Indian-origin student posthumously awarded British bravery award, died while trying to save her friend from knife attack
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the George Medal.
New Delhi: Grace O’Malley Kumar, a British teenager of India(BHARAT)n origin, was posthumously awarded the George Medal on Monday, 06 October 2025. It is one of Britain’s highest civilian bravery awards. O’Malley Kumar lost her life trying to save her friend during a knife attack in Nottingham two years ago.
Grace intervened in Nottingham attack
Grace O’Malley-Kumar has received the George Medal for intervening in an armed attack in Nottingham on 13 June 2023.
Grace was 19 years old at the time. On 13 June 2023, she and her friend Barnaby Webber, also 19, were returning from university in Nottingham when Valdo Calocane attacked them with a knife. Both died in the attack. Valdo Calocane was later declared mentally ill and ordered detained in a high-security hospital.
Grace O’Malley Kumar was a medical student
Grace was a medical student. She was studying to become a doctor, like her parents, Dr. Sanjay Kumar and Dr. Sinead O’Malley. Tributes were paid nationwide, and there were calls for her to be honoured with a bravery award. Grace was also a talented athlete. She played for the England Under-18 hockey team and was also a good cricketer.
British Prime Minister Starmer made the announcement
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announcing the George Medal, said, “I want to pay tribute to all the honorees, including Grace O’Malley Kumar, who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting her friend. Her legacy will live on as a powerful example of bravery.” The award is being given posthumously and will be handed over to Grace’s family. The official citation reads, “Grace O’Malley-Kumar has been awarded the George Medal for her heroic actions in intervening during an armed attack in Nottingham on 13 June 2023.”
The Gallantry Awards were announced on October 6, with 20 people being awarded one of three types of awards: The George Medal, The King’s Gallantry Medal and The King’s Commendation for Bravery.
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