Nottingham attack victim who protected friend among 20 extraordinary Britons awarded gallantry award

Fellow student Barnaby Webber, aged 19, and 65-year-old school caretaker, Ian Coates, were also brutally killed in the armed attack on June 13, 2023.

The attacker, Valdo Calocane, also attempted to kill three others in the rampage.

Calocane was sentenced to detention in a high-security hospital after admitting to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The award was presented posthumously to the victim's family.

In January 2024, Nottingham Crown Court heard Grace went to Barnaby's aid when he was knifed ten times.

She fought the attack for 30 seconds before suffering 23 wounds, screaming "Don’t do it" and "Why would you do that?".

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Grace, saying her legacy would live on as a "powerful example of heroism" and that she made the "ultimate sacrifice" to protect her friend.

Sir Keir said: "This is what true courage looks like. In moments of unimaginable danger, these extraordinary people acted with selflessness and bravery that speaks to the very best of who we are as a nation.

"We owe each of them – and their families – our deepest thanks. Their actions remind us of the strength and compassion that run through our communities.

"I want to pay tribute to all of the recipients, including Grace O'Malley-Kumar, who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect her friend. Her legacy will live on as a powerful example of heroism."

In February 2024, the Attorney General referred Calocane's sentence to the Court of Appeal to consider if it was unduly lenient.

A full public inquiry was announced in early 2025 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings, including the actions of police and mental health services.

The George Medal, which is open to civilians, is awarded for "conspicuous gallantry not in the presence of the enemy".

Grace’s citation read: "Grace’s exceptional courage in the face of extreme danger serve as an outstanding example of personal bravery."

During the sentencing of her attacker, the judge recognised Grace's incredible "sacrifice" and "astonishing bravery".

Along with Grace, 19 others were awarded a Gallantry Award today for their courage and bravery, including a second George Medal, three King’s Gallantry Medals and 15 King’s Commendations for Bravery.

Richard O’Brien received the King’s Gallantry Medal for stopping his car to intervene in the stabbing of a woman and restraining the attacker in Barnet, north London, in 2021.

School support staff receptionist Alicia Richards and youth worker Molly Bulmer were awarded the King’s Commendation for Bravery for tackling a former student after he embarked on a sustained attack on staff and pupils with pieces of broken glass in Sheffield in 2024.

Pc Mark Sutton and Pc Thomas Dransfield, meanwhile, received the King’s Commendation for Bravery for rescuing a man to prevent him from falling from a bridge in 2023.

Both Barnaby, who was studying history, and Grace, who was a medical student, were posthumously awarded degrees this summer by the University of Nottingham.

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