An inspiring Tring resident who survived the UK’s deadliest terrorist attack is reflecting on life since the ordeal 20 years ago.
On July 7, 2005, a series of four coordinated suicide attacks were carried out by Islamist terrorists, targeting commuters travelling on London’s public transport during the morning rush hour.
It was labelled the UK’s deadliest terrorist attack since the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 near Lockerbie, and the UK’s first Islamist suicide attack. Sadly, 56 people died, including the four bombers, and 784 people were injured.
One of the injured victims was Tring resident Martine Wiltshire MBE, who lost both of her legs, 80 per cent of her blood, and was in a coma for 10 days.
As part of her rehabilitation, Martine began playing sitting volleyball. She went on to become an initial member of the Great Britain women’s squad which was formed in late 2009. She made her debut at the 2010 Kent International Tournament against Paralympic champions, China. She was given an MBE in 2016.
The BBC aired a four-part documentary detailing the terror attack last month, featuring Martine, other survivors, family members and emergency staff impacted by the attack.
Speaking to The Express, Martine said: “I will always have those horrible memories in my head, but I will also always think I was lucky.
“For some people, the 20th anniversary will be the memory of that phone call, that police knock at the door. I am lucky; I survived. I’ve had 20 more years to make new memories.
“I am at peace with the memories.”
Martine has gone on to use the ordeal to inspire others, writing a book about her life, hosting motivational speaker events, and continuing her campaign for better compensation for victims of the bombings and their families.
Talking about the anniversary, Martine said: “In the past, I have gone on holiday to avoid it, but not this year. This year, I will take my elderly parents and family out to dinner to raise a glass to the 52 and to celebrate being here.”
To find out more about the series, head to www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026qrl
Photo credit: Francis Tyers / Martine Wright
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