Samir Zitouni, the 48-year-old British Arab rail worker who was severely injured while defending passengers from a knife-wielding attacker on a UK train last Saturday, has briefly spoken with his wife, Eleni, since the incident.

The family's gratitude for public support is evident in an update shared on a GoFundMe page intended to aid Zitouni and his loved ones through his ongoing recovery.

Zitouni, employed by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) for over two decades as a customer experience host, has been hospitalized since the attack.

Authorities reported he is in critical but stable condition as of their last update on Tuesday.

Despite Zitouni's serious injuries, his ability to communicate with Eleni signifies a positive step in his recovery process, according to the GoFundMe post from Friday.

The family expresses profound appreciation for the community’s outpouring of support, acknowledging not only financial contributions but also messages and prayers received.

They highlight Zitouni's character as someone who would risk everything to protect others, emphasizing that he acted selflessly without regard for personal safety or background.

Zitouni has been recognized for his heroic actions, which involved him seizing a frying pan from the train’s kitchen to defend against the attacker.

British Transport Police has stated that Zitouni's bravery undoubtedly saved lives during the incident.

The public's response to his story has been significant; as of Friday afternoon in the UK, the GoFundMe page initiated for Zitouni had raised over £24,000.

The community’s support continues to grow, with various calls for official recognition of Zitouni's bravery from authorities.