Daughter discussed risks of terrorism

John Mather said he was aware of the risks of Shelley's job as a tour guide. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The father of the New Zealand woman killed in the London bombings has revealed that the family had discussed the risks of her job as a tour guide - including terror attacks.

Auckland barrister John Mather said yesterday that he had talked to his daughter Shelley about the risks.

"We weren't oblivious to the risk that she faced," Mr Mather said.

"She was a tour guide - we spoke about the possibility of bombings. Her attitude was ... what will happen, will happen."

Mr Mather and Shelley's mother, Kathryn Gilkison, this week gave evidence at an inquest into the deaths of those killed in the attacks.

Their testimonies at the Royal Courts of Justice were via video-link.

Ms Gilkison said her daughter had planned to "circumnavigate the universe".

"She was a much-loved daughter, sister and friend. Her future could have been anything she had wanted it to be," she said.

The 26-year-old was among 52 people killed after suicide bombers blew up three London Underground trains on July 7, 2005.

She had been travelling on a Piccadilly line train in which 26 people died.

Ms Mather had lived in London for about three years, working as a tour guide, and was the sole New Zealander involved in the attack.

An inquest began in mid-October.

This week, details of the victims were finally revealed as family members gave evidence - most of them emotional testimonies - about their loved ones lost.

In Auckland yesterday Mr Mather, fighting back tears, said it was hard to describe what the past five years had been like, without his only daughter.

"I can't put that into words.

"Somebody very dear to you isn't there any more ... It's a big gap."

Mr Mather said that it was hard for families who were just starting to handle what had happened, to be reminded of their grief through things such as the inquest and various other inquiries.

Ms Mather's parents had flown from Auckland to London to search for their daughter when they did not hear from her after the bombings.

Asked if he blamed anyone for her death, Mr Mather said he did not.

"No. But then again, I'm fortunate that the killer is dead."

- Additional reporting: NZPA