Twin who fought off croc on the King's first gallantry list

A woman who saved her twin sister’s life by punching a crocodile in the face will be honoured for her bravery in the King’s first Civilian Gallantry List.

- ANDY GREGORY

Georgia Laurie, from Sandhurst in Berkshire, was bitten in the arm while fighting the reptile off as it dragged sister Melissa underwater and attacked her three times as they were swimming at a lagoon in the Mexican state of Oaxaca in June 2021.

Both women were seriously hurt, with Melissa developing sepsis as a result of her wounds but surviving after treatment – with Georgia now set to receive the King’s Gallantry Medal. “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,” said Georgia, adding: “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.”