Georgia Laurie awarded King’s Gallantry Medal at Buckingham Palace for saving sister Melissa from crocodile
A sister who saved her twin from a crocodile attack was given an honour by the King yesterday and described it as a ‘silver lining’ following the ordeal.
Georgia Laurie, 31, received the King’s Gallantry Medal at Buckingham Palace alongside her sister Melissa.
The brave sibling revealed how she had given Melissa a ‘badge of honour’ for the ceremony in the shape of a crocodile brooch.
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The sisters were swimming in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido in Mexico in June 2021 when Melissa was pulled under by a crocodile.
But Georgia, from Sandhurst in Berkshire, punched the animal in the face to save her sister. Both were seriously hurt as they fought off the huge reptile but they survived after treatment.
Speaking of the honour, Georgia said: ‘I feel privileged, it’s a silver lining to have come out of the terrible ordeal. It kind of softens the whole traumatic experience.’
She will share the award with her sister, adding: ‘What’s made this story so incredible is Melissa’s bravery throughout it all.
‘She was so strong during it and I don’t think I would be here without her. She really gave me the strength to keep fighting.’
The Palace said Charles held the ceremony to ‘honour exceptional individuals’.
