Shark attack survivor prepares to spend Christmas in hospital

After surviving a horrific shark attack, Thursday Island teenager Sam Nai received a surprise visit while recovering in Townsville University Hospital.

Thursday Island's Samuel Nai, 14, was delighted to receive a visit from North Queensland Cowboys players Tom Mikaele and Bree Chester at Townsville University Hospital. Picture: Supplied.

Traumatised by a horrific shark attack, followed by seven weeks in hospital with multiple surgeries, Thursday Island teenager Sam Nai finally experienced some joy this week after receiving a surprise visit.

The 14-year-old was bitten on the torso while swimming in waters off Thursday Island in October, suffering significant blood loss and life-threatening injuries to his abdomen and internal organs.

He was taken to Thursday Island Hospital before being flown to Townsville University where he has gone under the knife several times.

Sam received a much-need boost to his spirits when he was visited by North Queensland Toyota Cowboys players Tom Mikaele and Bree Chester, who dropped by as part of a special ‘Cowboys in Capes’ visit, which was presented by Sun Metals and delivered in collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia.

Based at Townsville’s Ronald McDonald House for the duration of Sam’s stay, his mum Shanna said the timing for the visit couldn’t have been better.

“Yesterday was his 11th surgery … with still more to come. But he walked again today with the physio, so he’s doing extremely well – mentally strong, physically strong,” she said.

Cowboys forward Thomas Mikaele was inspired to see Sam in such high spirits after everything he had gone through.

“He was smiling and happy to have a chat with Bree and I – it felt like a nice distraction for him and a bit of excitement after spending so long in hospital,” he said.

“Moments like this really put things into perspective. Sam and his mum will have to spend Christmas here in Townsville away from family, so I think knowing they’re not alone in this journey was special for them.”

Originally published as Shark attack survivor prepares to spend Christmas in hospital