Hero mum asks after kids

Lucy Knight's husband, Peter, and some of their six children. Photo / Michael Craig

Hero mum-of-six Lucy Knight has asked about the welfare of her youngest children - her first brief sentences since undergoing brain surgery after a shocking daylight attack last week.

The husband of the critically-injured North Shore woman has told the Herald on Sunday she is showing small signs of recovery but says his wife of 22 years does not understand what has happened to her.

Knight underwent emergency surgery for a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain after intervening in an attempted bag-snatch at a shopping centre on Tuesday.

In a stunning show of generosity, New Zealanders have opened their wallets to the "Good Samaritan" and donated a record $248,292 towards her rehabilitation.

Husband Thomas revealed when she woke from brain surgery on Wednesday her first word was 'ouch'.

Snatches of conversations later in the week centred around her children and who was looking after them.

She spends most of her time sleeping as she recuperates from surgery and the head trauma.

Eldest daughter Laura (21) said on her most recent visit she reassured her mother the younger children were being well looked after.

"She was asking who was watching Phoebe and asking if Max missed her."

Meanwhile little Phoebe Thomas (7) had her seventh birthday party planned for today put on hold until her mother was well enough to be there.

"We were going to have about 15 little girls for Phoebe's seventh birthday," said Thomas.
"It was going to be a special fairy-themed party but I've told Phoebe we are going to wait until mummy can be there."

Thomas said Knight was showing small signs of improvement but recovery was expected to take a long time.

"Yesterday she was a lot more alert.

"She doesn't know what happened but is interested in how the kids are doing and she's a bit more lucid."

"She even asked today 'where's my phone?'"

And he revealed his two pre-schoolers may have been seen much more of the attack than first thought.

"We thought they hadn't seen anything but Max (2) kept repeating 'mummy fell down' and Bene (4) ran off and someone had to chase him.

"They've both been good but they both really want their mum back.

"Max is asking "where's mummy?" and Bene's asking "when can we visit mummy?"

Thomas said the walls of his wife's high dependency unit room at Auckland City Hospital were decorated in photos of family and countless bunches of flowers sent by well-wishers.

He was incredibly grateful for the public's generosity and was sure his wife would be amazed by the outpouring of kindness.

"I am absolutely astounded. It's incredible and I'm so incredibly touched by the messages and support from family, friends and strangers we have and continue to receive.

"I know she will be amazed by the outpouring of kindness."

Oscar Thomas (14) said he showed his mother a school academic award he had received at the end of the term and she was determined to read it.

"She was doing a lot of hand signals and gave the thumbs up for this," he said, proudly displaying his gold certificate.

Thomas said he was not surprised his wife intervened saying she had a strong sense of justice.

He was concerned the woman at the centre of the mugging attempt was now blaming herself.

"She does not need to do that.

We are sorry to hear that and our hearts go out to her."

Said Thomas:"She is the key person of the home and she is not here.

"The kids and I miss her so much."

• To donate, visit www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/HelpLucy