Wife hails 'hero' husband who shot alleged home invader

Di Blessing, 72, has praised her husband's bravery after the couple was stabbed during a suspected home invasion on the New South Wales Northern Tablelands. Police say Keith Blessing, 75, shot alleged intruder Joshua Trethewey, 34, as he tried to re-enter the house. What's next? Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. A 72-year-old woman wounded in a confrontation with an alleged home invader in northern New South Wales says her husband is her hero. Di Blessing today released a statement to the media, five days after she and her husband Keith Blessing, 75, were stabbed inside their Torrington home. Mr Blessing shot alleged intruder Joshua Trethewy during the incident. NSW Police will allege the 34-year-old was shot as he tried to re-enter the rural property, located 65 kilometres south-west of Tenterfield. "I want to thank my husband, my hero," Ms Blessing said in her statement. "There can surely be no greater love than shielding and protecting a loved one. "Without him I believe I would not be alive today." 'Our nightmare' Ms Blessing said she was limited in what she could say about the '"terrible night" due to ongoing police investigations, but described the event as a "nightmare". "The horrific incident has left us shattered," she said. Ms Blessing also thanked her daughters for "putting their lives on hold" to support their parents. "This nightmare has taken its toll on them too, and all of their lives will be forever changed," she said. Ms Blessing said the family had been "overwhelmed" and "comforted" by messages of support from the public and the Torrington community. A community fundraising campaign created after the alleged attack has raised nearly $3,000, which Ms Blessing said would be donated to the rescue helicopter service. Husband remains stable Ms Blessing has been discharged from hospital on Queensland's Gold Coast, but said she would be receiving ongoing outpatient care, while her husband remains in a stable condition. "Keith, I am relieved to say, has been transferred from ICU to a ward," she said. "[Mr Blessing] is receiving the very best comprehensive treatment for multiple stab wounds as well as post-operative care for internal organ damage." Mr Trethewy, who was treated at the scene for a gunshot wound and placed into an induced coma, has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to murder but is yet to face court.