Beverli Rhodes

A survivor of the London bombings, who lives in Ashford, is disappointed that she and fellow survivors may not get to attend the unveiling of a memorial on Tuesday July 7, the fourth anniversary of the terror attack.

Beverli Rhodes, 47, of Kennington, has written to the government asking why, as a survivor, she has not been invited.

The Assistance Centre, set up for those affected by the London bombings, has posted a message which reads:

"On the 7th July the Permanent Memorial in Hyde Park, London will be opened in remembrance of those who died in the London bombings of 2005.
"Ticket numbers for the opening event are limited due to the site topography and therefore priority for attendance has been given to the families of those who died."

Ms Rhodes has today (Thursday) written to the Department of Culture Media and Sport, which is organising next week’s event, asking:

"Are the survivors not part of the unveiling?

"Is it only for the family members of the bereaved?

"When are the survivors getting access to the permanent memorial?

"Many survivors can’t stand for any great length of time, will they be allocated seating?

"Why have many of us not heard from the Home Office as we usually do each year?"

Ms Rhodes suffered facial injuries in the bomb attack on a tube train under Russell Square. She continues to require treatment for her injuries and has set up a campaign group for victims of terrorism, the Survivors Coalition Foundation.

The bombings on July 7 2005 were a series of coordinated suicide bomb attacks carried out by British fundamentalist Muslims on London's public transport system during the morning rush hour.

Just before 9am, three bombs exploded within 50 seconds of each other on three London Undergroound trains.

A fourth bomb exploded on a bus nearly an hour later in Tavistock Square. The bombings killed 52 people, the four suicide bombers and injured 700.

Thursday, July 02 2009