‘I’m thinking of you all today...’ says star Ariana
DEVASTATED singer Ariana Grande sent a message of solidarity to Manchester a year on from the bombing, saying: “Thinking of you all today and every day.”
The 24-year-old US pop star was performing the last song on her Dangerous Woman Tour at the Arena when Salman Abedi detonated his bomb.
As survivors and victims’ families marked the anniversary, she wrote a tweet which included a worker bee, the city’s defiant symbol of its industrial past.
It said: “I love you with all of me and am sending you all the light and warmth I have to offer on this challenging day.” Her mother Joan added: “All my love, Manchester...”
In a recent interview, the former Disney TV star turned pop icon described the terror attack as the “worst of humanity” and said she was still struggling to cope with it.
Her manager Scooter Braun revealed she had “suffered from trauma” and found it incredibly difficult meeting injured concertgoers and families at hospital.
Weeks after the bomb Ariana headlined the One Love concert at Lancashire’s Old Trafford cricket ground, along with stars including Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Robbie Williams.
Yesterday other celebs from Manchester and beyond paid tribute to the city and its people.
Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford tweeted: “One year on, gone but not forgotten. Don’t let hate win.”
Bury-born Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson praised her “wonderful city”, adding: “Stay strong our kid!”
Corrie actress Brooke Vincent posted: “Our Twenty Two Manchester – We Do Things Differently Here.”
Fellow Street star Jennie McAlpine changed her Twitter profile picture to the worker bee.
Everest adventurer Ben Fogle tweeted that he was “thinking of Manchester today”.
BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw said: “Remembering the Manchester attack and sending love to their families.”
Liverpool comedian John Bishop wrote: “Thoughts and prayers today are with all those who were affected a year ago.”
TV chef James Martin said: “Manchester, my thoughts are with you.”
And Spice Girl Geri Horner told the city: “You are in our hearts and minds.”