Home   Kent   News   Article

Bomb survivor's emotional landmark

Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Beverli Rhodes with Tommy Girl
Beverli Rhodes with Tommy Girl
Beverli in hospital after the bomb attack
Beverli in hospital after the bomb attack

She was told she would never ride again but she has already proved doctors wrong.

This week Beverli Rhodes welcomed her new horse to the Stone Circle Livery near Woodchurch, something she was told would be impossible three years ago.

Ms Rhodes was caught up in the London bombings of July 7, 2005, which killed 52 people and injured 700.

She was on a tube under Russell Square when, at 8.50am, a bomb was detonated.

Ms Rhodes suffered severe facial and head injuries and the past three years have involved eight operations, terrifying nightmares and an ongoing fight for compensation.

She has recently moved to Kennington, Ashford, with her partner to start a new life and attempt to move on from the horrors of the terror attacks – and she feels Tommy Girl the horse will be key to her recovery.

The head injuries Ms Rhodes suffered affect her balance and though a keen rider from the age of five, she was told by doctors it would be unsafe for her to get back on a horse as she could fall off.

Ms Rhodes would not accept a life without horses and was determined to ride again, which she has since achieved. After realising riding could help, she decided to find the perfect horse to buy.

Ms Rhodes picked a seven-year-old mare from Canada trained in Western-style riding.

“She’s balanced without a saddle and bridle which means I can sit on her bareback and get my own natural centre of gravity and balance back which will force me to learn to balance all over again – a bit like learning to walk again,” she explained.

Tommy Girl’s arrival at the livery this week marked the end of a four-day journey via land and sea for the horse and an even longer journey for Ms Rhodes who had spent weeks watching hours of footage of scores of different horses before selecting the best one.

Tears from an emotional Ms Rhodes greeted Tommy Girl’s arrival. “It’s significant that she’s here as it’s taken something that was negative and turned it into something positive,” she said.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More