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Dublin, 13th November 2024—The Order of Malta Ireland is pleased to announce that Mrs. Joanne Saunsbury (née Crofton) has been awarded the prestigious Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi. The unique honour was bestowed upon her by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, on behalf of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta during a solemn ceremony at St. Mary’s Church, Haddington Road, Dublin.
The Order formally recognised that Mrs. Saunsbury, a native of Wexford who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness during the tragic events of March 22, 2017. While working on a tour bus crossing Westminster Bridge in London, she witnessed the onset of a terrorist attack that claimed the lives of five individuals including unarmed police officer Keith Palmer who was guarding the entrance to the Palace of Westminster and injured over 50 others.
Amidst the chaos and danger, with gunfire echoing around and the attack on Parliament unfolding nearby, Mrs. Saunsbury responded without hesitation to calls for first aid. “There were people down and a cry for first aiders,” she recounted. “I was off the bus so fast I didn’t think about my own safety.”
She rushed to the aid of a critically injured man lying unconscious on the ground. Drawing upon her training with the Order of Malta in Wexford, she administered CPR and worked tirelessly to resuscitate him. “I was trying to get him to breathe and to get his heart beating,” she said. “Where there’s life, there’s hope.”
Her quick thinking and bravery not only provided immediate medical assistance but also embodied the core values of the Order of Malta—upholding human dignity and offering compassionate care in times of crisis.
Patrick Downes KM praised Mrs. Saunsbury after the ceremony, stating: “Joanne’s selfless actions in the face of imminent danger are a testament to her character and reflect the core principles of our Order. She is a shining example of courage and compassion, and we are honoured to recognise her today.”
The Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi is one of the highest honours granted by Decree of the Sovereign Council of the Order of Malta, awarded to individuals who have displayed exceptional merit.
