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Nottingham stabbing victim’s family give first donation from foundation to Black Isle teenager





Graeme Souness with Isla Grist.
Graeme Souness with Isla Grist.

A teenager from the Black Isle has become the first recipient to receive funds from a foundation set up in memory of a teenager killed in the Nottingham stabbings.

16-year-old Isla Grist, who has a rare skin condition called Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) said she would use the donation to buy a new wheelchair "that's not heavy".

Barnaby Webber, 19, from Taunton, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19, and Ian Coates, 65 were killed by Valdo Calocane in the city in June 2023.

The Webber family have since set up The Barnaby Webber Foundation, with money raised going to young people in need.

Emma Webber, Barnaby's mum, made the announcement live on BBC Breakfast with former Liverpool and Rangers footballer Graeme Souness.

Ms Webber said the family wanted to make the first donation from Barnaby's foundation to "somebody who is facing challenges in their life".

She told Ms Grist: "Every day, you're facing all the stuff you have to go through and we would like to make our very first donation to you because you're so special. It's really difficult, life, sometimes."

Ms Webber added: "I think things happen for a reason sometimes. I watched you on BBC Breakfast quite a few times and I was so inspired by what you did.

"We've had the most horrible year. Suddenly I thought it would be perfect if we were able to meet you.

"We are really proud of how brave you are. You're an inspiring young lady."

Graeme Souness himself has also support Ms Grist, as he swam the English Channel in 2023, at the age of 70 to raise over £1 million.

The former Scotland, Liverpool and Rangers star took on the daunting challenge after meeting the Fortrose Academy pupil.

Graeme Souness with Andy Grist.
Graeme Souness with Andy Grist.

He was joined by five others, including Isla's father, Andy, to raise money for Debra UK, which supports people with the condition, also known as butterfly skin.

He broke down in tears during a BBC interview as he described it "the cruellest disease out there" and urged others to rally behind the fight to ease the daily pain of sufferers like Isla.


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