Mercury (Hobart)

SHARK BITE STEP

- SHAUN McMANUS

TASMANIAN shark-bite victim Justine Barwick is making good progress in her recovery, taking her first steps in a Brisbane hospital.

“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,” Ms Barwick said, adding she was keen to return to work.

TASMANIAN shark attack victim Justine Barwick has taken her first steps on the road to rehabilita­tion.

Ms Barwick’s husband, Craig, said yesterday she was making good progress in the initial stages of her recovery at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

“Day two of getting out [of] bed and physio is progressin­g as well as can be expected,” Mr Barwick said in a statement. “Today in her walk to the chair Justine did a 10-metre return trip on her own two legs with assistance from the physiother­apist.”

In a message to colleagues at Family Based Care Tasmania, Ms Barwick, of Burnie, said she could not wait to return to work.

“I am learning to walk again but there are many hours of physio and occupation­al therapy sessions in my fu- ture. I think I am up to the task,” 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.”

Ms Barwick was attacked by a shark in Cid Harbour, just north of Hamilton Island, on September 19.

She suffered a life-threatenin­g bite to her right leg and was flown to Mackay Base Hospital before being moved to the Royal Brisbane.

 ??  ?? GOOD PROGRESS: Justine Barwick, of Burnie, with her husband Craig at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
GOOD PROGRESS: Justine Barwick, of Burnie, with her husband Craig at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

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