In our thoughts and our prayers

THE emotion of the event was overwhelming

THE families streaming into Tandle Hill Park in glorious sunshine were reminiscent of those attending a happier occasion.

But the thousands of people dressed in bright summer clothes were carrying flowers and pink balloons to remember those who died - including two mothers from Royton - in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack.

There were children in football kits, toddlers in buggies, elderly people in mobility scooters - and all ages in between.

They came together on a beautiful evening as a show of solidarity and respect for the 22 people who lost their lives after the attack a week ago today, including friends Alison Howe (44) and Lisa Lees (43) from Royton.

Daughters

Lisa, a hair and beauty tutor at Oldham College, and Alison, a former Royal Oldham Hospital worker, were at the Arena to collect their 15-year-old daughters from the Ariana Grande concert.

Lisa had set up a therapeutic service for children with life limiting conditions and complex health needs.

Her daughter Lauren Ashleigh Lees (25), a teaching assistant at Oldham Hulme Grammar School, is expecting her second child.

Alison, who was described as a "beautiful" and "caring" mum, would have celebrated her birthday on Wednesday last week.

Those attending the vigil in the park included Lisa's cousin Lauren Fox (16) who was dressed as a Disney princess along with friends Bethany Anderson (18) and Rachael Goulding (27).

Celebrate

Lauren said Lisa had loved Disney, adding added: "She wouldn't want us to stand around and cry, she would want us to celebrate her life."

Members of Royton Road Runners attended in their white, green and yellow vests.

They included Neil Bradley, who said: "A thing went out on Facebook suggesting that we meet at the club and run up to the park to show our support as a local running group."

Some people wore pink ribbons and others had Manchester Stronger Together signs.

They also lit candles laid flowers and left messages of condolence at the park entrance.

Gary Crocker was with wife Alison and their children Billy (8), Amelie (5) and 18-month old Maisie, and said: "We used to live over the road from Lisa. She was lovely - she was really nice, kind and friendly."

The idea for the event started with a group friends deciding to release 22 Chinese lanterns in memory of the victims.

But it grew from there on social media and Jessica Bergin (24) who was among the organisers said: "It is overwhelming."

Friend Claire Flanagan, who used to live next door to Lisa, added: "We did not expect this many people to attend.

"We just thought we would do it for ourselves."