Thursday, 15 June 2023
The University of Nottingham and Students' Union wish to thank everyone who was able to attend the vigil yesterday or have shared their sympathy, grief and support for the families of Grace and Barney. We would like to draw your attention to further ways in which you can remember Grace and Barney and express your support for their families.
Books of condolence
Books of condolence have been opened to help the university community share their thoughts, grief and memories of Grace and Barney. The pages will be bound and shared with each of their families. The books can be found in the Chapel Lounge on the A floor of Portland Building on University Park.
You are also invited to share your thoughts via the online book of condolence. Please note, these contributions are moderated, so there may be a delay in publication.
University support line
**Please note, the support line is now closed**
A dedicated support line has been opened for members of the university community who would like to speak to a trained supporter. They offer a listening ear, and signposting to further support services if needed. Call 0115 748 7900 – the line is open every day, 8am to 7pm.
Nottingham city vigil – 5:30pm today
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shearer West, will speak at a city-wide vigil held later today in Nottingham’s Old Market Square. She will be joined by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Carole McCulloch and Leader of the Council, Cllr David Mellen in remembering the three victims of Tuesday’s attack – Grace, Barney, and school caretaker Ian Coates.
Members of the university community are encouraged to attend the vigil, which begins at 5.30pm on Thursday 15 June. Transport on the city’s buses will be free of charge between 3pm and 8pm to support people who wish to attend.
Our campus vigil
At a vigil on Wednesday 14 June attended by the parents, families and close friends of Grace and Barney, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shearer West and the Students’ Union Community Officer Daisy Forster addressed thousands of members of the university community who gathered to remember them.
Grace was a medical student, thriving in her first year of study and inspired to a career in medicine by work placements in a GP surgery and her volunteering for the nationwide vaccination programme during the Covid-19 pandemic. She was a talented sportswoman, playing international hockey for both the U16 and U18 England Hockey Team and Essex U15 Women’s Cricket. She was held in the highest regard by her tutors and team mates alike.
Barney was a first-year history student, with a particular personal interest in geopolitics of both the USA and China. His tutors recall his energy as a student and as fun, friendly, and full of life in his seminars. He too was a sporting talent, playing hockey, rugby and cricket for his school and local clubs and excelling at sports at Nottingham.
Professor West said: “It is hard to find the words to express the shock and grief felt across our institution at the senseless loss of two first year students who have had their bright futures brutally curtailed by a seemingly random act of violence.
“Against this backdrop of deep sadness and loss, I hope we can draw some comfort from the public reaction locally, nationally, and indeed globally to this dreadful crime. Nottingham is a wonderful and distinctive city, and our university and civic communities are united both in our grief and in our knowledge that this terrible act is not what our city is about.”
Daisy Forster, SU Communities Officer, said: “What should have been one of our biggest celebrations turned into one of our darkest days. What was taken from us yesterday will never be given back and the shock waves echo through our student community.” She paid condolences to the students’ families and said they had “38,000 students standing behind them”.
Grace’s father Sanjoy thanked those present: “for your support, for taking the time to be here. All you guys, everywhere that I can see, a sea of people. Such a lovely sign of unity, the bond you have. Grace was also like Barney, she loved coming up to Nottingham. In fact, we couldn’t get her down. The love that we have out here, I just wish we had it everywhere. Look out for each other, that’s the big thing. Look after your friends and look after the people around you. It’s so important.”
Barney’s father David joined Sanjoy in thanking everyone for attending the vigil, saying: “I’m lost for words, I’ve lost my baby boy, I cannot comprehend how I am going to deal with it. Myself and Emma and Charlie and his family and friends… I know Barney would be super touched by everyone that’s here.
“He loved it. He loved it here. He couldn’t wait to come back. It drove me mad. His heart will be with you guys forever and thank you so much. I really can’t say much more.”