Grace O’Malley-Kumar Awarded George Medal for Heroic Bravery During Nottingham Attacks

Grace O’Malley-Kumar, a 19-year-old medical student who gave her life to protect a friend during the tragic Nottingham attacks, will be posthumously awarded the George Medal for “extraordinary courage” and her “final sacrifice.” This award recognizes her bravery in confronting attacker Valdo Calcane on June 13, 2023, to save fellow student Barnabi Weber.

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What Happened on June 13, 2023
On the evening of June 13, 2023, Nottingham University students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnabi Weber, both aged 19, were walking home along Illeciston Road after a night out. Suddenly, they were attacked by Valdo Calcane, a paranoid schizophrenic who carried out a series of random knife assaults across the city.

Court records show that Calcane first targeted Barnabi, repeatedly stabbing her. Grace intervened in a brave attempt to protect her friend. Despite her valiant efforts, both were badly injured before fleeing from the attacker. Moments later, Calcane murdered 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Quotes, then used the victim’s van to ram three pedestrians — Wayne Birket, Marsin Gavronsky, and Sharon Miller — leaving all 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 a dream of becoming a doctor. Her extraordinary bravery reflected a deep sense of selflessness. Karim Khalil K.C., commenting on her actions, said: “Grace displayed incredible bravery. She pushed and fought the attacker despite the danger, showing courage until her last moments.”

Heritage and George Medal Honor
The George Medal is Britain’s second-highest civilian award for bravery — given for “acts of great courage not in the face of the enemy.” It ranks just below the George Cross and is rarely awarded posthumously. Grace is among 20 recipients of this year’s Civil Bravery Awards, one of only four awarded posthumously. Her medal will be accepted by a family member at Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III or another royal will personally honor her courage.

Prime Minister Sir Ker Stormer praised Grace’s bravery: “This is what true courage looks like. In moments of unimaginable danger, extraordinary individuals act with selflessness and bravery. Grace O’Malley-Kumar made the ultimate sacrifice to protect her friend. Her legacy will stand as a powerful example for our nation.”

Public and National Reactions
Tributes for Grace continue across the United Kingdom. Her story has become a symbol of bravery, compassion, and unity. Supporters have shared heartfelt messages on social media, using hashtags such as #GraceOMalleyKumar, #NottinghamHero, and #GeorgeMedal, calling her courage “unimaginable.” Grace’s family expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, describing the award as “a tribute to her soul and her unbreakable instinct to protect others.”

What Happens Next
The Home Office citation for Grace reads: “Grace O’Malley-Kumar was walking home with her friend when approached by a man with a large knife. She stopped the attacker in an attempt to protect her friend. In the face of extreme danger, her extraordinary courage serves as a lasting example of personal bravery.”

The medal ceremony will be held later this year at Buckingham Palace. Grace’s family and friends hope this honor will stand as a reminder of her strength, selflessness, and the lasting legacy of her actions that night.