We Love Manchester fund reaches £4.1m in 48 hours

Wayne Rooney

The We Love Manchester Emergency Fund launched in the wake of the Manchester Arena terrorist atrocity which claimed 22 lives has raised £4.1m in just 48 hours.

The fund was boosted significantly yesterday when football clubs Manchester United and Manchester City each pledged £1m to the fund.

Red Devils star Wayne Rooney and City midfielder Yaya Toure have also donated £100,000 each.

Other donors include Salford Red Devils who will donate proceeds from the entry fees to their Super League match against Catalan Dragons tonight.

Companies including Co-op Bank, Starbucks UK, Bupa, Thomas Cook and Well Pharmacy have also donated.

Comedian Al Murray also matched funds raised by the audience during his gig in Southend.

Actor Tom Hardy’s appeal for survivors of the attack has reached over £18,000

Some15 newspapers have also provided free advertising support to the appeal.

Members of the public are being encouraged to take part in a big charity collection taking place in Manchester this Saturday. The Red Cross are seeking volunteers to take part at various locations around the city.

The fund will support people who have been injured or bereaved by the attack. The donations will help alleviate suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Eddy Newman, said: “I have been overwhelmed by all the support coming from across the world to help those affected by this terrible tragedy.

“People across the globe have been struck by our city’s defiance and resilience and want to help. It will make a real difference to those affected. Thank you.”

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross said: “Through this appeal we continue to see the very best of humanity.

“In the immediate aftermath of the attack, people came together to help each other. By donating to support those affected by this terrible incident, that ethos continues.

“The money raised will help those affected get the help they need today, tomorrow and into the future.”

Meanwhile, there were moving scenes on St Ann’s Square  in central Manchester yesterday when a large crowd gathered to observe a minute’s silence at 11am.

Spontaneous applause broke out immediately after the silence – also observed across the UK – and many started to sing the Oasis hit “Don’t Look Back in Anger”.

St Ann’s Square has become the focal point of floral tributes which have continued to grow in the wake of the attack.

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