General Chat

see below, from BBC newswebsite:

'I won't let the bombers beat me' A man who had part of his leg blown off in the 7 July attacks has said how he will not let the bombers beat him. On the four-week anniversary of the bombs, Garri Holness, 37, from Streatham, south-west London, told BBC News of his experience at King's Cross. He said he knew his lower left leg had gone straight away, which had helped him come to terms with the loss. Mr Holness said he pitied the bombers if they felt they had to commit the crime to make something of their lives. 'I think [they were] warped individuals, with no life - need a goal in life, to say that they have done something in life to be a martyr. If I allow myself to have a bad day then they [the bombers] have won that one day from me... I won't allow that to happen 'That's what I think of them, brainwashed individuals, and I feel sorry for them in a sense because they didn't have a brain to think that what they are doing is not right. 'Apparently some of them have families and babies on the way. It doesn't make sense to me.' He said he did not hate the bombers, but his feelings were different for those who he believed put the idea of the attacks to them. 'The people that have brainwashed them and got them to do that, these are the people that I hate. 'Because these people are turning people against Muslims. Because they have taken part of the Koran, little sections of it, switched it round, watered it down and brainwashed individuals to believe what they are doing is correct. 'But it is not correct. Because they are not martyrs. They are not going anywhere, they are not going to heaven if they believe that because they've just killed innocent individuals, they haven't killed anybody that's actually done anything to them. 'Not an eye for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth. That doesn't work here.' Mr Holness is still in hospital where he is waiting to have a skin graft on the affected leg. He said because his leg was taken off by the force of the blast it was difficult for medics to deal with, as similar injuries had not been a common problem in the UK since World War II. A successful graft, he said, would signal the next step on the road to recovery. Mr Holness said he is continuing to stay positive. 'I'm not allowing myself to have a bad day,' he said, 'If I allow myself to have a bad day then they [the bombers] have won that one day from me. 'I'm not allowing that to happen. I won't let them beat me. 'I'm looking at myself as being one of the lucky ones. 'My life still remains here, I can still move on with it.' There's also a photo of him on the BBC website. nell

Nell, I have just put up a thread myself regarding this gentleman. I will now delete it. We seemed to have crossed. I just want to say that this man has restored my faith in human nature. Jean x.

Yes, I saw him on Breakfast TV, he was genuine, a young black man who sounded as if he had a strong sense of 'self' and knew where he was going in Life. Good Luck to him! Lily

I heard him on the radio today and it really is humbling Nell - it's also very powerful when you hear an ordinary person articulate such an intelligent and resilient attitude.

Understand the Beeb are going to follow his progress for the next year and report on his rehabilitation.

Very humbling Nell. What a wonderful man and an inspiration to others. Daisy

Hi Helen, I'm glad you put this thread up. I mentioned him on Joy's 7/7 thread but I don't think anyone noticed. As you say how humbling & what an inspiration. I tried to add this two hours ago but couldn't get back in!!! Vivienne

Thanks for posting this. Puts all the petty everyday problems and grievances into perspective. This man sounds extraordinarily brave and wise.

i saw it last night on the bbc london news an amazing young man susie

Good for you, Garri. x

I too saw the interview with this remarkable young man on Breakfast tele. It brought tears to my eyes to see just how wonderfully he is coping with everything, and his attitude is something to be admired. I remember thinking how proud any mother would be to have him as her son. Bless you young man and I hope you go from strength to strength and have a good life.

Thanks for nudging this thread Nell - must have missed it the first time round. It puts my faith back in mankind - what a courageous chap he must be. Debby