Gill Hicks has surprise reunion with police officer who saved her life in 7/7 London bombings
LONDON bombings survivor Gill Hicks has had a surprise reunion with a policeman who helped rescue her, ahead of Tuesday’s tenth anniversary of the British terrorist attack.
LONDON bombings survivor Gill Hicks had a surprise reunion with a policeman who helped rescue her, ahead of Tuesday’s tenth anniversary of the British terrorist attack.
In emotional scenes on Monday night Adelaide time, Ms Hicks, 46, who lost both of her legs in the attack, wrapped her arms around PC Andrew Maxwell as he kissed her forehead.
The surprise reunion came as Adelaide-born Ms Hicks prepared to visit the scenes in central London where the devastating attacks occurred 10 years ago today.
The scenes were photographed ahead of a scheduled walk from King’s Cross to Tavistock Square, alongside religious leaders, in a “moment of quiet remembrance” to pay tribute to the 52 people who died.
Ms Hicks, a mother-of-one, carried a floral tribute reading “Together” along with Imam Qari Asim, of Leeds’ largest mosque Makkah Masjid, the Rev Bertrand Olivier, vicar of All-Hallows-by-the-Tower in the City of London, and Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, from Movement for Reform Judaism.
The small procession is part of an initiative calling on people in London to “walk together” on the 7/7 anniversary on Tuesday, by finishing their morning bus or Underground commute one stop early and walking the last few minutes.
It has been backed by London mayor Boris Johnson.
“My life and those around me changed forever on July 7, 2005,” Ms Hicks said.
“I believe in the power and brilliance of humanity — my life was saved by strangers, people who never gave up, people who risked their own lives to save mine.
“To them, I was a precious human life — my rescue wasn’t dependent on my faith, my colour, my gender or wealth.
“Walking Together allows us the time and space to talk, to share and to know the ‘other’.
“Our unity can offer the strength to not only deter anyone from following the path of violent extremism, but to also build a sustainable peace.”
Ms Hicks, a peace campaigner who is now working to combat extremism, was the last person rescued alive after the London bombings which struck during the morning peak hour.
Thinktank British Future, which helped to organise the event, said the idea was inspired by the scenes on London’s streets when public transport closed down and thousands walked home.