The mother of Nottingham attack victim Barnaby Webber spoke of her love for her “extraordinary boy” in a moving tribute at his funeral.
Emma Webber told the hundreds who had gathered for his funeral in Somerset: “Until I lost [him], I don’t think I really knew how much I loved, and boy, did I love that boy. More than words can ever, ever convey”
She said she was “so very thankful” for all the memories of her son.
Charlie Webber, Barnaby’s brother, addressed the service, telling those present about memories of the pair together.
He talked about losing tennis balls during the “highly competitive backyard cricket league” that they took part in at their home.
“You’re the only reason I have the confidence to stand here today,” he said.
“When we were younger, you were always the person I went to if I was scared of something or had a tough decision to make.”
Barnaby’s father David also paid tribute to his son.
Hundreds of people gathered for the funeral of the student who was stabbed to death in Nottingham.
Mr Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, were killed in an attack at Ilkeston Road on June 13.
The students had been walking home together from a nightclub in the early hours when the tragic incident unfolded.
Third victim Ian Coates, 65, suffered fatal injuries an hour after the pair were both stabbed.
Around 600 people gathered at Taunton Minster in Somerset to pay tribute to Mr Webber for his funeral on Friday.
Among the congregation were his friends from Taunton School, Bishop Hull Cricket Club and the University of Nottingham.
Both Ms O’Malley-Kumar and Mr Coates were also remembered at the service.
Their photographs were on display at the church entrance alongside a hockey stick, ball and Nottingham Forest scarf to remember their love of sport.
Mr Webber’s wicker coffin was brought into the church to music by Annie Lennox. The service was led by the Right Reverend Ruth Worsley, the Bishop of Taunton.
The minister choir sang Amazing Grace before mourners heard tributes from Mr Webber’s former teachers, friends and university colleagues.
At the request of the Webber family, the congregation then loudly sang his favourite hymn, Jerusalem.
His godparents, Katharine Reynolds, Robin Barrow and Abi Rawlins, read poems and an address was given by Dr Eliza German, chaplain of Taunton School.
During a vigil held last month at Bishops Hull Cricket Club in Taunton, Mr Webber’s parents David and Emma paid tribute to their son, who they said had a “lovely soul”.
Mr Webber said the support of well-wishers “gives us strength” and added: “We always knew Barnaby was special, a beautiful human being and a lovely soul.”
Ms Webber said: “It’s overwhelming the outpouring of love and support. This is his true home, his people. We wanted to come and see what this wonderful club has done for him. It’s been healing.”
Valdo Calocane, 31, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
