A survivor of the London 7/7 bombings who was selected as an Olympic torch bearer has been forced to pull out of the event due to her injuries.
Gill Hicks, who lost both legs in the terrorist attack, was advised by doctors not to make the long-haul flight from her native Australia.
Hicks had been nominated to carry the torch through Camden on the penultimate day of the relay, but a paramedic who helped saved her life will now deputise.
Tracy Russell of London Ambulance Service was one of the first medics to treat Hicks when she was pulled from a Piccadilly Line train carriage with severe injuries.
Russell told Sky News: "Even though we have become close friends, Gill's email asking me to carry the Olympic torch for her, came completely out of the blue.
"She was due to carry the flame in Camden, where she used to live, but because of my shifts, I was unable to do it there, and will be part of the relay in Wandsworth.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to do it for her and very honoured that she has asked me. I just want to make Gill proud."
Russell will carry the torch from Lavender Hill at 12.58pm on Thursday.
Mark Langshaw
