See touching ways South Tyneside is paying tribute to much-loved couple Chloe and Liam on three year anniversary of Manchester arena attack

Tributes to South Shields couple Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry on the third anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.
Colman Seafood Temple photo by Steven Lomas. — Tributes to South Shields couple Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry on the third anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack. Colman Seafood Temple photo by Steven Lomas.

Chloe, 17 and Liam, 19, were among the 22 people who tragically lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bomb attack in May 2017.

Each year, on May 22, they are remembered on what has become known as Pink and Blue Day, which sees South Tyneside unite in wearing the colours associated with the pair.

This year marks the third anniversary since the pair lost their lives in the attack.

The Chloe and Liam Together Forever bench in memory of South Shields couple Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.

Given that it is taking place during lockdown, Chloe and Liam’s families are asking people at home to raise a glass to the couple at 10.31pm.

Speaking on behalf of the two families, Chloe’s mum Lisa Rutherford said that they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support of the community once again, who despite the circumstances have come together to remember the much-loved couple.

Mum Lisa said: “We are just really proud of our community coming together to remember the kids.”

Across South Tyneside, pink and blue decorations have adorned businesses and homes, while floral arrangements have been left at the Chloe and Liam Together Forever bench outside of South Shields Town Hall.

South Tyneside Council flew the flag in honour of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry at South Shields Town Hall.

Despite the uncertainty of this difficult time, a number of people have still come forward to offer support 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 Trust is a lasting legacy to Chloe, who was a talented performer and Liam, who was a gifted cricketer who played for Marsden Cricket Club.

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

Fundraising efforts during lockdown have included young performers from group Own Your Stage hosting a live streamed performance showcase, while Black Sheep Fitness Academy in South Shields held a 22-hour burpee-a-thon, raising more than £3,000 for the charity.

Meanwhile Colmans Seafood Temple also made paid tribute to the much-loved couple, lighting up its pillars pink and blue.