Mr Thomas also wanted to acknowledge on behalf of his wife and their children the "tremendous work" of the staff caring for her in Auckland City Hospital, and the police.
Ms Knight's family have also spoken of their gratitude for all of the donations that have rolled in since a givealittle.co.nz fundraising page was set up. It gathered more than $90,000 in the first 24 hours of going live.
Late last night, more than $160,000 had been given by 3300 donors to help Ms Knight and her family.
"We are humbled by the generosity we are experiencing, which will help Lucy in the long road ahead," Mr Thomas said.
It is understood the Asian community had been aiming to push the donation total to at least $150,000 to show their appreciation to Ms Knight for helping one of their own.
Every dollar donated through the givealittle website - which is run and paid for by the Spark Foundation - goes directly to her and the family.
Food and groceries have also been given by the public and businesses. And a meal roster has been organised by friends so Mr Thomas does not have to worry about getting dinner on the table for the children.
Ms Knight's brother Edwin, who lives overseas, thanked the organisers of the givealittle site and those who had offered to help.
"Thank you for everybody wanting to help my awesome and strong sister Lucy. It is much appreciated," he wrote on social media. "I am so happy so many lovely people have helped my sister and her family."
Hendrix Hauwai, 17, appeared in North Shore District Court yesterday and was remanded in custody. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Yesterday, Manurewa 17-year-old Hendrix Hauwai appeared in the North Shore District Court charged with aggravated wounding and assault with intent to rob.
His lawyer, Kelly-Ann Stoikoff, asked that he be remanded in custody pending a bail application today.
It is alleged Hauwai hit Ms Knight in the back of the head as she tried to stop him taking the older woman's bag. Ms Knight, who had her two youngest children, aged 2 and 4, with her, then fell and fractured her skull.
Hauwai allegedly ran across the carpark and got into a waiting car, described by a witness as a white station wagon with tinted windows. It was driven by a woman.
A police spokeswoman confirmed that the woman had been identified and would be formally interviewed.
"On that basis, further arrests cannot be ruled out," she said.
Operation Vault, the investigation into the assault on Ms Knight, is continuing. Police are appealing for witnesses or people with information about the incident to contact them.
Can you help?
• If you have information that could assist police, contact the Operation Vault team on (09) 477 5261, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
• To donate, visit www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/HelpLucy
