Survivor of 2005 London bombings still haunted by the suicide bomber

Two decades have passed since the 2005 London attacks, but the face of the lead suicide bomber, Mohammad Sidique Khan, has never left Dan Biddle's memory. It feels as real today as the day they looked into each other's eyes. Dan, who has complex post-traumatic stress disorder, still sees the bomber in his mind, dressed as he was on the day, about to detonate the bomb again.

Dan was in touching distance of Khan on a rush-hour London Underground train on 7 July 2005. Khan detonated a homemade bomb, killing several people and severely injuring Dan. Dan's survival was almost miraculous, and he was the most severely injured victim of the attacks to survive.

After enduring catastrophic injuries and multiple surgeries, Dan's physical survival was one thing, but the toll on his mental health was significant. He struggled with survivor's guilt and experienced flashbacks that haunted him. With the support of his wife Gem and expert help, Dan began to navigate his trauma and seek healing.

In 2014, as part of his therapy, Dan returned to Edgware Road station, where the bombing occurred. Despite experiencing flashbacks and anxiety, he found the courage to board a train to confront his past. The experience was emotional and challenging, but it marked a significant step in Dan's journey towards healing and resilience.

Dan's story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of traumatic events and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

According to the source: BBC.