A rail worker credited with saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing on a train has woken in hospital and spoken with his wife for the first time.
Samir Zitouni, 48, was a member of the catering crew on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross service on 1 November when an attacker struck as it passed through Cambridgeshire.
The actions of the crew member – who suffered serious injuries – were described as “nothing short of heroic” by British Transport Police (BTP).
A Go Fund Me page, set up with the Zitouni family’s approval, said that on Friday “his wife has shared the wonderful news that Sam woke up briefly yesterday, and she was able to speak with him for a short time”.
Last week, BTP said Mr Zitouni remained “critically unwell” but stable at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
He was one of 11 people treated for injuries during the attack on the 18:25 GMT LNER service that evening.
A crowdfunding page set up by Gemma Royce – who says she has worked with him – has so far raised more than £50,000 to help support Mr Zitouni’s family.
Sharing the news that Mr Zitouni – known as Sam – had been able to speak to his wife for a short time, Ms Royce wrote: “This is a truly positive step forward, though there is still a long journey ahead in his recovery.
“Thank you all for continuing to keep Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
“Your kindness means the world to them.”
Ms Royce said other charity volunteers were helping raise the funds.
Mr Zitouni has worked for LNER for more than 20 years.
David Horne, LNER managing director, said last week: “In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him.”
It is thought Mr Zitouni “blocked” the suspect from stabbing a girl, leaving him with a gash on his head and neck.
In a statement from the family shared on the crowdfunding page on Thursday, his wife wrote: “Sam acted as a shield to protect the lives of others, risking not being able to return home to his beloved son.
“This is who Sam is — he would do the same for anyone, regardless of colour, age, gender, religion, or origin, even for those he does not know.
“Sam is our hero.”
Passengers on board the train said a person brandishing a knife began stabbing people after it passed through Peterborough.
The driver brought the train to an emergency halt at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.
Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed address, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder relating to the train stabbings and a count of attempted murder in connection with an alleged attack in London.
He is due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 1 December.
