Asked if he's the luckiest - or unluckiest - man in Britain, Gary Fellowes says he isn't sure.
He escaped death twice in the space of 18 months in two of the UK's worst disasters.
Gary was in a London pub when a bomb containing 1,500 nails went off, killing four people and injuring him and over 70 others.
And less than two years later, he survived the Hatfield train crash, even though he was standing in a buffet car where four people died.
His survival has undoubtedly taught him to be resilient and to live life to the full.
Now, 25 years after the bombing at the Admiral Duncan in Soho, Central London, Gary, 65, reflects on cheating death twice. He had just finished a pint of Fosters and was about to head to the bar when a friend introduced him to a stranger.
Deciding to stay and chat would save his life.
It was Friday, April 30, 1999 the first warm spring evening that year - and he'd gone to the Admiral Duncan, one of Soho's oldest gay pubs, after work to start the May Bank Holiday.
Gary had been drinking in the pub, his local, for 10 years. He loved that it was a 'safe space' for the gay community, while the interior always reminded him of a Cornish smugglers' pub.
As he leaned against a jukebox blaring out Millennium by Robbie Williams, a sudden flash filled the room as if a camera had gone off.
"I could hear what sounded like metal hitting the ceiling and walls," Gary told The Mirror ahead of the 25th anniversary today.
"I heard someone say 'Oh s**** and then everything stopped. The lights went off and it was pitch black. There was no screaming, just a deafening silence.
"I thought someone had poured beer on the jukebox which caused some kind of electrical reaction.
Bu hikaye Daily Mirror UK dergisinin April 30, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Daily Mirror UK dergisinin April 30, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
5 Israelis Killed By Friendly Fire
Tanks open fire on army HQ
ARCHING ON TOGETHER
Next stop Wembley after dominant United blow away Canaries
FEEL THE ROR
Fired-up Mcllroy flies out the traps with opening round 66
BEARMAN HAAS LOT TO PROVE
Boss Komatsu hails Brit kid but insists he's not in pole position for hot seat
MEN OF NOTE
D-Day heroes given thank-you letter's from all around the world
My heart swells when look at my kit..
THERE have been many a hard day's night, when he was working like a dog, but Ringo Starr still loves playing the drums.
Klopp's last draw
New mural unveiled as star boss set to leave Liverpool
BOY, 5, DIES IN 150FT FLAT PLUNGE HORROR
A BOY of five plunged 150ft to his death from a tower block.
Shona's jitters or glitters
EastEnders star to shake off nerves on Strictly dancefloor
Lag 'obsessed with Psycho' linked to child killer attack
Knife murderer probed on Roy Whiting jail stabbing