Yahoo Lifestyle 
Double amputee Gill Hicks shares her road to recovery
London bombing survivor Gill Hicks knows a thing or two about resilience. One decade on from the 2005 terrorist attack, the double amputee and South Australian of the year has had a long road to recovery, and admits it’s an on-going challenge.
But that challenge is one she readily tackles head on - just last week she climbed Melbourne’s Eureka tower and is the ambassador for the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s ‘I Love My Physio’ campaign. She talks to Yahoo7 Health about her recovery.
Congratulations on climbing Eureka Tower. How did it feel to finish?
I was filled with so many mixed emotions. Mainly those of amazement that I had actually climbed such an extreme height! Failure was never an option though, so once I started on that first step, I knew that I was committed, no matter what. I was joined and coached the entire way by a brilliant physio, Aidan Rich. He kept me positive and measured with every step. I wasn’t alone, although I had to do the work to get to the top, he ensured that I stayed on goal and positive!
More: Five things a chiropractor can help with - and things they can't
How did it feel when you realised, 'this is actually a possibility'?
Excited but focused right until the final step!
What has been the hardest part of your recovery since the 2005 bombings?
Staying positive through so much physical change and believing in myself to achieve whatever goal I set. From initially just being able to stand on 2 prosthetic legs to walking the distance of 500km, from the north of the UK down to London!
How did you stay mentally strong?
It’s an ongoing journey of learning about our human ability to grow, learn and appreciate our resilience, especially the power of our mind and our thoughts. I often refer to my rescuers, the very people who put their on lives at risk to enter the aftermath of the bomb blast to save my life and as many as they could. Their strength and example has shaped my life.
Then there are those whose dedication and passion to give me back a quality of life: my amazing physios. People who once again never gave up and believed in my ability – even when I didn’t believe nor could conceive actually walking again. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for my physiotherapist helping to rebuild my life.
More: Why you should strength train
What was your rehabilitation like initially?
It was amazing – because firstly I was alive. Being active in the hospital gym and learning how to sit upright and gain strength - I was euphoric.
How has your program changed?
The intensity is not the same – but the goals are : to have the best quality and ability to do the things I want to do in life.
How have your physiotherapists helped in ways that other health professionals couldn't?
They know the body, they know what is possible and they know precisely how to safely stretch the boundaries.
More: 10 tips from happiness experts
How difficult was it to find the confidence to walk again on your own?
It took every ounce of self belief that I had – and some days, still does.
What do you do for exercise now?
I work with a personal trainer at a gym and mainly lift weights, I am also about to start pilates again after a three-year break!
What is the most important message from your road to recovery that you want people to know?
Never give up and believe in yourself – we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for!
How has your experienced changed your perspective on life?
Life is the most precious gift we have – and we are here for just a breath of time. I’m focused on making a positive contribution while I’m on this planet and then leaving a footprint, a legacy behind!
