Town to turn pink and blue for young victims
ANNIVERSARY OF TEENS’ DEATHS TO BE MARKED WITH SHOW OF LOVE
A TOWN will turn pink and blue on the first anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing to remember two of their favourite children.
South Shields businesses and organisations are set to adopt the colours of the Together Forever Trust to pay tribute to young couple Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.
The teenagers were among the 22 innocent concert-goers to lose their lives in the attack on May 22 last year.
The North East stood together to remember the victims, and grieving parents Mark and Lisa Rutherford, along with Caroline Curry, have since come together to establish the trust to celebrate their children’s lives.
Now – to mark the devastating first anniversary – South Shields will be awash in a sea of pink and blue as the close-knit community comes together once again.
Chloe’s heartbroken uncle Glenn Rowe has led the calls for individuals, businesses and organisations to unite and believes the widespread gesture would show the family the love of the region.
He said: “I got the impression everyone was waiting for something to be announced as the anniversary date was approaching.
“I was just thinking for Mark, Lisa and Caroline, they missed the wave of love that came from the North East in the days and weeks after.
“So I thought wouldn’t it be a lovely idea to try and repeat that show of love?”
Chloe and Liam were just 17 and 19 respectively when suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed them and 20 other fans at the Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017.
Talented singer Chloe was training for a career in music at Newcastle College, while Liam studied sport and exercise science at Northumbria University. The Together Forever Trust has since been established to provide support to other talented youngsters as they explore their passions in music and sport.
Parents Mark, Lisa and Caroline were honoured for their inspirational charity work with a Special Recognition prize at our Pride of the North East Awards in March.
Glenn, 49, so far estimates 240 business and 500 individuals have pledged their support to don pink and blue for the day.
And Chloe’s uncle hopes the showing of solidarity will send out two messages – support for the Trust and families, and a united stand in the face of terrorism.
Glenn added: “I’ve been surprised at how quickly it has grown and the enthusiasm from people in getting onboard.
“The two messages I want to get out are the support for the families, as well as being a stand against terrorism and all that’s bad in the world.
“This is not acceptable and we’re going to show this by remembering these lovely people who were unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Chloe’s mum Lisa added: “I don’t think I’m surprised by the response, but I will always be humbled by the love and support people have shown us.
“It is an unbelievable way for South Shields to come together and show we’re never going to forget Chloe and Liam through the colours.”