Manchester Evening News Raises £1M in 24 Hours For Bomb Victims

The Manchester Evening News has raised over £1 million in donations in just over 24 hours for families of those injured or killed in the suicide bomb attack on Monday (22 May) at the Manchester Arena. The paper has since called on other newspaper publishers to support the campaign and help boost funds to reach over £2 million.

At least 22 people were killed and 59 injured, including children, as fans left a concert by American singer Ariana Grande.

Not long after the attack the MEN set up a JustGiving Page, following readers asking how they could help victims of the attack. The money raised will be administered by the British Red Cross, who are offering support to affected families.

More than 42,000 people have so far made donations to the MEN’s “We Stand Together” fundraising page with pledges of money from organisations including Morrisons and the Co-Op.

A message on the MEN JustGiving page said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to you for donating and sharing, to all of the companies who have backed the campaign and made donations and to JustGiving, whose records we have not only broken but doubled in terms of visitors to site at one time.”

Journalists at the regional daily worked through the night on Monday 22 May to bring readers live updates of the terror attack and 34 pages of coverage in the next day’s print edition.

MEN editor Rob Irvine said: “The response of the public in Greater Manchester and across the country has been amazing. So many people want to help.

“We have also been moved by the number of papers and websites who have rallied round Manchester, with messages of support on newspaper front pages and website home pages.

“We would be so pleased if our fellow journalists could ask their readers to help the appeal. The Red Cross will make sure the support gets quickly to the families affected.

“Many of the victims of the attack came from across the UK and they can all be supported.”

Newsquest have announced that they will be publicising the Stand Together Appeal in their network of 165 news brands and The Sun has set up its own JustGiving Page with funds going to the British Red Cross.

Papers across the UK have produced powerful content and images since Monday’s attack which included stories of concert goers escaping, of members of the public helping victims, and families grieving.

 Support the MEN Stand Together Appeal here.

 

 

  

 All images courtesy of NLA Clipshare.