Grace O’Malley-Kumar, a University of Nottingham student, will be posthumously awarded the George Medal for her extraordinary bravery during the fatal Nottingham attack on 13 June 2023.
Ms O’Malley-Kumar, from east London, tried to protect her friend, Barnaby Webber, 19, from the attack by Valdo Calocane, who stabbed both students fatally. Her selfless actions have been recognised as an “outstanding example of personal bravery.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Ms O’Malley-Kumar and all civilian gallantry award recipients, saying their courage reflects the best of the nation. He highlighted that Ms O’Malley-Kumar made the “ultimate sacrifice” to protect her friend.
“This is what true courage looks like,” Sir Keir said. “In moments of unimaginable danger, these extraordinary people acted with selflessness and bravery. We owe each of them – and their families – our deepest thanks.”
The George Medal is Britain’s second-highest civilian bravery award, given for “conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy.” To receive it posthumously, a family member must attend Buckingham Palace to accept the award on the recipient’s behalf.
On the early morning of 13 June, Ms O’Malley-Kumar and Mr Webber were walking home to their student accommodation after an end-of-term night out. They were approached by Calocane on Ilkeston Road just after 04:00 BST.
Prosecutor Karim Khalil KC explained during a January 2024 court hearing that Mr Webber had been repeatedly stabbed, sustaining grave injuries. Ms O’Malley-Kumar intervened, attempting to restrain the attacker, and pushed him into the road.
Tragically, Calocane then attacked Ms O’Malley-Kumar with equal brutality. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, she continued to fight until collapsing. Mr Webber tried to defend himself, but both students ultimately succumbed to their injuries.
Calocane, 32, later killed Ian Coates, 65, a nearby school caretaker, and injured three pedestrians by using Mr Coates’s van to strike them. He was sentenced in January 2024 to a hospital order after pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility, and three counts of attempted murder.
The citation for Ms O’Malley-Kumar reads: “Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s exceptional courage in the face of extreme danger serves as an outstanding example of personal bravery. Her intervention exemplified selflessness and a commitment to protecting others.”
Ms O’Malley-Kumar’s family, alongside the nation, will now see her bravery formally recognised. Her actions have left an enduring legacy, highlighting the profound impact of courage and selflessness in the face of violent attacks.
The George Medal award, one of four posthumously granted this year, honours civilians who demonstrate remarkable gallantry. Ms O’Malley-Kumar’s heroism stands as a powerful reminder of bravery and compassion within communities across the UK.
Her sacrifice ensures that her story and the memory of both students will continue to inspire others, illustrating that true courage often comes in moments of unimaginable danger.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
