Ms Lucas was also emotional as she gave her impact statement.
She said she called 999 amid the “bedlam” and “chaos” as she and Ms Liddle tried to push terrified children out of harm’s way.
“Not knowing where each child was in those moments is a fear that will live with me forever,” she said.
“My physical wounds have healed but the psychological scars remain raw.
“The online abuse has been relentless. Instead of being surrounded by the supportive community I expected, I have often felt exposed, criticised and unsafe, even in my own home.
“To some I am called a hero, to others a villain. The truth is, I am neither. I am just Leanne, the woman who did her best in an unthinkable situation.
“That day, faced with an impossible situation, survival instincts guided my split-second decisions.
“My parents wish for you to hear this: one person chose to do this, one person, and one person alone.
“I want the inquiry to understand that the harm didn’t end when the attack ended.
“My hope is that no-one else will ever have to live with this kind of lasting impact.”
The inquiry’s first phase is examining the killer’s history and his dealings with relevant agencies, along with any missed opportunities to prevent what happened.
The hearing was adjourned until Thursday.
Additional reporting by the Press Association