A SHINING EXAMPLE OF BRITISH BRAVERY
Jo family tribute after hero OAP dies
THE family of murdered MP Jo Cox have paid an emotional tribute to hero pensioner Bernard Kenny following his death from cancer.
They said the 79-year-old, stabbed tackling killer Thomas Mair on June 16 last year, was “a shining example of Yorkshire and British bravery”.
Bernard, who worked in mining for 40 years, died on Monday.
Jo’s sister Kim Leadbeater said on behalf of her family: “He restored our faith in humanity and we will be forever grateful for the attempt he made to intervene when Jo was killed.
“Bernard was a true hero and a shining example of Yorkshire and British bravery.”
And Labour MP Jo’s widow, Brendan Cox, tweeted: “Bernard Kenny was a hero, he personified the best of our country.”
An aide who was with mum-of-two Jo, 41, as she was attacked in Birstall, West Yorks, also spoke of the “man of the people” who tried to help them.
Sandra Major, 67, who was Jo’s senior case worker said: “He saw something bad happening and went straight in to help with no regard for his own safety.
“I remember him wrestling with the man. It was so brave, he was a hero.”
Bernard, of Batley, was awarded a George Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours but died before he got it. It is now thought that his widow, Doreen, will collect it.
Right-wing fiend Mair, 54, got life in jail for Jo’s murder.