Survivor of Tunisia terror attack is student of the year

When lone gunman Seifeddine Rezgui headed to the Tunisian resort at Port El Kantaou, no one could have predicted what was about to happen. 

Disguised as a tourist and armed with an assault rifle concealed in an umbrella, Rezgui socialised with tourists before firing at them on the beach. 

As he entered the nearby Riu Imperial Marhaba Hotel, situated on the coast about six miles (10km) north of Sousse, he aimed at everyone he came across. 

The mass shooting claimed the lives of 38 people and wounded a further 39 before Rezgui was killed by security forces.  

Of those who died on that fateful day in June 2015, 30 had been British holidaymakers. And one who became embroiled in the terror attack was 13-year-old Rowan Venables. 

Rowan Venables collects her degree (Image: David Kirkham)

Now, at the age of 22, the Sprowston survivor has spoken publicly about her ordeal for the first time. 

As shots rang out around the hotel, Miss Venables recalled the terrifying moment when she thought she would die.

She had been on holiday with her grandparents Keith and Anne Jackson when the gunman opened fire. 

In the chaos of the attack, she quickly became separated from them. 

She said: "It was the fifth day of our holiday, and we were at the hotel pool when the gunshots started.  

"I was probably no more than 500 yards away and was separated from my grandparents.  

"I thought, 'this is it - I'm never going to see my grandparents again'." 

As she fled to safety, a hotel gardener helped her scramble into a lift shaft and managed to shelter her from the horror unfolding outside. 

Rowan Venables  (Image: David Kirkham)

Of the many who lost their lives, this included 52-year-old Stuart Cullen, from Carlton Colville. 

The father-of-one had been holidaying with his wife Christine. She survived the attack and has fought with daughter Emma to keep his legacy alive ever since. 

Tony and Christine Callaghan, from North Walsham, were also caught up in the attack, with Mrs Callaghan said to have been saved by her handbag. 

Mr Callaghan said at the time that a bullet had passed through the bag, with her glasses case absorbing some of the impact before it struck her leg. 

For Miss Venables, she made it home and was reunited with both of her grandparents but was left with some hearing loss and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

(Image: AP/Darko Vojinovic)

(Image: Archant)

Now, nine years on from that devastating terror attack on June 27, she has described how living through the horror in Sousse had shaped the rest of her life. 

She said: "The experience has made me work so much harder throughout my life. It made me really grateful for everything I have been able to do. 

"I survived, so have learned I have to make the most of everything and am incredibly proud of what I've achieved. 

"But I also think it is important to remember this is just something that happened to me – I cannot let it define my entire life." 

She is now preparing to embark on a career in agriculture and has just been named higher education student of the year by City College Norwich having earned a first-class degree in agribusiness management from Easton College. 

After graduating from college, she has accepted a role as a graduate farm consultant with Ceres Rural, which will see her largely based in Poringland and in charge of her own flock of sheep. 

Rowan Venables, centre, with members of her family at her graduation (Image: David Kirkham)

From here, she plans to launch a lasting career in the agricultural sector with the ambition of becoming a leading agronomist.  

She said: "I have always felt comfortable around animals but never thought I would go on to higher education. 

"After everything that happened in Tunisia, I thought I can't be stuck in an office day in, day out.  

"I find so much joy and calmness in being outside, and in talking to people as well. 

"To receive this recognition means the world to me." 

Jerry White, principal of City College, said: "Rowan's story is exceptional and I am incredibly proud of her - as I am all of our graduates. 

"Stories like hers go to show the role the college has in providing opportunities and support for people as they go onto higher education." 

She was one of more than 200 graduates to receive their degrees at a ceremony held at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday. 

Students from City College and Easton College's graduation ceremony (Image: David Kirkham)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS 

Miss Venables' achievements were just one of a number marked by the colleges during the cathedral ceremony. 

Anne Martyn, who received a first in her BSc wildlife and conservation course was presented with the college's outstanding academic performance of the year award. 

Katie Harris, who earned a merit on her health studies foundation degree was named higher apprentice of the year. 

Animal science graduate Abbie Mitchell was presented with an award in recognition of her work studying the behaviour of crested porcupines at Banham Zoo. 

Bowen Fisk was presented with the Clancy Award - a prize given in recognition of his work on his construction BTEC. 

And Olivia Eves, who studied a BTEC in construction and the built environment, was presented with the MJS Project Award.  

Students from City College and Easton College's graduation ceremony (Image: David Kirkham) Students from City College and Easton College's graduation ceremony (Image: David Kirkham)