A Guy’s Hospital nurse who died after running to help others during the London Bridge terror attack has been posthumously awarded one of her home country’s highest honours.
Kirsty Boden, originally of South Australia, had been enjoying a drink with friends in Borough Market when she heard a crash on London Bridge on June 3 2017.
Without hesitation, Ms Boden – who has been dubbed ‘The Angel of London Bridge’ for her actions – ran in the direction of the crash to see if she could help anyone who was injured.
During the melee she was attacked by the terrorists who had deliberately driven the van into pedestrians, and she sadly died of her wounds.
On Thursday, (March 28) she was posthumously awarded the Australian Bravery Medal for her act of extreme heroism.
“The area turned to a scene of mass chaos and panic as people began screaming and running from the bridge into Borough Market,” reads her award citation.
“Ms Boden’s two friends lost sight of her in the melee. Pulled along with the crowd, they fled their seats and were swept around a corner away from the bridge.
“As soon as they were able, they made their way back to where they thought Ms Boden would be. They located her on the pavement about 50 metres away from the restaurant.
“She had been attacked and severely wounded by terrorists who had been in the van, and a police officer was performing CPR on her.”
It adds: “By her actions, Ms Boden displayed considerable bravery.”
Ms Boden was one of two Australians killed in the terrorist atrocity, which claimed the lives of eight innocent people and wounded many more.
Last year the nurse was also awarded a bravery honour by the Queen as part of the UK’s Civil Gallantry awards.