Community’s plaque is tribute to Arena 22
GORTON FUNDRAISERS PAY FOR SIGN WHICH HONOURS THOSE PEOPLE CAUGHT UP IN THE MAY BOMBING
A PLAQUE dedicated to the 22 people who lost their lives in the Manchester bombing has been unveiled in Gorton.
The plaque, which reads: “In memory of those who died, and those who were injured in the Manchester Arena bombing 22 May 2017,” was unveiled on Saturday at the Gorton Community Centre on Highmead Street.
Afzal Khan, MP for Gorton and Shadow Immigration Minister, uncovered the black and gold plaque which had been fixed to the gates at the entrance to the centre’s gardens.
More than 15 residents, local councillors and local officers gathered to pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the Manchester Arena earlier this year.
Mr Khan, who was Lord Mayor of Manchester between 2005 and 2006, paid tribute to the 22 people who died that night.
He said: “This plaque not only serves to remind us of those who were lost in the Arena attack, but also of how our city stood united in the face of such atrocity.
“It is typical of the generosity of the Gorton community to come together and donate this lasting tribute.”
The plaque was bought with funds raised by Rose Berrington, who is part of the Gorton Community Centre’s ladies pensioner group.
Rose is regularly involved in fundraising which she does by selling things that she’s made, such as beads and crafts, at local churches.
While fundraising for the ambulance service, she decided to use the left over funds for the plaque to those caught up in the Manchester bombing.
Chairman of the Gorton events committee Allan Grafton said: “She’s a diamond for charities.
“It’s absolutely fantastic that we have got that kind of a person in our group running fundraising events throughout the year.”
Rose has previously raised money for both the police and the fire service, but decided to focus on the ambulance service in particular during this bout of fundraising.
Allan added: “Everybody in Manchester stood together after the Manchester bombing and we stood together in the gardens on Saturday and dedicated this plaque for the 22 who lost their lives.” After the plaque unveiling, the group headed into the centre for cups of tea and Rose was handed a bouquet of flowers for all her hard work fundraising. Gorton Community Centre serves people from across the borough. Afzal Khan MP