A Ukrainian woman, Anna Bilonozhenko, shared her harrowing experience of being seriously injured during the Liverpool FC trophy parade, describing the incident as “one of the most traumatic experiences” of her life. The 43-year-old former Kyiv resident sustained a fractured right knee when a vehicle driven by Paul Doyle struck over 130 people in a matter of minutes.
Bilonozhenko and her 22-year-old daughter, Sasha, had fled Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion, seeking safety in the UK. Reflecting on the traumatic event, she expressed feelings of vulnerability that echoed her fleeing from war. “It felt like losing safety all over again,” she explained.
During the chaotic scene, Bilonozhenko recalled the frightening moment when she had to push her daughter out of harm’s way, clinging to the car’s bonnet as it struck her. “The pain was unbearable because my leg was broken, but I knew I had to try and hold on so I wouldn’t fall under the wheels and die,” she said, describing her confusion and terror as the vehicle continued its rampage. Her daughter managed to pull her to safety moments before Doyle drove into more attendees.
At Liverpool Crown Court, Doyle, 54, was sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison for his reckless actions. The prosecutor highlighted his troubling history, which included convictions from the early 1990s, although he had been trouble-free for 30 years until this incident. A former military colleague of Doyle mentioned his known volatile temper during their service together.
Bilonozhenko, who now resides in north Wales, had attended the parade hoping for a moment of joy after the loss of her mother. “I thought that spending a day out together might help lift our spirits and bring a bit of light back into our lives,” she stated. Unfortunately, what began as a celebration quickly devolved into chaos, with people lying injured on the ground, leading Bilonozhenko to fear that some were lifeless.
Following the incident, she spent nine days in the hospital undergoing surgery to repair her injuries, which included the insertion of metal plates and screws. The aftermath has left her with chronic pain, limited mobility, and severe psychological distress. In a statement released through her solicitors, she revealed the setback this has caused in her life, including delays in her studies aimed at improving her career.
Despite the trauma, Bilonozhenko expressed hope for a brighter future. “I still hope that one day, we will both be able to feel safe again,” she said, emphasizing her determination to receive the necessary rehabilitation to rebuild her life and give back to a country that welcomed her.
This tragic event not only underscores the vulnerability of those seeking refuge from conflict but also sheds light on the potential for recovery and resilience in the face of adversity. It highlights a continuing need for awareness and support for victims of sudden violence, especially those already healing from the lingering effects of war.