When the doctor said you're due on July 7 I said: You are joking?

Terror victim Martine Wright is expecting a baby on the day she nearly died, July 7

Martine Wright pregnant

PROUD Martine Wright beams with joy as she reveals the magic moment docs told her she was expecting a baby - on the SAME day of the SAME month her life so nearly ended.

She grinned: "When they gave me the news it was due on 7/7, I said, 'Are you joking?

"And when the doctor realised the significance of what it meant, she just blurted out, 'Oh my God.'"

Tenderly resting her hand on her growing bump, delighted Martine, her voice charged with emotion, added: "This baby will be so loved."

The 36-year-old survivor feared she would NEVER be able to have children after the 7/7 London bombings in 2005, which robbed her of her legs and nearly of her life.

Martine, who also lost 90 per cent of her blood and had to be revived FIVE times, said: "They gave me some hardcore drugs in hospital. I didn't know what effect the physical and emotional trauma of 7/7 would have on my body.

Terror victim Martine Wright's baby joy

Impact

"Every part of me seemed to have been hit by the impact."

But after just three months of trying for a baby with husband Nick Wiltshire, she fell pregnant with her miracle tot.

Ever since four British Islamic terrorists detonated suicide bombs across London's transport network, 7/7 has always been a chilling reminder of when her life changed forever. Now it can become a cause for celebration.

In an exclusive interview, Martine told of her and Nick's delight at becoming parents.

The former marketing manager said: "Nick is so excited. He can't stop grinning and talks to the bump all the time. He calls the baby Crumpet, after my cravings.

"I took two pregnancy tests because I couldn't believe it. We're so happy."

As Martine reflected on the significance of the date she paused, then whispered: "I was so shocked. It's such a powerful date, it's great to think something so joyful could happen on the anniversary.

TWISTED WRECKAGE: Aftermath of the Aldgate blast
TWISTED WRECKAGE: Aftermath of the Aldgate blast

"But I worried part of me would always be a little bit sad on that day. It's a difficult time every year."

Martine was the last to be carried alive from the twisted wreckage of the Aldgate Tube after taking the full force of the bomb that fateful day in 2005.

Memories

While going back into hospital to have the baby may stir painful memories for Martine, she added in a show of defiance: "The baby will come when it's ready - it might even be at the end of June - and the main thing is it's happy and healthy."

In a few days' time, Martine will have her 20-week scan, although she says they don't want to know the sex of the baby. "I want it to be a surprise," she grinned.

Amazingly, she is the SECOND bomb victim to have baby news linked to 7/7. Last year her friend Danny Biddle, 29-the most badly injured survivor of the atrocity-became a father to daughter Caitlyn who weighed exactly 7lb 7oz.

As Martine spoke about the amazing twist of fate, she said: "It's so strange how the number keeps cropping up. Maybe the universe is trying to tell us something." Both survivors have come a long way after having to rebuild their lives.

FIGHT: Fronting our campaign
FIGHT: Fronting our campaign

Plucky Martine has learned to walk again using artificial legs. She has flown a plane and been skiing. And in May last year, she took 42 steps of courage as she WALKED down the aisle to wed photographer Nick-the devoted partner who spent two days desperately hunting for her following the Tube blasts.

She said: "For three years it felt like everything was on hold. But first the wedding and now this mean Nick and I feel we are finally living life like other people.

"I can't say I forgive the bomber but I can't hold on to that anger, otherwise it would eat me up inside and eat away at my relationship with Nick."

Campaign

Now Martine, who fronted our campaign to win fair compensation for the 7/7 victims, intends to rise to another big challenge-raising her child.

But she feared for her unborn baby's health because of the physical injuries she had endured and the possible increased risk of Down's Syndrome because she is over 35.

After the blast she also had to have a laparotomy, where surgeons made an incision in her tummy to check her vital organs were functioning properly. "I was worried it might mean I couldn't have kids," she confessed. "And I was worried about how I would manage if I had a disabled child because things are already hard enough."

And News of the World GP Dr Hilary Jones confirmed: "Trauma, strong drugs and stress can certainly affect fertility."

But her fears proved unfounded when she got the all clear, and she was overjoyed when she saw her baby's tiny heartbeat on her first scan.

She smiled: "The nurse poked my stomach to move the baby and it hit its fist out, like it was pushing her away.

"She said the baby had two arms and two legs and I joked, 'That's two more than its mummy'.

Pregnancy could bring other challenges for Martine-and for her doctors, who have never treated a pregnant double amputee above the knee before.

Bump

She acknowledges she will be unable to walk on her special prosthetic legs as her bump gets bigger.

"It's already more difficult to move around," she said. "I have put weight on and the tops of my legs are swelling.

"My right leg in particular is uncomfortable and it keeps falling off because it doesn't fit as well."

Martine faces having to swap to "stubbies"-little half-size prosthetics that leave her standing just 4ft tall.

And she could be forced back into her wheelchair if she cannot carry her pregnancy weight safely.

She said: "I might have to use one in the last few months if I start to get too big. I don't want to. People stare at me when I'm in the chair. I can understand it but it will be hard."

Being an amputee will also have implications for the birth, so Martine will be discussing her options with specialists.

Our Dr Hilary said last night that a normal delivery would be possible and advised a water birth because it would be less tiring. "You don't have to use your legs for pushing so it would be a nice natural method for her."

Resilience

Praising her resilience, he added: "She is proving you can carry on your life no matter what."

Martine's family are rallying round to support her as she prepares for motherhood. Mum Maureen, 70, broke down in tears when she heard the news.

"I cried my eyes out when I found out she was pregnant," she said. "I never thought I'd see the day and I'm going to move closer so I can help out."

