Kiama Downs shark bite survivor Brett Connellan has departed hospital on crutches and returned home for the first time since the attack.
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More than a month after he was airlifted to St George Hospital with an injured hand and a serious wound to his thigh, Mr Connellan spent his first night back in his own bed on Wednesday.
His mother Gail Connellan said the 23-year-old enjoyed a happy homecoming, including a reunion with his dog, Kendrick.
“Both (Mr Connellan’s father) Malcolm and I are ecstatic to have him home with us,” Mrs Connellan said.
“His youth and fitness are part of the reason he’s doing so well – he’s well exceeding (doctors’) expectations.
“We know we’ve got a long road ahead, but we’re ready for it.”
Mr Connellan was injured in a dusk attack at Bombo Beach on March 30.
He underwent several surgeries, including a procedure to transplant muscle from his back to cover a 15cm section of his thigh bone that was left exposed in the attack.
He is awaiting the arrival of a brace that will prevent him from bending the injured leg for an estimated six months.
“He’s got to keep the leg straight otherwise he’ll tear the muscle that’s been attached,” Mrs Connellan said.
It is unclear whether the return home is permanent, with a move to a residential rehabilitation facility still a possibility.
Mrs Connellan said she was proud of her son.
“He’s got such a positive attitude,” she said.
“He’s never once gone into, ‘oh why was it me?’ He’s accepted everything and he’s really fought hard.”
A fundraiser night is in planning to help the Connellans with the cost of rehabilitation.
Visit the surfersforbretto.com website for details.