Families of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry ask people to pay tribute to couple at home this Pink and Blue Day

The families of tragic South Shields sweethearts Chloe and Liam are asking people to honour their memory in lockdown on the anniversary of the Manchester bombing.
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Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, were among the 22 victims who tragically lost their lives at an Ariana Grande concert, when a suicide bomber struck the Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017.

Every year on the anniversary of the horrific event, people across South Tyneside have paid tribute to the couple by turning the borough pink and blue.

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Over the years Pink and Blue Day has raised thousands for the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust - set up in their memory to help other young people achieve their dreams in performance and sport.

Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford tragically lost their lives in the Manchester bombing.Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford tragically lost their lives in the Manchester bombing.
Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford tragically lost their lives in the Manchester bombing.

This year, the third anniversary of the attack will fall while the country is most likely still in lockdown due to the coronavirus.

But their families have urged people to show their support in any small way they can.

On Friday, May 22, residents have been asked to wear something pink or blue, decorate their home or shop window and share a photo on social media.

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Chloe and Liam’s loved ones have also invited people to join them in raising a glass to the couple at 10.31pm.

Tributes for the couple left at South Shields town hall on the second anniversary.Tributes for the couple left at South Shields town hall on the second anniversary.
Tributes for the couple left at South Shields town hall on the second anniversary.
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A spokesperson for the trust said: “Pink and blue day is an extremely emotional day for both Chloe and Liam’s families with it being the third anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing.

“May 22 has become a day of mixed emotions, a day which has devastated our lives forever and a day where our amazing community has come together and raised money for their Trust and paid their respect to Chloe and Liam.”

“This year will be very strange not being able to spend time with our families and going around the town to see all the shops and houses decorated in pink and blue but obviously everyone’s safety and wellbeing is the most important thing.

Staff and customers at Ziggys Bar pay tribute on Pink and Blue Day last year.Staff and customers at Ziggys Bar pay tribute on Pink and Blue Day last year.
Staff and customers at Ziggys Bar pay tribute on Pink and Blue Day last year.
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“As families we are asking everyone to get involved if possible, even if only in a small way and to all raise a glass at 22:31 for Chloe and Liam and the other 20 beautiful souls who lost their lives.”

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