Yesterday I had to look up into the clear blue sky to try and clear my head and find some clarity. It’s been an emotional week for many of us. On Monday, as the news starting rolling out about the attack in Manchester and after the initial shock of the atrocity had sunk in, I found myself crying whilst working out on the cross-trainer in the gym. I just wanted someone to say it wasn’t true.

As I walked home, I took time to look around me and watch passers by going about their daily business, cars racing to work, children off to school and thought about how life continues and the world still turns.  Of course, for the families of the twenty-two people who were killed, their lives have changed forever. The mere thought of trying to empathise with those families and what they must be going through, brings tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart. The truth is I probably won’t ever be able to completely understand.

We have heard some heart breaking accounts of what happened moments after the attack, but it’s the countless stories of bravery that have touched me. It’s truly incredible that even in the immediate aftermath of such a horrific attack, there were many amazing people who did everything they could to help care for those who were injured and in need. None of us know how we would react in this situation and hopefully we will never have to, but one thing’s for sure, these levels of selflessness show how there are so many good people in the world. This is what should give us all hope.

I’ve had the privilege to work and stay in Manchester on many an occasion and was there only a few weeks ago. I just love the place and its people – the friendliness, the banter and the positive vibe. One thing we do know for sure is that the city is resilient and will shine once more.