A fundraising campaign for the funeral of Sheffield teenager Harvey Willgoose has already raised over £17,000.
Harvey Willgoose, 15, was fatally stabbed at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3.
A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with his murder, affray and possession of a knife.
He is currently in youth detention and will be appearing before the courts again to give a plea on April 28.
Tributes outside All Saints Catholic High School
PA
Following Willgoose’s death, Jenna Hitchcock set up a Go Fund Me page to ask for donations towards the funeral costs.
As part of the fundraiser, Jenna Hitchcock said: “I can’t imagine what Harvey’s parents are going through right now.
“I’m setting up this page just to try and give them one less thing to worry about. The whole community and country are in shock.
“The funds raised will help with the cost of the funeral. Please let’s give Harvey the send off he deserves. Any amount will truly be appreciated.”
Since the fundraiser was created three days ago, more than £17,000 of donations have been raised, with one generous contributor giving £1,400.
In response, Jenna Hitchcock said Willgoose had “touched the hearts of the nation”, adding: “Thank you all so much for helping us reach target I’m overwhelmed with your generosity. You can still donate let’s smash this target.”
Tributes continue to be paid to the Yorkshire teenager both online and across Sheffield.
Flowers, cards and balloons cover the outside All Saints Catholic High School, which reopened yesterday.
Willgoose, 15, died after being stabbed at school in SheffieldFacebookAs well as the many tributes outside the school, flowers, balloons, candles and moving messages paying tribute to the teenager who was a big Sheffield United fan, have been left at the Blades’ Bramall Lane stadium and in Beighton, where Harvey lived.
Caroline, Willgoose’s heartbroken mother, visited All Saints Catholic High School earlier this week with other members of the family.
They were let through the gates by police officers and stood for a few minutes by the many floral tributes set out.
In a statement released by South Yorkshire Police, the Willgoose family said: “Our lives are devastated and will never be the same again.
“We have lost a beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and, most importantly, a best friend to all. Harvey will be forever known for being a caring, loving and funny young man.”
The teenager’s mum has also posted videos and photos of her son on TikTok, accompanied by the heartbreaking message: “My Harvey. Life is never gunner be the same. Love you so much.”
In another post, she wrote: “Our Harvey. No words”, accompanied by several broken heart emojis and the hashtag “#WHY?WHY?WHY?”
All Saints Catholic High School separately paid tribute to the 15-year-old, saying he was “an invaluable part of our school community”.
Sheffield United was Willgoose’s boyhood club
PA
Steve Davies, CEO of St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust said: “Harvey was an immensely popular young man with his fellow students and teachers alike, he had a smile that would light up the room. Harvey was young. He was precious. He was loved.
“We are all struggling to process what has happened and our thoughts and prayers are with Harvey’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“It is unimaginable to comprehend what they are going through and whilst there are no words that will take away the pain and grief from Harvey’s family and friends, I simply want to express, on behalf of the whole school community, our heartfelt condolences.
“A tragic and shocking incident such as this shakes us to our core and is the opposite of the ethos of what All Saints stands for – a loving, caring school community.”
A mass is being held at 10am tomorrow at St Joseph’s Church on Saturday. Willgoose was a former pupil of St Joseph’s Academy and the church also has close ties with All Saints Catholic High School.
Father Mark McManus is the parish priest at St Joseph’s, Handsworth. He said: “Our Mass will be offered for Harvey and his family, & friends, for the two school communities and for all who have been marked or touched by this terrible tragedy. Eternal rest grant unto Harvey, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”
Later on in the day, a march in honour of Willgoose will be held in Sheffield.
The GoFundMe page for Willgoose’s funeral
GOFUNDME
Starting at 1pm, people will walk from Sheffield Town Hall to Sheffield United’s grounds in Bramall Lane.
The march, which will honour of Harvey, is also a way for the community to stand together against knife crime.
People will walk carrying red and white balloons along with anything in those colours to show their support.
A balloon release will then be held outside St Mary’s Church in Sheffield. Social media posts promoting the march call for both Blades and Wednesday fans to attend and that Sheffield is “stronger together.”
An organiser, Spencer Starkes, wrote in a public Facebook post: “Since news broke earlier this week we’ve been working with Sheffield Council, South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield United to organise and peaceful gathering outside the town hall.
“This will be a peaceful gathering and walk, it’s about one thing and one thing only getting these [knives] took off our streets.
“The march comes ahead of the Sheffield United vs Portsmouth match at Bramhall Lane on Saturday afternoon. Fans will pay tribute in the 15th minute of the Championship match.
A minute’s applause is planned, along with a tribute in the matchday programme. Members of the Willgoose family have also been invited to the game where a wreath will be laid in the teenager’s honour.