We must stay strong
Families pay loving tribute to London Bridge heroes on third anniversary of terror attack
GRIEVING relatives of a victim of the London Bridge attack yesterday urged the world to stand united against terrorism and fear.
Marking the third anniversary of the atrocity, the family of Ignacio Echeverria said the twin evils can be conquered but “we must stay strong”.
Ignacio, 39, was one of eight people murdered when three terrorists went on a van and knife rampage on London Bridge and in Borough Market on June 3, 2017.
The Spanish banker leapt off his bicycle to save a woman from attack, using his skateboard as a weapon against one of the killers.
She survived but Ignacio was mortally wounded and bled to death.
In recognition of his outstanding bravery, the Queen presented his parents with the George Medal.
Bravery
Ignacio’s sister Isabel said: “We must be aware that we are not the only ones who were hit by terrorism. Unfortunately there are other families suffering due to the same cause in the UK and around the world.
“We must stay strong and united against terrorism and fear because we can defeat it if we stay all together.
“We must remember Ignacio’s example, who jumped from his bike to face the terror and unselfishly risked his life to save others.”
Her pre-recorded message was played at a mememorial service at Southwark Cathedral – a short distance from the scene.
James Hodder paid tribute to his girlfriend Kirsty Boden, an off-duty Australian nurse who was stabbed to death as she helped other victims.
He said: “I cannot believe it has been three years since I kissed Kirsty goodbye for the last time and got to see that beautiful smile. We all miss her so much and, despite my best efforts, the world still seems like a much darker place without her,
“Especially now when I know she would be doing everything in her power to save as many lives as possible during this horrible pandemic.”
Kirsty, 28, known as the “Angel of London Bridge,” was later awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery. Peter John, leader of Southwark Council, said: “We will never forget the loss and pain caused by those evil acts.
“But we also remember the bravery shown by so many that night, and the way our great city came together in the face of evil to remain united.”
Also murdered were Australian Sara Zelenak, 21, Frenchmen Xavier Thomas, 45, Alexandre Pigeard, 26, and Sebastien Belanger, 36, Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, and 32-yearold Englishman James McMullan.
Their killers – Khuram Shazad Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba – were shot dead by police.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “As a city we remember the victims, their families, and emergency services and first responders who ran towards danger without a second thought.”