Lecture guests dig deep for Trust created in celebration of Liam and Chloe

A Trust set up in celebration of the lives of two South Tyneside teenagers to nurture the talents of aspiring sportspeople and performers has received a welcomed boost.
Producer Danny Boyle giving this year's South Shields Lecture at Harton Academy, hosted by David Miliband.Producer Danny Boyle giving this year's South Shields Lecture at Harton Academy, hosted by David Miliband.
Producer Danny Boyle giving this year's South Shields Lecture at Harton Academy, hosted by David Miliband.

Visitors to the recent South Shields Lecture held at Harton Technology College were asked to dig deep in aid of the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust.

The cause, set up by the parents of the couple, described as ‘perfect’ for each other aims to help, though the use of bursaries, aspiring sportspeople and performers, where a lack of cash is preventing them from fulfilling their potential.

Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford.Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford.
Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford.
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The Trust was launched in celebration of the lives of Chloe Rutherford, 17 - who had a gift for performing - and Liam Curry, 19, - a talented cricketer.

The much-loved couple were killed in the Manchester Arena bomb attack in May.

During the lecture, organised by former South Shields MP David Miliband and delivered by film director Danny Boyle, a staggering £1,100 was raised.

Harton Academy CEO and Executive Head Teacher, Sir Ken Gibson, said: “Chloe was a former student of Harton, she was very bright, bubbly, popular and talented, and it is right that we support the trust set up by Chloe and Liam’s families.

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“The generosity of those attending the lecture shows that we stand with the families in their endeavours to remember Chloe and Liam. We were, of course, all devastated when the news of their deaths, as a result of the Manchester bombing, unfolded back in May of this year. As a school, we are determined to help the families in any way we can and this is just a small token of our support and commitment.”

A unique caricature of Danny Boyle, by Bob Olley, was signed by both the film director and David Miliband.

This has since been handed to Ray Spencer who will auction the image at a future event to raise further monies for the Trust.

Mr Miliband said “Chloe and Liam were clearly very popular and much loved by many. The Together Forever Trust will ensure that Chloe’s and Liam’s ambition, drive and determination lives on and helps others. The fundraising from the South Shields Lecture will make a real difference to a very worthwhile cause.”

The lecture is the 15th organised by Mr Miliband. Previous lectures have included appearances by David Walliams, James Bond film director Sam Mendes and rock star Sting.