THE family of Nottingham attack victim Grace O’Malley-Kumar say her George Medal award will bring them “a small measure of peace”.
They hope the public will see the 19-year-old medical student as “a shining example of humanity”, as she gave her life to help protect a friend from a killer.
PAGrace O’Malley-Kumar tragically died trying to fight off a crazed knifeman who ambushed her pal[/caption]
Dan CharityGrace’s family say her George Medal award will bring them ‘a small measure of peace’[/caption]
It was confirmed yesterday that Grace will be honoured posthumously by King Charles, as revealed in The Sun.
Grace’s mum Dr Sinead O’Malley described the George Medal as a “rare honour”.
She said: “Grace was beautiful and brave in life, and now it is recognised that she was courageous and selfless to the end, in her death.”
She asked the public to “never forget” her daughter’s courage, adding: “Think of her as a shining example of humanity, bravery, selflessness and kindness.”
Grace tragically died trying to fight off a crazed knifeman who ambushed pal Barnaby Webber, 19, while they were walking back to their student digs at Nottingham University in June 2023.
Her younger brother James, 18, said the medal will bring him “a small measure of peace”.
He added: “Grace’s courage may have ended that night, but her beacon of light never will.
“Her bravery, her kindness and her love will continue to guide us, always.”
Grace’s father Dr Sanjoy Kumar said: “Her instinct was to stand by her friend, to intervene, to fight.
“She placed friendship over fear and she paid the ultimate price for her courage.”
The Sun last year led calls for hockey-loving Grace, from Woodford, North East London, to be recognised.
The King will bestow the honour at Buckingham Palace after backing by PM Keir Starmer, his predecessor Rishi Sunak and senior cops.
Dr Kumar told The Sun: “I’d really like to thank your readership, and I’d really like to thank the Prime Minister and His Royal Highness.”
Sir Keir yesterday said Grace’s courage “in the face of unimaginable danger is humbling”.
He said: “Rather than running from fear, Grace stood up to it — and showed a depth of compassion that speaks to the very best of who we are as a nation. The George Medal is one of the highest honours bestowed by this country.
“Grace’s actions more than merit that recognition, and I commend those people — including The Sun and its readers — who have called for her to receive it.”
SuppliedGrace will be honoured posthumously with the George Medal by King Charles[/caption]
PABrother James said: ‘Grace’s courage may have ended that night, but her beacon of light never will’[/caption]
PAGrace and her pal Barnaby Webber were killed by Valdo Calocane[/caption]
School caretaker Ian Coates was also fatally stabbed in the attack in NottinghamPA
Grace and Barnaby were killed by Valdo Calocane, who also fatally stabbed school caretaker Ian Coates, 65.
Grace’s “astonishing bravery” and “sacrifice” was later hailed in court by a judge.
She is among 20 heroes to be honoured in the Gallantry Awards.
They include youth worker Molly Bulmer and receptionist Alicia Richards, who will get the King’s Commendation for Bravery after intervening in an armed attack at a Sheffield school in May 2024.
Richard O’Brien has been awarded the King’s Gallantry Medal for tackling an armed man in Barnet, North London, in 2021.
Social media – Refer to sourceGrace’s ‘astonishing bravery’ and ‘sacrifice’ was later hailed in court by a judge[/caption]
Grace’s father said: ‘Her instinct was to stand by her friend, to intervene, to fight’PA
GettyMembers of the public pay tribute to the victims after the attacks in Nottingham in 2023[/caption]
Dan CharityKeir Starmer said Grace’s courage ‘in the face of unimaginable danger is humbling’[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
