City to come together for Harvey Willgoose following school stabbing death

Sheffield is set to come together to commemorate 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose, who was stabbed to death at a school in the city.

Harvey died at All Saints Catholic High School in Granville Road, Sheffield, at about 12.17pm on Monday.

Described as “young, precious and loved” by the boss of the trust which runs the school, Harvey was a “popular young man” and avid supporter of Sheffield United.

On Saturday afternoon, people will march from Sheffield Town Hall to Bramall Lane, Sheffield United’s ground, to commemorate Harvey and raise awareness about knife crime, the charity Always An Alternative said.

People taking part are asked to wear something red and white – and a large banner has been created for Harvey, the charity added.

The march is set to start at 1pm ahead of Sheffield United’s match against Portsmouth at 3pm.

Churches have expressed their sorrow at the tragedy, and there will also be masses held in Harvey’s memory.

Bishop Ralph Heskett, the Bishop of Hallam, asked for St Marie’s Cathedral in central Sheffield to be open for those wanting a place for private prayer.

A mass is also being held at St Joseph’s church in Handsworth, Sheffield, at 10am.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Bishop Heskett said: “Our prayers, and those of every parish and school, are with Harvey, his parents, family, and friends for a young life lost and all those affected by this tragedy.

“My thoughts are also with the students, staff and community of All Saints Catholic High School at this time.

“In God’s peace, and in God’s presence, we must come together as a community of faith to comfort each other.”

Mark McManus, the parish priest at St Joseph’s, Handsworth, added: “Harvey was a former pupil of St Joseph’s Academy and, along with the members of our community who attend All Saints High School, many will have been affected by his death – some very closely.

“Our mass will be offered for Harvey and his family, and friends, for the two school communities and for all who have been marked or touched by this terrible tragedy.”

Steve Davies, chief executive of the St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust – which runs the secondary school, said in a statement: “Harvey was an invaluable part of our school community.

“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.”

A boy, also 15, accused of murdering Harvey, has been remanded into youth detention accommodation.

The defendant, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday charged with murder, possession of a bladed article and affray.

A trial date was fixed for June 30.