Terror survivor’s hopes for peace
AN EDGE HILL University student who was caught up in the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack has helped organise a free conference, bringing together survivors of terrorism from around the world.
Travis Frain, a third year history with politics student, was on a study trip to the Houses of Parliament in March 2017 when he was hit by a car driven deliberately at pedestrians on Westminster Bridge.
He suffered multiple injuries and needed surgery, staying in hospital in London for eight days.
During his recovery, he found support from the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation, a charity for victims of terrorism set up by the families of the two children killed in the IRA bombing in Warrington 25 years ago.
Now a volunteer trustee of the foundation, Travis is hoping the Survivors for Peace conference on September 21 – United Nations International Peace Day – will give people the opportunity to share their experiences and start a global network of survivors who will campaign and work for freedom, justice and peace.
He said: “After the attack, I found that the peace foundation was the only thing in place to support myself and my family.
“I became a trustee as a way of giving something back and I’m delighted to have the chance to raise awareness of the charity through events like Survivors for Peace.”
The conference, which is jointly hosted by One World Strong, an organisation set up by survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing, will feature a number of key speakers including Deputy US Ambassador to the UK, Lew Lukens, and Dr Idit Albert, head of psychological trauma for terrorist incidents at NHS London.
Travis added: “The conference is primarily aimed at people affected by terrorism, but we believe professionals supporting survivors of violent conflict, the media, and the public more broadly will also find it interesting and valuable.”
The peace foundation was established in 1995 to offer free practical and emotional support to people affected by terrorism.
In 2016, Edge Hill University awarded Colin and Wendy Parry OBE honorary doctorates for their efforts in promoting peace and community education in the wake of a family tragedy.
Survivors for Peace: An International Peace Day Conference takes place on September 21 from 10am to 4pm at the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Centre in Warrington.
Entry is free and places can be booked on www.eventbrite. co.uk