A decade after the devastating Bataclan terror attack, the girlfriend of the only British victim has shared a poignant new tribute to the man she loved, declaring her eternal love for him.
A Night of Terror in Paris
Helen Wilson, 59, was with her partner Nick Alexander on the night of November 13, 2015. They were among 1,500 fans watching American rock band Eagles of Death Metal at the Paris music venue when three gunmen burst in and opened fire.
Despite being shot in both legs herself, Helen cradled Nick in her arms and desperately tried to save his life by performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Tragically, her efforts were in vain. Nick, a 35-year-old merchandising manager from Colchester, Essex, was among 90 people killed at the Bataclan that night.
A Life Remembered and a Love Eternal
In a heartfelt written tribute posted on social media ahead of the tenth anniversary, Helen reflected on their life together and the profound loss she continues to feel.
"I never thought I'd do it without you, Nicky, but here I am touring the world and doing the job you used to do," she wrote. "I love you. I always will. I miss you. I always wu."
She described eating a meal in his honour, saying: "I ate Filet mignon in your honor tonight…. With green beans and Mac n Cheese… and a side of whiskey. Remember how we loved that?"
Helen, who first met Nick twenty years ago, poignantly added: "I'm trying to repair my heart even though a part of it is gone forever. Rocked by the waves but not sunk. My Star 80, eternal."
Seeking Justice and Finding Forgiveness
The Bataclan attack was part of a series of coordinated terror attacks across Paris that left 130 people dead and 416 injured. Helen, who was living in the French capital at the time, later gave evidence in the historic ten-month trial of Salah Abdeslam.
Abdeslam, the lone survivor of the ten-man cell that carried out the attacks, was found guilty of terror-related murder and attempted murder. The court gave him a whole life sentence after dismissing his claim that he had decided not to go through with the attack, instead finding that his explosives vest had malfunctioned.
In a remarkable display of compassion, Helen revealed after the trial in July 2022 that she had forgiven Nick's killers.
"I don't think hate and vengeance does anyone any good, and forgiveness is the healthiest way you can deal with something like this," she told the Mirror.
Speaking about Abdeslam specifically, she said: "I'm not sure if life imprisonment is the way to go. I can't say whether he meant to use his bomb, but from watching him in court I believe he's being very honest. I was there the first day he said he was sorry and I believe he is."
She expressed concern about further radicalisation in prison, stating: "If I spoke to him I'd tell him I'm sorry he had to do something like this to be heard. I don't think he is genuinely bad."
Helen has battled feelings of guilt for not being able to save Nick, but has found a way to move forward while keeping his memory alive.
"I'm still struggling to find real peace, but I can at last sleep," she shared. "Each step I've taken has been arduous and complicated. Nick is always on my mind. Sometimes I feel he's watching down on me. I hope he's proud."
