Hero pensioner who tried to save murdered MP Jo Cox step closer to receiving George Cross for act of bravery

THE  hero pensioner who tried to save murdered MP Jo Cox was edging closer to receiving his bravery gong.

Bernard Kenny, 78, has been nominated for a George Cross — the  highest civilian honour for “acts of courage in extreme danger”.

He was knifed in the stomach as he grappled with neo-Nazi  Thomas Mair, 53, following the MP’s shooting on June 16.

The father  of two, a former miner, came within inches of death after the blade sliced his liver.

He said: “He shoved the knife in and the blood poured  between my fingers. I  thought, ‘Oh my God’.”

Mr Kenny  was praised by the judge as Mair was caged for life on Wednesday  for mum-of-two Jo’s murder in Birstall, West Yorks.

Mr Justice Wilkie said: "The ongoing cost to him is evident from his victim personal statement.

"His actions on that day are deserving of the highest praise and commendation."

The George Cross rewards "acts of heroism and courage in extreme danger".

Read more about the tragic death of MP Jo

The George Cross committee is now deciding whether to accept his nomination and pass it to the Queen.

The Cabinet Office said any award would be published  in the London Gazette.