Defiant terror victim: I’m getting stronger every day
WESTMINSTER terror attack survivor Melissa Cochran smiles bravely as she recovers in hospital yesterday and insists she is “getting stronger every day”.
Melissa, 46, was one of a number of victims mown down by Khalid Masood, who killed her husband Kurt.
The couple, from Utah, were in London to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary when Masood drove at people on Westminster Bridge on March 22.
Standing with crutches, her shattered left leg has a metal device known as an Ilizarov frame pinned to her bones.
She also posted a photo with relatives, captioned: “Talking with loved ones at home is some of the best medicine.” Another image is captioned: “Getting stronger every day.”
Her brother Clint Payne said she had been touched by the generosity of people who raised £60,000 on the GoFundMe web page.
He added: “Her health is steadily improving and she has been strengthened by the presence of her family. She is so grateful for the outpouring of love and generosity.
“So many people have been so kind and we are deeply touched by their goodness and generosity.”
Mr Payne also paid tribute to his brotherin-law Kurt, a music producer. He said: “The most difficult part of all of this is that Kurt is no longer with us and we miss him terribly. He was an amazing individual who loved everyone and tried to make the world a better place.”
Devastated relatives and friends also paid tribute to Kurt.
Sister-in-law Shantell Payne wrote: “This pain is so heart-wrenching and raw it has rocked our family and all that knew him to its core. We will miss Kurt beyond words.”
Masood’s rampage, in which four people died, ended when he was shot dead by a police officer in the grounds of the Palace of Westminster. Moments earlier, Masood, 52, had stabbed and killed PC Keith Palmer.