Heroic policeman Charlie Guenigault, from Dartford, receives George Medal from the Queen
A policeman who was stabbed multiple times as he tried to save others in the London Bridge terror attack has received a medal for his bravery.
PC Charlie Guenigault, from Dartford, was awarded the George Medal by the Queen today after he put his life on the line on June 3 last year.
The off-duty officer was on his way home after watching the Champions League final when a group of terrorists drove a van into pedestrians and began to attack members of the public.
Speaking being told he would receive the award, the 26-year-old said: "I mean it is quite a shock, it’s something that people say to you, that you deserved to get a George Medal or a George Cross but when it actually comes through and you get that letter it’s a very, very proud moment, not just for me, I hope it’s a proud moment for my family and friends.
“It’s almost what you did on that night has resulted in you getting this award. That’s the icing on the cake. Not only are you alive but you’re also getting this fantastic recognition.
“When I wake up I see the scars on my face, on my body. I know what I did, and I know how I came through it as well.
“Getting through that all the time, it’s always going to be there. There’s no point in trying to hide away from it, you just have to accept it and hopefully it changes you for the better.”
As Mr Guenigault lay on the floor with his injuries, a couple walking by ran to help him.
Ellen Gauntlett and Justin Jones came to his aid after he was stabbed, and stayed with him the whole night.
Mr Guenigault admitted he can’t thank them enough for what they did, saying: “After I had gone to the floor, I was just laying on the floor still conscious and I saw Justin and Ellen come over to me. I told Justin straight away he needs to put his knee on my back to stop any bleeding and told Ellen to call the police.
“They stayed with me there even when gunshots were going off. They took me to hospital and stayed with me in hospital, until they knew I was going to get through it.
“I can’t thank them enough for what they did – to stay there and keep me talking and awake.
“It just shows you don’t have to be a police officer to do something amazing as well.”