'Deeply loved' Sheffield schoolboy Harvey Willgoose remembered this Christmas time

15-year-old Harvey was stabbed to death at All Saints Catholic High School by classmate Mohammed ‘Umar’ Khan, in an incident that shocked the nation on February 3, 2025.

Khan, now 16, formerly of City Road, Sheffield, was found guilty of murder in August, and was jailed for 16 years in October.

Reflecting on the festive period and the year ahead, in an interview with BBC Sheffield, Harvey’s mum, Caroline, stressed there are “no winners” with knife crime, causing devastation to victims and perpetrators alike.

“He’s not with his parents this Christmas, he’s not with his siblings. He’s locked up, and he’s going to be locked up for a long time.

“There’s not been any winners here.”

When asked about how she feels about moving into a new year without Harvey, Caroline continued: “I have mixed feelings.

“Because it’s the year that we lost Harvey and it’s just been a horrendous year. I do want to forget it in that way, but then, it’s moving away from the last time I saw Harvey - and my dad.”

Those closest to him have said Harvey will be remembered for a number of things, including his “warm and caring nature,” his “cheeky” sense of humour and his “unique ability to bring people together.”

Harvey’s sister, Sophie issued a moving tribute at the conclusion of a five-week Sheffield Crown Court trial.

She said: “Harvey was full of life, a warm, funny caring boy, who had the unique ability to bring people together.

“His presence lit up every room. He made people feel see, heard and valued. He was deeply loved by his family, cherished by his friends, respected by all who knew him.”

The Star spoke to Harvey’s mum Caroline shortly before the trial came to an end.

Reflecting on what she would like Harvey’s legacy to be, Caroline said: “I hate saying Harvey Willgoose was the pupil that was stabbed to death at school. He’d hate that.

“I want him to be remembered as the fun-loving kid, cheeky chappy, sociable kid that he was.”

And while the impact of passionate Blades fan Harvey on so many across Sheffield has been laid bare, through the turnout at both his funeral and his memorial march, Caroline said her son’s influence extends much further than that.

“It's not just Sheffield. There were some lads in Birmingham that he met at an away game that came to his funeral. They came to lay some flowers. “They did a march for him in Birmingham.

“In Nottingham when we went to lay some flowers, there were some kids crying and I said: ‘Oh, did you know him’ and they said ‘We met him, we're from Nottingham’. And then they came to funeral. All over people knew him all over and I didn't know.

“Harvey would tell me: ‘I'm famous, me, you know, mum’ - and he was.”

Securing his legacy for the future, Caroline and Sophie have vowed to campaign in Harvey’s name, fighting for bleed kits and knife arches to be installed in schools; and creating awareness of the heartbreaking consequences knife crime can have.

At the age of 15, Harvey had been a popular lad in the black and white shirts of Beighton Magpies.

The village where the club is based was awash with flowers left in memory of Harvey in the days following his death.

Beighton Magpies described him as always enthusiastic, driven and supportive to those around him, and the club passed on its heartfelt condolences to all Harvey’s family, friends and classmates at this time.

Speaking in the days following Harvey’s death, Club chairman Martyn Cooper told The Star: “At the Magpies, we are deeply saddened about the loss of Harvey. He was a charismatic, enthusiastic and supportive team mate. He was always polite and helpful to people.

“He touched so many lives and had many friends across different age groups. He was one of those people who could talk to anyone.”

Shaun Fox Hammonds, who managed Harvey’s team, wrote his own message to Harvey, describing him as the legend, the entertainer, and the inspiration for others.

He said: “What an unbelievable human being you were. You had it all. I feel privileged and honoured to have known, coached and managed such a pleasant bubbly, outgoing, friendly and approachable lad.

“Everybody who knew you absolutely loved you. You had such an infectious personality. Your smile would would light up any room or situation.

“I have many wonderful memories that myself and all my family have shared with you and your brilliant family. Football tournaments, family holidays, breaks away. The list is endless. All these were unforgettable and cherished because you were part of them.

“We love you Harvey. Rest in peace.”

Harvey’s kind nature was described during the course of the trial by his teacher Claire Staniforth, as she gave evidence to the jury.

Describing her relationship with Harvey, Ms Staniforth said: “Mine and Harvey’s relationship was funny, we had a good laugh together about things. And when he did attend school, he would come to see me and make sure I was okay. I would make sure he was okay.”

“He made me laugh, we made each other laugh. He was a bit cheeky sometimes, but he would never overstep the boundaries with me.”

Ms Staniforth appeared emotional as she told jurors that during her final conversation with Harvey, which took place over the phone just a few minutes before he suffered the fatal stab wound, he called her ‘bestie’ and jokingly described a conversation he had been having with a girl online.