A YOUTH choir is tackling the task of creating an anthem for Bury Hospice in memory of arena attack victim Olivia Campbell-Hardy.

Inspired by the hospice’s #HereForYou campaign, launched when the organisation had to stop all fundraising activity in response to Covid-19, Katie Geelan, musical director of Bury community choir and Encore, organised her group to produce an anthem in their support.

The youngsters have been practising on Zoom to get the words right for the final recording, which is being digitally mastered by photographer Declan West.

The choir, reformed following the attack which killed 22 people in 2017, has supported the hospice over the past six years, performing many fundraising concerts.

The anthem video will be released on the hospice’s website on the anniversary of the arena attack on May 22, to encourage donations and support for the hospice, which has lost around £950,000 in income due to postponing fundraising activity.

Katie said: “It’s a privilege to be able to support our hospice in the way we know best – by using our voices. Bury Hospice has been there for many people within our community and we want to be there for them.

“Encore formed to commemorate the life of Olivia Campbell-Hardy who tragically died in the arena attack and she would have loved being part of this anthem we are making for Bury Hospice.

“It just feels like the right thing to do to celebrate Olivia’s life and help our hospice at the same time.”

Steve Goodman, Olivia’s grandfather, added: “I am so pleased the community choir, who formed in memory of Olivia, are dedicating ‘Why We Sing’ to Bury Hospice – Olivia would have been thrilled. Her passion was singing and helping others, so the anthem would have been just what she wanted.”

Rachel Wallace, the hospice’s fundraising head, said: “Both Bury Community Choir and Encore are fabulous supporters of Bury Hospice.

“They pitch their songs perfectly for our celebrations and remembrance services, and we are absolutely delighted that they are using their talent to support us in this way. We are so excited to be getting our very own anthem.We’ve been overwhelmed by the extent of our community support throughout these difficult times, especially from our youngsters.”