Officers raise £65,000 for Manchester terror victims

3 April 2018

GMP officers who responded to last year’s horrific Manchester Arena terrorist attack have raised more than £65,000 for victims.

Detectives Sam Gaunt, Jed Sudworth and Andy Bailey say they were determined to help the victims of the incident after seeing up close the devastation it caused.

They organised a fundraising ‘Bee’ Ball to raise money for the We Love Manchester Fund.

The event was hosted by TV celebrity Rachel Riley and several Manchester bands and acts performed on the night.

The cash raised will go to towards helping families caught up in the tragic attack to pay bills, and to help pay for victims’ physiotherapy and medical costs.

“I think the impact of what happened at the arena hit us once we got back home that night,” Sam told Police Oracle.

“I cried all the way home and again when I saw my daughter. She’s the same age as many of the victims.

“The ball went fabulously well, and the entertainment was brilliant. We even had a painting by Ben Mosely that went for £15,000.”

The trio say they arranged the evening because they know families caught up in the events of the attack are still struggling to cope.

“One of the main reasons we did it because we know the victims won’t be able to provide for their families as well as they did before the incident,” added Sam.

“We want their children to live normal lives. Many families struggle to pay their bills and some won’t be able to keep their houses.”

They hope the final sum raised will exceed £65,000.

Jed said: “We are over the moon with the amount raised and the event got great feedback.

“We wanted to make sure it was all about Manchester and to keep it local. That’s why kids from nearby schools were invited too – we wanted people to remember just how many children were affected.”

For more visit; https://www.policeoracle.com/news/police_staff/2018/Mar/31/Manchester-Arena-attack-victims-fundraiser-ball-a-triumph-_97380.html