Bid to raise funds for statue in memory of arena bomb victim
A YOUNG survivor of the Manchester Arena bombing is trying to raise money for a giant bee statue dedicated to Sheffield victim Kelly Brewster.
Kelly, aged 32 and from Arbourthorne, was one of 22 people killed in the terror attack in May last year, where she had been enjoying an Ariana Grande gig with her sister Claire and niece Hollie.
Thirteen-year-old Amelia Thompson, from Dronfield Woodhouse, near Sheffield, was among the survivors that night. When Amelia heard that the giant bee sculptures placed around Manchester this summer were being auctioned for charity, she set out to bring one to Sheffield in Kelly’s memory. She is now urgently trying to raise the money to buy one of the 73 supersized insects at auction on October 17 and place it in a public spot to be chosen by Kelly’s family.
Amelia and school friend Darcie Parker, who has helped her overcome her trauma, have launched a fundraising page and are busy organising events to get the donations flowing.
The appeal has the backing of Kelly’s sister Claire, who called it a “lovely idea” and has encouraged people to lend their support.
Amelia said: “Having been at the bombing, I think it would be great if the people of Sheffield can unite to bring a bee home for Kelly.”
She is seeking to raise £8,000 to buy one of the bees, which are estimated to fetch between £5,000 and £8,000, and any leftover money would be used to pay for a plaque, with the remainder going to charity.
Fundraising events are planned at Debenhams in Meadowhall tomorrow, when a tombola will be held, and on Saturday, when there will be live music.
Bees have become a symbol of Manchester’s defiance since the tragedy, and proceeds from the auction will go to the We Love MCR charity to help people in the city.