For Wayne Birkett and Sharon Miller, the morning of 13 June 2023 started like any other. They both, separately, got ready for work and caught buses into Nottingham city centre, but what happened shortly after would change their lives forever. They - along with Marcin Gawronski - were struck by a van driven by Valdo Calocane, leaving all three pedestrians seriously injured. Earlier in the day, Calocane had fatally stabbed Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, and caretaker Ian Coates, 65. Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Sharon and Wayne have told their stories for the first time and explained how they feel a strong sense of survivor's guilt. Sharon's day started at home with her partner Martin, who she was looking forward to marrying after more than 30 happy years together. After finishing her morning cup of tea, the mother-of-one made her way to the bus stop, ready to catch her daily ride to her job as a cleaner. It was early in the morning - shortly before 05:00 BST - and her bus was delayed, leaving her worried she would be late for her shift. Sharon made her way into the city centre and got off the bus as normal, but her journey to work ended as she crossed Market Street. "I saw the van, and the next minute I'm in the air," she said. "I thought I was dying - all I could see was white." Sharon was rushed to Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre with life-changing injuries. "I broke my toe, five ribs, I lacerated my spleen, and I've got a big hole in the back of my leg that got badly infected," she said. Sharon, 46, now uses a walking stick and, given the physical demands of her job, has been unable to return to work after suffering serious orthopaedic and psychological trauma. "I'm still in a lot of pain with my leg and my back, but I'm getting there," she said. Once a happy and sociable person who enjoyed trips out with friends and family, Sharon now only feels safe in the comfort of her own home. "Martin and my family, and my grandkids make me happy, but I don't like going out," Sharon explained. "I was never like that before." Wayne had been on his way to his job as a forklift driver in the city centre when Calocane deliberately swerved across the road and drove into the back of him. He spent more than six weeks in hospital with complex brain and physical injuries and, unlike Sharon, has no recollection of what happened. In fact, the 61-year-old struggles to recall any part of his life prior to 13 June 2023. His injuries were so severe that he has had to re-learn basic skills such as reading, cleaning his teeth, and holding his knife and fork. Even a tattoo on his arm - a tribute to his beloved Leeds United - was unfamiliar, and when he looked at it, he had to ask his family what it represented. "My legs hurt all the time, my back hurts, I get headaches all the time and it's horrible not having any memory and not remembering people you've known and worked for," said Wayne, whose partner Tracey has cared for him since the attacks. One thing Sharon and Wayne have in common is the survivor's guilt they have both lived with since the attacks. "Tracey tells me off for saying this, but I would have swapped my life for one of those poor students - without a doubt," Wayne said. "It was awful hearing what happened to them [in the court case]. What happened to me was nothing compared to that." Sharon added: "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." Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia before the attacks, wassentenced to a hospital orderin January 2024 after admitting three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder. The BBC has taken the decision not to publish a picture of Calocane in this feature at the request of the surviving victims. Sharon said: "It's constantly on the news all the time, and I'm constantly seeing his face on the news. "Why keep showing his face?" The case has prompted a number of reviews, includinga mental health homicide reviewcommissioned by NHS England. And earlier this year, Sharon and Wayne, alongside the families of Mr Webber, Ms O'Malley-Kumar and Mr Coates, were invited to Downing Street to discuss plans for a judge-led public inquiry. They both plan to engage fully with the inquiry, set to bechaired by Her Honour Deborah Taylor, and hope it will provide answers that lead to meaningful changes to help prevent similar incidents in the future. Greg Almond, partner and solicitor at Rothera Bray, representing both Sharon and Wayne, said it was "crucial for the survivors to be central to the inquiry". "They want to put their story across and make sure they're not forgotten survivors," he added. Follow BBC Nottingham onFacebook, onX, or onInstagram. Send your story ideas toeastmidsnews@bbc.co.ukor viaWhatsAppon 0808 100 2210.
Trauma and survivors’ guilt: First interview with two injured in Nottingham attacks
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Survivors of Nottingham Attacks Share Their Stories and Survivor's Guilt"
Bbc News
6.5
TruthLens AI Summary
On the morning of June 13, 2023, Wayne Birkett and Sharon Miller began their day like any other, commuting to work in Nottingham city center. However, their lives were irrevocably altered when they were struck by a van driven by Valdo Calocane, who had earlier committed fatal stabbings. Sharon, on her way to work as a cleaner, experienced a traumatic moment as the van hit her while she crossed Market Street. She sustained multiple serious injuries, including broken ribs, a lacerated spleen, and a severe leg infection, which have left her reliant on a walking stick and unable to return to her physically demanding job. Despite the support from her partner and family, Sharon grapples with anxiety and survivor's guilt, wishing that she could have traded places with the young victims of the attack, Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, who had their lives cut short. Her sense of safety has diminished, and she now finds comfort only within her home, a stark contrast to her previously sociable nature.
