Arena attack survivors get ready for the Great Manchester Run ahead of first anniversary
Martin Hibbert and Freya Lewis will be taking part in the run almost a year to the day since the Manchester Arena attack.
Two Manchester Arena attack survivors are taking part in the Great Manchester Run almost a year to the day since it happened.
Martin Hibbert, from Bolton, suffered 22 injuries - including one to his spine - and was left paralysed after the bomb went off.
His injuries were described as the equivalent of ‘being shot 22 times at point blank range’. He suffered a T10 complete spinal injury when he was standing just 10 metres away from the bomb when it detonated.
But the 41-year-old football agent has defied the odds and will line up on the start line in Manchester city centre this month determined to finish the 10k distance in under an hour.
He will take part in a racing wheelchair alongside former Paralympian Richie Powell and best friend Lee Freeman.
He's setting up the Martin Hibbert Charity Foundation, to raise £1 million for the hospitals that saved his and his daughter’s life.
He says: “The money will go to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Salford Royal and Southport Spinal Unit, because without them we wouldn’t be here.
“It’s a huge amount of money, but if I can raise that for them it would be incredible.”
To support Martin’s fundraising, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/themhc
15-year old Freya Lewis is taking part in the Junior Run to raise money for the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital who saved her life.
Freya, from Holmes Chapel, will also be given an honorary starter role at the event. She’ll be joined by her Dad Nick who is taking part in the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run 10k.
Freya and Nick are running in support of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, who they have raised over £24,000 for since the attack.
Freya suffered multiple fractures, lacerations and burns after being hit by shrapnel at the Ariana Grande concert.
Her friend and classmate Nell Jones was tragically killed in the blast.
Organisers of the event have given Freya an honorary starter role at the Simplyhealth Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run, before she takes on the event herself.
To support Freya and Nick's fundraising for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicholas-lewis