The George Medal awarded to Ronnie Russell, who thwarted the attempted armed kidnap of Princess Anne is to go under hammer.

Former heavyweight boxer Ronnie Russell, 72, punched Ian Ball twice in the head as he tried to kidnap the princess at gunpoint in central London in March 1974.

For his bravery he was awarded the George Medal by the Queen, who told him: “The medal is from the Queen, but I want to thank you as Anne’s mother.”

Mr Russell, who now lives in Bristol, is reluctantly selling the medal as he is in poor health having suffered several strokes, and wants to be able to provide for his future.

He has said “It was something I said I would never, ever do. I am so proud and honoured to have done such a thing and be involved in it that I would never, ever sell it,” he said.

“I have always believed from that day on that the life of a member of the royal family was more valid and important that mine.

He should not have to sell his medal that he is so proud of and that is why after reading his story I have set up this crowdfunding page to ensure that something that gives him immense pride can stay where they rightly belong, with Mr Russell.