7/7 bombings survivor Gill Hicks returns to say thank you
Gill Hicks returned to St Thomas' Hospital in July 2007 to thank many of the staff who cared for her during her recovery from horrific injuries sustained in the tube bombing at Russell Square in 2005. Gill, who was the last patient to be rescued that fateful day, has remained in close contact with the hospital.
She and husband Joe were joined by staff from A&E, intensive care and from Luke Ward, where Gill spent three months recovering. Also on hand were staff from the therapies department who helped Gill to learn to walk again after being fitted with two prosthetic limbs.
Gill has been an inspirational patient and her frequent support for the hospital and emergency services continued as she marked the anniversary by presenting the Charity and staff with a cheque for almost £13,000 at a tea party held in her honour.
Gill surrounded by family, friends, Trust and Charity staff at her tea party
Gill started raising money for the hospital as she recovered, suggesting friends and family make a contribution to the fund instead of buying her flowers. Friends, colleagues and generous members of the public made kind donations and even held fundraising events to say thanks for all that the St Thomas' staff did to save Gill.
She said: "I will never stop saying thank you to the staff of St Thomas' and the emergency services for saving my life that day. I was admitted to hospital labelled 'One Unknown'... it didn't matter who I was, or what my background or religious belief or faith were, as the staff treasured me as a human life that was in desperate need of being saved. They never gave up hope that I would pull through and gave me the best possible chance to rebuild my life and go on to find my own way to make a difference.
"Only because of their amazing efforts that day am I now able to fulfil my personal ambition which is to further peace and improve understanding between all peoples." Gill is now an ambassador for Peace Direct, a charity that supports and funds local peace builders throughout the world, and also works with many organisations across the capital to foster better community relations."
Sister on Luke Ward, Emma Allcott, said: "Gill has been an inspiration to us all. Not only did she show remarkable determination in the face of such adversity, but she was always such a positive and uplifting person to care for. Her dry Aussie sense of humour really carried us through the darker moments. Through such horrific circumstances, many of us have built amazing new friendships which continue to be a huge source of strength for us all."
To make a donation or find out how your legacy could help, please use the secure donation form, or contact the Fundraising Team on Tel: 020 7188 7744, e-mail: Fundraising Team.