Katie Thistleton finds courage, hope and healing as fans, families and those affected by the atrocity rebuild their future.
With new friendships being forged as people reach out to one another and stories of good Samaritans, fund-raising adventures, and the comfort of faith, love and being in nature.
There are eye witness details including recordings from that night and frank conversations about mental health, depression, post-traumatic stress, physical injury and bereavement. If you or anyone close to you has been affected by anything you’ve heard then there is information and support available on www.bbc.co.uk/actionline.
The NHS Greater Manchester Resilience Hub is available to support anyone directly affected by the the Manchester Arena Attack. From telephone and email support through to organising psychological therapy and mental health treatment where needed.
Originally broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester.
Producers: Sara Dumbell, Andy Bell, Kate Squire.
Editors: Andy Bell, Liam Bradford.
Online producer: Rachael Smith.
Executive Producer: Kathryn Morrison.
Katie Thistleton meets survivors Jenny Howarth and Rob Grew and discuss healing at the Wonkey Donkey Sanctuary in Yorkshire. Jenny runs the sanctuary with her family.
Jenny’s two aunties were waiting for Jenny and were seriously injured in the foyer at the concert. Rob – who has some first aid training - and her aunts paths crossed that night and now, Jenny finally gets to say thank you for their lives being saved.
You will hear eye witness accounts, details of mental and physical health, post-traumatic stress and guilt. A list of organisations that can provide help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Originally broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester.
Producers: Sara Dumbell, Andy Bell, Kate Squire.
Editors: Andy Bell, Liam Bradford.
Online producer: Rachael Smith.
Executive Producer: Kathryn Morrison.
18 May 2021
Stronger than before
Katie Thistleton meets survivors Millie Tomlinson and Louise Murray, whose lives changed course because of the bombing.
Millie from Wigan was 17 and at the concert, just feet from the bomber. Millie suffered mental and physical effects as a result of the bombing. She has just started a course at university. Louise is from Stockport, she gave up her university place after her brother Martyn Hett was killed in the blast.
The women talk about healing, moving on and making the best of the future.
You will hear eye witness accounts, details of physical injuries, mental health and survival guilt. A list of organisations that can provide help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Originally broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester.
Producers: Sara Dumbell, Andy Bell, Kate Squire.
Editors: Andy Bell, Liam Bradford.
Online producer: Rachael Smith.
Executive Producer: Kathryn Morrison.
18 May 2021
Beyond the door
Meet survivors Erin, Caitlin and mum Annette. Katie Thistleton takes them back to the arena where they read letters they’ve written to themselves of the bombings.
Erin and Caitlin from Lancashire were 11 and 14 when the bomb exploded.
Featuring the song “22 Reasons to Live” by Alexis Wade / Darren Martyn. Alexis had her singing lessons paid for by Liv’s Trust – a fund set up by the family of 15 year old Olivia Campbell Hardy who died in the attack.
You will hear eye witness accounts, details of mental health, and post-traumatic stress. A list of organisations that can provide help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Originally broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester.
Producers: Sara Dumbell, Andy Bell, Kate Squire.
Editors: Andy Bell, Liam Bradford.
Online producer: Rachael Smith.
Executive Producer: Kathryn Morrison.
18 May 2021
Faith in recovery
Katie Thistleton meets survivors Usman Ahmed and Martin Hibbert, who are rebuilding their future.
Usman Ahmed was working his final shift at Manchester Arena, determined to tell his story and despite saving lives, the guilt of the people he could not save still haunts him. Martin Hibbert was paralysed from the waist down and is now looking to climb Kilimanjaro for a spinal injuries charity.
A new friendship is born as Martin promises to help Usman find a way through his feelings and a new future.
You will hear eye witness accounts, details of mental and physical injuries, post-traumatic stress and conversations from dark places. A list of organisations that can provide help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Originally broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester.
Producers: Sara Dumbell, Andy Bell, Kate Squire.
Editors: Andy Bell, Liam Bradford.
Online producer: Rachael Smith.
Executive Producer: Kathryn Morrison.
14 May 2021
Introducing Manchester Arena Bomb: Stories of Hope
Katie Thistleton finds courage, hope and healing as fans, families and those affected by the atrocity rebuild their future.
Contact Manchester Arena Bomb: Stories of Hope
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