The hero who was killed during his attempt to save a man who had jumped from a motorway bridge has received a bravery medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Courageous Spencer Bell is to posthumously receive a commendation for bravery after giving his life to try and save 67-year-old Alan Trethewey, who had jumped from the Bucknalls Lane bridge over the M1.

Spencer, 71, along with two other members of the public, pulled in to the hard shoulder and got out of his car to help Mr Trethewey, but despite making an attempt to stop traffic approaching the site of the accident, he was struck by an oncoming Toyota in January 2014.

SEE ALSO: Hundreds attend funeral of M1 Samaritan Spencer Bell

The car was being driven by mother-of-three- Iram Shahzad - who was travelling at 88mph to avoid a queue of traffic that had built up.

She received a suspended prison sentence for causing death by reckless driving.

SEE ALSO: Heartbroken widow of Spencer Bell pays tribute to her 'remarkable husband'

Spencer was a well-known character in Bushey, where he lived and ran the K9 Dog Training School with wife Wendy.

The couple also rescued thousands of battery hens.

Watford Observer:

Wendy and Spencer Bell

A journey through the Watford Observer archive also revealed the former Met policeman clocked up more than 100 blood donations, and was given an award for his loyalty.

SEE ALSO: 'Caring family man' died after falling from M1 bridge, inquest hears

Speaking after Shahzad's sentencing, Mrs Bell said: "My life has ended.

"Once it was full of laughter, giggles, chatting all day long and happiness. Now it is misery, sadness and tears.

"My life was full of cuddles, kisses, holding hands and joy.

Watford Observer:

"He was my life, it revolved around him, I lived for him. He was my reason to live. My very being.

"We had such a very special love for each other.

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"He was a good, kind, unselfish man. Who was always ready to help anyone. As was proved the day you killed him.

"Not only am I completely shattered by the death of my lovely husband. But the community has suffered from the death of this remarkable man "

The award comes as the Queen’s Civilian Gallantry List was announced on Friday.