A SCHOOL manager who set up a support group for survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing was part of a team of 48 that helped a cause close to their hearts on Sunday.
Petra Jordan, from Leigh, was at the Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017 with her two children when a suicide bomber detonated a device in the venue’s foyer which killed 22 people.
The 43-year-old finished the Simplyhealth Great Manchester 10K run on Sunday in aid of a trust set up in memory of one of the victims from the tragedy, 14-year-old Eilidh MacLeod, from the Scottish island of Barra.
The team came from all over the UK to complete the event.
The team that ran the 10K on Sunday to raise funds for the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust
Petra, who works as a student support manager at Lowton CE High School, said: "It was emotional on the day and really good.
"We all set off on the starting line together.
"Even though I only knew a few people in the team we were all there running together for the same cause."
Petra has raised £300 for the trust with the team amassing around £10,000.
On Sunday, Figen Murray, the mum of Martyn Hett, who died in the Manchester Arena attack, also presented Petra with one of her "peace bears" that she makes to raise awareness of adults who suffer from mental health problems.
Recently, Petra was one of a number of people who were invited on stage at the inaugural Pride of Manchester Awards.
The Spirit of Manchester award was won by the city of Manchester.
It was accepted by figures like Petra who have helped to rebuild and support Manchester after the attack.
Following the attack at the Manchester Arena, a helpline was set up to support people affected by the tragedy but Petra realised more help was needed, especially for children.
Petra, who is her the school’s safeguarding lead for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), formed a Facebook Group, Manchester Survivors Group, which allows those affected to share their feelings and meet up.
The group has helped 120 families across the UK receive support after the Manchester Arena attack.
That number has more than doubled to 255.
To donate to Petra's crowdfunding page for the Greater Manchester Run 10K click here.
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