Rhondda pensioner killed saving woman from shop knife attack is honoured
He was killed whilst trying to stop a savage attack in 2020
Last updated 18th Mar 2023
A pensioner from Rhondda, who died attempting to save a nurse from an armed attacker in a Co-op store has been recognised for his bravery.
88 year old John Rees, attempted to stop a mentally ill woman from carrying out a frenzied knife attack on shoppers at the supermarket in Penygraig in May 2020.
Mr Rees was at the shop counter when he saw Zara Radcliffe enter and begin stabbing at passing customers with a kitchen knife.
He took hold of Radcliffe's right arm, which was holding the knife, and placed himself between her and nurse Gaynor Saurin while trying to defuse the situation.
However, as Radcliffe lunged forward, Mr Rees lost his balance and fell backwards.
Lisa Way and Ayette Bounouri then stepped in to help Mr Rees, with Mrs Way grabbing the assailant's arm holding the knife while Mrs Bounouri tried to use a shopping basket to disarm her.
Both women desperately tried to distract Radcliffe, who sought to stab Mrs Way several times, while Mrs Bounouri tried to drag Mr Rees to safety.
Mrs Bounouri, in a final act of bravery, tried to grab the knife from Radcliffe but was threatened and forced to back away.
Mr Rees was ultimately stabbed and bludgeoned to death with two wine bottles and a fire extinguisher.
All three have been awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal, the last to be approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies says, "The three people from South Wales receiving these awards were placed in a horrific situation but all showed true heroism by standing up to protect others - actions which sadly saw Mr Rees tragically lose his life.
"Mrs Way, Mrs Bounouri and Mr Rees faced the most appalling danger that day and it is right that all three have been recognised for their courage.