Heroic student Grace O’Malley-Kumar will receive a posthumous award for her courageous actions during the 2023 Nottingham assaults. At 19 years old, Grace bravely intervened to protect Barnaby Webber from an attacker, Valdo Calocane, as they were returning home from a night out. Despite being stabbed herself, Grace continued to fight until succumbing to severe injuries, resulting in the tragic deaths of both her and Barnaby.
In recognition of her exceptional bravery in the face of grave danger, Grace will be honored with the George Medal, as recommended by King Charles. The citation praises her remarkable courage as a shining example of personal bravery. The George Medal, established in 1940, is awarded for acts of exceptional heroism and courage in perilous circumstances.
Following the attacks on the University of Nottingham students, Calocane, aged 31 at the time, went on to fatally stab caretaker Ian Coates, 65, before stealing his van. He used the stolen vehicle to harm three pedestrians before being apprehended.
Calocane pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder, receiving an indefinite hospital order in January of the preceding year. This decision sparked outrage as he was not convicted of murder due to expert opinions attributing his actions to schizophrenia. Subsequent investigations revealed numerous missed opportunities to prevent his violent acts.
Richard O’Brien is another recipient, awarded the King’s Gallantry Medal for his intervention in an armed altercation in Barnet, north London, in September 2021. Witnessing a man stabbing a woman during a heated argument, Richard courageously subdued the attacker, disarming him and holding him until the authorities arrived.
Additionally, senior university lecturer Dr. Ying Zhang faced charges after attacking his estranged wife, Hannan Xiao, following her attendance at a parents’ evening. O’Brien intervened, saving Xiao from the brutal assault. Xiao survived, and her assailant was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years for attempted murder.
Alicia Richards and Molly Bulmer were bestowed with the King’s Commendation for Bravery for their intervention in a violent incident at a Sheffield school in May of the previous year. They prevented a 17-year-old assailant from harming a 12-year-old girl, ultimately aiding in his arrest.
PC Mark Sutton and PC Thomas Dransfield received the King’s Commendation for Bravery for their daring rescue of a man hanging from a bridge. Risking their lives without safety equipment, the officers prevented the man from falling until firefighters arrived to secure him to safety.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended the awardees, hailing their acts of selflessness and bravery as exemplary of national strength and compassion. He expressed gratitude to all recipients, recognizing them, including Grace O’Malley-Kumar, for their exceptional valor and sacrifice in protecting others.