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George Cross call for Jo Cox attack 'hero' Bernard Kenny George Cross call for Jo Cox attack 'hero' Bernard Kenny
(about 4 hours later)
Calls are growing for a pensioner who tried to save MP Jo Cox to be officially honoured for his bravery. Calls are growing for a man who tried to save MP Jo Cox to be officially honoured for his bravery.
Bernard Kenny, 77, was stabbed in the stomach as he went to the aid of Mrs Cox when she was shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on Thursday.Bernard Kenny, 77, was stabbed in the stomach as he went to the aid of Mrs Cox when she was shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on Thursday.
Mr Kenny, who was discharged from hospital earlier, called the MP's death "a very sad loss for the community".
The 41-year-old Labour MP for Batley and Spen died from her injuries. A man, 52, has been charged with her murder.The 41-year-old Labour MP for Batley and Spen died from her injuries. A man, 52, has been charged with her murder.
A petition to Cabinet Office minister Matthew Hancock said "hero" Mr Kenny deserved the "highest honour". A petition to Cabinet Office minister Matthew Hancock describes Mr Kenny as a hero who deserves the "highest honour".
It has passed its initial target of 4,000 backers. It passed its initial target of 4,000 backers earlier on Monday and has now reached more than 17,000.
The George Cross is the highest bravery honour that can be given to non-military personnel.The George Cross is the highest bravery honour that can be given to non-military personnel.
Thomas Mair, who appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey on Monday, is charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.Thomas Mair, who appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey on Monday, is charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.
Mr Kenny, who is in a stable condition in hospital, is understood to be a former miner who was part of the rescue operation during a 1973 Yorkshire mining disaster. Mr Kenny is understood to be a former miner who was part of the rescue operation during a 1973 Yorkshire mining disaster.
Seven men died when part of the now-closed Lofthouse Colliery, near Leeds, flooded.Seven men died when part of the now-closed Lofthouse Colliery, near Leeds, flooded.
The petition calls on the Home Office "to award the George Cross to hero who fought attacker of Jo Cox MP".The petition calls on the Home Office "to award the George Cross to hero who fought attacker of Jo Cox MP".
It adds: "We believe that Bernard Kenny deserves the highest honour for bravery that this country can award. It adds: "We believe that Bernard Kenny deserves the highest honour for bravery that this country can award."
"The Cabinet Office must make it so as quickly as possible, so that our nation's thoughts are on love and bravery rather than hate and fear." Eddie Downes, a mining historian and engineer, said: "He's a rescue man, they put their lives on the line whenever they went into a mine, they're a breed apart."
Eddie Downes, a mining historian and engineer, said he was not surprised by Mr Kenny's actions in Birstall. He described Mr Kenny's actions as "superb", adding "not a lot of people would have done that."
He said: "He's a rescue man - they put their lives on the line whenever they went into a mine, they're a breed apart. After leaving hospital, Mr Kenny and his family issued a statement in which they expressed their sincere condolences to the family of Mrs Cox.
"He's superb, not a lot of people would have done that." It said: "We would also like to thank people at the scene, the police, ambulance service and the staff at LGI who were excellent in dealing with the situation.
"Finally, many people have shown great kindness over the last few days; this has been much appreciated by the whole family, but now we hope you will respect the fact that we need time and privacy for Bernard to recover."
The George CrossThe George Cross
Mr Kenny's actions were remembered at a church service at St Peter's Church in Birstall on Sunday.Mr Kenny's actions were remembered at a church service at St Peter's Church in Birstall on Sunday.
Parishioner Leif Wickes, who led prayers, said that "despite his 77 years" Mr Kenny "intervened in the attack to try to save Jo's life and was stabbed and badly injured". Parishioner Leif Wickes said that "despite his 77 years" Mr Kenny "intervened in the attack to try to save Jo's life and was stabbed and badly injured".
He added: "We give thanks for his courage and his example and pray for his speedy recovery."He added: "We give thanks for his courage and his example and pray for his speedy recovery."
MPs, who had been in recess for the EU referendum, have been recalled to the Commons to remember Mrs Cox.MPs, who had been in recess for the EU referendum, have been recalled to the Commons to remember Mrs Cox.