Bataclan terror attack survivor Isobel Bowdery posts emotional message in wake of Manchester bombing
PARIS terror attack survivor Isobel Bowdery has posted an emotional tribute to those affected by last night's Manchester Arena bombing.
South African Isobel, 24, hit headlines all over the world with her dramatic account of the mass shooting at the Bataclan theatre in November 2015, where American band Eagles of Death Metal were playing to around 1,500 people - 89 of whom were killed.
At the time, Isobel shared an image of her blood-stained T-shirt alongside a viral Facebook post beginning "you never think it will happen to you", which has been 'liked' almost 3million times.
Now Isobel, who has a seven-month-old daughter, has written an emotional message to those affected by last night's terror attack in Manchester - which saw 22 people killed at an Ariana Grande concert.
Posting on Facebook this afternoon, Isobel wrote: "It's not fair. My heart has broken into a hundred pieces thinking of those grieving the lost of their children today.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE MANCHESTER ARENA ATTACK
Today we launch a Together With Manchester appeal – to raise money for families of the victims of the Arena bomb.
News UK, publisher of The Sun, has made a corporate donation of £100,000 to the appeal.
Here's how you can show your support....
ONLINE:
TEXT: Text TWMC50 and amount to 70070 – eg TWMC50 £5
(you can donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10)
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"Having become a mother has made me realise the excruciating pain at the mere thought of losing my child.
"I am so sorry. There's no right words, it will take time but I assure you that one day, life will be less hard and you will experience joy again.
"Until then, the whole world is thinking of you and praying for those who lost their lives."
Hundreds of people have already liked and shared Isobel's emotional post.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE MANCHESTER ARENA ATTACK
Today we launch a Together With Manchester appeal – to raise money for families of the victims of the Arena bomb.
News UK, publisher of The Sun, has made a corporate donation of £100,000 to the appeal.
Here's how you can show your support....
ONLINE:
TEXT: Text TWMC50 and amount to 70070 – eg TWMC50 £5
(you can donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10)
Isobel was forced to lie on the ground and pretend to be dead for more than an hour during the horrific attacks in Paris. She was just 22 at the time.
Last autumn, Isobel and her partner Amaury Baudoin took their baby daughter to visit a memorial for the Paris attacks.
She shared: "Amaury chose to put her in the baby carrier so that if anything bad happened, she would be as safe as possible.
"And I realised that as hard as we try to protect her from the evil of life, we will never be able to guarantee a better world for her.
"What I can guarantee is to make her better for this world.
"I vow to fill her days with love and joy so that if heaven forbid she’s ever in the same position as her mother was a year ago, she could too have solace in knowing she lived a happy life where anything was possible and that she was completely and utterly loved.
"I also hope she takes inspiration from the people who helped her parents that night, to be kind and help a stranger in need like the man who told me not to run.
"To be courageous like the police who stormed the venue and rescued her parents and to be loving like all those that night and in the last year who have provided strength and reassurance.
"Without all these people, she may not have been here today. But most of all, and to honour those no longer with us, I want her to live her life and remember how precious it is."
Isobel joins Corrie actress Kym Marsh, footballer David Beckham, Queen Elizabeth and new mum Cheryl - who have all paid tribute to the victims of last night's attack and condemned the terrorist.
While this poignant symbol is circulating in tribute on social media and signs reading "We love MCR" have appeared across Manchester in a show of solidarity.
A tribute event will also be held in Albert Square, Manchester, tonight.