A 28-year-old nurse who moved from Australia to work for the NHS has been named as one of the victims of last week’s terror attack in London.
Kirsty Boden died today (6 June) after suffering injuries in the London terror attack. Before being injured, she ran towards the danger in an effort to help others, according to her family.
Seven people were killed and 48 injured when three men hit pedestrians on London Bridge before getting out and stabbing people in nearby Borough Market on Saturday (3 June).
There are currently 36 people being treated in five hospitals, with 18 in a critical condition, NHS England said.
Ms Boden, who worked for Guy’s and St Thomas’, was from Loxton in southern Australia and had been working in the UK as a surgical recovery nurse. She moved to London in 2013 and, according to her blog, loved to travel.
‘Helping people was what she loved to do’
In a statement issued to the Met Police, Ms Boden’s family said: ‘Kirsty was loved and adored by her family, friends and boyfriend. She was the most outgoing, kind and generous person who loved to help people. Helping people was what she loved to do in her job as a nurse and in her daily life.
‘As she ran towards danger, in an effort to help people on the bridge, Kirsty sadly lost her life.
‘We are so proud of Kirsty’s brave actions which demonstrate how selfless, caring and heroic she was, not only on that night, but throughout all of her life. Kirsty – we love you and we will miss you dearly.
‘We grieve the loss of our beautiful, loving daughter and sister.’
‘Above and beyond the call of duty’
Jackie Smith, the Nursing and midwifery Council’s (NMC) Chief Executive and Registrar said: ‘My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at the NMC go out to the family of nurse Kirsty Boden who so tragically died following the appalling events that unfolded at London Bridge on Saturday evening. My thoughts are also with the many other victims and their families who have been affected by this terrible incident.’
‘As ever, our gratitude must go to the emergency services and healthcare professionals, including nurses who go above and beyond the call of duty in caring for those caught up in these tragic events.’
‘An outstanding nurse’
Dame Eileen Sills, chief nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Kirsty was an outstanding nurse and a hugely valued member of the staff team in Theatres Recovery, described by her colleagues as “one in a million” who always went the extra mile for the patients in her care.’
‘Devastated’
Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: ‘We are devastated to hear the NHS has lost one of its own. Our thoughts go out to everyone who knew Kirsty Boden.
‘It is truly humbling that bright, hard-working people like Kirsty were brave enough to run towards danger in aid of victims lying helpless on the bridge following such a barbaric attack.
‘It shows once again that the high esteem in which the health service is held by the public is well placed.’
