Tyne Tunnel firm backs Chloe and Liam’s fund
YOUNGSTERS SUPPORTED BY LEGACY OF VICTIMS OF BOMBING
Reporter ROBBED of their precious children by a suicide bomber, Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford’s parents have worked tirelessly to turn tragedy into hope.
Later this month marks that dreadful anniversary of the day when the teenage couple were among the 22 to lose their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing last year.
And in the face of unthinkable grief and overwhelming support, Chloe and Liam’s loving parents have fought through their heartbreak after the bombing on May 22, 2017 to create a lasting legacy celebrating their children’s lives.
The Together Forever Trust provides support to talented youngsters as they explore their passions in music and sport.
Now their fund has been boosted by another £1,000 after TT2 Limited, the operator of the Tyne Tunnels, has donated to the cause.
The Tyne Tunnels Community Fund, founded by TT2 in November 2016, donated the money as part of its ongoing charity support programme.
Youngsters can apply to the Together Forever Trust for financial support for auditions, interviews, qualifications, travel expenses, or anything required to help make a sports or performance dream a reality.
In its first year, it has attracted support from celebrities, including Stormzy and Rafa Benitez, as well as local and national businesses and individuals, keen to help keep the couple’s memory alive.
TT2 Limited makes it a priority to be a good neighbour to communities in the region.
The Tyne Tunnels Community Fund, which plays a major role in this, was established to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the second road tunnel, and strives to support local charitable and educational programmes in the local area.
Chloe’s father, Mark Rutherford, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to TT2 for the generous donation to the trust.
“It will help us to give a cash injection to talented performers and sportspeople in need of financial support. “We hope that the support we offer will keep Chloe and Liam in people’s thoughts, and make something positive out of a tragic situation.” Ron Henderson, Tunnel Manager at TT2 Limited, said: “When the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust was suggested to us, we were delighted to be able to make such a significant donation. “Everyone in the North East has been saddened by the loss of Chloe and Liam in such a tragic way, and the trust is a wonderful way to keep their memories alive. “We support a number of good causes, but this one struck a chord with us, as it offers support to young people who want to follow a dream. “It is a pleasure that we are able to contribute towards this.” More information about the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust can be found on the charity’s Facebook page. Mark Rutherford