22 September 2023 , 14:28
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The brother of a young student killed in the Nottingham knife rampage says he misses “the best sister I could have asked for”.
Medical student Grace O’Malley-Kumar was stabbed to death alongside fellow student Barnaby Webber as they walked back to their halls. The popular 19-year-olds, who both studied at the University of Nottingham, were attacked after a night out in June.
School caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was also stabbed to death in the rampage which stunned the country. More than three months on, Grace’s brother James, 16, says he misses his sister more than ever. He told the Mirror: “It is a privilege to be her younger brother. She was the best sister I could have asked for.
“She helped me with everything in life. She made sure I learned from the mistakes she made. She was my best friend, always there for me to talk to. There is a massive hole left in our lives. We were a family of four, and now we are three. That is a massive part of our lives that has been taken.
Grace O’Malley-Kumar (left) with her family (PA)“It is still very raw. It is very hard. We are taking every day as it comes. Sometimes it is one foot in front of the other. We are taking comfort in being around the things that meant a lot to her, and that she was close to.” A-Level student James was speaking at a cricket tournament arranged to raise funds for the Grace O’Malley-Kumar Foundation.
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Nearly 1,000 students who knew Grace and Barnaby turned out for the competition at the University of Nottingham Cricket Club. James, from Woodford Green, north London, wore his sister’s university cricket jumper as he competed in one of the matches. Grace’s parents Dr Sanjoy Kumar and Sinead O’Malley and Barnaby’s family, from Taunton, all attended the event.
James said: “This lovely event has been done to ensure Grace’s and Barnaby’s memories and legacies live on. Over 900 tickets have been sold, which was a complete sell out, and that is a testament to Grace and Barnaby and the people they were.
Grace’s brother James, 16, says he misses his sister more than ever (Nottinghamshire Police / SWNS)
Barnaby Webber, 19, was also killed in the attack (Nottinghamshire Police / SWNS)“Even in just one year at university, she had such a large impact, touching and affecting so many lives in the most positive way. The foundation was set up to better causes that meant a lot to Grace, whether that be sport or education. It is a platform for us to ensure her legacy lives on.
“Although we have been left in this position of complete heartbreak, we are able to ensure that her memory does go on. I think the foundation will be a key part of ensuring the things she cared about blossom and flourish. All we can do now is ensure that Grace’s legacy continues to live on, and people remember her for the values she stood for.
Grace's funeral at Westminster Cathedral in July (PA)“She would have loved this event. She was a social butterfly. She loved her cricket, especially playing it, and represented her county. She was doing everything she wanted to do, which is what I am happiest about the most. She had no regrets. She had done everything she wanted to do in life. From this horrible tragedy that has happened and been brought on us, some good must come from it.
"This is what I am hoping for with the foundation. It will give us the platform to ensure that something good does come from this.” Former student Valdo Calocane, 31, from Haverfordwest, Wales, has been charged with the three murders and is awaiting trial. He is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court next month.
To donate to the Grace O’Malley-Kumar Foundation, visit their website here.