Josie Russel Discusses Recovery From 1996 Hammer Attack On Lorraine
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Lorraine Kelly was joined by Josie Russell this morning to discuss her recovery journey 22 years after a hammer attack left her with life threatening injuries.
Josie was walking down a country road in Chillenden in Kent with her mum and sister when they were attacked by Michael Stone.
The 32-year-old was left with life threatening injuries when she was just nine, and her mum and sister died as a result of the horrific attack which led to one of the biggest manhunts in British history.
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This morning, Josie was reunited with Lorraine, having met the host back in 1996 after the attack.
Josie revealed how in the years since the horrific ordeal, she has pursued a successful career as an artist and become engaged to her fiancé Iwan.
Discussing how she told Iwan about ordeal, Josie explained: "I don't really remember. We didn't talk about anything, we just carry on with life, go on and did normal teenage stuff, I think."
The artist explained how she found solace by riding her pony, Rosie, who she shared with her mum before she passed away.
"It was sort of the pony that I rode but my mum rode as well.
"I could ride her when I was a bit older. I did ride her for a long time. Now she's quite old, I take her for walks. She's 28."
Josie credited 'keeping busy' to allowing her to cope after horrific attack, as well as focusing on her career.
"I think just being really, really busy. My artwork is doing really well. I think that's just making me focus on my work and the future and everything.
"I've always liked artwork, even when I was little I used to do crafts."
Josie and Iwan have also moved back into her family home in Wales, which she says reminds her of 'happy times'.
"I feel like I've always lived in that house. We're just making it how we wanted it to be now, a little bit more updated, because it's a very old house," she said.
Asked about if it reminded her of her childhood, Josie reminisced: "Yeah definitely, happy times, I remember playing in the garden and things like that."