Let’s Support Each Other

I’m writing this at what is a difficult time for Manchester after the horrific events that unfolded on Monday night at the MEN arena. I don’t think there can be anyone who’s unaffected by what’s happened and doesn’t feel as though our lives have changed in some way for ever. Of course the tragic thing is that for the families and friends of the 22 people who lost their lives and the 120 injured that night, their lives have been completely altered. In the face of such evil, it has helped to hear about the positive stories of help offered by everyday people; the free taxi rides, the homeless men Stephen Jones and Chris Parker who comforted the wounded, the merchandise seller using his t-shirts as bandages, the amazing response from ambulance, police and hospital workers and the coming together of the city to show their grief but carry on with their day to day lives to send the message that Manchester will not give in to hate. Anything we can do to support each other and our community now is important, no matter how small it seems. It’s important to check on neighbours and make sure they feel ok and well done to the Islamic High school for Girls pupils who handed out flowers this week in Chorlton to show they cared. So let’s support the Great Manchester run on Sunday and the Chorlton Arts Festival this week and be proud that we live in a city where freedom of expression and tolerance are celebrated rather than hate