Star flies to Iraq to honour bomb disposal expert
Ewan McGregor flew to Iraq to meet Britain’s only female bomb disposal expert working in the war-torn country and present her with a bravery award, it was revealed today.
The Hollywood star was so impressed by Michelle Cunningham’s courage that he agreed to take the risk of travelling to Basra air base himself to meet her and her unit.
Staff Sgt Cunningham, 32, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, single-handedly put out a fire at an explosives factory in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, last year.
Firefighters had decided it was too dangerous to go inside the burning building and one man had already died when the Staff Sgt Cunningham decided to take action.
She marched into the building with two fire extinguishers, went to the heart of the blaze and managed to control the flames and secure hundreds of explosives.
The Army decided her courage merited a nomination for a Pride of Britain Award in recognition of her “displaying complete disregard for her personal safety” in tackling the blaze.
McGregor, 36, said he had been amazed by the officer’s courage and that he would never have had the guts to do her job.
He said: “Most people, and I’m one of them, would run a million miles from a bomb, it’s like, ’Get me away from here’, but Michelle actually walks towards them and makes them safe. Amazing.
“When I was told about her, and was asked to go and present the award to her in Iraq, I said yes because I really wanted to meet her and show my support.
“It’s important that we should pay tribute to Michelle and people like her who are prepared to put their lives in danger like this for others because, let’s face it, we all rely on them. And how many of us can match their bravery?”
The actor was flown in a military VC10 jet with troops from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, in Qatar and then transferred to a Hercules transporter for the night flight to Basra.
Once the plane entered Iraqi airspace, he had to join everyone in putting on a flak jacket and helmet as they were plunged into darkness, ready for a “corkscrew” landing.
The routine is designed to counter the ever-present threat of being shot down by a missile, but fortunately the plane arrived safely and McGregor emerged to meet the troops.
Commander of British forces in Iraq, General Graham Binns, greeted him and said his visit, which had been “not without personal risk”, was a great morale boost for the soldiers.
McGregor had a tour of the base before presenting Staff Sgt Cunningham with her award, and asking her why she had chosen such a dangerous career.
She said: “I didn’t really. I used to work in Stores, ordering vehicle parts, and was sent on the wrong training course. I kept wondering why they were telling me how to defuse bombs, but I thought it was a cool job.
“I’m no hero. I’m just doing a job. I love it. There aren’t many jobs where you feel you can make a difference and people thank you.”
The actor said afterwards: “For a civilian to wake up in Basra airport is very bizarre, but I’ve been so touched and in awe of the people I’ve met.”
:: The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, hosted by Carol Vorderman, will be broadcast on ITV on Wednesday at 9pm.
Those taking part in the ceremony include the Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, singer Dame Shirley Bassey and footballer Wayne Rooney.
