LINDT CAFÉ STAFF TELL - 'We found love AFTER THE SIEGE'

CO-WORKERS JOEL AND EUNICE SHARE THEIR STORY

- Phillip Koch

December 15 is D a date that still haunts Joel Herat. Eight years ago on this day, he survived the terrorist attack at the Lindt Café in Sydney's Martin Place.

"I have my good days and my bad days," Joel, 29, tells New Idea exclusively.

The 16-hour ordeal claimed the lives of Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson, 38, and Lindt Café manager, Tori Johnson, 34. Three women were nursing gunshots while a police officer was wounded.

Understandably, the day changed Joel's life forever. But one of the few good things to come out of the ordeal for Joel was falling in love with his co-worker, Eunice Estaris. 

Joel and Eunice found each other after their mentor Tori, was killed by gunman, Man Haron Monis, 50. He had taken 18 people hostage, and while Joel and others escaped, Tori selflessly chose to stay and protect those unable to flee.