‘LIFE-CHANGING’ was the term used to describe knowing terrorist attack victim Saskia Jones at a memorial service held today.
Hundreds gathered to say goodbye to the 23-year-old at Holy Trinity Church in her hometown of Stratford.
The Cambridge University graduate was killed in the attack on November 29 as she took part in a conference on prisoner rehabilitation.
Ms Jones was described as ‘determined’ and ‘strong’ during a moving tribute from her former deputy head teacher at Bloxham School near Banbury.
He talked about her charity work including her involvement with the Learning Together programme which helps former prisoners fulfil their potential.
He added as a choir leader and qualified personal trainer, aspiring to a future with the police, her ambition knew no bounds.
Reverend Patrick Taylor concluded that while her family, friends and community may have been robbed of a life, her light was something to behold in the darkness surrounding her death.
James Blunt’s ‘The Greatest’ was chosen as the parting song, with the poignant lyrics: ‘So be the young, the brave, the powerful, because the world is standing waiting for someone to come and change it’.
Saskia and her friend and fellow graduate, 25-year-old Jack Merritt, were both stabbed to death by 28-year-old Usman Khan – who was then shot dead by police. They were taking part in prisoner rehabilitation programme Learning Together – Jack as a co-ordinator and Saskia as a volunteer at Fishmongers Hall next to the bridge.
Khan was on licence and wearing an electronic monitoring tag when he attended the conference. He was half way through a 16-year sentence for terrorism offences and had been released from jail in 2018.
A fundraiser for Warwickshire Northamptonshire Air Ambulance – Saskia’s favourite charity – has been set up in her memory.
Visit saskia-jones.muchloved.com to donate.
