Keith Blessing has been hailed a hero by NSW Premier Chris Minns and his wife Dianne as the Torrington grandfather continues recovering in hospital after the terrifying home invasion that left them fighting for their lives.
The 75-year-old remains in a Gold Coast hospital ward after suffering multiple stab wounds and internal injuries during the violent attack at the couple’s rural northern NSW property last Thursday night. His wife Diane, 72, has now been discharged from hospital but says the ordeal has left the family “shattered”.
In a statement, Di Blessing thanked the emergency responders, hospital staff, community members and strangers who have rallied around the couple in the aftermath of what she described as a “nightmare”.
“Please respect the fact that I can’t talk about specifics of that terrible night as it is the subject of a police investigation; however, this horrific incident has left us shattered.”
Mrs Blessing confirmed she had been discharged from hospital but would require ongoing treatment.
“Keith, I am relieved to say, has been transferred from ICU to a ward,” she said.
“He is in a stable condition and is receiving the very best comprehensive treatment for multiple stab wounds as well as post-operative care for internal organ damage.”
The couple were allegedly attacked by intruder, 34 year old Joshua Dylan Trethewey from Deepwater, after he forced his way into their home while they slept.
Police allege Trethewey entered the property armed with a knife and attacked the pair in their bedroom. Despite suffering horrific injuries, the elderly couple fought back, forcing Trethewey to leave the house. Police allege he then attempted to force his way back inside the home a second time. Fearing for their lives, Keith allegedly used a legally owned firearm and shot the man in the abdomen.
Trethewey was taken to Armidale Hospital, where he was reportedly placed in an induced coma. There has been no further public update on his condition and police confirmed they have not yet been able to interview him.
Speaking on Sydney radio station 2GB on Tuesday morning, Premier Chris Minns praised Mr Blessing’s actions during the terrifying ordeal.
“I think Keith acted like a hero in these circumstances,” Mr Minns said.
“He saved himself and his family. I wish them nothing but the best.
“This is everybody’s worst nightmare. It’s a horrible, vicious crime that’s taken place, and this man and his family was protecting his livelihood, his home, and his family.
“I’m appalled by it. I hate these kinds of shocking crimes, because they really cut into people’s sense of safety and security in a place where they should feel it, in their own family home.”
Mr Minns said authorities would continue pursuing serious violent offenders.
“We’ll do everything we can to attack this crime in the community, throw the book at the people who are committing these offences,” he said.
However, NSW Police have confirmed they are unable to rule out charges against Mr Blessing until the investigation is completed.
In her statement, Mrs Blessing paid tribute to the emergency services workers who responded to the remote property in darkness and under dangerous conditions.
“Many thanks to first responders — 000 operators, then police and paramedics who responded quickly and professionally to a situation of unknown danger to themselves. We owe them our lives,” she said.
Mrs Blessing praised the medical teams at Gold Coast University Hospital for the care provided to both her and her husband.
She also thanked the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crews who landed in a paddock late at night to evacuate the injured couple.
“The teams of the Westpac Rescue helicopters who landed in a paddock with unknown obstacles in the blackness of night. We owe them our lives.”
Both the Lismore and Tamworth based Westpac Rescue Helicopters were sent to the scene to transfer the critically injured Blessings to the Gold Coast University Hospital.
Mrs Blessing has urged those who wish to donate to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopters.
“I would urge you to please consider giving a little something to this wonderful service, it may be a loved one who needs it one day.”
She said the family had been overwhelmed by the public response, with hundreds of people offering support and messages of encouragement.
“Our local community at Torrington have also supported us and our family,” she said.
“On a very personal note, I want to thank my husband, my hero,” she said.
“There can surely be no greater love than shielding and protecting a loved one. Without him I believe I would not be alive today.”
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