London Bridge attack victim’s parents’ honour her memory with Paris trip

They were left heartbroken when their 21-year-old daughter was killed in the horrific London Bridge terror attack last year, but now Sara Zelenak’s parents have honoured her memory with an inspirational cycle ride.

The young girl’s mum Julie Wallis and step-father Mark were due to fly to Paris from their home in Brisbane last year to meet Sara as she travelled around Europe. However, less than a month before they were due to go, she was killed in the shocking attack.

Now, they have embarked on a huge cycle ride from London to the French capital, with an initial aim to arrive in the city by June 30 – the day they were due to meet Sara a year ago. 

Speaking at her funeral last year, Julie revealed the last time she spoke to her daughter she had shared her excitement to see her parents in France in just a few weeks time.

“The last thing she said was ‘Mum, see you in 26 sleeps in Paris’,” Julie said. “‘I can’t wait to eat croissants, French food, cheese and wine.’ “That didn’t happen. Unfortunately no one knows why – we’ll never understand.”

In fact, they’ve already made it to France, and shared a photo with a spread of croissants and food in front of them on Tuesday.

They are documenting the trip, named #MeetYouInParis, on the official Facebook page for their non-profit organisation created in Sara’s memory, named Sarz Sanctuary.

Australia’s High Commissioner George Brandis is supporting the cycle ride, and met the couple in London before they set off. They’re also joined by four other people cycling, including Met police officers involved in the investigation.

Read more: Sara Zelenak named as second Australian killed in London terror attack

Sara was one of two Australians tragically killed in the attack in June last year. South Australian nurse Kirsty Boden was confirmed as the other victim, just hours before Sara. It was reported at the time that Sara worked as an au pair in London, and was separated from her friend during the attack.

Eight people were killed and 48 injured in the frenzied attack, which saw the terrorists mow down pedestrians on London Bridge before stabbing people at the nearby Borough Market. 

Do you have a message for Sara’s parents during their cycle ride?