The family of Katy Williams confirmed on Tuesday that she had regained consciousness and they are able to communicate with her by using sign language.
This after Katy and her three year old son, Finn, were left critically injured after they were trampled by a giraffe on an estate in the Hoedspruit area last Monday, September 3.
According to a press release that the HOEDSPRUIT HERALD received last week from the property where the incident occurred, Blyde Wildlife Estate, the mother and child were found by the woman’s husband whilst they were still under attack from the animal at approximately 18:00.
According to the latest update, communication with Katy is still difficult due to the nature of her injuries.
Katy’s husband, Sam said: “It was amazing to see Katy wake up and to be able to talk to her and to reassure her that we are there for her. Finn has been stable and doctors are satisfied with his condition under the circumstances. I hope that in time he will also wake up so that we can all be reunited as a family.”
Katy’s father, Jack Standish confirms that he and his son, David Standish have arrived from the USA.
“There could be nothing worse for a father to be more than 2,000 miles away when something of this nature happens to your daughter and grandson. It was so difficult not being able to do anything for her and Finn as this is one of the worst nightmares that any parent can face. I can always tell how Katy is doing by the look in her eyes. I can see that she was very happy to see us, but that she is very concerned about Finn. I know it will take a long time for them to recover, but I will be here as long as they need me.
“I can ensure everyone who is speculating about how this tragic incident occurred that Katy is very well trained in all aspects of wildlife through university as well as years in the field. Katy and I have talked about the possible danger that giraffes and other wild animals pose. We knew we had to be cautious around them. This was an unfortunate incident, but I can ensure you that Katy would never have deliberately put herself or Finn in danger. We hold no judgement against the giraffe. This is just the way nature is and we accept that.” Katy’s father said,
Jack has stated that he is very impressed with the services of Busamed Modderfontein Hospital and would like to thank all doctors, nursing staff and other employees of the hospital for their kindness to the family and the professional care that Katy and Finn receives.
“The quality of treatment as well as the equipment of the hospital is of the highest standard which I have experienced and I am satisfied that Katy and Finn is receiving the best medical treatment that they can get,” he said.
The family would like to thank all the people praying for them and supporting them in this challenging time. Friends of the family have started a fundraiser in order to assist them financially and to ensure that they will be able to focus on Katy and Finn’s recovery, without financial concerns with regards to their treatment.
Also read:
September 4: HOEDSPRUIT: Giraffe tramples mother and child leaving both critical
September 5: UPDATE: Mother and son critical after giraffe attack in Hoedspruit
September 6: UPDATE: Mother and son recovering after giraffe attack in Hoedspruit
September 7: UPDATE: Child still critical after giraffe attack in Hoedspruit
