Funeral held for school knife attack victim

The funeral for a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death at a school in Sheffield has taken place in the city.

Harvey Willgoose was stabbed twice in the chest at All Saints Catholic High School on 3 February.

His funeral was attended by hundreds of people at Sheffield Cathedral on Friday afternoon, with the service also shown on a big screen outside.

The Rev Canon Abigail Thompson said the entire city would grieve for Harvey, and added: "Sheffield isn't the kind of place where this happens."

Some mourners wore T-shirts with pictures of Harvey's face and anti-knife crime slogans.

Harvey's sister Sophie read a poem she had written for him, and his cousin Lana Swirles paid tribute to him as a "loving and caring person".

She told the congregation: "His laughter was contagious and his kindness knew no bounds.

"His adventurous spirit inspired us to enjoy life and seek out joy in the little things."

Leading the service, the Dean of Sheffield Rev Thompson said: "One of Harvey's great gifts was his love of people, his kindness to others and his ability to talk to anyone.

"Young and old, Harvey had a way with people. He never stopped talking, he lifted people's spirits."

She told mourners: "Many of you here today will feel pretty hopeless, miserable and afraid of what the world is like, and what the world has become.

"Amidst what feels like a very bleak day there are people here who are full of hope for the world, despite everything."

The final music of the service was a choral rendition of a Sheffield United football chant, The Greasy Chip Butty Song.

Mourners applauded as Harvey's coffin, covered in Sheffield United's colours, was carried out before being taken to a private cremation service.

In a statement issued after his death, Harvey's family said they were "utterly heartbroken".

"Our lives are devastated and will never be the same again," they said.

"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."

Earlier this month his parents, Mark and Caroline, led an anti-knife crime march from Sheffield's Town Hall to Sheffield United's Bramall Lane football ground.

About 1,000 people took part, with supporters carrying a large banner saying Lives Not Knives.

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, has been charged with Harvey's murder, as well as possession of a bladed article and affray.

A provisional trial date has been set for 30 June.

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