Gill Hicks, who marries tomorrow, ‘has been a marvellous example of courage and faith’

The Archbishop of Westminster has sent his congratulations to a woman who lost her legs in the 7 July suicide bomb attacks in London who marries tomorrow in St Etheldreda’s Catholic church.

Gill Hicks, who is 37, was the last person to be brought out alive from the Piccadilly Line train travelling between Kings’ Cross and Russell Square, where 26 people died. She survived against all the odds, spending two and a half months in hospital, where she learnt to walk on prosthetic legs.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor said in his message that she “has been a marvellous example of courage and faith during these past months”.

Gill was preparing for her marriage to Joe Kerr, who is 47, before she was injured in the attack. The Cardinal praised Joe, saying he “has been her loving companion and constant support” during the past months.

Tomorrow’s wedding will be conducted by Fr Kit Cunningham, parish priest of St Ethelreda’s in Holborn, one of London’s oldest Catholic churches.

CARDINAL’S MESSAGE IN FULL:

“I want to express my warmest congratulations and good wishes to Gillian and Joe on the occasion of their marriage. Gillian has been a marvellous example of courage and faith during these past months and Joe has been her loving companion and constant support during that time. May the good Lord bless their marriage and grant them much joy and happiness in the years to come.”