'It is a huge comfort to us' - Pink and Blue Day raises £12,000 in memory of Chloe and Liam as their families thank South Tyneside for support

South Tyneside turned pink and blue on Saturday in memory of Chloe, 17 and Liam, 19, who were among the 22 people who tragically lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bomb attack on May 22, 2017.

Each year, on the anniversary of the atrocity, the borough unites in wearing the colours linked with the couple.

Businesses pledged their support, with many donating to the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust – a charity set up by Chloe’s parents, Lisa and Mark Rutherford, and Liam’s mum, Caroline Curry.

The charity grants bursaries to help aspiring young performers and sportspeople on their way to fulfilling their potential.

Now the families have confirmed that £12,000 has been raised from the fourth Pink and Blue Day, with more donations set to come in.

Chloe’s mum, Lisa Rutherford, said: “We are so overwhelmed and thankful for the amazing support from everyone who got involved.

"We are so thankful for everything they did – not just raising such an incredible amount of money, but for wearing pink and blue, decorating houses and businesses and sharing their amazing stories, as well as raising a glass all together at 10.31pm.

"Sharing with us throughout the day is a huge comfort to us on what is a very difficult time.”

Throughout the day flowers were left on the Chloe and Liam memorial bench outside of South Shields Town Hall which was lit up pink and blue in tribute to the couple.

Chloe’s uncle Glenn Rowe, who helps to organise Pink and Blue Day each year, also took part in his own fundraising challenge, walking 1,000 miles ahead of the event, which raised £1,160.

The 52-year-old from Marsden said: “It was very heartwarming to see so many people getting involved.

“It was very emotional at times and once again our little town showed what a big heart it has.”

Details on how to show your support and donate can be found on the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust Facebook page.

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