowd of swimmers, surfers and paddleboarders taking to the frigid waters in a show of strength and support for a community deeply shaken by the incident.
Before the swim began, a statement from Ms Stewart’s family was read, describing the event as “astonishing”.
“This is the community that Leah loved, and it’s wonderful to see you all taking it back,” the statement said.
“When you’re swimming outside, say hello to blue gropes. They’re his favorite underwater sights.”
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the event was a symbol of “the community at its best”.
“When you’re out there with thousands of swimmers, you can feel the warmth of the very fresh water,” he said.
Coogee Surf Life Saving Club Ben Heenan said the community had shown “absolute strength”.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Premier Chris Minns said the Coogee community was “suffering” but was pleased to see the show of solidarity.
“I know there’s a big swim going on out there today; I think the rest of Sydney is thinking about them and I can only imagine what the family is going through,” Mr Minns said.
“They’re resilient people, they believe in the water, they believe in that beach, and I think they’re showing a lot of resilience today.”
