North bomb survivor on lifesaving mission

Jul 5 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

A NORTH East woman who was seriously injured during the London terror bombings is set to help land mine victims in Cambodia.

Lisa French, of Longbenton, Newcastle, says she wants to “repay her debt to humanity” following the kindness shown to her by people in the aftermath of the July 7 attacks three years ago.

The 33-year-old was travelling on the number 30 bus when it exploded in Tavistock Square, killing 13 passengers plus the bomber.

She lost her front teeth in the explosion and suffered hearing loss after bursting both her ear drums.

The third anniversary of the attack is on Monday, when Ms French will take part in a memorial service for the victims in London.

She said: “The first year after 7/7 I spent getting over it physically and the second year I spent dealing with the mental anguish.

“Doctors were able to repair my ear drums and I can now hear quite well. But mentally it has been a struggle.

“I have only been able to get back on public transport, the Metro and buses, in the last few months, it was just too stressful before that.

“I still have lots of sad days and I will be affected on Monday, but this trip to Cambodia should help me.

“I was so touched and helped by people. On that day I witnessed the best and worst of humanity within just a few minutes.

“People were so good afterwards. One woman took me away and called the police, another gave me some shampoo and conditioner. It only sounds like a small, token thing but it helped me so much. It is amazing what small gestures can do.

“That is why I want to go out to Cambodia, to repay my debt to humanity.”

In March next year Ms French will travel with husband Russ Godwin, 30, to Siem Reap in the Angkor Wat region to help build homes and work with victims injured by land mines.

They will be working with charity Mines Advisory Group (MAG).

She said: “These people are an inspiration to me as many have already been injured in land mine accidents before being trained by the charity to return to the minefield to clear away the danger for others.

“Just £15 will clear away 10 square feet of land. Every land mine removed will save a life.”

To go on the trip they need to raise £3,000 each which will go to MAG. But Lisa says she hopes to raise closer to £10,000.

As part of the fundraising efforts she is planning a freefall parachute jump with her husband.

Ms French has already completed one jump with a trainer.

She said: “Many of these people have suffered horrific injuries through no fault of their own. We can make a real difference there.”

To sponsor Lisa on her trip to Cambodia go to http://www.maginternational.org/supportmag/events/community-challenge-cambodia/lisa--russell/