Events unite Valley in wake of terror attacks

STUART PIKE

MORE than 70 people attended an annual event to mark the start of Ramadan – as the Valley continues to unite in solidarity against terror attacks in Manchester and London.

People of all different creeds, religions and races were invited to break the seventh fast of this Ramadan along with local Muslims in the Big Iftar event on Bury Road, Rawtenstall.

The gathering on June 2 was organised by Positive Start, a voluntary youth organisation and charity which works to support young people, particularly from disadvantaged and black minority ethnic groups.

Miladur Rahman, chairman of Positive Start, said the event showed the determination not to allow recent terror attacks to divide the community.

He said: “One of Positive Start’s key goals is to promote community cohesion and relations between different communities. What better way is there than to share a meal together, especially one which is special to fasting Muslims?

“Building relationships within our communities is more important now than ever before – particularly with the tragic event that ●● Some of the people of all faiths and backgrounds at the Big Iftar took place in Manchester, which risks dividing communities and we can’t let this happen.”

Toddlers from Rawtenstall also did their bit for the families and victims of the terror attack at Man- chester Arena on May 22.

Tots from Bright Futures Nursery School took part in a sponsored walk to the town centre memorial statue where they laid a handmade bee in tribute to the 22 victims.

Danielle Mancini, from the nursery, said children collected sponsorship from friends and family as well as donations during the walk.

Bacup Holy Trinity CE Primary also held a cake day to raise money for the victims of the Manchester bombing – donated to the I Love Manchester charity.

Headteacher Sara Richardson thanked everyone for their efforts.

Rossendale council staff joined in a minute’s silence on Tuesday for the victims of the London terror attack on June 3. ●● Above: Children at Bright Futures nursery ready for their sponsored walk for the Manchester bomb victims ●● Left: Bacup Holy Trinity pupils Harry Buckley, Maizie Hardiker, Spencer Clawson Maisie Parkinson, Mary-Kate Law and Jensen Clawson with some of the cakes raising cash for the same cause