In our darkest hour, the spirit of Manchester shone though as a beacon of hope

Coming together: Members of the public observe a minute’s silence in remembrance of all those who lost their lives in the arena bombing

BY ANDY BURNHAM, MAYOR OF GREATER MANCHESTER

THE morning of Tuesday May 23 is one I will never forget.

Driving into Manchester city centre first thing in the morning, I felt sick to the pit of my stomach and didn’t know what to expect.

But as the day began, I began to hear the stories of what people had done the night before to help those in need in the aftermath of the attack.

The taxi drivers who had switched their meters off and taken people from the scene; the nurses, doctors, council workers who’d reported for work even though they weren’t on the rota; the members of the public who had brought food and words of support to A&E departments.

At the moment of our darkest hour, the spirit of Manchester shone through as a beacon of hope for people across the globe. I could not be more proud to be Mayor of this place and our incredible people.

This was an attack on our city, its people but also on our way of life. It was a cowardly, evil act that sought to sow fear and division. But they failed.

Manchester was never going to be changed in the way the extremists wanted. This place came together and we are stronger than ever. That says something truly remarkable about this place, its people and our unique sense of solidarity.

I’m proud to support the No2H8 Crime Awards because they share so many of the values that Greater Manchester holds dear.

We live in the most challenging and worrying times, when people in high public office are promoting hate and division. But just when hope seems in short supply, these awards remind us of the warmth and decency of the vast majority of people.

I know in our city-region and across the country there is so much positive work happening to challenge hate and bring communities together.

The No2H8 Crime Awards gives us all a chance to celebrate those working to tackle hatred, intolerance and prejudice across the country and give them the recognition they so richly deserve.