Second day of family tributes in Manchester Arena Inquiry

Each of the 22 people killed in the attack will be remembered in the commemorative hearings.

From left: Martyn Hett, Megan Hurley, Courtney Boyle and Kelly Brewster
Author: Ellie LinfordPublished 15th Sep 2020
Last updated 15th Sep 2020

29 year old Martyn Hett, Stockport

More family members of Martyn Hett have been sharing their memories of the 29 year old today, including his mum, stepdad and friends.

Figen Murray, who has been campaigning for stricter security at large venues since her son's death, says she's been left broken without him.

She said: "He's leaving this absolutely massive gaping hole inside my soul that, without any shadow of a doubt, will never heal.

"They say time is a good healer. I don't think that is true.

"I love him so much, I miss him so, so much".

Alongside statements from friends and family, a surprise video appearance was made by Salford comic Jason Manford, who's become close with Martyn's family after his death.

He's been talking about how the 29 year old had a huge following on social media, saying: "Why are our hearts broken? Why do we feel so sad? And why have some of us been crying over this boy with a Deirdre Barlow tattoo?

"The world has been robbed of a potential superstar, of an actual superstar.

"You only have to look at Martyn's social media, his odd telly appearances, to see some of the interviews given by family and friends to know, in some way or another, he's obviously touched a lot of people's lives".

15 year old Megan Hurley, Liverpool

In her tribute, the family of 15 year old Megan Hurley told the court she was "kind and caring and friendly - and that she idolised her older brother Bradley.

They say they loved going to concerts together - which is why they were at the Ariana Grande gig that night.

They say she had a lust for life - and that now - so many milestones willl be missed.

Megan's parents, Michael and Joanne, and brother Bradley, were present as their statements were read out, along with dozens of others from family and friends.

Mr and Mrs Hurley's statement said: "Megan was maturing into a beautiful young lady, living her life to the fullest. She had a lust for life and loved to have fun.''

They talked of the milestones she will miss - her school proms, her wedding, career and having her own children.

They added: "Since that horrific day in May 2017, our lives have been ruined. Our hearts have been shattered into a million pieces".

"Losing Megan has left an enormous and irreparable void in our lives.''

19 year old Courtney Boyle, Gateshead

The family of 19 year old Courtney Boyle say her life has been cruelly taken away, and she was "loving life" as a Leeds Beckett University student.

The teenager from Gateshead was waiting to collect her younger sister from the Ariana Grande gig when the bomb off.

Courtney's mum Deborah says she was "the most beautiful girl" and was always looking out for her sister - including the night she died.

She said: "I will never forget the laughing in the car before Courtney left to walk into the foyer.

"She was complaining she was cold wrapped up in a blanket. I can still see my daughter smile as she left the car that night.

"Knowing now that her life has been cruelly taken away from her, when she had everything to live for."

32 year old Kelly Brewster, Sheffield

In the final tribute of the day, Kelly Brewster from Sheffield has been descibed as a "pocket rocket", who was only 5 feet tall but had a "larger than life personality".

Kelly Brewster was at the Ariana Grande gig with her sister and niece - and entered the foyer just 7 seconds before the bomb went off.

A lawyer read a statement on behalf of the family - which explains the impact it's had on Kelly's Dad, saying he "regularly takes the train to Manchester to sit in Victoria station because this is where he feels closest to Kelly.

It continued: "Our family have to watch him slowly deteriorate and this is extremely hard".

Her family brought up the key moments of her life they'll now miss, like her becoming a mother or going to buy a wedding dress.

The inquiry continues with commemorative hearings tomorrow.