Friends arrange free event in memory of Arena bomb victim

A ROYTON mum killed in last year’s Manchester Arena terrorist bomb attack will be remembered at a special free event at Oldham St Annes Rugby Club on Saturday, May 26.

 

Alison Howe

Friends of Alison Howe, who lost her life alongside another Royton mum Lisa Lees, have arranged the event at the Higginshaw Lane club.

A minute’s silence and balloon release will take place before the National League Conference game between Saints and East Leigh.

Alison, who was 45, was among 22 people killed by Salman Abedi’s bomb as she waited to collect daughter, Darcie following a concert by American singer, Ariana Grande, on May 22, 2017. Another 120 people were injured.

Cheshire-based brick company Wienerberger have sponsored the event and arranged commemorative shirts to be auctioned off after the game.

Doors open at 1pm, the game kicks off at 2.30pm and other attractions include a bouncy castle for youngsters, food and sweet trollies plus entertainment from DJ Neil Aylett.

Alison, a sexual health nurse, and Lisa were remembered at a special memorial event last September.

Comedian Jason Manford unveiled commemorative benches in memory of the mums in Royton Park.

A special stone, with the words ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ written across it, was also unveiled between the two benches.

Mum of two Lisa had worked at Oldham College as a beauty tutor and before her death had studied for a degree.

For more information on the Oldham St Annes event call Mark Smith at St Annes Rugby Club on 0161 678 8660.

• The first anniversary of the Arena atrocity will be marked by a minute’s silence including all government buildings at 2.30pm on Tuesday, May 22.

A service at Manchester Cathedral and a communal sing-along are also planned.

The Manchester Together – With One Voice event will take place on the same day and bring together choirs from the city and beyond.

A second event, named There Is A Light, will take place from May 22-26 and song lyrics will be projected on to St Ann’s Church and other parts of St Ann’s Square.

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