Fundraising for couple's families

CHLOE Rutherford (17) and her boyfriend Liam Curry (19)

A TRAVEL agent in Failsworth has helped raise more than £4,700 for the families of a young couple who were killed in the Manchester terror attack.

Pole Travel has partnered with Altrincham-based Ken Garrity Travel to raise £10,000 for the families of former apprentice Chloe Rutherford, 17, and her 19-year-old boyfriend Liam Curry.

To help reach their target four firms have launched TogetherForever - The Big Prize Draw on August 31.

The raffle is spearheaded by Graeme Brett, director of Westoe Travel in South Shields, where Chloe was due to become a permanent member of staff.

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Graeme said via the event page: "On Monday, May 22, two much-loved young people Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry, of South Shields, tragically lost their lives in the Manchester bombing.

"Chloe was a much-loved member of the team at Westoe Travel, working part-time while she completed her music studies at Newcastle College and was due to begin a full time career with Westoe Travel on June 26.

"We have been contacted by many organisations within the travel trade and businesses in South Shields, offering support to raise money.

"We have decided to run TogetherForever - The Big Prize Draw to allow as many people as possible to be involved.

"We are extremely grateful for all of the prizes that have been donated and to everyone who has helped."

Tickets for the raffle cost £5 each and are available from Pole Travel in Oldham Road, with all money being donated to Chloe's and Liam's families.

Director at Pole Travel Jill Waite, who is a member of the fundraising team, said: "People have been very generous, but these families are going to need ongoing help.

"We are talking to the families about the help they need. They both face major challenges - Liam's dad died six weeks before he did so his mum has lost her husband and son.

"Chloe's mum is confined to a wheelchair and needs constant support. Chloe used to share the carer responsibilities. Her dad is going to have to give up his job to care for her as he works nights, and is hoping he can get a part-time job that will fit in."

She added: "They are the loveliest families you could meet and are so grateful to everyone who has helped and send their love and thanks to everyone who has sent messages and contributed."

For more information visit http://www.togetherforeverthebigprizedraw.com/index.htm.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chloewesthoetravel.