A memorial fund to pay for the funeral of a 15-year-old boy who was murdered outside his school in Willesden has raised a staggering £37,000 in just 13 days.

Brent & Kilburn Times: More than 1,000 people 'stood together' (Pic: Angela Blake)More than 1,000 people 'stood together' (Pic: Angela Blake) (Image: Archant)

The money has been raised in memory of Quamari Serunkuma-Barnes by more than 1,300 members of the grieving community - almost double the £20,000 target the fund had hoped to raise.

This comes after around 2,000 people attended a vigil on January 29 to remember the “respectful, loving” teenager who was stabbed at a bus stop near Capital City Academy, in Doyle Gardens, on Monday January 23. He was rushed to hospital but died a few hours later.

Quamari’s father Paul Barnes courageously addressed the crowd at the special event in memory of his son asking mourners to also pray for the teenage boy who has since been charged with his murder.

Others also took to the stage, at the Stand Together event including young people who knew Quamari and paid tribute to the “popular boy who had a love of reggae music especially Bob Marley.”

The go fund me page was set up by Quamari’s godmother Sasha Mitchell who aimed to raise £20,000 to pay for his funeral and any other costs.

She said on the page: “We send our children to school and trust that they are safe but Quamari was chased down outside his school gates and stabbed to death.

“He was a respectful, loving good boy and it truly breaks my heart that we lost him in this way.

“He wasn’t in gangs, drugs or any crimes. He was just a beautiful boy who loved his friends and family.

“We are asking for £20,000 to cover all funeral and burial expenses and other expenses they may incur.

“Our family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this horrendous time.”

Alex Thomas, principal of Capital City Academy, said: “Capital City Academy has been overwhelmed by the kind words and messages of support received following a tragic incident after school yesterday which led to the death of a 15-year-old boy.

“We are deeply saddened by this death; it is undoubtedly a tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who knew and loved him. He was positive about learning and had a bright future; he will be greatly missed by his many friends and the entire school community.

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with the murder of Quamari Barnes.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear in court on April 25 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

To make a donation to the memorial fund click here.