Head’s tribute to former pupil
SHE WARNS OF ‘TRAGIC REALITY THAT KNIVES KILL’ IN VIDEO
THE former head teacher of a teenage boy who died after he was stabbed has paid tribute and sent out a strong message on the dangers of knives.
During the early hours of December 26, Joe Whitchurch, 16, was stabbed in Hickings Lane, Stapleford and taken to hospital.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the teenager died on December 29.
Joe’s mum, Lisa Kilkenny of Bramcote described the “unbelievable pain” of losing her eldest son, but praised the support of the local community.
Joe had been a student at Nottingham College and had completed an engineering course.
Prior to this, he had attended Bramcote College and in a recent virtual assembly video posted online, head teacher Heidi Gale described him as “a very bright boy with huge potential”.
Mrs Gale spoke to inform students and families of Joe’s death, with the consent of Joe’s family.
She said: “It is simply tragic to know that somebody took a knife and killed a child - Joe was 16, he was a child.”
She added: “Joe’s mum and his dad, and his two little brothers and his friends and family will never be the same again because of this.”
Mrs Gale mentioned the ongoing investigation into Joe’s death, which she said “should bring justice” but added it would never bring Joe back.
Her message went on to describe the “tragic reality that knives kill”.
She said “There is no reason to carry a knife or hang around people that do carry knives, because fundamentally knives kill.”
Mrs Gale said education would continue to inform youngsters of the dangers of carrying knives as well as support being available for those affected by the tragedy.
“People will be upset, I was upset when I heard about it and I continue to be upset because Joe was one of our students,” Mrs Gale said.
“He may have left our school but he was one of our students, and his two brothers are still here.”
An additional statement on the post said: “Joe was a bright and talented boy with a big personality and huge potential. He had his whole life ahead of him and there is no telling what he could have achieved. Sadly, that potential will never be realised. He will be missed by everyone in the Bramcote College family.”