24 hours on from the hideous events in Manchester, stories of the power of human spirit are pouring in as a show of defiance against those who seek to undermine people’s freedom.
In a united stand of remembrance, positivity and strength, a vigil was held in central Albert Square yesterday evening (1800 UK time) with thousands of Mancunian’s coming together to pay their respects and show that the great city of the north of England will not cave to such heinous acts from anyone.
Crowds flocked to the cities Albert Square
There was an impeccable, full five minutes of silence with a number of the cities religious and political leaders delivering impassioned speeches before the thousands gathered broke into a chant of the city’s name.
Most memorable of all was that of local poet, Tony Walsh who unerringly recited his emotionally charged and humorous Manchester poem ‘This is the place’.
“We keep fighting back with greater Manchester spirit”
Poet reads out stunning and defiant tribute to city at vigil pic.twitter.com/VIq1hc7Q7h— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) May 23, 2017
Elsewhere, the heart warming stories continued to roll in.
A justgiving.com page ‘We stand together Manchester’ has already raised an incredible AUD$1.3m in 24 hours to support families of those affected.
As the vigil begins in Manchester, the @BritishRedCross & @ManCityCouncil have launched a campaign. https://t.co/rnG22oxr6V #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/G0Ilf1tOMs
— JustGiving (@JustGiving) May 23, 2017
The homeless have also been hailed heroes for racing to the scene to help.
Chris Parker, 33, had been begging in the arena foyer when the event took place. But instead of running away, he ran to help and comfort the many injured, some fatally.
Whilst Stephen Jones, 35, who had been sleeping rough near the arena in the northwest English city, also ran to help deal with the aftermath.
Steve, a homeless man sleeping near Manchester Arena, rushed to help victims of last night’s bombing pic.twitter.com/t5KHrkCdD1
— Eric Alper (@ThatEricAlper) May 23, 2017
Separate Crowdfunding pages have since been set up for both Parker and Jones and have already raised more than AU$23,000 and AU$18,000 respectively.
Mr Parkers page was set up by Michael Johns, who according to Yahoo, said he felt compelled to help “one of our most vulnerable in society who showed great selflessness and courage”.
People also gave blood in their droves…
By 8 a.m. Tuesday, people were starting to line up at the dozens at blood centers in Manchester to offer donations https://t.co/c6qj4yGUJO pic.twitter.com/cnnGYdM0iE
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 23, 2017
And everywhere it seemed, people just wanted to share their story of good over evil to do their bit to help.
They want t0 divide us they want us to turn on our neighbour’s.. A most powerfull words. #Manchester he said it all pic.twitter.com/dxql4fOnDB
— سائیں (@lvAbbas) May 23, 2017
We opened our show talking about Manchester. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. https://t.co/yrgu03JTK8
— James Corden (@JKCorden) May 23, 2017
The people of Manchester are responding to the concert attack with acts of kindnesshttps://t.co/LnjzepLBYD pic.twitter.com/sCwOqPXUdR
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) May 24, 2017
I’d also like to personally acknowledge and thank YOU all too, our loyal and caring KarryOn readers who responded so incredibly positively yesterday off the back of our story and stand on reporting against terrorism.
From hundreds of Social media likes, shares and comments to messages, emails and calls, we were overwhelmed with positive responses yesterday with not a single piece of hatred or negativity mentioned anywhere.
Which only goes to show even more, just how resilient and amazing our industry is.
It also clearly shows the powerful difference we can all make to educate and ease travellers concerns and thus help ‘Travel to change the world’.
A simple like, a comment, a share. That’s all it takes to get things moving.
It may seem like a small gesture, but the more we do, the more the good stuff spreads.
