South Australia’s Kirsty Boden is being posthumously awarded one of the highest honours in the nursing profession for her bravery and sacrifice in the London Bridge terrorist attack.

Ms Boden was killed in the attack carried out by terrorists inspired by Islamic State on the night of June 3, 2017, and became known as “the angel of London Bridge” in its aftermath.

She has been posthumously honoured with a Florence Nightingale Medal — which is considered one of the highest international distinctions a nurse can receive.

The 28-year-old nurse from Loxton in South Australia’s Riverland, was fatally stabbed while she was helping others during the attack two years ago.

Eight people died in the attack and an inquest is underway.

The Red Cross awards also recognised three Australian nurses who have worked in disaster zones across Africa and the Middle East — Denise Moyle, Yvonne Ginifer and Cristina de Leon.

International director at Australian Red Cross Peter Walton said the medal showcased exceptional courage and dedication to victims.

“Our Australian Red Cross nurses have played an important role in responding to some of the world’s most challenging armed conflicts and disasters over more than a hundred years,” he said.

“From Sudan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen, they have helped children survive horrific injuries in wars and earthquakes, cared for patients suffering with Ebola and cholera, saving countless lives with education on hygiene and disease prevention.”

‘Incredible passion and courage’

Mr Walton said Ms Boden was a worthy recipient of the medal and it acknowledged her “incredible passion and courage”.

“Whilst I didn’t know Kirsty myself, it was very clear she was awarded the medal because of her dedication for caring to other people,” he said.

“She really did show just incredible courage and passion, selflessness and putting others before herself at such a tragic time for the UK.

“This is the characteristics we see in so many nurses around the world.”

He said organisers were now working on the most appropriate way to present the award.

“We would be delighted if someone from her family comes and accepts that on her behalf,” he said.

Helping others in ‘times of desperate need’

Melbourne-based Denise Moyle, who also received the honour, said she felt “incredibly lucky” to be awarded the medal.

“The opportunities I’ve had with Australian Red Cross, the fabulous mentors along the way and the privilege of assisting some of the world’s most brave and humbling people in their times of desperate need has truly shaped me … I am forever grateful,” she said.

Sydney-based Cristina de Leon and Yvonne Ginifer, from Mildura, also received the award for their worked on the frontline.

Ms de Leon said the awards recognised how important the work of Red Cross workers was.

“I see this award as a recognition for the hard work and dedication performed by the Red Cross family, delivering health care to people affected by conflict,” she said.

-ABC