85,000 want women’s cleaver attack bravery to be honoured

Rector of Woolwich Reverend Jesse van der Valk said that the trio’s courage had given comfort to the young soldier’s family.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett calmly approached one of Drummer Rigby’s alleged attackers as the young soldier lay injured in the middle of the road.

Amanda Donnelly and her daughter Gemini Donnelly-Martin insisted on being allowed to sit with the 25-year-old to try to comfort him.

Rev van der Valk said: “They showed enormous courage and compassion ... and that’s an amazing thing.

“People don’t always intervene because of fear of the consequences. These women did and most people think that’s something that should be recognised.

“I think for Lee himself and for his wife, child and family it has made a big difference to know that they were there.

“We hope the Government will award them the George Medal.”

Drummer Rigby, who had a two-year-old son, was murdered near Woolwich barracks in London on May 22. He was hit by a car and then attacked with a meat cleaver by two people.

Ms Donnelly said she and her daughter do not feel that they deserved medals but, if awarded one, she would give it to Drummer Rigby’s son.