Royal wedding invites for grandma of bomb victim and charity worker
THE grandmother of a young girl killed in the Arena blast and a charity stalwart are among dozens of people from Greater Manchester attending this weekend’s Royal wedding.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will tie the knot on Saturday in a ceremony watched by millions across the globe.
They will be married at midday at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, then the couple will take part in a horse-drawn carriage procession around the town.
Fans have been camping out on the surrounding streets since for several days and ‘dress rehearsals’ took place on Thursday morning.
Around 600 people have been invited to the service which takes place at St George’s Chapel on Saturday May 19 and 2,640 members of the public have been invited to celebrate the day in Windsor Castle grounds including 1,200 people, who have demonstrated strong leadership in their communities.
Sharon Goodman is the grandmother of 15-year-old Tottington schoolgirl Olivia CampbellHardy, who died in the Manchester attack almost 12 months ago.
She is attending the wedding as the guest of Amelia Mae Thompson, another young Ariana Grande fan who was caught up in the atrocity.
The 12-year-old escaped from the Arena physically uninjured, but has been left deeply traumatised by what she saw.
Amelia, from Sheffield, travelled down to London on Thursday with her mum Lisa Newton, who nominated her for the place.
She said she couldn’t wait for the big day.
“I’m really excited and I’m really looking forward to seeing Meghan’s dress and getting dressed up myself.” Amelia said explained she met Ms Goodman after doing a photoshoot in which she paid tribute to those who lost their lives. When asked why she wanted to take her as her guest, she replied: “She was going through a hard time and I just wanted to put a smile on her face.” Debra Green OBE, from Altrincham, is one of the 2,640 members of the public to receive an invite to the castle grounds for the wedding. The 60-year-old is the director Amelia Mae Thompson explains her decision to invite Sharon Goodman and founder of Trafford-based charity Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) which works to bring communities together and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
Debra said she feels honoured to have been asked to attend.
“It’s certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said.
“I got the call I few weeks ago asking me to go on behalf of the work we do as a charity.
“I’m really excited. The weather is looking quite promising at present as well, which is good.
“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate with the Royal family and the fact that they have chosen people to come who they don’t even know but who they want to recognise for their work just speaks of what the young royals are all about.
“They’re very keen on their charity work and are very outspoken on issues such as mental health, emotional wellbeing and women’s rights.” Sharon Goodman’s grandaughter Olivia Campbell-Hardy was killed in the Arena terror attack
As with many guests, Debra was given a plus one to accompany her to Windsor and she decided to take her youngest daughter Rebecca, 32, who works with her at ROC.
She added: “My husband didn’t fancy it, so I decided to ask one of my daughters.
“It’s quite funny actually, about eight months ago my eldest Sarah, 34, started getting approached in the street by people saying she looked like Meghan Markle.
“Since then she’s had a lot of lookalike acting work, and will actually be in Windsor on Saturday as well for different events.
“It’s going to be lovely to be able to share it with Rebecca, I would have loved to have been able to take all of our staff but I could only take one.”
When asked about her outfit choice, Debra joked: “There was a lot to think about – the weather, being outside for most of the day. A lot of people were saying I had to wear something bright so they could spot me on TV.
“I’ve chosen a nice outfit with a nice fascinator, I’m really excited for it.”
We want pictures of your celebrations for Harry and Meghan’s wedding – email newsdesk@ men-news.co.uk