Obituary: Philip Russell

Mr Russell died five days before his 29th birthday

When Philip Russell's friends gathered for his 29th birthday drinks this year the mood was sombre rather than cheerful.

A few days after the London bomb attacks, Mr Russell was then classed as missing and there remained a slim chance he might turn up for the occasion.

But Mr Russell had not lived to enjoy the get-together he organised - he had died in the bomb blast that tore apart the No 30 bus in Tavistock Square.

Like most of those who were killed in the attacks, Philip Stuart Russell had been on his way to work.

The shutdown of the Tube network, following the 0850 BST attacks, forced him to seek an alternative route. At 0930 BST he called his employer to say he would be taking the bus.

Keen traveller

"He's a wonderful kid that was in the wrong place at the wrong time," said his father Grahame Russell, 62, of East Peckham, Kent.

Philip was brought up in Kent and educated at Mascalls School in Paddock Wood before going on to read business at Kingston University, where he attained a 2:1.

A Charlton Athletic fan - he used to attend home games with his father - Mr Russell was a keen traveller, having made a four-month trip to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand before starting work in the City.

He had the rest of his life in front of him Mother Veronica Russell Time 'no healer'

He had also visited India and Thailand twice, and was planning a trip to Japan.

Philip's father and mother, Veronica, travelled to the site of the bus blast on the Monday after the attacks - to mark their son's birthday.

Also there was Caroline Hall, who shared a flat with the finance manager in Kennington, south London.

"I'm totally grief-stricken and overtaken by shock," said Grahame Russell.

"We can't imagine life without him," said Mrs Russell.

"Philip was a wonderful son and I remember his sense of humour. He was sensitive and understanding.

"He loved his friends and family and his work. He had the rest of his life in front of him and he was very happy."