Woolwich: Call for women to get bravery awards

THE Rector of Woolwich has launched a campaign calling for three women – dubbed the Angels of Woolwich – to be awarded bravery medals.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett was thrust into the spotlight after calmly speaking to one of Drummer Rigby’s attackers as he stood with bloodied hands still clutching a weapon.

Amanda Donnelly and her daughter Gemma Donnelly-Martin insisted on being allowed to sit with the soldier after his body had been dragged into the middle of the road.

The Rev Jesse van der Valk, rector of St Mary Magdalene parish church in Woolwich, is leading calls for The George medal – awarded to civilians for acts of bravery – to be given to the women.

He has started a petition on the website change.org urging the Ministry of Defence to recognise their courage.

Mr Van der Valk said: “Last week’s tragedy hit this community hard, but the actions of Gemma, Amanda and Ingrid have been an inspiration to all of us.

“Instead of running away when they saw danger they ran straight to the heart of it.”