Brendan Cox Leads Tributes To Bernard Kenny, The Man Who Tried To Save Murdered MP Jo Cox

He died at the age of 79.
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Brendan Cox has led the tributes to Bernard Kenny, the pensioner who tried to save murdered MP Jo Cox, who has died at the age of 79.

His son Phil Kenny told the Huddersfield Examiner that his father had been diagnosed with cancer in June.

Cox called the former miner a “hero”, praising that he “personified the best of our country.”

Bernard Kenny was a hero, he personified the best of our country;risking his own safety to help others.Our thoughts&love are with his family

— Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) August 15, 2017

Kenny was awarded the George Medal for the bravery he showed on 16 June 2016, when he came to Cox’s aid after she was attacked outside her West Yorkshire constituency surgery by far-right extremist Thomas Mair. Kenny was also stabbed by Mair.

Many MPs echoed his sentiments in their condolences shared on Twitter, including Tracy Brabin, who was elected as MP for Batley and Spen after Cox’s death, and Jess Phillips who highlighted the “goodness of people who stand up to violence and the far right.”

I am saddened to hear of the loss of Bernard Kenny, a truly brave and selfless hero. My heartfelt condolences go to Bernard’s family.

— Tracy Brabin MP (@TracyBrabin) August 14, 2017

Go well Bernard, a good man. He & Jo remind us of the goodness of people who stand up to violence & the far right. https://t.co/l35EZKUehM

— Jess Phillips (@jessphillips) August 14, 2017

The very definition of heroism. Bernard Kenny. Thinking of his family, who must be rightly proud. https://t.co/GqZEsXAQJr

— Alison McGovern (@Alison_McGovern) August 14, 2017

So sad to hear of the passing of Bernard Kenny tonight. Every inch a hero. Thoughts are with his family and friends.

— Holly Lynch MP (@HollyLynch5) August 14, 2017

This is deeply sad news - Bernard Kenny was a true hero, a very brave man. Thoughts with his family https://t.co/oRlp7aD55M

— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) August 14, 2017

So sad. He was a hero twice over for others but I'm sure he was that & more to his family & friends. https://t.co/jlyfcsW8t6

— Melanie Onn MP (@OnnMel) August 14, 2017

Incredibly sad news, Bernard Kenny was a hero who inspired hope on one of our blackest days. My thoughts are with his family and friends https://t.co/nUAJHZUbl9

— Ruth Smeeth MP (@RuthSmeeth) August 14, 2017
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