7 July survivor honours hospital

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/london/6279106.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A woman who lost both her legs in the 7 July London bombings has thanked the hospital staff who saved her life.

Gill Hicks, 39, spent three months at St Thomas' Hospital, south-east London, after being the last survivor rescued from the Russell Square explosion.

On the eve of the second anniversary of the bombings, she presented hospital staff with a cheque for £13,000.

Mrs Hicks, now an ambassador for charity Peace Direct, thanked staff for "never giving up" on her.

Four suicide bombers targeted three Tube trains and a bus on 7 July 2005, killing 52 and injuring hundreds.

'Desperate need'

"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," Mrs Hicks said.

"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."

Emma Allcott, sister on the ward where Mrs Hicks recovered, said she had been an inspiration.

"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," Ms Allcott said.

"Through such horrific circumstances, many of us have built amazing new friendships which continue to be a huge source of strength for us all."