Co-op stores raise £10,000 in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry

The parents of Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 who were tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing on May 22, 2017, were presented with a cheque for £9,935 after 20 Co-op stores across the region dedicated the year to raising cash for the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust.

The trust gives talented youngsters the opportunity to reach their full potential and follow their dreams in performing arts and sports - things the couple loved most - by helping fund expenses such as auditions, competitions, exams and travel costs.

Since it launched the families have given out more than £250,000 in bursaries and helped over 100 young people on the path to success.

During 2019 Co-op shops including Mortimer Road in South Shields, Hylton Castle, and North Moor Road and Broadway in Sunderland have raised cash in store through activities such as tombolas, raffles, cake stalls and bucket shakes.

“Colleagues and customers in our region are incredibly passionate about supporting the Together Forever Trust, which does such incredible work in supporting young people,” said Co-op area manager, Michael Boucher.

“They have shown immense spirit and generosity in raising such a great amount of money. We are delighted to honour the memory of Chloe and Liam and remain in awe of their families who have managed to do something so positive in the face of such heartbreak.”

In the last two years Co-ops across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland have raised almost £40,000 in total for the charity, after their efforts saw them reach an incredible £28,585 in 2018.

A spokesperson for the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust said: “The support of the local Co-op stores has been unbelievable, raising over £9,000 this year and £40,000 overall is amazing.

“We can’t thank them enough, this will help so many young people to follow their dreams.”