Candle-lit Vigil To Be Held in Brentford for Murdered Hero
Norris Henry accused of stabbing Ali Abucar Ali to death
Ali Abucar Ali (left) with Michael Kwentoh of Chiswick Gators. Picture: Chiswick Gators
Friends of Ali Abucar Ali have organised a candle-lit vigil in Brentford this weekend in honour of the 20-year-old man stabbed to death last week.
A minute’s silence followed by a minute’s applause will take place at Carville Hall Park South at 5pm on Saturday 20 November in memory of the man who is widely credited with saving the life of 82-year-old great great grandmother Betty Walsh. 20 balloons will be released to reach ‘our new angel’. If you are attending you are invited to bring your own candles and balloon if you wish.
37-year-old Norris Henry of Brook Road South, has appeared at the Old Bailey earlier this week accused of the murder of Ali and the attempted murder of Betty on Friday 12 November. He has been remanded in custody until a plea hearing which is due to take place on 21 February 2022.
In what has been described as an unprovoked attack, he is alleged to have stabbed Betty in the back with a 30cm long knife and then Ali in the chest before running away. Ali was pronounced dead at the scene while Betty was rushed to hospital where initially there were fears for her life but she pulled through and is now recovering.
Betty Walsh's condition is no longer described as critical. Picture: Facebook
Ali, who is of British-Somali heritage, who was studying at Kingston University with the intention of becoming an accountant, is reported to have intervened to protect Betty when she was attacked at around 7.50pm. He managed to get to a nearby cafe to request help and the emergency services were called but, despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Natasha Honnor who is organising the vigil said, “Ali was a very charming young gentleman who will be sadly missed by all. He was a strong member of the community where his passion was basketball as well as playing football and enjoyed offering his love for basketball by coaching children.
" He touched so many people’s hearts with his acts of random kindness and was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him.”
The police cordon outside kebab shop on Albany Road. Picture: Twitter
Less than an hour before his death Ali had been coaching youngsters at his former school in Chiswick for the Chiswick Gators Basketball club.
Fellow coach Michael Kwentoh said of him, "There's never been a person I've met in my life who has been more committed, caring and responsible than Ali.
"If it wasn't for Ali, we wouldn't have a club.
"He never turned his back on it. He was so dedicated to working with kids because he had the same passion.
"He took jobs working nights in a factory just so he could keep up the coaching."
A gofundme page originally set up to pay for his funeral expenses has now raised over £100,000.
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November 19, 2021
