Stabbing victim's brother supports cricket club

5 hours ago

Ross Pollard,Crewkerneand

Clara Bullock,Somerset

Barnaby's brother Charlie has been handing out grants to a Somerset cricket club

BBC Charlie Webber is smiling at the camera. Behind him are new cricket nets funded by the Barnaby Webber Foundation near Crewkerne. — Barnaby's brother Charlie has been handing out grants to a Somerset cricket club

The brother of one of the victims in the Nottingham attacks said it makes him "feel warm" to be able to donate things in his brother's name.

Charlie, Barnaby Webber's brother, has given grants to cricket teams near East and West Chinnock in Somerset as part of the Barnaby Webber Foundation, which was created in his memory following his death in 2023.

Ian Coates, 65, and students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, were killed by Valdo Calocane in a spate of attacks on 13 June 2023 in Nottingham.

Visiting the cricket club that received a donation, Charlie said: "How something so good can come from something so negative is incredible to me."

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Barney was only 19 when he was killed in Nottingham

A smiling photo of Barnaby Webber, also known as Barney by his family and friends. — Barney was only 19 when he was killed in Nottingham

Charlie visited West and Middle Chinnock Cricket Club on Wednesday to officially open their new portable cricket nets, part funded by the charity.

"Coming here and seeing this net and all the kids bowling in it and really enjoying it, it makes you feel really warm inside, it's just a great feeling," he said.

Charlie added that he was really close to his brother, who was only 19 when he died.

"It's something that will never go away, it's something you take with you your whole life, it's always going to be there in your rear view mirror," he added.

West and Middle Chinnock Cricket Club with their new cricket nets.

Charlie Webber stands with the players from the West & Middle Cricket Club with their new cricket nets behind them — West and Middle Chinnock Cricket Club with their new cricket nets.

The foundation was set up in Barnaby's memory to support young people who are facing life challenges and provide grassroots cricket clubs with essential equipment.

Cricket was chosen as a particular they wanted to support due to Barnaby's love of the game.

A total of £231,500 has been raised and more than 30 projects have been supported with grants of nearly £60,000.

Two young players trying out the new cricket nets

Two primary school aged boys, who play for West and Middle Chinnock Cricket club, are photographed in the new cricket nets with a cricket bat and ball. — Two young players trying out the new cricket nets

Trustee Carol Smith said: "We've provided lots of different cricket projects and then we've got individual projects including a couple of wheelchairs going to young people."

West and Middle Chinnock Cricket Club says the new nets will make a huge difference, allowing more players to join their club and provide more inclusive training sessions.

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