STEVE IRWIN - IRWIN'S WIDOW SPEAKS FOR THE FIRST TIME

IRWIN'S WIDOW SPEAKS FOR THE FIRST TIME

STEVE IRWIN's widow TERRI has spoken about her grief for the first time, following the death of her CROCODILE HUNTER husband earlier this month (SEP06). Despite being so heartbroken she has been "curled up on the floor in a fetal position" many times, Terri has received strength and encouragement from her eight-year-old daughter BINDI. In an interview to be aired on Australia's Channel 9 tonight (26SEP06), Terri reveals, "She says, 'Mummy, why are you worried? Daddy's still with us.'" Terri was also amazed by the outpouring of love for Steve at his public memorial last Wednesday (20SEP06). She says, "I knew people would be missing Steve, but the feelings of love and support from Australians was just overwhelming. "He would have said, 'Crikey mate, I don't believe this.' I love Australia and I'm a lucky woman. "Just thank you so much. Your thoughts and prayers are really felt and they are going to help me get through - and I will." Terri also recalls the painful moment Steve's manager JOHN STAINTON called her to break the news of his death in a stingray attack off the coast of Australia on 4 September (06). She says, "He said there's been a boating accident with Steve. Don't say it, don't say it, don't say it. He said it. He said those three words... 'and he died'. "I am still at the stage where I think he's going to come home and it didn't really happen."