South Shields is set to turn pink and blue once again in tribute to the teenage sweethearts killed five years ago in the terror attack on Manchester Arena.
Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry, 17 and 19, were among the 22 innocent victims who lost their lives when a suicide bomber targetted people leaving an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017.
Five years may have passed, but in their home town of South Shields, Chloe and Liam will never be forgotten. This year's heartbreaking anniversary will be marked with a solemn memorial service and tributes to the couple across the town.
Read more: The 22 innocent victims killed in the Manchester Arena bombing five years ago
Thanks to Chloe's uncle, Glenn Rowe, May 22 has become 'pink and blue day', where homes and businesses are decked with the colours which have become synonymous with the charity set up in Chloe and Liam's name, and people from across the area take part in fundraising activities.
The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust works to raise money to allow North East youngsters to take part in sport or arts and performance. Grants from the trust enable teenagers to follow their dreams a pursue excellence in their field, in memory of sporty Liam and music-loving Chloe.
More than £10,000 has already been raised for the trust ahead of 'pink and blue day', with a huge number of locals, community groups and businesses taking part. The windows of Westoe Travel, where Chloe worked as an apprentice, have already been adorned with pink and blue hearts, while local primary school Ss Peter and Paul is raffling off hampers to raise money for the day.
Local talent agency Shields Group created a moving video in the couple's memory as part of a fundraising drive for the trust, while South Shields brewery One More Than Two has created a special Chloe & Liam IPA, alongside a raffle draw for the trust. These are just a few of the events taking place, as individuals and businesses all show their support for the couple's loved ones.
Announcing this year's pink and blue day, Glenn urged people across the country to get involved with the day by displaying the colours, not just in memory of the couple but also to stand against terrorism.
He said: "To honour our beloved Chloe and Liam again we as a community will stand together in the colours of Pink and Blue against all forms of Terrorism. We ask only a simple thing: please whether you are at home, work, Wembley, wherever you are in the world and whatever you do, you wear the colours of pink and blue and share the experience with the world on social media...
"Thank you for your amazing support. Our families cannot express how much your love and support means."
Meanwhile, on Sunday, a memorial service is set to take place outside South Shields town hall from 10am. Mourners will gather at Chloe and Liam's memorial bench and the town hall will fly the trust's flag at half mast.
The event will showcase the work of the trust, with many who've benefitted from its support gathering to pay tribute to the couple whose legacy has helped change their lives. And as night falls the town hall building will be lit up in pink and blue.
Council leader Tracey Dixon said: "The loss of these wonderful young people really touched the hearts of so many people across South Tyneside. Their loss is still felt very keenly but it is important that we celebrate their lives.
"Through their Trust their legacy of love lives on and keeps their memories alive by helping other young people achieve their dreams. "I know the people of South Tyneside will come together in solidarity to show their support for their families at this difficult time"
For more information about the trust or to donate, visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ChloeAndLiamTogetherForever
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