Prince William gives medal to woman after Rhondda attack

A woman who confronted an armed attacker has been given the Queen's Gallantry Medal for bravery.

Ayette Bounouri tried to stop Zara Radcliffe after she attacked a man with a knife at the Co-op store in Penygraig, Rhondda, in May 2020.

Mrs Bounouri attempted to drag John Rees to safety while using a shopping basket in an attempt to disarm Radcliffe, who had schizophrenia.

Mr Rees, an 88-year-old grandfather, was killed during the incident.

He was posthumously awarded a Queen's Gallantry Medal in March.

As part of the final civilian gallantry list to be approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, Lisa Way - a nurse who intervened alongside Mrs Bounouri - was also awarded the honour by the Prince of Wales last month.

But Wednesday marked Mrs Bounouri's turn to be recognised by Prince William during a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

"It's been a wonderful day but a real mix of emotions too," said the 49-year-old, who works as a quality enhancement officer at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

"Yes, it's a celebration but it's also borne from a very difficult situation.

"I still have very clear memories of that day in 2020 and would often wonder if there was anything I could have done differently.

"But with lots of counselling and support I've come to realise that there wasn't," added Mrs Bounouri.

"It's been difficult to come to terms with - like a never ending balancing act - but I've learned to live with it."

She said that through tragedy real friendships had been made.

"I didn't know anyone in that shop beforehand but have since made strong bonds - with Lisa and Mr Rees' family especially.

"We keep in touch often and offer each other moral support whenever we're feeling down.

"I don't see us as victims any more, we're friends - and that connection will always be there," said Mrs Bounouri.

Along with Mrs May and Mr Rees, she has also received several other awards for bravery - including a St David's Award, which are the national awards of Wales and voted for by the public.

Following the attack in Penygraig, Radcliffe was detained under a hospital order after pleading not guilty to murder, but she admitted manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.

A subsequent review found that warning signs regarding Radcliffe's mental health condition had been missed by health professionals in the lead-up to the day in question.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board apologised for "any instances in which her care fell short".