Girls caught up in horror attend benefit concert
TWO girls caught up in the terror attack made a huge step towards recovery by attending Ariana Grande’s One Love Manchester fundraiser.
Beatrice Oldham and her friend Izzy Wilkinson, both 12, who were at the tragic concert on May 22.
Although neither were injured both have been battling the emotional and mental effects of the blast which killed 22 people.
The pair, from Poynton, were among thousands who attended the starstudded concert on Sunday.
Beatrice’s mum Emma said it was a difficult decision letting her go so soon after the devastating experience. She said: “Beatrice was adamant she was going to go, despite my obvious concerns over safety and how it may affect her. They went with Izzy’s dad John and she stayed in contact with me throughout the concert.
“She had an amazing time and loved the atmosphere.
“She was a bit anxious leaving because of the large crowds and what happened two weeks ago, but overall it did them both the world of good to get back out there doing what they enjoy.
“They have made a huge step towards recovery.”
Michelle Slack and her daughter Molly, from Hurdsfield, also attended the fundraising concert.
Molly, 17, had a number of friends caught up in the attack and was desperate to go as an act of solidarity and remembrance.
But Michelle, 48, admits there were some nerves.
She said: “We were at the arena only two weeks before the attack watching The Vamps and had passed through the area where the bomb went off.
“It was a similar scene with parents and their children and feels like it could so easily have been us.
“We wanted to be at One Love to be part of it, to show respect to those killed and injured and to send the message that we will not give in to terrorism.”
“To see police with guns was quite a shock. It felt like we were in a different country. But the security really tried to put us at ease.”
Michelle said the atmosphere was ‘spectacular’ and ‘very emotionally charged’.
She added: “It was the first time I’ve ever got home from a gig and been relieved I made it back safely.
“It has always been one of those things you took for granted. That has been taken away, but that won’t stop us going to gigs. We love it too much.”