As the Kiama Downs boardrider enters his ninth day of recovery at St George Hospital, a tide of support has gained pace, reaching around the world and deep inside pockets. 

In the latest inventive and big-ticket show of support, long-time friend Justin Wynn promised to tattoo a cartoon version of Mr Connellan on his ribs in exchange for $10,000 in donations to the Kiama Downs 23-year-old’s rehabilitation fund.

Kiama businessman and surfer Darren Longbottom contributed $5000 before Bruce and Michelle Lay – Ray White Kiama principals – volunteered the other half. 

The artwork was designed by Mr Wynn’s brother Luke and applied at Thirroul’s Soul Expression Tattoo Friday afternoon.

Mr Wynn, 26, said it was his seventh tattoo, and his most special.

“Bretty’s such a good guy,” he told the Mercury. 

”He's going to have quite an extensive recovery and rehabilitation process for, I dare say, the next couple of years. I'm going to try and help get him back in the water, doing what he loved most.”

Mr Connellan looked on from his hospital bed, via video-call, as the tattoo took shape on Friday. 

The talented surfer had part of his thigh bitten off and suffered a wound to his hand in a twilight attack, March 30.

He spent his 23^rd birthday in St George Hospital on Sunday, undergoing an eight-hour operation. 

Mr Wynn said the surgery went well and his friend had been experiencing regular “little wins” on his road to recovery.

Meantime, pro surfers Kelly Slater, Owen Wright, Mitch Crews, Kai Otton have offered messages of support for Mr Connellan.

Mr Longbottom was himself the subject of a fundraising push in mid-2008 after he broke his neck surfing off Sumatra.

The accident left him a paraplegic.

To donate to the Brett Connellan Trust send money to BSB 012709, account number 298964661.