Lenore Wirtz is continuing to recover at home, her family at her side, after being savagely attacked five weeks ago by a complete stranger brandishing a knife.

Ms. Wirtz was attacked at her place of employment, Creek Side Clothing Company, on July 11. Her assailant repeatedly stabbed her, puncturing her lungs and liver and nearly severing her left hand.

Robert Francis Richards, 42, of no fixed address, was arrested in Brampton within 48 hours of the attack and charged with attempted murder and later with other charges, including choking, assault with a weapon, aggravated and sexual assault, forcible confinement and theft over $5,000.

He has been remanded in custody and will next appear on court August 27.

Ms. Wirtz underwent several hours of surgery, seven of which were taken up surgically saving the hand.

Her husband Karl says she still suffers from extreme nerve pain. In an interview Wednesday, he said the nerve pain "can't be eliminated with even the strongest of pain killers.

"But she has such a positive attitude. This ordeal has not removed the beautiful smile from her face."

Often when such an incident occurs, speculation and rumours accompany it. In this case, talk has circulated that Ms. Wirtz knew her attacker.

Mr. Wirtz wished to state emphatically that this was not the case.

"This was a completely random, selfish act of violence by a known criminal. By no means did (Lenore) have any previous contact with this assailant in her life."

He also wanted to know that something positive has arisen from such a heinous act.

"At no time would we ever want anyone to experience this," said Mr. Wirtz. "Yet, for having gone through it, we have seen the better side of humanity."

He said the reaction of the community "has been simply amazing," adding that the family has been constantly receiving flowers and cards of sympathy and encouragement from local residents and businesses.

There has also been a constant supply of dinners, which have been gratefully accepted. With her immobilized left arm and a pre-existing arthritis in her right, Ms. Wirtz has been unable to perform many of the normal domestic tasks.

Mr. Wirtz is asking local residents to participate in a blood donor clinic to which Ms. Wirtz will be lending her name. Its time and location have yet to be announced.