Martine Wright MBE

Martine Wright MBE lost both legs in the Circle line bombing, yet she considers herself a lucky woman with a whole new life of opportunities.

On 6 July 2005 Martine and work friends gathered to watch the announcement of the host city for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The next morning, Martine caught the Circle line and sat just three feet away from suicide bomber Shehzad Tanweer. Suffering from the most severe injuries, and consequently last rescued survivor of the 7/7 bombings, Martine was trapped for over an hour having lost 80% of her blood supply as well as both legs above the knees. There followed a painful year of rehabilitation including learning to walk again on prosthetics.

It was the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics that gave Martine’s life new shape and her days meaning. In 2009 Martine attended her first Sitting Volleyball session. There was an instant appeal and since making her debut in 2010, Martine has amassed a total of more than 40 caps for her country. In 2012 the GB Sitting Volleyball team took part in their first Paralympic Games at the London Paralympic Games.

Post 7/7, Martine has been a public campaigner for the families of the victims of the 7/7 bombings. She is busy sharing her story, her experiences and what she has taken out of her journey to be a Paralympian following the tragic event. On June 10th 2016, Martine was awarded an MBE for her services to sport. In 2012 Martine was named Inspirational Woman of the Year by Zest Magazine, the Vitalise Woman of Achievement and at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, she won the Helen Rollason Award for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. In 2018, Martine won Autobiography of the Year with ‘Unbroken’, recounting her inspirational journey from bomb survivor to Paralympian, at the Sports Book Awards.

Her engaging speaking style as well as a burning passion to inspire others makes Martine Wright one of the most popular motivational speakers on the circuit.

When Martine spoke to our staff about how they saved her life on 7 July 2005 it was extremely heartfelt. She spoke with genuine emotion, and tailored what she said to fit in with the theme of our event. Martine had a real connection with the audience and what she said was incredibly inspiring and truly deserved the standing ovation she received. Martine was extremely generous with her time, chatting to staff and was very approachable. She helped to make the evening very special and one that ambulance staff will remember.