Dad Albert, 72, added: "I feared she would never experience the joy of becoming a parent."

Martine, who now lives in Hertfordshire, is aware of the changes she faces, not least buying specialist equipment to help her cope.

But she is determined that losing her legs won't stop her being a great mum.

"This isn't how I imagined having a child," she said, "But the beauty is I can have one.

"I know things will be harder and I worry I won't be able to pick up my child when it's crying or needs me, but the baby will learn there are certain things mummy can't do.

"I might not be able to do things like everyone else, but we'll adapt. I have a great family and Nick by my side."

Her proud husband added: "Our lives have been on hold for years. Now I can't wait to be a dad."

Your comments

This article has 16 comments

Wow,speechless. Amazing. I was living in London on 7/7 and although I was safe in my office with the events happend, I still think 'what if' and feel happy to see survivours living their lives...

By Alyson in Sydney, Aus.. Posted February 4 2009 at 8:11 AM.

WOW what wonderful news!
its great to see that after all you have been through you are so strong and wont let anything stop you living the life you want to have! It shows that nothing can stop the great british spirit! Being a parent is a challenging time for anyone but all babies need is lots of love which im sure you and your family will give in bucket loads!!!
Best of luck for the coming years, and enjoy every moment as they grow up so qiuckly!
xxx

By dawn.. Posted February 1 2009 at 11:06 PM.


God Bless Martine,Nick and the baby. Stay healthy and love each other for the rest of your earthly life. Irmgard, USA.

By Irmgard.. Posted February 1 2009 at 9:23 PM.

wish u every happiness it is fantastic news xx

By p.m.. Posted February 1 2009 at 7:27 PM.

being a teenager in london wen the bombs went off i feard for our country, but reading your story all i feel is love and bravery, this child is a gift, i wish u all the happiness in the world guysx

By pearl meldrum.. Posted February 1 2009 at 4:22 PM.

Great to hear your news. Lots of love to you, your husband and baby when he/she arrives.

xxxx

By white.. Posted February 1 2009 at 1:23 PM.

C ONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND NICK ON YOUR GOOD NEWS ITS GOOD TO SEE LOOKING SO GREAT HOPE TO SEE YOU BOTH AT Q M HOS T.A.x P.S I WAS IN THE DOUGLAS BADER UNIT AT THE SAME TIME AS MARTINE

By TERRY ADAMS.. Posted February 1 2009 at 2:00 PM.

I really feel for Martine she is so brave and has been through so much, I wish her and her husband the best of luck

By Stella.. Posted February 1 2009 at 1:49 PM.


Very nice to read a lovely story about this lady and hope everything goes well for her with her little baby.Dont forget to print a picture of her little tresure
CHARLES
CANADA

By CHARLES GILLHAM.. Posted February 1 2009 at 12:42 PM.

Great to have an uplifting story in this time of doom & gloom. So much news is negative at the moment...at last a happy story.
Good luck to Martine & Nick....a couple with such courage

By Toby joe.. Posted February 1 2009 at 9:46 AM.

Congratulations to Martine & Nick,lovely news, take care luv Juliexx

By Julie.. Posted February 1 2009 at 9:46 AM.

how nice to read some good news for once,you deserve all the happiness life can offer,and im so pleased for you martine

By keefey.. Posted February 1 2009 at 8:15 AM.

What an amazing story , and an Amazing lady , and all going to be a happy ending they both very much deserve , good luck and god bless you all

By margaret.. Posted February 1 2009 at 8:22 AM.

She is such a strong and inspirational person, she will be a wonderful mum. Good luck to the whole family!

By Christine.. Posted February 1 2009 at 7:58 AM.

I hope Martine comes at ease with her wheel chair because she will be much more comfortable whilst awaiting the birth. People do not stare for negative reasons; they are merely curious.

Best wishes to this remarkable woman and her wonderful husband and her proud parents. Boy or girl; this baby will be loved and well cared for. This is marvelous news!

By someone_who_has_been_there.. Posted February 1 2009 at 1:20 AM.

My best wishes for the future.So pleased for you both.

By gran.. Posted January 31 2009 at 11:46 PM.

Post your comment here

Please note: All comments are moderated.
Tick this box to accept our TERMS & CONDITIONS

We have to check every comment before we can allow it to be published. But don't worry, we've got a team on it 24/7 - so check back soon! Please note that we cannot publish all comments received. The editor's decision is final. Please note that your email address will not be displayed next to your comment.
We are No1 for Videos
Latest news stories from the News of the World
JOHN TERRY'S SH*GGING & GAGGING John Terry spends a fortune hiding FOUR MORE lovers
JT IS NAMED OVER £137 FRAUD CASE Shamed star will be named in friend Faisal Madani's court case
John Terry thinks it's Orl over... it is now! John Terry bedded Big Brother star Orliath while Toni was pregnant.
'Cruel Wayne ditched me for a gold digger' Wayne Bridge dumped Sam Ramplin for Vanessa Perroncel
Win a romantic holiday for two to CUBA Show your love this Valentine's and scoop this awesome prize.
SEX WITH JOHN TERRY ONLY LASTED 12 MINUTES Vanessa Perroncel's pals circulate stories about disgraced footballer.
HOWAY THE PUD Geordies spend more on Yorkshire puddings than families IN Yorkshire.
MYSTERY OF PHONE NAB THUG Thug caught by mobile pic after punching a nurse unconscious.
SERIAL WAG GOT FIXTURE LISTS TO FIND HER NEXT MAN Vanessa Perroncel sent coded messages and naked pictures to JT.
AFTER ALL THIS HE'S STILL DAD OF THE YEAR Sauce bosses WON'T take title away from John Terry.