The loved ones of a teenager killed in the Manchester Arena bombing are taking part in a series of fundraisers to mark one year since the tragedy.
Eilidh MacLeod’s friends and family are aiming to raise enough money to create a permanent memorial for the teenager on the Isle of Barra - the remote Scottish Isle she grew up on.
The talented young musician, described as a ‘wonderful young lady’ who was ‘beautiful inside and out’, was one of 22 people to lose their lives in the blast at the Manchester Arena last May.
Next month, 10 of Eilidh’s close family and friends will take part in the Great Manchester Run on May 22, and her aunt Suzanne White, who lives in Winsford, is holding a pre-fundraiser in the town later this month to boost funds.
Suzanne, who is Eilidh’s dad’s cousin, has organised the 'Spirit of Eilidh’ family fitness fun day at Winsford Cricket Club on April 22, which will feature a variety of fitness classes throughout the day, an 100ft inflatable assault course, stalls, entertainment and refreshments.
The Manchester and Oldham Pipe bands will also be performing on the day, with a live music event in the evening, reports The Manchester Evening News.
Suzanne said: "On May 22, my cousin Roddy and Marion’s lives were turned upside down following the loss of their young daughter Eilidh in the Manchester Arena bombing.
“It is heartbreaking to realise that you will never get to see her grow into the wonderful young lady she was becoming but like everyone whose life she ever touched we were blessed and honoured to have really known her.
“We will remember her for many things but particularly her huge capacity to help others which makes the world a far lonelier place without her in it.
“It is only fitting that she have a beautiful memorial to reflect the beautiful girl she was both inside and out.”
She said this will be the first time everyone has attempted a running event together, but said that if the team can show even a modicum of the strength the rest of her family has shown over the past 10 months they will make it over the finish line.
Some of the money raised will also go towards supporting the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, of which Eilidh was a popular member.
Suzanne’s daughter Emily, 10, has also designed a pink bee in memory of Eilidh ,which will be made into t-shirts with the words ‘Bee Forever in Our Hearts’.
These will be sold to raise money for others affected by the atrocity, and have already been backed by the likes of famous faces such as Clint Boon and Rachel Riley.
Suzanne described the support so far as ‘phenomenal’, and said they are expecting a huge turn out.
To order a t-shirt visit www.trolleybeez.com , or to donate, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/suzanne-white-1 .
For more on the fun day, search The Spirit of Eilidh Charity Fitness Fun Day on Facebook.
