A woman labelled a good samaritan after being seriously injured when she intervened in an alleged bag-snatch attempt has spoken for the first time since surgery, her husband says.
Good samaritan Lucy Knight. Photo: Twitter
Lucy Knight, a 43-year-old mother-of-six, sustained head injuries after rushing to the aid of Xiao Dong, who was being mugged outside a supermarket in the suburb of Northcote on Tuesday.
She suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain in the incident and underwent surgery on Tuesday night.
Ms Knight's husband, Peter Thomas, said in a social media post his wife was still in hospital but was able to talk a little bit this morning.
"I am at Auckland City Hospital with amazing Lucy and her lovely mum Mary," he said.
"This morning she has been able to talk to us a bit which is great news. She spends most of the time asleep with little moments awake. The staff here are magic.
"We are so grateful for all the love and support from family, friends and members of the public.
"The donations, deliveries and messages are all hugely appreciated. Thank you all."
Members of the public have donated more than $130,000 to an online fund-raising campaign set up for Ms Knight and her family.
Friend Jacquie Bird said Mrs Knight's children were aged between two and 22, and she hoped the family would not have to worry about money as they cared for her during her recovery.
"The holidays are looming, so groceries, petrol, the cost of parking for her family to visit her in hospital, will be absolutely phenomenal, so it's basically just going to help them not need to worry about that stuff."
Hendrix Hauwai, 17, appeared in North Shore district court today charged with aggravated wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and assault with intent to rob, over the incident.
Judge Philippa Sinclair remanded him in custody until tomorrow but granted his lawyer's request for him to be segregated from other prisoners.
