‘Hope not hate’ is a powerful message

The fortitude shown by Mike Haines and Brendan Cox is remarkable.

Mr Haines saw his aid worker brother murdered in a grotesque public spectacle by religious fanatics.

Mr Cox lost his MP wife, Jo, when a far right terrorist attacked her in the street.

It would have been all-too-easy for both men to become embittered and vengeful, having suffered such high profile and public tragedy.

But they have worked tirelessly since their losses to preach peace and hope in a world in which it sometimes seems there is none to be found.

Their dignified stance against extremism is an example to us all and it is comforting to know Mr Haines has spent his time touring schools and speaking to young people about his experiences and educating them.

He was doing so just hours before the Westminster atrocity unfolded last month.

He has seen enough from youngsters during such sessions to have his own hopes for the future renewed.

Similarly Mr Cox is determined to use his wife’s death not as a means to foster division, as some have done, but to take strength in the ongoing struggle against hate.

It is fitting two such inspirational men should unite in the Hope Not Hate campaign and they are a shining example of what can be achieved.

It is hard to see their likes ever being cowed.