Grace O’Malley-Kumar, the 19-year-old British-Indian medical student who was stabbed to death 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 Britain’s highest civilian honours for bravery.
Grace, a first-year medical student at the University of Nottingham, was walking home with her friend Barnaby Webber, also 19, when they were attacked by Valdo Calocane, who fatally stabbed both students. Calocane was later sentenced to a mental health detention order and is being held at a high-security hospital.
The George Medal, Britain’s second-highest civilian award for “conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy,” will be presented to Grace’s family. The silver medal, instituted in 1940, is awarded for acts of extraordinary courage and selflessness.
“I want to pay tribute to all of the recipients, including Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect her friend. Her legacy will live on as a powerful example of heroism,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while announcing this year’s gallantry awards.
The official citation reads: “Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who has received the George Medal for intervening in an armed attack in Nottingham on 13th June 2023.”
Grace was the daughter of Dr. Sanjoy Kumar and Dr. Sinead O’Malley, both doctors by profession. She was an exceptional sportsperson who represented England’s Under-18 hockey team and was also a talented cricketer.
“The bravery she showed was incredible for a young girl,” her father, Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, had said earlier.
In her memory, the family has founded the Grace O’Malley-Kumar Foundation, which works to empower young people through sport, mental health awareness, and education.
The foundation’s mission statement reads:
“Grace tried to fight off the attacker when he turned on her after stabbing Barnaby. Her character would never allow her to leave a friend behind. Grace died a hero.”
Grace is among 20 individuals recognised this week with the George Medal, King’s Gallantry Medal, and King’s Commendation for Bravery for extraordinary acts of courage.
“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,” Prime Minister Starmer said.
“Their actions remind us of the strength and compassion that run through our communities.”
