Berkshire woman receives bravery honour from King

A woman who saved her twin sister from a crocodile attack will receive a bravery honour after being included on the King's first Civilian Gallantry List.

31 year Georgia Laurie, from Sandhurst, punched the reptile in the face when it attacked her twin Melissa while they were in Mexico in June 2021.

Both women were seriously hurt but survived after treatment, and now Georgia will receive the King's Gallantry Medal, which acknowledges exemplary acts of bravery.

Ms Laurie 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 went on: "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."

The twins were swimming in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido when Melissa was dragged under the water.

Melissa 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.

Georgia added: "The further away it gets, the less it feels real.

"But then something like this happens and it puts it all back into perspective again, like wow, that actually did happen, it's a crazy story.

"Because when you think about it, it does sound like a horror movie, but it is a part of our life, it's part of the tapestry of our life."

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.