Olivia Campbell was one of 22 victims who lost their lives in a terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert last month.
The funeral of Olivia Campbell-Hardy took place yesterday in her hometown of Tottington in Bury, Greater Manchester.
She attended the Ariana Grande concert last month in which 22 people died and 119 people were injured, 23 of those critically injured.
Her mother, Charlotte, made a TV appeal the day after the concert on Good Morning Britain for information on her daughter’s whereabouts, but tragically she had been killed by the explosion.
Today we celebrate the life of Olivia Campbell Hardy who died in the Manchester terror attack @GMB pic.twitter.com/joqmjsfBrt
— Katy Rickitt (@KatyRickittITV) June 20, 2017
Charlotte’s emotional appeal was heard by millions as she rang in to speak to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, who couldn’t keep back the tears and broke down on camera.
Her story captivated the nation, and all were desperately hoping that she would be reunited with her daughter.
When it was revealed that she had been one of the victims, it was an even harder blow.
There are so many people here to pay their respects to Olivia Campbell pic.twitter.com/IXcqbNfqMe
— Paul Doward (@RadioNewsDigger) June 20, 2017
As an aspiring singer herself, Olivia had auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent, singing her favorite song – “All Of Me” by John Legend.
A recording of the song was played at the moving service.
Everyone started clapping at this tribute to Manchester attack victim- 15 year old Olivia Campbell at the funeral today: pic.twitter.com/n1Z2Smme77
— Kate West (@Katewest0) June 20, 2017
Residents of the town lined the streets to see Olivia’s coffin, which was blue — her favorite color.
Thousands line streets of Bury as blue coffin for #ManchesterAttack victim Olivia Campbell Hardy, 15, arrives at her funeral. Many in tears. pic.twitter.com/1s8t6MiCWn
— Connor Gillies (@ConnorGillies) June 20, 2017
Olivia’s family also asked that those who attended the funeral wear blue, as it’s “what she would have wanted.”
Incredibly emotional scenes as @ArianaGrande is played at the end of #ManchesterAttack victim Olivia Campbell Hardy's funeral here in #Bury. pic.twitter.com/1bLQLXCPya
— Connor Gillies (@ConnorGillies) June 20, 2017
Rev Hugh Bearn, who led the service, described Olivia in the eulogy as a girl with “character and vitality” who “knew how to laugh, smile and have fun.”
He added: “Her life has touched people all over the world. People’s minds and hearts have been touched by Olivia’s story.”
Heartbreaking image of 15 y-o Olivia Campbell's pale blue coffin being carried into church. #manchesterattack pic.twitter.com/ux7muH4pIO
— Frazer Maude (@frazeratsky) June 20, 2017
The school that Olivia attended, Tottington High School, was also closed today as a mark of respect.
Charlotte met Ariana Grande herself ahead of the concert that the singer had organized as a tribute to the victims which took place on Sunday, June 6 and was broadcast on BBC One.
Ariana revealed during the concert that Charlotte had inspired her to completely change the setlist.
She explained: “Thank you for being so loving, strong and unified, and I think the love your displaying is what the world needs right now. I want to thank you for coming tonight I love you so much. Thank you.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia’s mommy a few days ago and as soon as I met her I started crying and gave her a big hug. She said to stop crying because Olivia wouldn’t want me to cry and said Olivia would have wanted to hear the hits.
“We had a totally different show planned and had a rehearsal but changed everything. Tonight has been filled with love and fun and bright energy, and I want thank you for that.”
Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by these horrific attacks over the last few weeks. ❤️
This post was written by Emma Dodds. It originally appeared on our sister site, Closer.
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