‘I wish our hero son was here to collect his medal’
HEROES of the London Bridge terror attack received honours from the Queen yesterday.
Among them were the parents of skateboarder Ignacio Echeverria.
He was posthumously awarded the George Medal for “confronting armed terrorists in order to protect others”. Mr Echeverria, a 39-year-old banker, was killed as he tried to fight off the terror gang with his skateboard.
His father Joaquín Echeverria Alonso said he was “sorry” that his son could not be at Buckingham Palace to collect the medal himself.
He said it was a “special moment, but very emotional” for HONOURED: From left, Leon McLeod, Charles Guenigault and Wayne Marques with their medals. Above, Ignacio and, right, his parents with the Queen him and his wife Miralles and added: “Since Ignacio’s death we have lived a year of intense emotions.
“There has been pain and love and I have reflected on the meaning of duty and commitment.
“I have been compelled to think about what really matters and what is worth taking risks and fighting for – life, freedom, dignity for oneself and for others.” Islamic State fanatics Khuram Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba killed eight people by mowing them down in a van and then going on a stabbing rampage on June 3, 2017.
Almost 50 others were injured before the terrorists were shot by police.
Three police officers who responded to the attacks also collected awards. Pc Wayne Marques was stabbed repeatedly as he fought the terrorists and only returned to work in August.
He was also awarded the George Medal alongside Met officer, Charles Guenigault.
Pc Leon McLeod of the British Transport Police received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for providing aid to victims following the attack.