Campaign launched to rename tram after Nottingham attack victims

Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates died last Tuesday.

A man is campaigning for a NET Tram in Nottingham to be renamed in memory of the three people who died in the city centre attacks.

University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, along with school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, were found stabbed to death in Nottingham city centre in the early hours of Tuesday 13 June.

Adam Odell, who was away in Norfolk during the attack, said he launched the campaign after watching news coverage and felt as though he "needed to do something."

Thousands gathered at a vigil for the victims of the Nottingham attack.

Speaking to ITV News Central he said: "I thought about the renaming of three trams but then thought that’s maybe too much of an ask, then by simply thinking of their names over and over came up with B.I.G (Barnaby, Ian & Grace) and the heart just seemed apt.

"The event was so close to home and felt it would be a great memorial and, in essence, the trams will always visit the Uni, Bulwell and the city.

"I simple shared my idea on my Facebook and after that it went crazy with over 6,000 shares in 48 hours!

"It really seems that it’s what the city wants."

Originally writing on Facebook Mr Odell said, "I think it would be an amazing tribute to name a tram after the three great souls we lost in the week.

"It should be called ‘The B.I.G heart’ tram."

Mr Odell said each of the letters in the 'BIG' stands for each initial for the victims, B for Barnaby, I for Ian, and G for Grace.

He continued, "And in doing this, it would also mean that in some way, they would still visit their University, and also Bulwell, and forever be a part of #OurNottingham.

"Just a thought," he finished.

People have commented on the ‘BIG Heart Tram’ Naming Project's Facebook page supporting the idea.

One user wrote, "Well done Adam, great idea, beautiful & thoughtful. We are all behind you."

Other users have commented the green heart emoji in which has been used as a logo for the campaign.

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