Calls grow for hero Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole to be given George Cross

4 January 2022, 10:05

Calls are growing today for a man who died trying to save a woman from drowning in the Thames to be given the highest civilian award for bravery.

Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, also known as Jimi, died last year after trying to save a woman who fell from London Bridge.

He had been on his way home from work in April when he heard her shout for help, jumping into the Thames after her.

Despite the woman and a second man being saved, Jimi did not survive.

A Change.org petition has since been set up for him to receive the George Cross - the highest civilian medal for bravery awarded for acts of great heroism and courage in extreme danger - as well as a plaque of recognition on The Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice in Postman's Park.

Read more: Several hospitals declare critical incidents as health leader warns NHS 'in state of crisis'

Read more: Half a million sign petition for Tony Blair to be stripped of knighthood

Minister for Trade Policy Penny Mordaunt has voiced her support for him, tweeting: "Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole should be a candidate for the George Cross.

"Inquest into events on that tragic day opened late November."

Others have also backed the move online, with one user tweeting that it would be "a very fitting honour" given his heroism.

A decision to appoint Tony Blair a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry has been met with intense criticism in recent days.

Over 500,000 people have signed a petition for him to be stripped of his knighthood.

A statement on Change.org said he "was personally responsible for causing the death of countless innocent, civilian lives and servicemen in various conflicts", suggesting he "is the least deserving person of any public honour".