A woman who saved her twin sister from a crocodile attack by punching the reptile in its face will receive a bravery honour in the King’s first Civilian Gallantry List.
Georgia Laurie, 31, courageously struck out when the animal dragged her sibling, Melissa, underwater while swimming in a lagoon in Mexico in June 2021.
She fought off the crocodile three times as it repeatedly came in to attack.
Both women were seriously hurt, and although they have since made a good recovery from their injuries still suffer from the mental scars of their ordeal.
Georgia Laurie (right), 31, courageously struck out when the animal dragged her sibling, Melissa (left), underwater while swimming in a lagoon in Mexico in June 2021
Georgia will receive the first King’s Gallantry Medal of King Charles III’s reign, which acknowledges exemplary acts of bravery
Georgia (right) with her recovering twin sister Melissa (left) pictured together in hospital after the attack
Now Georgia will receive the first King’s Gallantry Medal of King Charles III’s reign, which acknowledges exemplary acts of bravery.
Speaking of her shock, Ms Laurie, from Sandhurst, Berkshire, said: ‘It’s an honour, I was so shocked as well when I received the letter because I didn’t see it coming, I didn’t expect it.’
She added: ‘I feel really privileged, it’s a silver lining to have come out of the terrible ordeal… it kind of softens the whole traumatic experience.
‘It’s been a good thing for not just me but for the whole family, I feel like I have to share it with my sister because let’s face it I don’t think I would have been nominated for it if she didn’t survive.
‘What’s made this story so incredible is Melissa’s unwavering bravery throughout it all because 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.’
Georgia (right) and Melissa (left) pictured smiling in a selfie together taken on a holiday
Both women were seriously hurt, and although they have since made a good recovery from their injuries still suffer from the mental scars of their ordeal
Melissa – who also developed sepsis as a result of her injuries and was put into an induced coma – survived with an open fracture to her wrist, severe puncture wounds to the abdomen and many injuries to her leg and foot
The twins were swimming in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido when Melissa was dragged under the water.
Melissa – who also developed sepsis as a result of her injuries and was put into an induced coma – survived with an open fracture to her wrist, severe puncture wounds to the abdomen and many injuries to her leg and foot, while Georgia was bitten on her hand.
This year’s Civilian Gallantry List, which includes nine people, is the first to be approved by the King.
Also set to receive the medal is Pc Zach Printer, who was unarmed when he confronted gunman Jake Davison in August 2021 in Keyham, Plymouth. Davison had already shot and killed five innocent victims.
Among the other recipients is Pc Steven Denniss ((CORR)), who was stabbed in the leg while apprehending a double murder suspect while off duty in Louth, Lincolnshire, in June 2021.
