The daughter of the heroic school teacher killed in the Dunblane Tragedy is campaigning for her to be posthoumously awarded the George Cross.
Brave Gwen Mayor died while trying to protect her primary one pupils at Dunblane Primary who had been preparing for a PE lesson when evil struck on March 13, 1996.
Now, her proud daughter, Debbie, will write to the King, urging him to consider posthumously bestowing the award upon Gwen.
It is the UK’s highest civilian gallantry award, awarded for acts of courage or heroism in dangerous situations.
Since its introduction in 1940, the George Cross has been equal to the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for valour.
Debbie says that the award would be a “fitting tribute” to her mum.
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Debbie said: “It was suggested by my friend as something mum would deserve and it seems fitting.
“She didn’t work on the front line, she didn’t take on a career where her life could or should ever be at risk.
“She was a teacher who went to school that day and never came home. She literally fought for her life and those of her pupils as pathology and witnesses have proven.”
Gwen was killed when she was shot as she protected youngsters from a twisted gunman.
In total, 17 people were killed – including 16 pupils, aged between five and six, and Gwen.
The gunman then took his own life.
Just last month, we told how Debbie was rallying to safeguard the future of the charitable trust set up in her mum’s memory.
The Gwen Mayor Memorial Trust – a charitable trust set up by the education union the Educational Institute for Scotland (EIS) – was established following the tragedy.
It provides financial support for projects in arts, culture, music or sport and applications – from primary schools across Scotland – submitted to the trustees.
But Debbie says that, despite running and supporting schools for almost 30 years, the number of applications it receives have, worryingly, fallen. Trustee membership has also dwindled and she is now fighting to raise awareness of the cause to keep her hero mum’s legacy alive.
Her efforts were even backed by Scots TV icon Lorraine Kelly. Lorraine took to social media to post a photgraph of Gwen and said: “Teacher Gwen Mayor was murdered protecting school pupils in Dunblane Primary School – she was an incredible woman.
“Her daughter, Debbie, is raising awareness of her mum’s trust.
“There are valuable fundings available on an annual basis for projects to enhance pupils’ experiences in all the areas she would have loved best.
“And a wonderful legacy to her.”
The EIS insisted that the trust is in “good financial health” as it continues to support projects across the country as Debbie urged more schools to make use of the funding in a bid to safeguard it for years to come.
Speaking last month, Debbie said: “To have this legacy in her name has been nothing short of a privilege.
“Most people who lose their mum don’t have this sort of legacy left in her memory. To keep her name and respect for what she devoted her life to is incredible and very personal to us.”