15 Everyday Heroes Win Civilian Gallantry Awards for Daring Life-Saving Acts
The 2023 Civilian Gallantry List has named 15 brave individuals who risked their lives to save others. These awards honour those who put themselves in harm’s way to rescue or try to rescue someone in danger.
Heroes Include Man Who Died Stopping Armed Attack and Woman Saving Elderly Neighbour
- Among the recipients is a civilian who sadly lost his life intervening in an armed assault.
- A courageous woman pulled her elderly neighbour from a blazing home.
- The awards shine a light on ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
- Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden praised the recipients’ courage and selflessness.
This year’s list is the first since May 2021 and the last to be approved by Queen Elizabeth II before her passing. Future awards will be signed off by His Majesty The King.
Public Invited to Nominate Bravery
The awards are sanctioned by the Sovereign and reviewed by the George Cross Committee. Members of the public can nominate individuals they believe have shown true courage saving others.
Top Honours: Queen’s Gallantry Medal Winners
Lisa Way, Ayette Bounouri, and John Rees (posthumous) stopped a violent attack at a Co-op store in Penygraig on 5 May 2020. Their quick thinking and fearless intervention prevented further harm.
Also honoured are WM Durante and FF Craig Jones, who rescued multiple people from a burning car on the A38. They pulled a trapped child and others to safety before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Their bravery likely saved lives.
Bardha Kola earned recognition for pulling her elderly neighbour from a burning house, risking her own safety to heroically save a life.
Oliver Dowden on the Awards
“We all hope we’d react with courage in the face of danger. These people have lived through that, and responded in the most admirable way.
Their selfless actions have saved lives, and I want to express profound thanks for their willingness to put themselves in danger to protect others.
They are all extremely worthy winners of the final Civilian Gallantry awards of Her Majesty the late Queen.”
These awards highlight the fearless spirit of ordinary citizens stepping up during extraordinary moments. Their stories inspire us all to act bravely when it matters most.
