Australia attack hero Tom Jackson nominated for posthumous bravery award
A British backpacker who died after attempting to save the life of another traveller in Australia has been nominated for a posthumous bravery award.
Tom Jackson, 30, suffered severe head injuries after he tried to shield Mia Ayliffe-Chung, who died during the knife attack in Queensland on August 23.
Mr Jackson, from Cheshire, died in Townsville hospital on Tuesday, and his family have described how "immensely proud" they are of what he did.
The Premiere of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, was so moved by his actions that she nominated him for a posthumous bravery award.
She said Jackson's "extraordinary act of courage...deserves recognition".
Speaking to Queensland Parliament in Brisbane, Palaszczuk said: "Mr Speaker, people across Queensland and the world were shaken by the tragic events that unfolded in Home Hill last week.
"Sadly we learned yesterday that two lives have now been lost. The families of Mia Ayliffe-Chung and Tom Jackson are now both grieving."
She added: "I have also spoken with Tom's father Les. Les has asked me to pass on his thanks for the support his family is receiving from the community as well as the thanks from the local police, paramedics, and all the staff at the ICU at Townsville Hospital.
"These were tragic events and on behalf of Queenslanders I offer our thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those involved."
A YouCaring fundraising page setup by Jackson's friend Shoshana Palatnik to support the family, has so far received over £10,000 in donations.
Meanwhile, Queensland police have said they will upgrade a charge of attempted murder against the man accused of killing Jackson, 29-year-old French national Smail Ayad.
Ayad is also alleged to have killed Mia Ayliffe-Chung and injured a dozen police officers.
He is due to appear at Townsville Magistrates' Court on October 28.