Hero mum: 'I've got a second chance at life'

Lucy Knight at home with her family, L-R Oscar, 14, Max, 2, Rowan, 11, Bene, 5, and husband Peter Thomas. Photo / Doug Sherring

The hero mum-of-six who suffered serious head injuries as she fearlessly came to the aid of a shopper being mugged in daylight says she has been given a second chance at life.

As a delighted Lucy Knight relished her first full day back in her busy North Shore, Auckland, family home on Friday, she revealed surviving the violent daytime attack had been life-changing.

"It feels like a really huge thing, it really does and it makes us think about everything," said Knight.

Still beset by headaches and fatigue, Knight said she was growing stronger by the day and was pleased with the speed of her recovery. It is almost five weeks since the incident at the Northcote shopping mall, when she was pushed to the ground, causing a fractured skull and brain injuries.

"I'm feeling incredibly lucky about how well I am feeling," said Knight, 43.

Sporting an edgy new haircut, Knight said it was lovely to be home with her children and husband Peter after more than a month in hospital and a rehabilitation clinic.

"I've missed them so much while I've been away. It's been very lonely."

She said she felt herself growing stronger by the day and could feel the "old Lucy" returning.

She faces more surgery before the end of the year to reinsert a section of skull temporarily removed to relieve pressure on her swollen brain, badly injured when she fell to the footpath.

Even so she's hoping to take part in next months' Skechers women's 6km run along Auckland's waterfront, an event she had entered before the attack.

She said the training would form part of her rehabilitation programme and was supported by her physiotherapist.

Knight said although she had no memory of being struck she could remember being with her youngest sons Max, 2, and Bene, 5, and was about to get groceries when she saw a woman being mugged.

She didn't think twice about intervening.

"I don't like people upsetting other people. And probably being a mum, and my two little guys seeing another older lady being robbed, instinct took over."

She said it still upset her to think the boys witnessed her attack but she was grateful to those who cared for them as she lay unconscious on the ground.

The following days in hospital were hazy, she said.

She was unaware of the massive fundraising drive being conducted online as the wider community rallied to show their support and appreciation of her bravery.

She said plans for the $270,000 raised on the Givealittle site were still being finalised but part of the donated money was likely to go towards a charitable venture.

"I love helping people," said Knight.

She felt overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of love and messages from thousands of well-wishers, many of whom were strangers.

"So many people are just so caring and so wonderful to me.

"I just want to say 'thank you'."

Knight's attacker, 17-year-old Hendrix Hauwai, this month pleaded guilty to assaulting her, and attempting to steal another woman's bag. He will be sentenced in December.