By 9News
Copyright 9news
An Uber driver who was allegedly stabbed 10 times at a Gold Coast shopping centre may never walk again.
The 32-year-old was dropping off her 16-year-old passenger near Coomera Westfield two weeks ago when he allegedly snapped and attempted to strangle her with a seatbelt.
The teenager then allegedly stabbed the rideshare driver 10 times in the face, back and neck.
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Police said he then ran off and left her paralysed with a punctured lung.
The driver, who does not want to be identified, was found several hours later by a passing security guard and was taken to hospital.
Her brother and father flew in from overseas to join her adopted Australian family in the days after the attack.
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The pair thanked the security guard today at the shopping centre.
“We feel his actions definitely saved our daughter’s life,” her father told 9News.
“She was dealing with multiple stab wounds and facial injuries.
“Essentially she was immobilised in the vehicle whilst under attack.”
Her brother said the family was relieved the security guard found his sister before the worst happened.
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The 32-year-old was working two jobs at the time of the attack to save up to pay for her visa.
She also had planned to head back home to Brazil to see family but her plans have been put on hold as she begins her long road to recovery in hospital.
“She is facing a long term recovery with life-changing injuries,” her father said.
The accused attacker will face court again next month.
While it is too early to say whether his alleged victim will ever walk again, the family is focused on taking each day as it comes.
“The primary thing is for her to get well and the next thing is to get justice,” her brother said.
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