Hundreds attend funeral of Manchester Arena victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy
Written by News on 21/06/2017
A service of "hope and love" has been held in remembrance of Olivia Campbell-Hardy, who was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing.
The 15-year-old was among 22 people who died in the terror attack last month.
Hundreds of people lined the streets to see her funeral procession, which included riders on scooters decorated with balloons and flags.
Mourners were asked to wear blue to the service in her hometown of Tottington, Greater Manchester.
A St George’s flag decorated with a bee – which has become a symbol of Manchester since the attack – was laid on top of Olivia’s blue coffin, and there was applause as it was carried out of the church.
:: The victims of the Manchester terror attack
Olivia’s friend Adam Lawler, who was also injured on the night of the attack, attended the service in a wheelchair.
He told Sky News: "What really hurts is that I was the person she spent her last moments with.
"But what I feel happy is about is that she spent those last moments happy.
"She was incredibly happy that night – from her last meal, to the last artist she would see play live, the last song she would hear. And she just loved it.
"She was always such a kind and happy person – always so loving. I feel like I’ve lost a great person, but I won’t lose the great memories I have of her."
The Reverend Hugh Beam said "threads of hope and love" which ran throughout the service were "the exact opposites of meaninglessness and hate".
Olivia’s classmates wrote messages about her in the days after her death, which were displayed on the altar inside the church.
The reverend paid tribute, saying: "She was a girl with character and vitality.
"She is described in the words still on the altar as the kindest person with whom happy times were shared.
"A true friend with an amazing smile and a great laugh."
Olivia’s family asked for donations to be made to the music room at Tottington High School, where the teenager was a student.
(c) Sky News 2017: Hundreds attend funeral of Manchester Arena victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy
