Neighbours in Rubens Avenue come together to hold a fundraiser in honour of Chloe and Liam

Neighbours from Rubens Avenue, South Shields have held a socially distanced fundraiser in honour of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry – on the third anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.

The event raised money for the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust which looks to help young people achieve their dreams of music, performing or even sport.

Levi Cosker is a friend of the couple’s families and also helps to fundraise for the trust, she told the Gazette why she organised the event.

She said: “I knew both Chloe and Liam really well, so I wanted to do something to show support to their families.

“We decided to throw a socially distanced fundraiser to raise some money. We are selling cakes and even have our new trust t-shirts on display.

“Chloe and Liam would have loved to be involved in something like this with everyone being together.”

Neighbour Claire Graham, who was also Liam’s teacher explained how the money will help other young people.

She said: “It is a cause close to our hearts, I’ve know Liam’s family for years, I even taught him at one point.

“Hopefully the money raised will go towards helping young people achieve their dreams, it is what Chloe and Liam would want.”

Singer Ann Critchlow, also known by her stage name Critch, performed a series of songs for the street, saying that the event “was something she could not turn down.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.