IT has been one year since the life of Sara Zelenak was tragically cut short by Islamic terrorists in London.
The Ormiston woman had moved to the city just months before to begin work as an au pair and travel Europe.
A family friend of her parents, Carolyn Newton, remembered Sara as playful with an infectious laughter.
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Ms Newton said Sara had been someone entirely suited to the responsible care of another’s babies, despite her tender age.
“Sara was a natural with children …. and had the world at her feet,” she said.
The 21-year-old had planned to travel to France to meet her parents, drink wine and eat cheese.
Those hopes and Sara’s dreams for her future were cruelly ended on June 3 last year.
She had been out with friends at Borough Market when three knife-wielding terrorists began attacking people.
They had ploughed across London Bridge in a van, hitting pedestrians, about 10pm local time before dispersing into the markets.
The attack was ended less than 10 minutes later by police but not before eight victims, including Sara and one other Australian, had been murdered.
“One year on, Sara’s family and friends are still struggling to come to terms with her death and often relive the events of that terrible day,” Ms Newton said.
Ms Newton said Sara’s parents, Julie and Mark Wallace, were setting up a charity in the wake of their daughter’s passing to help others bereaved by the loss of loved ones.
“Sarz Sanctuary is a free holistic healing sanctuary which will provide a wide range of grief therapies,” she said.
“Julie and Mark’s mission is to help individuals and families suffering mental and physical turmoil after losing a loved one due to a sudden or violent death.”
Ms Newton said Sara’s life would be commemorated by family and friends this weekend.
She is remembered as smart, beautiful and bubbly but a dedication left by her parents at sarz-sanctuary.org details the impact Sara left on those around her.
“We, along with our two sons and extended family, feel the pain of losing her every day but we also continue to feel her love surrounding us and feel her guiding us in everything we do,” the statement reads.
“Sara taught our family and our community about love … a love that can lift others from defeat.”
Ms Newton said the Wallaces would raise funds for Sarz Sanctuary through their Meet You in Paris charity ride later this month.
Two-hour spin classes will also be held on June 30 at Cleveland and Victoria Point Healthworks for members to support the Wallaces as they cycle to Paris from London.
To donate, visit sarz-sanctuary.org.
