Friends run in memory of Nottingham attacks victim

Abi Brant and Freya Tyler had known Barnaby Webber from Taunton School in Somerset before they all studied at the University of Nottingham

Friends of a student killed in the Nottingham attacks have completed an ultramarathon raising thousands of pounds in his memory.

Barnaby Webber was among three people fatally stabbed by Valdo Calocane in the city in June 2023.

On Sunday two of his friends, Abi Brant and Freya Tyler, ran 33 miles (53km) in his memory to raise money for the Barnaby Webber Foundation, set up by his family.

As the 19-year-olds completed the gruelling challenge, they said they felt Barnaby was "definitely" with them.

In an emotional finish, the pair completed the ultramarathon by running into the arms of friends and family, some of whom joined them for stints of the route throughout the day.

The runners were met with cheers, hugs and a bottle of champagne at the finish point at outside the university's Portland Building

Mr Webber's cricket team were among those who took part, with runners wearing t-shirts in team colours - yellow and green - along with his number, 53.

"We just noticed things along the way that were yellow and green or the green and yellow leaves lining the streets," Ms Brant said. "He was definitely with us."

They also received a message of support from Barnaby's parents, Emma and David Webber.

Ms Tyler said: "That made us a bit emotional but it was really nice."

"It was so special," she added. "It felt like a dream."

Barnaby Webber (middle) and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19 and Ian Coates, 65, were killed on 13 June 2023.

By the end of the run on Sunday, the students had raised more than £4,000 for The Barnaby Webber Foundation, which aims to support young people and grassroots cricket.

His family launched the foundation after he and another University of Nottingham student, 19-year-old student Grace O'Malley-Kumar died on 13 June 2023 as well as 65-year-old Ian Coates.

Ms Brant and Ms Tyler had initially aimed to raise £2,000 but said after quickly surpassing that target, they decided to make it £5,353 in a nod to his shirt number.