Who is Grace O’Malley-Kumar? Nottingham Attacks Hero Honoured with George Medal for Bravery

Grace O’Malley-Kumar, one of the victims of the Nottingham attacks, has been awarded the George Medal posthumously for her extraordinary courage. The award recognizes her bravery in trying to save her friend, Barnaby Webber, during a deadly knife attack on June 13, 2023.

Grace, 19, from east London, and Barnaby, also 19, from Taunton, Somerset, were both University of Nottingham students. They were walking home after a night out when they were attacked by Valdo Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic, on Ilkeston Road around 4:00 a.m.

The Moment of Bravery

According to court details, Grace showed remarkable courage when the attacker stabbed Barnaby repeatedly. She tried to fight back, pushing Calocane into the road in an attempt to protect her friend.

Prosecutor Karim Khalil KC told the court that Grace displayed “incredible bravery” but the attacker turned on her and was brutal in his assault. Both students died at the scene before Calocane fled and later killed another victim, Ian Coates, 65.

The citation for Grace’s medal describes her actions as “an outstanding example of personal bravery.” It notes that she fought the attacker until she collapsed from her injuries, sacrificing her life to save someone else.

The George Medal Recognition

Grace is one of 20 people receiving civilian gallantry awards, and one of four honoured posthumously. The George Medal is the second-highest civilian bravery award in the UK, given for “conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy.”

Her family will receive the medal at Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III or another member of the Royal Family will personally present it.

Prime Minister’s Tribute

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Grace and other recipients, saying their actions showed what true courage looks like.

He said, “Grace O’Malley-Kumar made the ultimate sacrifice to protect her friend. Her legacy will live on as a powerful example of heroism. These people acted with selflessness and bravery that speaks to the best of who we are as a nation.”

Remembering the Nottingham Attack Victims

The tragic Nottingham attack also claimed the lives of Barnaby Webber and Ian Coates. Calocane later used Coates’ van to hit three more pedestrians — Wayne Birkett, Marcin Gawronski, and Sharon Miller — all of whom were seriously injured.

In January 2024, Calocane pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and was sentenced to a hospital order.

Grace’s Legacy of Courage

Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s bravery has touched the hearts of millions across the UK. Her selfless act stands as a reminder of true friendship, courage, and humanity.

Her family, friends, and university community continue to honor her memory — celebrating her as a young woman who stood up to evil without hesitation.