The railway worker who courageously confronted an assailant during the Huntingdon train attack has woken from a coma.
Samir Zitouni, 48, was repeatedly stabbed by the brutal attacker on the LNER service on November 1 as he attempted to safeguard passengers on board.
The brave worker is reported to have grabbed a frying pan from the buffet section of the Doncaster to London train to defend travellers from the knifeman's assault.
The employee was left in a critical condition and battling for survival after confronting the attacker last Saturday.
Samir, widely known as Sam, is now in a stable condition and has managed to communicate with his wife for the first time since the incident.
The hero woke on Thursday and has been taking significant strides on his journey to recovery.
Colleague Gemma Royce posted the update on a GoFundMe page established after the stabbing incident, reports the Mirror.
On the page, which has collected more than £38,000, she posted: "Sam's family continue to be deeply grateful for all of your kind messages, generosity, and support.
"His wife has shared the wonderful news that Sam woke up briefly yesterday, and she was able to speak with him for a short time.
"This is a truly positive step forward, though there is still a long journey ahead in his recovery.
"Thank you all for continuing to keep Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
"Your kindness means the world to them."
On Thursday, Samir's wife Eleni posted a heartfelt message thanking hospital staff, his LNER colleagues and members of the public for their support and kind words.
She said: "Many thanks to Sam's colleagues from LNER for their kindness and all messages and prayers, thank you so much we feel your support.
"Sam is a kind and courageous person who believes deeply in humanity.
"On 01-11-25 Sam acted as a shield to protect the lives of others, risking not being able to return home to his beloved son.
"This is who Sam is - he would do the same for anyone, regardless of colour, age, gender, religion, or origin, even for those he does not know.
"Sam is our hero."
Officers raced to Huntingdon after the driver took the emergency decision to stop the train at the Cambridgeshire station during the horrific knife attack.
British Transport Police examined CCTV footage from the train and described Samir, who has served LNER for over two decades, as "nothing short of heroic".
Several politicians have suggested the railway worker should receive recognition for his courage and swift actions which helped prevent further casualties.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Sam went to work on Saturday morning to do his job.
"He left a hero.
"His remarkable quick thinking and selfless action saved lives and he has demonstrated bravery beyond measure.
"I want to send my very best wishes to him and his family."
Anthony Williams, a 32 year old suspect, was arrested by the police and is due to appear at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on Monday, facing charges of 10 counts of attempted murder.