GoFundMe launches to bring Knife Angel to Haverhill in memory of Harley Barfield
A GoFundMe to help raise the money needed to host the Knife Angel in Haverhill launched on Friday.
The project, led by Darryl Barfield, would see the statue, made from over 100,00 seized knives, visit the town in September.
Mr Barfield has said the statue will help to create a legacy for his son, Harley, 16, who was murdered when he was stabbed in the town on January 9 last year.
Mr Barfield said: “We need to get this Knife Angel here. Without the funding then the Knife Angel won’t come.
“We’re trying to get it for the 30 days to go on the Market Square. The council has put the £4,000 deposit down so we’ve now got to find funding for it.”
Money raised will cover the costs of the statue’s transport to Haverhill, its installation and helping to ensure it is safely in place. Donations will also go towards creating a series of awareness raising events.
Mayor of Haverhill, Cllr Dave Smith said: “To have The Knife Angel come to Haverhill would be an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of knife crime, and to acknowledge the sad loss of Harley Barfield in 2023.
“Being able to host the powerful and striking sculpture in Haverhill will provoke discussions and serve as a reminder to educate people on the impact knife crime can have on a family and the wider community.
The Knife Angel was created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, and was made to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour and draw attention to the need for social change.
Pastor Paul Turner, team leader of the River of Life Community Church said: “I am pleased to hear that the Knife Angel will be coming to Haverhill this year.
“Our town, like many others, has felt the pain of knife crime and anything that helps to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies in the future is to be welcomed.”
The town council is supporting Mr Barfield by assisting him with related projects and financial management.
Revd Max Drinkwater, priest-in-charge of Haverhill and Withersfield added: “’It is a huge honour for Haverhill to be chosen to host the Knife Angel.
“Haverhill is full of people seeking to transform our community for the better, and I am pleased that the Angel will stand outside St Mary’s Church as a sign of what we can do when we come together for good.”
The fund-raiser can be found here, and is titled ‘Bring the Knife Angel to Haverhill.
The Knife Angel is also known as the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression.
