Mother and son critically injured by giraffe in South Africa 'on road to recovery' as well-wishers raise thousands

The wife and son of a British scientist who were critically injured by a giraffe in South Africa are on the road to recovery, their family have said.

Dr Katy Williams, 35, and Finn, three, were attacked near their home on the Blyde Wildlife Estate earlier this month and airlifted to hospital.

They have now both come out of comas with Dr Williams making an “amazing recovery”, while Finn is improving at a slower rate.

Dr William’s father Jack Standish told the Standard: “Yesterday Katy was walking short distances, with clear speech and a smile on her face... it will take some time before all the broken and bent parts are working."

He said: “[Finn] is making small steps towards recovery... at first his eyes were opening a little, he cried, he had a faint smile, and appeared to be tracking with his eyes when a hand passed in front of his face.

“He is not sitting up or in control of his limbs. He will require months or years of rehabilitation therapy.”

However, he added: “I have no question in my mind that my grandson Finn will be back to school, ride his bike and do everything a young boy does... it will take time.”

The pair have been watched over in hospital by their husband/father Dr Sam Williams, who was the person that chased away the giraffe when it set upon them on September 3.

It is thought the giraffe attacked them as it was protecting its young calf, which has since died after being relocated.

Mr Standish continued: “Dr Sam Williams is a pillar of strength and calming to his wife and son. He chased the giraffes away by charging them armed with his voice and a rock.”

He said he did not want “any harm” to come to the giraffe which attacked his family, and felt “sadness” at the young calf’s death.

Mr Standish has also launched a fundraising page to help pay for their continued treatment, rehabilitation and therapy.

More than £10,000 has been raised so far with well-wishers from across the world offering their support.

“The current medical bills and future rehabilitation bill are going to be staggering,” added Mr Standish, who lives in Oregon, US.

“Please continue to send prayers, thoughts of love and healing as well as contributing to the Go Fund Me Fund Setup to help them.”