 The small town was shocked at the murder |
The violent death of a schoolboy would send shockwaves through any community. But for the residents of the small town of North Somercotes in rural Lincolnshire, the death of teenager Luke Walmsley was also a rallying point.
When Luke was killed at Birkbeck School, his family, friends and neighbours were determined the sports-mad youngster would be remembered.
And the Luke Walmsley Sports Foundation aims to do just that.
Lorraine Dowlman, a friend of the family, works at the Birkbeck School.
She said: "You cannot put it into words how something like this makes you feel.
"You cannot image what the parents must feel like because it is not your child." Because of her close connection with the family, she agreed to become treasurer of the fund set up in Luke's name.
"Luke was a very gifted and able sportsman and the centre would be commemorating him and giving other kids an advantage he would have enjoyed," she said.
"And it has shown us how far feelings about this tragedy have gone, how people realised the sense of loss and have wanted to help.
"We have had help from all over the world - the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union sent a signed shirt.
"But there has also been the support locally, from children giving pocket money right through to the biggest donations.
"That sort of thing gives you a warm feeling inside, which is wonderful."
Community effort
She added: "We feel a sports hall would be really viable as there is nothing like that nearby and it would serve not just the town but a wide area."
Fundraising efforts have been many and varied.
Thirteen Lincolnshire firefighters raised over �4,000 when they walked 14 miles in full kit.
Children have had sponsored swims and bike rides, companies have donated money and gifts.
There have been coffee mornings, raffles and even a ploughing competition.
As well as being involved in her professional capacity, Lincolnshire's Director of Education Dr Cheryle Berry raised �1,000 running the London marathon. She said: "It has been a very traumatic time for everybody concerned, there has been a lot of shock and horror.
"I pay huge tribute to Luke's family, friends and community for the way they have helped each other through this.
"It was the last thing we expected in a rural area, at a small school and a stable community.
"We are really, really hopeful that one good thing that will come of this is a good sports facility in North Somercotes."
She added: "Everybody has been touched by this and so many people have wanted to help, which is such a tribute to the place and to Luke."
The fund had raised over �40,000 by late May and a new total is expected to be announced soon.
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(The fund) has shown us how far feelings about this tragedy have gone 
