‘They’re just suddenly gone’

The father of a man killed in the 7/7 London bombings, which took place 15 years ago, says knowing his son died without family by his side is “the worst part about it”.

Philip Russell, who was originally from East Peckham, boarded the number 30 bus on Tuesday, July 7, 2005 after his train skipped Moorgate and continued to Euston, where passengers had then been evacuated. He was travelling from his flat, near Kennington, to his job as an asset manager for JP Morgan in the City, when the bus was blown up in Tavistock Square. Mr Russell, 28, was one of 13 victims who died in the explosion.

Four suicide bombers attacked London’s transport system that day, killing 52 people in total and leaving 700 injured.

Mr Russell’s parents, Grahame and Veronica Russell, feared the worst after they were unable to contact their son who has been missing since the morning of the bombings.

Now, 15 years on, the East Peckham couple would normally be attending a service in Tavistock Square, where a memorial was erected in 2018, followed by another service at Hyde Park.

But due to the pandemic, they will instead be laying red and white roses at their son’s grave at their village’s Holy Trinity Church.

Mr Russell said: “It’s a bit strange we can’t go up to Tavistock like we normally do. We do keep in touch with other families who we see at the memorials, and have kept in touch during lockdown. The thing is you don’t have to explain things to them, they just get it.”

The 77-year-old has drawn comparisons between the loss of his son and those who’ve died due to the coronavirus in recent months.

He said: “Like people who have been lost to Covid-19, the worst part about it is that you weren’t with them when they died. It’s like those who have been locked away in hospital. They’re just suddenly gone and it’s a complete shock.”

Being indoors more during lockdown has meant Mr Russell has had more time to reflect on the loss of his son.

“There have been days when I have thought about it more compared to when life was normal but there’s nothing you can do,” he said.

“Don’t ever believe anyone who says that time heals.”