Mother of London bombings victim tells of battle to ensure daughter’s legacy

The mother of a woman killed at 32 in the London bombings 15 years ago has told of her battle to preserve her daughter’s legacy.

Mavis Hyman lost her daughter Miriam in the 2005 terrorist strikes that claimed the lives of 52 victims and injured more than 700.

Mavis, whose daughter died in the Tavistock Square bus explosion, marked the 15th anniversary of her death in a video message released on Tuesday.

Others featured in the 40-minute clip included survivors, family members of the victims, the Prince of Wales and London Mayor sadiq Khan.

“The lives of all of us changed completely on 7/7/05. All three of us in this family who survived Miriam, who was the youngest,” she said. “Together with Miriam’s other friends, there was an immediate need for redress of the negativity of that horrid day.”

The family set up the Miriam Hyman Memorial Trust in 2008 and established the Miriam Hyman Children’s Eyecare Centre in India in a nod to Miriam’s appreciation for the eye-care she received, being slightly short-sighted.

They launched in 2015 a free educational resource for 11 to 14 year-olds, entitled Miriam’s Vision: A Response to the 2005 London Bombings.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and London Mayor Sadiq Khan laid wreaths at Hyde Park’s 7/7 memorial on Tuesday.

A virtual service was held for survivors and the families of the 52 victims.