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Sunday May 19, 2013

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Bali survivor: I was just a girl that went away on a holiday and it went terribly wrong

Posted by: Ellen Feely | 12 October, 2012 - 9:55 AM
LISTEN: Bali survivor Nicole McLean and her father Jim joined Neil Mitchell on the tenth anniversary of the bombings.

IMAGE: Nicole McLean and her father Jim with Neil Mitchell.

A Bali Bombing survivor who lost her arm in the blast has told Neil Mitchell how she wouldn’t let the devastation take her happiness away.

Nicole McLean was 22 when she was in Paddy’s Bar on 12th October, 2002.

"I was just a girl that went away on a holiday and it went terribly wrong," she told Neil Mitchell.

Nicole also had her right thigh blown out, a hole in her back which doctors described as the size of an AFL football, burns across her shoulders and 20 shrapnel injuries, but she said says she doesn’t feel any different.

”Even though I've got one arm I still feel exactly the same way as I did ten years ago,” she said.

Nicole said she felt angry and robbed when her son was born, learning how to do things again like changing nappies and holding a baby.

Nicole said she can still suffer panic attacks when she’s in a confined space with a lot of noise, but brushes off the affect it has on her life.

“202 people died that night so if I go on the rest of my days with the occasional panic and the loss of an arm, I'm not doing too bad," she said.

"Life can throw you curve balls, and it's the way you choose to deal with your life shows your true character.

”If you really want something bad enough in life, you can go out there are get it.”

LISTEN: Nicole McLean speaks with Neil Mitchell:

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Blog comments Your Say

  • I unfortunately missed this interview on 3aw as I slept post my usual night shift. I nursed both Nicole and Natalie and I would have loved to call in and Nicole know how proud I am.and what respect I have for her and Natalie and their friends and family. I think of them often. I have our purchased 'Stronger Now' as an Ebook and I loved reading it...even.if I did cry alot. I laughed alot too. Mostly, I am so glad to read that the girls and their families are ok. That they are getting on as best they can with life. I was pregnant with my 4th baby when I nursed the girls. Nicole amazed.me.as.she asked.me.lots of questions on having my baby. I was concerned for her care and she was asking me how I was... Respect is what I have. Thanks for writing the book. It helps more people than you know xoxo

    Carolyn Saturday 13 October, 2012 - 6:45 AM

  • Terribly wrong?? No!!! those moron Indonesians hate our guts,put this up 3aw or is not politically correct??

    Steve Friday 12 October, 2012 - 7:39 PM

  • Neil, fantastic interview!Nicole you're an inspiration to not only me but all Australians. I am so thankful your my sister and that somehow you made it back to us. Keep smiling "Sunshine".

    CLINT WILLSHER Friday 12 October, 2012 - 1:26 PM

  • What a class act. Keep up the positive attitude. All the best

    Ron from Clayton Friday 12 October, 2012 - 10:49 AM

  • Hi, Whats the name of Nicole's book please?
    Thanks

    Lee Friday 12 October, 2012 - 10:49 AM

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