A documentary will air on BBC Television next week will tell the story of nine young girls and women aged between 11 and 20 who were directly involved in the terrorist attack on Manchester Arena, a year ago this month.
Many of whom are reflecting on their experiences for the first time. Following three of them in the months after the attack, and this intimate film also explores the lasting psychological impact and how their lives have been changed forever.
The majority of the 14,000 fans were young girls, there to enjoy a night of freedom. Twenty two people were killed, more than 250 injured and countless lives were impacted
Erin, 11, walked through the site where the bomb exploded. She witnessed the aftermath and is unable to speak about what she saw; she battles with flashbacks and is scared to leave the house. Her mum and her 14 year-old sister Caitlin are trying to support her but feel helpless.
For 18 year-old Amelia it was the first concert she had been to without her mum. She was standing six feet away from the bomber and she was physically injured in the attack.
Now her mum struggles to let her out of her sight, terrified of losing her. Twenty year-old Louise’s whole life has been put on hold, and plans to go to university frozen as she struggles to deal with the loss of her brother Martyn, who was killed in the attack.
Told in their words with raw honesty, the film gives a unique insight into the worlds of the young people and families impacted by a tragedy of national significance.
The programme airs on BBC One on Tuesday 15 May at 10.45pm.