Nottingham, England — October 2025: Grace O’Malley-Kumar, the 19-year-old medical student who died trying to protect her friend during the tragic Nottingham attacks, will be posthumously awarded the George Medal for her “exceptional courage” and “ultimate sacrifice.” The award recognizes her heroic act of bravery in confronting attacker Valdo Calocane on June 13, 2023, when she tried to save fellow student Barnaby Webber from a fatal stabbing.
What Happened
On the early morning of June 13, 2023, University of Nottingham students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both aged 19, were walking home along Ilkeston Road after a night out marking the end of term. Tragically, they were attacked by Valdo Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic who launched a series of random knife attacks across the city.
According to court records, Calocane first targeted Barnaby, stabbing him repeatedly with a dagger. Grace bravely intervened, attempting to fight off the attacker and protect her friend. Despite her desperate efforts, both she and Barnaby were fatally stabbed before the assailant fled the scene.
Moments later, Calocane killed 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates, before using the victim’s van to drive into three pedestrians — Wayne Birkett, Marcin Gawronski, and Sharon Miller — all of whom were seriously injured.
Who Was Grace O’Malley-Kumar
Grace O’Malley-Kumar, from east London, was a first-year medical student at the University of Nottingham and a talented hockey player. Friends and family remember her as compassionate, courageous, and full of life, with dreams of becoming a doctor.
Her extraordinary bravery in confronting her friend’s killer reflects her deep sense of empathy and selflessness. Prosecutor Karim Khalil KC described her actions as “incredible bravery,” saying she pushed and fought the attacker despite being outmatched, showing “uncompromising courage until her final moments.”
Legacy and the George Medal Honour
The George Medal, Britain’s second-highest civilian award for bravery, is presented for “conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy.” It stands just below the George Cross in honour and is rarely awarded posthumously.
Grace is one of 20 recipients of this year’s civilian gallantry awards and one of four honoured posthumously. Her medal will be accepted by a family member at Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III or another royal will personally present the honour.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised Grace’s heroism, saying:
“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. Grace O’Malley-Kumar made the ultimate sacrifice to protect her friend, and her legacy will live on as a powerful example of heroism.”
Public and National Reactions
Tributes continue to pour in for Grace across the UK. Her story has become a symbol of bravery, compassion, and unity, with many describing her as a “true hero.”
Online, supporters have shared messages under hashtags like #GraceOMalleyKumar, #NottinghamHero, and #GeorgeMedal, calling her courage “unimaginable.”
Her family has expressed deep gratitude for the recognition of her bravery, describing the award as a fitting tribute to their daughter’s spirit and her “unwavering instinct to protect others.”
Official Statements and What Happens Next
The Home Office citation for Grace O’Malley-Kumar reads:
“Grace O’Malley-Kumar was walking home with her friend when they were approached by a man with a large knife. She intervened to restrain the assailant in an attempt to stop the attack. Her exceptional courage in the face of extreme danger serves as an outstanding example of personal bravery.”
The medal ceremony will take place later this year at Buckingham Palace. Grace’s family and friends hope the honour will serve as a reminder of the strength and selflessness she displayed that night.
This story may be updated as more details about the George Medal ceremony become available.
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