Today, tomorrow and forever in our thoughts
TRIBUTES PAID TO VICTIMS OF ARENA BOMBING
A moving minute’s silence was held for Chloe Rutherford, Liam Curry and the other victims of the Manchester Arena attack in South Shields.
The town was deeply affected by the loss of Chloe, 17, and Liam, 19, a year ago yesterday.
The young couple were among the 22 victims of the bombing of an Ariana Grande concert.
A crowd gathered outside South Shields Town Hall for a memorial service.
They fell silent at 10.31am to pay their respects to those who lost their lives due to suicide bomber Salman Abedi.
There were speeches from Ray Spencer MBE, Mayor of South Tyneside Councillor Ken Stephenson and Chloe’s father Mark Rutherford.
People were also invited to leave their flowers and tributes outside the town hall.
Chloe’s parents Mark and Lisa, together with Liam’s mum Caroline, have spoken about how their lives changed forever 12 months ago.
Caroline said: “Every day is hard regardless of what we’re doing.
“You wake up and they’re not there. You go to bed and they’re not there.
“Until you’re actually in that situation, you have no clue.”
Lisa added: “We’re still stuck at May 22 last year. As we always say to each other, we’re going hour by hour, day by day.
“It’s changed everything - everything for ourselves will never be the same.”
The families and friends of Chloe and Liam have come together to form the Forever Together Trust.
The foundation helps support talented youngsters as they explore their passions in music and sport.
There were a huge number of the charity’s pink and blue T-shirts on show at the memorial.
Schools, businesses and pubs across South Shields have also worn the trust’s two colours to show solidarity on the anniversary of the atrocity.