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Survivors of the Nottingham Attacks Share Their Harrowing Stories
For Wayne Birkett and Sharon Miller, June 13, 2023, began like any ordinary day. Little did they know, their lives would change forever after being struck by a van driven by Valdo Calocane. The attacks left all three pedestrians seriously injured, and in an exclusive interview with the BBC, they speak out for the first time, sharing their experiences, emotions, and the survivor’s guilt that has haunted them since that fateful morning.
The Morning of the Attack: A Normal Start That Turned Tragic
Sharon Miller’s day began with a cup of tea at home with her partner Martin. Sharon, 46, was looking forward to marrying Martin after over 30 years together. After her morning tea, she caught a bus into Nottingham city centre for her job as a cleaner. It was just before 5 a.m., and she was delayed by a late bus. As she got off at her usual stop, crossing Market Street, the unthinkable happened.
"I saw the van, and the next minute, I’m in the air," Sharon recalled. "I thought I was dying – all I could see was white."
Sharon was rushed to Nottingham's Queen’s Medical Centre with life-changing injuries, including broken ribs, a lacerated spleen, and a deep leg wound that became infected. She now uses a walking stick and has been unable to return to her physically demanding job.
Wayne Birkett: A Fight for Memory and Mobility
Wayne Birkett, 61, was on his way to his job as a forklift driver when the van driven by Calocane swerved across the road and struck him from behind. The impact caused Wayne to suffer complex brain injuries, and he spent more than six weeks in the hospital. Unlike Sharon, Wayne has no recollection of what happened during the attack or any part of his life before June 13, 2023.
"I can’t remember my life before it," Wayne said. "I have to relearn basic skills – reading, brushing my teeth, even holding my knife and fork. It’s been horrible."
Wayne also suffers from constant pain in his legs and back, along with frequent headaches, and struggles with memory loss. He finds it difficult to recall his past, even looking at his tattoo in confusion, not remembering its significance.
Survivor’s Guilt: "I Would Have Swapped My Life"
Both Sharon and Wayne express deep survivor's guilt, a common emotion among those who survive traumatic events while others perish.
"I would have swapped my life for one of those poor students – without a doubt," said Wayne, referring to Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, the two 19-year-olds who were fatally stabbed earlier that morning by Calocane. Sharon, too, grapples with feelings of guilt.
"When I heard what happened to Barnaby and Grace, I thought, 'I wish he'd taken me instead of them,'" Sharon admitted. "They were so young, and their lives were just beginning. It’s just so wrong."
The tragedy also claimed the life of Ian Coates, a 65-year-old caretaker, who was struck and killed by the same van. Sharon and Wayne’s grief is compounded by the knowledge that others did not survive.
The Attack and Mental Health Concerns
Valdo Calocane, the man responsible for the attack, had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia before carrying out the crimes. In January 2024, he admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was sentenced to a hospital order. The attacks have prompted a series of reviews, including a mental health homicide review commissioned by NHS England.
Sharon and Wayne, along with the families of the other victims, were invited to Downing Street earlier this year to discuss the possibility of a judge-led public inquiry. They hope that the inquiry will shed light on how Calocane’s mental health issues were handled and prevent future tragedies.
Looking to the Future: A Call for Change
In the wake of the attacks, both Sharon and Wayne are determined to see change, particularly regarding how mental health issues are addressed within the justice system. They believe the public inquiry could help prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring that mental health is properly considered in cases of violent crime.
As Sharon said, "We need answers. How could this happen, and how can we stop it from happening again?"
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact
The Nottingham attacks on June 13, 2023, have left deep scars on the survivors and the families of the victims. Sharon and Wayne continue to recover physically, emotionally, and psychologically from the trauma they experienced. Their voices, along with those of the victims' families, are now part of a broader conversation about mental health and safety in society. The fight for justice and understanding continues.
