Georgia Laurie, from Sandhurst, is set to receive a King’s Gallantry Medal after fighting off a crocodile that attacked her twin sister, Melissa, while the pair were swimming in Mexico in June 2021. Georgia repeatedly hit the reptile in the face, potentially saving her sister’s life. The twins were later treated in hospital, where Melissa developed sepsis and was put into a medically-induced coma.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Melissa spoke of her sister’s unwavering bravery and recounted the terrifying attack and her own struggle to stay connected to her sister despite being bitten and dragged underwater. Georgia, meanwhile, expressed shock at the honour she is set to receive, saying that she didn’t expect it and describing the experience as a “crazy story”. The twins both suffered serious injuries in the attack, with Melissa suffering an open fracture to her wrist, severe bite wounds, and injuries to her leg and foot, and Georgia being bitten on the hand.
The twins had been in Mexico to volunteer, work in animal sanctuaries, and travel. On 11 August, they plan to swim the Thames Marathon to raise money for PTSD UK and Compañeros En Salud, a charity in Mexico that provides medical training and aid to communities in Chiapas. The twins hope to raise over £4,000 through this endurance swim.
Finally, it is worth noting that Georgia’s gallantry in punching the crocodile in the face making headlines all over the world is a testament to the incredible bond between the twins, whose relationship was nearly severed by the attack. The bond, however, has strengthened since then, with the twins becoming much closer. The recognition of Georgia’s bravery will allow them to put this horrific experience behind them and move forward with their inspiring efforts to help others through their fundraising
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