Mr Thomas and the couple's children - Laura, Oscar, Rowan, Phoebe, Bene and Max - are being supported by family and friends.
Bene, 4, and Max, 2, were with their mother when she was injured.
"We are shocked and upset by the events of [Tuesday] afternoon," Mr Thomas said. "At the moment, our main focus is Lucy and simply being with her. We thank our family and friends for their love and support, and we'd also like to thank the many others who have offered their concern and best wishes."
Friends of Ms Knight were horrified by the assault. One, Lorna Subritzky, said: "When I heard the news, I was shocked to learn that the good Samaritan I'd read about, this hero in our community, was our Lucy.
"But then, in a way not surprised: she would have gone to the victim's assistance without hesitation. It's one of the things I love about her."
Ms Subritzky said Ms Knight was a "devoted mum to her six beautiful children and devoted partner to her childhood sweetheart, Peter".
"I sincerely hope this doesn't stop others from reaching out and helping those in need. It won't stop me. Why should the bullies win?
"Someone suggested today that Lucy should be the one who decides the fate of the cowardly thug that did this to her. No. I know Lucy - she would forgive him, offer him a chance at redemption. This he does not deserve."
Ms Subritzky said wider family and friends were rallying around and offers of practical help including childcare were endless. It was "testament to the high esteem" Ms Knight was held in.
Parents at the school where Ms Knight's youngest children attend organised a meal roster for the "hero mum" until she was back on her feet.
Local businesses and members of the public had offered to donate food and grocery items to the family.
Another friend set up a Givealittle fundraising page to allow members of the public to help the family financially. Last night, more than $17,000 had been donated.
A Facebook page had also been set up so offers of help could be co-ordinated. "Lucy is an amazing woman and this is the least we can do to repay the kindness she gives to others," an organiser said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Stan Brown says the swift arrest of a suspect was a direct result of public assistance.
"It's thanks to the media and the public that we have caught this [suspect] so quickly," he said.
"The overwhelming response we have had has shown that the public have zero tolerance for this type of crime. This should send a clear message to those in the criminal element."
Your views
The Herald has been inundated with email messages of support for Lucy Knight:
Bruce Hill
"You're a wonderfully brave woman. As a soldier of 30 years I have seen courage on the battlefield, but in my view it takes greater courage when, without the support of your friends, you take independent action to protect someone who is in harm's way. Get well soon and know that there are many of your fellow Kiwis who think like I do."
Mark Binney
"It is people like you who make a difference in this world by standing up to what is wrong. Thank you for what you did."
Roger Yang
"As a member of the Chinese community, I just want to pay my tribute to you for your heroic act. I love this country because of people like you."
Michael Frawley, Motat chief executive
"It took guts for you to intervene in the way you did and it will take guts and determination for you to make a speedy recovery. Your bravery is an inspiration to all of us and the Motat team."
Jenny Campbell
"As a fellow Northcote mum, I want to say thank you for your courage in stepping in to defend another person from attack. Get well soon - you are a hero, and Northcote is very proud of you."
How to help
• To make a donation to assist Lucy Knight's family during her recovery, visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/HelpLucy
• If you have information that could help police, contact the Operation Vault team on (09) 477 5261, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
