- Grace O’Malley-Kumar died saving friend in knife attack awarded
- Kumar, who tried to protect her friend during the 2023 Nottingham knife attack, posthumously honoured with the George Medal for heroism
Grace O’Malley-Kumar, a British-Indian teenager who lost her life while bravely trying to save her friend during a knife attack in Nottingham in June 2023, has been posthumously awarded the George Medal — one of the UK’s highest civilian honours for acts of great bravery, reported indiatoday.in.
Grace, aged 19, was returning to her University of Nottingham residence with her friend Barnaby Webber, also 19, when they were accosted by knife-wielding Valdo Calocane. Both students were tragically killed in the attack. Calocane was later sentenced to a mental health order and detained in a high-security hospital.
Grace’s courage in facing danger to protect her friend has moved the nation — her bravery now immortalized through the George Medal, a symbol of selfless heroism and compassion
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to Grace and other recipients of the award, saying, “Her legacy will live on as a powerful example of heroism.” The George Medal, second only to the George Cross, is awarded for “conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy.”
Grace, the daughter of doctors Dr Sanjoy Kumar and Dr Sinead O’Malley, was a medical student who aspired to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She was also an accomplished athlete, having represented England in under-18 hockey and shown exceptional skill in cricket.
Her father described her as “incredibly brave for such a young girl,” recalling her instinct to stand by her friend even in the face of mortal danger.
Following her death, Grace’s family established the Grace O’Malley-Kumar Foundation to support youth development, mental health, and community engagement through sport and education. The foundation’s mission statement poignantly reads, “Grace’s character would never leave a friend — she did her very best and fought the attacker in a fight she would never win. Grace died a hero.”
Grace was one of 20 individuals recognised this week with the George Medal, King’s Gallantry Medal, and King’s Commendation for Bravery, honouring acts of courage in life-threatening circumstances.
Prime Minister Starmer added, “This is what true courage looks like. In moments of unimaginable danger, these extraordinary people acted with selflessness and bravery that speaks to the very best of who we are as a nation.”
