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Mother of 7-year-old Julian Cadman, who was killed in the Barcelona terror attacks, speaks out

“I don’t know why I survived and he didn’t."

Almost three months ago to the day, Australia woke to the horrifying news that 14 people had been killed at the hands of a cowardly series of terror attacks in Barcelona, Spain.

Among those who had tragically lost their lives was seven-year-old Julian Cadman, who had been struck by a van that ruthlessly ploughed through crowds in the popular tourist area of Las Ramblas while holidaying with his mum, Jumarie “Jom”.

Julian Cadman.

During the attacks, Jom says that she was holding Julian’s hand when she was stripped from him. While Julian tragically lost his life, Jom was left in a critical condition with a shattered pelvis and legs.

Opening up to News Corp about the harrowing ordeal, Jom says she can’t understand why she is alive and Julian isn’t.

Julian was just seven years old when his life was wrongfully taken from him.

“Julian was a blessing, who brought so much joy to our family,” she says.

“We have to try to be positive, to take one day at a time but I know life will never be the same.”

“I just want Julian back, I don’t know why I survived and he didn’t.”

“I’ve have had a lot of surgery, all of it in Spain, but it doesn’t hurt one bit.”

“The biggest pain is in my heart; I want him [Julian] back.”

Jom with Julian were in Spain for a relative’s wedding.

As previously reported by Now To Love, following Julian’s passing back in August, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia released a statement on behalf of his family – one that echoes his mum Jom’s heartbreaking sentiments.

“Julian was a much loved and adored member of our family. As he was enjoying the sights of Barcelona with his mother, Julian was sadly taken from us.”

“He was so energetic, funny and cheeky, always bringing a smile to our faces. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives and will remember his smiles and hold his memory dear to our hearts.”

Our thoughts are with Jom, Julian’s dad, Andrew, and all those who knew and loved Julian during this difficult time.

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