Westminster terror survivor whose husband was killed in attack smiles from hospital bed in selfie proving terrorists won't win

Widowed Melissa Cochran, 46, suffered a broken leg, rib and cuts to her head when Khalid Masood mowed her down on Westminster Bridge and killed husband Kurt

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ByRichard Wheatstone

• 08:57, 31 MAR 2017
• Updated10:48, 31 MAR 2017

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Westminster terror survivor Melissa Cochran posing with her family (Photo: GoFundme)

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This is the defiant smile of a woman widowed and seriously injured in the Westminster attack which shows terror will never win.
Melissa Cochran, 46, suffered a broken leg, rib and cuts to her head when Khalid Masood mowed her down on Westminster Bridge and killed husband Kurt.
The couple were on the final day of a visit to London to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary when Masood sped into pedestrians at more than 70pmph before stabbing a police officer outside parliament.
Despite the horror she's been put through and still showing the physical scars of her ordeal, Melissa posed for pictures smiling and with her family by her side.

Read More

• Westminster terror attacker Khalid Masood died of gunshot wound to the chest after killing four people

Melissa Cochran was injured in the attack (Photo: GoFundme)

Kurt Cochran and Melissa Payne Cochran

Kurt Cochran and Melissa Payne Cochran westminster terror attack (Photo: Facebook)

Kurt Cochran Westminster terror attack victim (Photo: FACEBOOK)

In one image, captioned "getting stronger every day" Melissa stands on crutches in her hospital gown.
The hospital snaps were shared on a GoFundMe page to raise money for her children and has already reached over £56,000.
Melissa's brother Clint Payne said: "Her health is steadily improving and she has been strengthened by the presence of her family. She is so grateful for the outpouring of love and generosity.

Read More

• Hero London terror attack cop was knifed to death even though he was wearing a stab vest

An injured person is assisted after an incident on Westminster Bridge in London (Photo: REUTERS)

Emergency services respond after an incident on Westminster Bridge (Photo: Reuters)

"So many people have been so kind, and we are deeply touched by their goodness and generosity.
"The most difficult part of all of this is that Kurt is no longer with us, and we miss him terribly. He was an amazing individual who loved everyone and tried to make the world a better place."
British-born Masood, who grew up in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, before converting to Islam in prison, drove a rented Hyundai Tucson 4X4 at more than 70mph along the bridge in a rampage which lasted just 82 seconds.

Khalid Masood killed four people before being shot dead by police (Photo: Daily Mail / Solo Syndication)

Masood died less than an hour after launching the attack (Photo: PA)

PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death outside parliament (Photo: PA)

He injured more than 50 others before running into the grounds of the Houses of Parliament brandishing two knives.
American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, and London teacher Aysha Frade, 44, died at the scene after being hit by Masood’s car.
Retired South London window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, died in hospital the following day.
PC Keith Palmer was knifed to death as he stopped Masood storming parliament.