Obituary: Carrie Taylor

Ms Taylor had started writing a novel in secret, said her mother

As they always did when they parted, Carrie Taylor kissed her mother goodbye, walked away and turned to wave and smile.

The tender farewell on the concourse of Liverpool Street station had become a routine end to their journey together from their home in Billericay, Essex.

But on 7 July it was the last time June Taylor saw her 24-year-old daughter, who died moments later on a Circle Line Tube train near Aldgate station.

Mrs Taylor, 57, told the Brentwood Gazette: "We travel together every day. I know it sounds silly but we have a little farewell ritual. Carrie gives me a kiss goodbye before we go our separate ways.

The last picture I have of her is smiling and waving at me June Taylor 'Don't wait for me tonight'

"Then I watch her as she heads off for the tube. Every few steps she turns and waves before she disappears into the crowd.

"I always watch until she's out of sight. It's a funny little mum's habit - but I'm so very glad that the last picture I have of her is smiling and waving at me."

Carrie Taylor went to Brightside Primary School and Mayflower County High School in Billericay, then the Royal Holloway University in West London, where she studied drama and theatre.

Popular at work

She was a finance officer at the Royal Society of Arts in the Strand, and was delighted to have just been offered a permanent post there, working with the fellowship team.

A popular member of staff, her former colleagues will be planting trees in her memory.

RSA executive director Penny Egan said: "Losing such a bright and lively young woman in such terrible circumstances has left a huge gap in the RSA team.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Carrie and her family as we all try to come to terms with our loss."

She had started writing a novel, her mother revealed, which she kept secret in her bedroom.

The week before the bombings had been a particularly happy one for her. As well as the job offer, she had enjoyed watching the Live8 concert and was overjoyed that London was awarded the 2012 Olympics.

Ms Taylor has a father John and a brother Simon.