Barnaby’s horrific murder spurred us on to lose 16 stone

WHEN Dr Carol Smith stood in a Tintagel car park on June 13, 2023 reading the text that her son’s best friend, Barnaby Webber, had been murdered, she could never have imagined the tragedy would ultimately save her own life.

- BY MATTHEW BARBOUR

Tom with mum Carol and dog Noodles, left; and with Barnaby before his brutal death in 2023, below; the Smith family before their amazing weight-loss journey

Barnaby, 19, was one of three victims in the Nottingham attacks that stunned the nation. For Carol and husband Albert - who had known Barney since he was three - the loss was almost unbearable. Yet from that darkness has emerged an extraordinary story of grief, resilience and a charitable foundation that is transforming young lives.

In the year after Barney’s death, the couple who had been morbidly obese - lost a combined 16 stone after daughter Emily said she couldn’t bear to lose them too.

Now they are preparing, with their children, for a 50km ultramarathon in Barney’s memory. Their efforts have so far helped raise more than £200,000 for the Barnaby Webber Foundation, set up by his parents to support disadvantaged young people.

"If Barney could see what he's done, he'd be cracking open a beer and laughing his pants off," says Carol, at home in Taunton.

Barnaby and the Smiths’ son Tom met at nursery and became inseparable. Born just three days apart in 2004 in the same hospital, they shared birthdays and attended Taunton School together. “Barney once came home from nursery and declared, 'I've got a great new friend he bit me today!'” recalls Barney’s mother, Emma.

For Tom, who has ADHD, the friendship was anchoring. When Carol suggested he expand his social circle, he replied simply: "I don’t need to. I’ve got Barney.”

Barney was, Carol says, “the most extraordinary ordinary lad. No angel, but the most loyal, nonjudgmental friend.”