Nottingham attack survivors' haunting moments before lifelong injuries and memory wiped

On June 13, 2023, an attack unfolded that shocked and saddened the people ofAnd for those who survived, the trauma continues to this day.

University students both 19, and school caretaker 65, tragically lost their lives after killer embarked on a vicious rampage. Calocane fatally stabbed Barnaby, Grace, and Ian before stealing Ian's van and all of whom were seriously injured.

Thankfully, the pedestrians, named as Marcin Gawronski, Wayne Birkett and Sharon Miller, all survived the horrific assault, but their nightmare is far from over. Wayne and Sharon have both been left with devastating survivor's guilt, and say they'd readily trade their lives for those of the teenagers who lost theirs.

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Mum of one, Sharon, had been on her way to her cleaning job during what should have been an exciting time for her. After 30 years together, she and her partner, Martin, were preparing to tie the knot, and she was looking forward to the big day.

Sadly, her whole life turned upside down in an instant after Calocane struck. News reports how Sharon spotted the stolen van as she crossed Market Street, and the next thing she knew, she was "in the air" after just "seeing white".

Sharon, 46, was rushed to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre with a broken toe, five broken ribs and a lacerated spleen. She also has a large hole at the back of her left leg, which became "badly infected".

Nowadays, Sharon still suffers from a lot of pain and has to use a walking stick to get out and about. She's been unable to return to work and has gone from being sociable and outgoing to an insular homebody.

Sharon admitted: "Martin and my family, and my grandkids make me happy, but I don't like going out. I was never like that before."

Fellow survivor Wayne has also been deeply affected by the ordeal. The 61-year-old had been on his way to his job as a forklift driver in Nottingham city centre when Calocane swerved and drove straight into the back of him.

The impact was catastrophic. Wayne suffered complex brain and physical injuries and spent more than six weeks recovering in the hospital. He now struggles to remember any aspect of his life prior to the attack, and has had to relearn a number of life skills, including reading, brushing his teeth, and using cutlery.

The effect on his memory was so profound that avid Leeds United fan Wayne didn't even recognise a tattoo tribute to the club he'd had inked on his arm, and had to ask family members what it meant.

Wayne, who is cared for by partner Tracey, suffers from constant pain in his legs, back and head, and also struggles to deal with his memory issues.

He told BBC News: "Tracey tells me off for saying this, but I would have swapped my life for one of those poor students, without a doubt. It was awful hearing what happened to them [in the court case]. What happened to me was nothing compared to that."

Sharing a similar view, Sharon said: "When I heard what had happened to Barnaby or Grace, I thought, 'I wish he'd took me instead of them. They were so young and still had their lives ahead of them - you just feel so guilty.

"You should be able to go to work, and they should be able to walk around; Ian should have been able to get into his van and go to work. It's just so wrong."

In January 2024, Calocane, who'd been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia before his killing spree, was sentenced to a hospital order after admitting to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, as well as three counts of attempted murder.

Last month, Justice Secretary confirmed that a statutory inquiry into the attacks would take place and would be chaired by former senior circuit judge Deborah Taylor. This means the inquiry has now been formally established, with preliminary work beginning "immediately".

Addressing the , Ms Mahmood confirmed Ms Taylor would undertake a thorough, independent assessment of the events that culminated in the attacks, providing recommendations to prevent similar incidents going forward. Bereaved families and survivors were present in the public gallery at the announcement was made

In a joint statement made at the time, Barnaby, Grace and Ian's relatives said: "Following our long and painful fight for justice, we can have hope that today marks the beginning of uncovering the truth and addressing all that went so catastrophically wrong.

"The truth will out. Wrongs will be righted. We will make sure of that. Whatever it takes, however we have to do it, and for as long as we must. Unlike many, we have nothing to fear, nothing to hide or embellish."

Both Sharon and Wayne will be engaging fully with the inquiry, and were among those invited to Downing Street earlier this year to discuss plans.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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