A defiant message to those who hate
RELATIVES of some of those who lost their lives in the Manchester attack have sent a defiant message to haters as they back our campaign to make our city into a more peaceful and friendly place.
The families of Nell Jones, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, Alison Howe and Martyn Hett have all voiced their support of the #WeStandTogether campaign, launched today by the M.E.N. and the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace.
Sam Jones, Nell’s older brother, says he believes it is something the 14-year-old would have wanted to be involved in herself.
The schoolgirl was known for her kind-hearted personality, and would often be the one helping to resolve disputes and build bridges.
“Nell was one of those people that really couldn’t be doing with anyone being mean to anyone else,” Sam said.
“She wasn’t that type of person. She would always be the one going round, building the bridges and making sure that whoever was being picked on was okay.
“She was very much that way inclined, and I know she would definitely be all for being involved in something like the #WeStandTogether campaign, saying something similar to what I’m saying.
“For us it’s great to be able to be involved in something that Nell would’ve wanted to be involved in and take her chapter forward and make something positive come from this whole mess.”
Since the atrocity on May 22, hate crime has risen across Greater Manchester, and Sam is keen to send a message that what happened that night should not be used as an excuse to cause more pain.
He added: “We are very keen as a family to make sure that people don’t go out abusing other people because of what happened to Nell, using her as an excuse to justify their own aims.
“We don’t want any more harm to come to anyone.
“Instead we’ve got to make people think about how they treat others, and the affect that it may have on them.
“At the end of the day, if everyone in the world took a little more time to listen, to talk, to understand other people’s opinions then we wouldn’t have any of these issues that we have today. It’s a big task, but we’ve got to start somewhere, and hopefully this campaign will be that starting point.”
Gareth Wrigley is Alison Howe’s cousin.
He spoke with the M.E.N. at a family fun day in memory of the 45-year-old and fellow Royton mum Lisa Lees, in which two memorial benches funded by the community were unveiled by comedian Jason Manford.
Gareth said the campaign’s message was one that he has taught his own children.
“I definitely support it. I try and teach my own children that we are all individuals and we are all special in our own different way, regardless of colour, sexuality, gender, whatever. Everybody is their own person and wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could be happy all the time.”
Charlotte Campbell, Olivia’s mum, is encouraging others to get behind the campaign, and says that a simple act of kindness can go along way.
She added: “Manchester is a strong city that has been made stronger by the atrocity that happened in May where 22 people gained their angel wings and many more were injured.
“We need to stand together and stand proud and not be defeated by these people – that’s highly important to me as I lost my daughter that day and the support I’ve received from the people of Manchester is amazing.
“It’s taught me to be a lot more kinder and thoughtful as you never know what others are going through everyday.
“A smile or a hello could make someone’s day so please Manchester let’s stand together, stand proud and show people love not hate.”