A student killed in the Nottingham attacks while trying to protect her friend has been posthumously awarded the George Medal for 'exceptional courage'. Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19, was fatally stabbed when she intervened to save Barnaby Webber, also 19, during an attack on their way home from a night out in June 2023.
The University of Nottingham medical student is among 20 people honoured in the latest Gallantry Awards list. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute, saying Grace made the 'ultimate sacrifice' and that her legacy would serve as a 'powerful example of heroism'. He added that the recipients acted with 'selflessness and bravery' in moments of unimaginable danger.
Grace and Barnaby were killed by Valdo Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic who was given an indefinite hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility. Calocane also killed school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, and attempted to kill three others during the attacks on 13 June 2023.
The George Medal, open to civilians, is awarded for 'conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy'. Grace's citation stated: 'Grace's exceptional courage in the face of extreme danger serves as an outstanding example of personal bravery.' The award followed a campaign for her to receive the George Cross, the highest non-operational gallantry award.
During Calocane's trial, prosecutor Karim Khalil KC said Grace showed 'incredible bravery' by trying to protect Mr Webber and fighting off the attacker. Both friends were posthumously awarded degrees from the University of Nottingham this summer.
