Sydney siege survivor Julie Taylor has released a statement praising Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson for their bravery.
Julie was one of two pregnant hostages in the Sydney siege and was protected by Katrina during the siege.
Her statement also revealed that despite the ordeal her baby is healthy, with her and her husband expecting to welcome their precious baby in a few months’ time.
“If all goes well, and there’s no reason to think it won’t, we’ll give birth to a precious baby in a few months,” Ms Taylor, who is 19 weeks pregnant, said.
“Although it’s an emotional time, we’re trying to focus on keeping ourselves healthy so that can occur.”
Julie, who worked with Katrina in commercial law at the Eight Selborne Chambers, says she was the “most wonderful person I have ever met”.
“She was my closest friend, a role model and confidante. Her bravery and strength was, and continues to be, a comfort and inspiration for me. She invested every moment of her life in her friends and family, and will be greatly missed by everyone who has known her. My thoughts and sympathy are with her family, whom I have come to know and love,” she said.
While Julie didn’t know Lindt cafe manager Tori Johnson, another victim of the siege, she says their friendship was “forged under the worst imaginable circumstance”.
“It was clear to me how much you loved your family, and how much compassion you had for everyone you met. I am grateful that you were with me throughout our ordeal,” Ms Taylor said.
Read her full statement below.
