Youngsters overcome fears to see their idol
SCHOOLCHILDREN who witnessed the Arena bombing queued in the sunshine and told tales of astonishing bravery, showing millions across the world the true spirit of Manchester.
Two little girls caught up in the May 22 atrocity were cheered and clapped as they placed a tribute to the victims while queueing for Ariana Grande’s One Love concert.
And other survivors of the attack were given an impromptu guard of honour by other concertgoers.
Thousands put aside their fears to attend the gig, including 14-year-olds Ruby Crookes-Carr and Amelia Thompson, who met in the chaotic aftermath of the suicide attack.
The girls, unable to face visiting the memorial in St Ann’s Square, instead brought a teddy bear and roses with handwritten messages dedicate to the victims. Amelia, who was carried out of the Manchester Arena by a bomb disposal officer, said: “I’m really excited, but also really nervous because of what happened. I’m just trying to stay positive about everything.”
Ruby said: “I had a lot of nerves before coming. I thought my brain was all right but my body was not recovering. I felt paranoid about what had happened. Our experience was really bad. But I was so excited to see Ariana Grande come on stage, and for all the other acts who are supporting her.”
Their bravery epitomised the mood of the queueing fans – apprehensive, but refusing to let the terror attacks in Manchester and London stop them coming together.
The girls have forged a close friendship in the aftermath of the attack and travelled here to be a part of a poignant day. The queues at Old Trafford cricket ground began forming early on Sunday morning, with a buzzing atmosphere of excitement and sing-alongs accompanying the artists during their sound checks.
Teenager India Forgrave was at the Arena concert and said she made the tough decision to come to yesterday’s One Love gig to “show support”.
India, 14, from Helsby, said: “It was quite difficult, I was reluctant at first, but I thought it was a good idea to come back and support everyone.”
With India were her parents and her friend Joanna, who wasn’t at the Arena gig, but wanted to support her close pal.
And the strength seemed to be helping India ahead of the gig.
She said: “I’m quite nervous but I feel quite safe with everybody.”
Steve Kirkham from Cheshire, returned to attend the concert with his daughter Emily, 15, after they were caught up in the suicide bombing.
Emily said: “It’s a bit scary, but we owe it to the people who lost their lives.”
Steve added: “We were sitting down by the stage when the bomb went off - we were supposed to leave early as Emily had an exam – if we had, we might not be here now.
“There was a bang, and people shouted ‘it’s a bomb.’ People started running, people were getting crushed, it was chaos.”
He added: “You can’t let the actions of a few ruin things for the many.”
Another concert-goer, Chloe was at the Arena gig and knew she just had to be at Old Trafford.
She told the M.E.N.: “It is such a beautiful thing that Ariana has moved heaven and earth to make this happened. It is a sense of closure for me to be here.
“There are a few songs that have made me tear up. but I have managed to put a brave face on it. The whole of the UK knows to come together and stand strong and be together.”