7/7 victim Martine Wright defies bombers to be Britain's bravest bride

By Sara Nuwar & Lucy Panton

THERE were 42 steps of pure courage—each one of them a message of defiance to the bombers who nearly robbed her of her life.

Brave 7/7 survivor Martine Wright—who lost both legs in the terror outrage—amazed the world yesterday when she WALKED down the aisle to wed her sweetheart.

Dressed in a long ivory gown, beaming Martine took 42 steps on her dad's arm toeards her proud groom Nick Wiltshire.

WATCH: Martine's moving wedding's video

The News of the World was there to witness her amazing achievement, which has taken her six months to master using prosthetic legs.

Martine, 35, said: "I was determined to walk down that aisle WITHOUT using my sticks. If you told me six months ago I'd be doing this I would have thought you were completely mad.

"But it's been my dream and I wasn't going to let this beat me."

The congregation burst into applause as Martine gently linked arms with her father Albert, 71, and inched her way forward—a pair of gold pumps just evident from under her dress.

As she approached her husband-to-be, he tenderly asked: "Are you OK? You look amazing."

It was a day the 81 guests at the church in Great Missenden, Bucks, feared they would never see following the London Tube bombings in 2005.

Many blinked back tears during the 45-minute service—testament to Martine's incredible courage over the past three years as she battled back from the brink of death.

In a poignant reference to the terror attacks, the vicar Rosie Harper praised the couple's "love, courage and determination" and said they had not "been defied by a mindless act of horror".

At times, Martine leant on her walking sticks—a reminder of the pain she has endured during her recovery—but all the time she eagerly gripped photographer Nick's hand.

His voice faltered as he said his vows, and when it was her turn, she was nearly overcome with emotion and wiped away tears as she whispered: "I do" in a broken voice.

The congregation cheered again as Martine made the journey back down the aisle, followed by her three bridesmaids.

Among the throng were some of the emergency workers, including surgeon Dr Hasu Patel and physiotherapist Maggie Uden, who helped save Martine's life.

Martine said: "I joked that they wouldn't need to get us a wedding present. One gave me my life, the other helped me walk again. Those are pretty incredible gifts. They are the reason I'm here."

Dr Patel, from the Royal London Hospital, told us: "She's the most brave, wonderful person I have ever met. What she's achieved is mind-blowing."

Maggie, who taught Martine to walk again, broke down in tears. She said: "It was utterly amazing. For someone who has lost both her legs above the knee to walk down the aisle on artificial limbs without the aid of a stick is remarkable."

Martine clutched a bouquet of cream roses and Nick wore a smart suit as they enjoyed the spring sunshine. And that fateful July day in 2005 and four evil suicide bombers seemed a lifetime away.

Former marketing manager Martine was the last to be carried alive from the twisted wreckage of the Aldgate Tube after 22-year-old Shehzad Tanweer detonated his bomb.

Her injuries were so horrific she lost 90 per cent of her blood and had to be saved an incredible FIVE TIMES. As well as losing her legs, she also suffered a fractured skull and remained unconscious for nearly a week.

It seemed impossible she would pull through, let alone walk again and has since gone on to amaze medics with her sheer grit. She has even learned to pilot a plane and ski with the help of the News of the World, and spearheaded the fight for compensation for terror victims.

At every excruciating step, 35-year-old Nick has been by her side—scouring the London hospitals for two days after the bombings in a desperate bid to track down Martine.

He told us: "Her determination has been an inspiration to me."

Earlier, as Martine put on her diamante-studded gown at her home in Berkhamsted, Herts, she said: "It's the dress of my dreams. It's flattering and shows off my cleavage. I thought, ‘What the hell. I haven't got any legs but I have boobs. I might as well make the most of it."

As she adjusted her prosthetic legs and sat on the sofa, Martine—who recently had an op on her left arm to improve a 40cm-long scar—went on: "I had to have flat shoes so I found the nicest trainers I could...gold and cream."

After managing to walk up the aisle, at the reception at Shendish Manor, Herts, she also DANCED with her new hubby to Elton John's Your Song.

Martine said: "It was nerve-wracking but we wanted to do it so much." Brimming with pride, Nick added: "I've never seen such a beautiful bride. I'm proud to be able to call her my wife."

The couple are now set to honeymoon in the Maldives. But not before one more show of defiance from Martine.

She grinned: "This has been the best day of my life. I'm not going to let the events of 2005 overshadow my whole life. I've been given a second chance and today is the start of our future. I hope that will include starting a family with Nick.

"I was once told I'd never walk again...but just look at me now."