85,000 sign Downing Street ‘Woolwich Angels’ petition

A PETITION calling for bravery medals to be given to three women who intervened in the aftermath of the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby was presented to Downing Street today.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Jun 2013, 17:29 BST
The Rev Jesse van der Falk, Rector of Woolwich delivers the petition to 10 Downing StreetThe Rev Jesse van der Falk, Rector of Woolwich delivers the petition to 10 Downing Street
The Rev Jesse van der Falk, Rector of Woolwich delivers the petition to 10 Downing Street

More than 85,000 people have backed calls to give George Medals, which are awarded to civilians for acts of courage, to the trio - dubbed “the Angels of Woolwich”.

Ingrid Loyau-Kennett was thrust into the spotlight after calmly approaching one of Drummer Rigby’s alleged attackers as the young soldier lay injured in the middle of the road.

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

The Rev Jesse van der Falk, Rector of Woolwich delivers the petition to 10 Downing StreetThe Rev Jesse van der Falk, Rector of Woolwich delivers the petition to 10 Downing Street
The Rev Jesse van der Falk, Rector of Woolwich delivers the petition to 10 Downing Street

Rector of Woolwich, the Rev Jesse van der Valk, started the petition at Change.org calling for official recognition of the women’s actions.

He said: “They showed great courage, selflessness, compassion, and presence of mind. And their actions brought dignity to Lee at the end of his life.

“I thank everyone who has signed this petition. This large number of signatories shows the overwhelming support there is all over the UK, and indeed the world, to see these women rewarded for their exemplary actions as citizens.

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“I hope Prime Minister David Cameron can now make this happen.

“As we hand in this petition at 10 Downing Street, we want to remember Drummer Lee Rigby, and to give thanks for his life as a son, husband, father and soldier.”

Drummer Rigby, who had a two-year-old son, was murdered near Woolwich barracks in south east London on May 22.

He was hit by a car and then attacked with a meat cleaver by two attackers.

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Ms Donnelly told the Sunday People that she and her daughter do not feel that they deserve medals but, if one was awarded, she would give hers to Drummer Rigby’s son.

She said: “If we were given medals, then I would love to give mine to Lee’s son. He’s going to grow up without a dad now, which is so sad, so it may give him something to hold on to.

“But really we don’t want medals. We don’t feel we deserve them. All we did was act on instinct.”

The petition, addressed to Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, says that the women’s actions helped prevent anyone else being hurt that day.

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It says: “The fact that no other bystander was hurt in the incident is testament to the courageous actions of these women.

“As the people of Woolwich come to terms with what happened here, coming together to honour the heroines of that day will send a positive message of unity and peace. “