Funeral for 'brilliant' Nottingham stabbing victim, 19, closes multiple streets
Hundreds of people paid tribute to Nottingham stabbing victim Barnaby Webber at his funeral this morning.
The 19-year-old from Tauntan tragically died during a string of senseless attacks, which also claimed the lives of Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19, and Ian Coates, 65, last month.
Barnaby, who has been described as 'beautiful and brilliant', was a first-year history student at Nottingham University.
His funeral is being held at Taunton Minster, Saint Mary Magdalene Church, and started at 11:30am. Somerset Council have closed Magdalene Street, Church Square, Whirligig Lane and Hammet Street from 10am until 2pm.
Barnaby Webber tragically died in June (PA)
The funeral will take place at Taunton Minster, Saint Mary Magdalene Church (Paul Gillis/Reach PLC WS)Hundreds have arrived to the public service, with large screens placed outside of the church to broadcast the funeral.
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A fundraiser for Barnaby has already exceeded the original £5,300 goal, with over £11,000 offered to the family.
Another fundraiser in the memory of caretaker Ian Coates, raised over £28,000 last month.
Speaking about the tragedy, Mrs Webber said: "Barnaby was killed in a senseless, horrific attack.
Mourners pictured arriving at the funeral (PA)"He leaves behind a family broken by grief and loss but determined not to let him be taken in vain.
"His inclusivity, quiet patience with others, and sheer generosity of his time prove what an extraordinary 'ordinary' person he was.
"In time an official 'Barnaby Webber Foundation' will be created and funds will be used to further all of the qualities listed above and to keep his memory alive whilst reaching out to others."
People have arrived to pay their respects to Barnaby (PA)The family of Grace O'Malley-Kumar are also hoping to set up a foundation.
Barnaby's family welcomed the people of Taunton to pay tribute to their son if they wish to.
However, the family have requested for only invited guests to attend a private ceremony which will take place after the service.
Fellow students have described Barnaby as “the antidote to loneliness, the antidote to sadness... the only person I ever wanted to be”.
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Barnaby's brother Charlie spoke at the funeral (PA)Rob Gallimore, teacher at Taunton School, said: “We will not see his like again. By living like he did, we can become better people.”
School chaplain Dr Eliza Getman said: "Barnaby mastered the most important lesson in life: be kind.
"He loved the diversity and excitement of #Nottingham - he loved people, and they loved him back. He knew relationships with people are the most important thing.”
Multiple streets were closed for the funeral (SWNS)In a vigil last month, Barnaby's mum urged thousands of people to "hold no hate" as she marked her son's memory.
Valdo Caolcane appeared in court last month charged with the murder of three people.
The 31-year-old has also been charged with the attempted murder of three pedestrians by driving a van into them.
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