Martine Wright reflects on her journey since the 7/7 bombings, sharing memories and lessons learned over the past two decades.
London: The tragic events of July 7, 2005, changed many lives forever. Martine Wright was one of the most severely injured survivors. She was on the Circle Line when a bomb exploded, killing seven people. It was a day that marked a shift in how we view security in the UK.
Martine was the last person rescued from the wreckage. She remembers the chaos and confusion vividly. “I was lucky to survive,” she says, reflecting on the memories that haunt her but also the new ones she’s created since then.
As the 20th anniversary approaches, she plans to honor the victims by celebrating her life with family. “I want to raise a glass to the 52,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment.
Martine’s journey hasn’t been easy. She lost both legs but has achieved so much since then. She became a mother, a motivational speaker, and even competed in the Paralympics. “I’ve turned tragedy into triumph,” she says with pride.
She recalls the day of the attack, how she was just a typical Londoner on her way to work. The explosion was sudden, and she remembers the blinding light. “I thought it was just a crash,” she explains, not realizing the severity of the situation until later.
Martine credits a police officer, WPC Liz Kenworthy, for saving her life. They’ve stayed in touch, and Martine often reflects on the bond formed through such a traumatic experience. “We’re part of a club no one wants to be in,” she says, acknowledging the shared pain of other survivors.
Despite her injuries, Martine holds no anger towards the bombers. Instead, she focuses on the families of the victims. “I think about their pain,” she says, showing empathy for those affected by the tragedy.
After the attack, she faced a long recovery. The moment she learned about her amputations was devastating. “I kept telling my mom I had no legs,” she recalls, but her family’s support helped her through the darkest times.
Martine’s outlook on life is inspiring. She emphasizes the importance of creating new memories and moving forward. “I had to start again,” she says, and she’s done just that, finding joy in her achievements and the love of her family.
Now, she navigates life with a positive attitude. “I focus on what I can do,” she says, sharing her experiences of using public transport and enjoying life despite the challenges. “I don’t miss high heels,” she laughs, showing her resilience and humor.
As the anniversary approaches, Martine is ready to honor the past while celebrating her life. “I’m at peace with my memories,” she concludes, a testament to her strength and spirit.
* 7/7: The London Bombings starts at 9pm tomorrow on BBC Two and continues on Monday, with the remaining two episodes on January 13-14. All episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
