Saffie’s family’s letter of thanks
FAMILY OF YOUNGEST TO BE KILLED IN ARENA ATROCITY PAYS HEARTFELT THANKS IN WAKE OF THEIR LOSS
THE family of Saffie Rose Roussos have written of their gratitude for the support which allowed them to survive their ‘dark days.’
The eight-year-old schoolgirl was the youngest person to be killed at the Ariana Grande concert on May 22. Her funeral at Manchester Cathedral on Wednesday will be the last to take place of those who died.
In a letter to the M.E.N., her family praised the emotional and practical support they received from police, medical staff and residents in their hometown of Leyland, Lancashire.
They also thanked Coldplay singer Chris Martin and broadcaster Stephen Fry for providing a muchneeded break from their worries by helping them see the band play live.
Saffie had been attending her first concert at the Manchester Arena with her mum, Lisa, who was badly injured by shrapnel in the explosion.
Saffie’s older sister, Ashlee, was also hurt in the attack. Residents in Leyland showed their support by leaving a sea of floral bouquets and balloon tributes outside the fish and chip shop owned by Saffie’s dad Andrew.
Writing in their letter, the Roussos family thanked everyone who showed solidarity with their pain.
All are welcome to pay their respects to Saffie during Wednesday’s funeral service at Manchester Cathedral at 1.45pm. The family have asked those wishing to bring flowers to bring a single rose, after their daughter’s middle name. This is their letter: On May 22nd, our family experienced a horrific tragedy that no person in this world should go through.
Our baby, our angel, Saffie Rose Roussos, was one of the victims in the Manchester terrorist attack that took the life of 22 people. This letter’s intention is to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who offered support in the days following the death of our baby. To Greater Manchester Police, and especially the Chief Constable who supported our family both physically and emotionally, and the two designated family liaison officers. To the Leyland community, who raised donations to help the family and organised tributes for Saffie’s birthday. To the Wythenshawe hospital personnel, who spent countless hours healing Lisa Roussos and offering accommodation to the rest of the family. A big thank you to Coldplay and Chris Martin for treating Andrew, Lisa, Ashlee, Xander and friends to
With generous support we are able to survive through these dark days The Roussos family
their Cardiff concert. To Stephen Fry, who arranged transportation for the family to attend the Cardiff concert.
Finally, our family wants to thank everyone who took a moment to pay their respects in any way.
With the generous support of organisations and people like you, we are able to survive through these dark days that came upon us and honour the pride of our family and memory of Saffie Rose Roussos. Sincerely, The Roussos family.