THE FAMILY of a Woodford Green man killed in the New York terror attacks were at a memorial service for British victims in Westminster Abbey last Thursday.
Julia Wells, of Roding Lane South, clutched a photograph of her beloved son Vincent, 22, who died in the World Trade Centre on September 11.
She was joined by her son Billy, 36, daughter Joanna, 34, Vincent's girlfriend Michelle Mellule, close friends and her husband Charles, who said that Christmas would not be the same without their younger son.
Mr Wells said: "It will be hard for us. He was at home last Christmas. It will never be back to the way it was."
The family were among 800 relatives to attend the service to commemorate 78 British people who died when hijacked planes ploughed into the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.
They were joined at the service by the Queen, Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US President George Bush senior. But it was of little comfort to the grief stricken family.
Mr Wells said: "We have got used to the services. It doesn't bring him back. It was hard for us and brought back memories. The support we received from friends and family kept us going.
"I found it helpful to talk to different people who have lost they loved ones but you can't explain how you feel. To lose a son, it is like half your body has gone."
Mrs Wells placed a white rose and Vincent's photograph on a memorial stone outside the abbey for innocent victims of war, violence and oppression.
Vincent was working for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor of the north tower at the WTC when it was hit by a hijacked plane. The former Trinity Catholic High School pupil was a high-flier who had recently been promoted to a broker.
Mr Wells said: "We are so proud of Vincent. He was a wonderful son. He never did anything to hurt anyone.
"We want justice for him, but we do not want any more innocent people to die."
A plaque was put up in Vincent's memory at his old school last month. It was unveiled by headteacher Dr Paul Doherty at a service for the family in the school chapel.
Mr Wells said: "It was a lovely idea. Dr Doherty gave a speech about Vincent, saying what a character he had been.
"Vincent will never be forgotten by his friends and family.We have to take each day as it comes. All we have left are our memories."
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