Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who died protecting a friend during a stabbing incident, may be posthumously awarded the George Cross for her act of bravery, with support coming from her parents and several Tory MPs.
The parents of Grace O’Malley-Kumar, alongside several Tory MPs, have supported the proposal to honour her with the George Cross for her bravery during a stabbing incident in Nottingham. The 19-year-old London medical student died after she was attacked by Valdo Calocane, who stabbed her 23 times with a hunting knife as she tried to protect a friend. Despite being gravely injured, she faced the assailant instead of fleeing.
Her mother, Sinead O’Malley, and father, Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, have publicly expressed that awarding Grace the George Cross would be an appropriate recognition of her courage. MPs David Morris and Marco Longhi are among the legislators endorsing the posthumous recognition.
The George Cross, instituted in 1940, is one of the highest civilian awards for acts of heroism and bravery, with only 160 recipients to date. Grace’s act of confronting the attacker to help her friend has been highlighted as a profound example of selfless bravery.
Valdo Calocane, the attacker, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murder. His denial comes amidst further violent acts he committed subsequent to the stabbing. Grace’s tragic death and exemplary bravery continue to resonate, prompting discussions on courage and heroism and calls for her to be honoured with the prestigious George Cross medal.
