NSW shark attack survivor Mathew Lee is on the road to recovery

A bodyboarder who suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a shark on the NSW north coast has woken up in hospital.

Mathew Lee was mauled by a four metre great white shark while in the water at Ballina on July 2, suffering significant damage to his lower legs.

The 32-year-old was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition but has since regained consciousness, smiling for a photo with his partner Suzy Gerada.

'Mat is awake and he's in good spirits,' a post to the Mathew Lee support page on Facebook states. 

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'Mat is awake and he's in good spirits'- Mr Lee's partner poses for a photo posted on the support page

A post on the Mathew Lee support page on Facebook revealing the good news about his recovery

 'He wanted to let everyone know how grateful he is for the many well wishes and love sent to him.

'The road to recovery is going to be a long one and he has asked for all to keep sending love and positive thoughts.'

The page has gathered support from local businesses eager to help Mat, attracting everything from butcher donations to lawn bowling offers to financial support.

The mother of another shark attack victim from Ballina eight years ago also voiced her support for Mat, saying 'we wish nothing more than for you to get through these tough times and come out great'.

The day after Mr Lee was attacked, another surfer was knocked from his board by a shark in nearby Lennox Head and encounters prompted the closure of beaches in the Ballina Shire for 24 hours.

A six-day international junior surf contest at Lennox Head was suspended for one day before going ahead, with the support of aerial and water patrols. 

32-year-old Matthew Lee sustained 'significant' injuries to his lower legs in the attack at Lighthouse Beach in Ballina after a shark attack

The mother of another Ballina shark attack victim from 2007 offers her prayers and support

'The road to recovery is going to be a long one and he has asked for all to keep sending love and positive thoughts' 

 'He wanted to let everyone know how grateful he is for the many well-wishes and the love sent for him'

A great white shark was filmed in shallow water just metres from the shore after the attack in Ballina

Mr Lee had been body boarding with two friends, who helped him to shore after he was attacked and performed CPR.

They are reported to have tied the leg ropes of their boards to his injured limbs in an attempt to stop Mr Lee from losing too much blood, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Emergency services were called to the scene where they worked to save Mr Lee for some time on the back of a ute.

'The rescue helicopter winched a medical team onto the beach and shortly after transported the patient to the Gold Coast University Hospital,' a statement from the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter team said.

Mr Lee, pictured with his girlfriend Suzy, was pulled out of the water by friends

Mr Lee was transported to Gold Coast Hospital after sustaining 'significant' injuries to his lower legs

A Westpac helicopter is pictured arriving at Lighthouse Beach in Ballina after Mr Lee was attacked by a shark

Paramedics are pictured treating Mr Lee on the back of a ute as a Westpac helicopter waits to transport him to hospital

Andrew Bremner, Mr Lee and his partner Suzy Gerada's neighbour, said the 32-year-old went surfing most mornings.

'Sometimes he takes his dog with him and then he would come back with a few mates at lunch time and they would just chill,' Mr Bremner said.

A nearby surfer who witnessed the dramatic scene unfold, told the ABC he could see 'a lot of blood on the blanket that was wrapped around his leg'.

Helicopters later spotted what appeared to be a great white shark in the water near where the attack occurred, but a Surf Life Saving NSW spokesperson could not confirm what type of shark had attacked Mr Lee.

A white sheet was held up as Mr Lee was laid in the back of a ute so paramedics could work on him

The rescue helicopter winched a medical team onto the beach and shortly after transported Mr Lee to the Gold Coast University Hospital

Messages of support for the injured man flooded in after his attack, with friends of Mr Lee posting that they were keeping him in their thoughts as he underwent surgery on his legs.

'Sending our love and prayers to you both Suz. Lee Lee is surrounded by a community of love, strength and support,' one said. 

'Stay strong Suzy and we will keep praying for a full recovery. Thinking of you both,' another post read. 

The last serious shark attack to occur at Lighthouse Beach was in 2008 when Peter Edmonds, 16, died after being attacked in the water. 

Earlier this year, Tadashi Nakahara, 41, lost his legs to a great white shark while surfing at nearby Shelly Beach. 

Emergency services were called to the scene by two friends he was body boarding with just before 10am on July 2

A Westpac helicopter took Mr Lee to Gold Coast Hospital 

The attack occurred at Lighthouse Beach in Ballina on the northern coast of NSW

 Beaches in the Ballina shire were closed for 24 hours after the encounter

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