Wayne Birkett, 61, who was also struck by Calocane's van, faced a different but equally harrowing aftermath. He spent over six weeks in the hospital due to complex brain and physical injuries, resulting in a significant loss of memory and the need to relearn basic life skills. Wayne’s injuries have left him in constant pain, and he struggles with the reality of not remembering important aspects of his life prior to the incident. Both Wayne and Sharon share a profound survivor's guilt, feeling that they should have been the ones to lose their lives instead of the young victims. They have expressed their desire to participate in a public inquiry into the events surrounding the attack, hoping to bring about changes that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. Their stories highlight the long-lasting psychological impacts of violence and the urgent need for mental health reviews in the aftermath of such incidents.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a poignant account of the experiences of two survivors, Wayne Birkett and Sharon Miller, who were injured in a tragic incident in Nottingham on June 13, 2023. Through their personal narratives, the report sheds light on the physical and emotional repercussions of the attack, emphasizing the theme of survivor's guilt. The piece aims to humanize the victims while also raising awareness about the broader impact of violence on communities.
Intent Behind the Publication
This article seems to serve multiple purposes. Primarily, it aims to highlight the human stories behind violent incidents, bringing attention to the personal cost of such tragedies. By sharing the survivors' experiences, the report seeks to foster empathy and awareness among readers, potentially influencing public discourse on safety and community support.
Community Perception
The article is likely intended to create a sense of solidarity within the community, encouraging public reflection on the impacts of violence. By detailing the survivors' struggles and their feelings of guilt, it may prompt discussions about mental health support and the need for communal healing in the aftermath of violence.
Information Omission
While the article focuses on the survivors' experiences, it may downplay the broader context of the incident, such as the motivations behind the attack or the response from law enforcement. This selective storytelling can create an emotional narrative that may overshadow other important factors related to the case.
Manipulative Elements
The report's emotional weight and focus on individual suffering can be seen as manipulative, particularly if it aims to steer public opinion towards specific policy changes or community initiatives. The language used evokes strong emotions, which can influence reader perceptions and responses.
Truthfulness of the Report
The accounts provided are personal and subjective, which can complicate the question of their objectivity. However, given that the article directly quotes the survivors, it maintains a level of authenticity. The truthfulness of the report is largely dependent on the accuracy of the survivors' recollections as well as the context provided by the journalist.
Societal Messaging
The overarching message appears to be one of resilience and the need for support systems for those affected by violence. This resonates with current societal discussions around mental health, trauma, and community solidarity.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to other reports on violent incidents, this article stands out by focusing on personal narratives rather than solely on the crime itself. It connects with a growing trend in journalism that emphasizes the human experience behind news events.
Impact on Society and Economy
The emotional nature of this story could lead to increased community engagement and support for mental health services. In the political sphere, it could influence discussions around public safety and community resources, possibly leading to policy changes.
Targeted Communities
This report may resonate most with communities that have experienced similar tragedies or those advocating for mental health awareness and support. It appeals to readers who value human-interest stories and who seek to understand the emotional ramifications of violence.
Market Influence
While the article itself may not have a direct impact on stock markets or economic indicators, the underlying issues of community safety and mental health could influence sectors such as healthcare, social services, and public safety.
Relevance to Global Dynamics
The themes of violence and community trauma are universally relevant, connecting to broader discussions about safety, mental health, and community resilience in contemporary society. The article reflects ongoing concerns that are pertinent in various global contexts.
Use of AI in Writing
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in crafting this article. However, if AI were involved, it could have influenced the structure or language to enhance emotional engagement. AI models like GPT could assist in generating empathetic narratives but would depend on human oversight for accuracy and ethical considerations.
Manipulative Language
The article employs emotionally charged language and personal anecdotes, which could be seen as manipulative if the intent is to sway public opinion without presenting a balanced view of the situation. It is crucial for journalism to maintain integrity while engaging readers emotionally.
Trustworthiness
Overall, the article is relatively trustworthy in terms of presenting the survivors' experiences directly. It successfully evokes empathy but could benefit from a broader context regarding the incident and potential solutions for community healing.