Class instructor Leanne Lucas, 36, who was injured by Axel Rudakubana in the Southport knife attack, said: “I cannot give myself compassion or accept praise, as how can I live knowing I survived when children died.”

       She said she had scars she “cannot unsee” which are a stark reminder of what “he has done to us” and had lost "my role, my job my purpose".

       The trauma of being both a victim and witness has been horrendous. There were times when I would spiral into trauma and the effect this had on those close to me is unforgivable. The impact can be summed up with one word: ‘Trauma’.

       He targeted us because we were women and girls, vulnerable and easy prey. For (the girls) I’m surviving for you.”

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