Healing Through Harmony: A Mother and Son’s Journey with the Manchester Survivors Choir

In a heartfelt recount of resilience and recovery, Cath Hill, a social worker and survivor of the Manchester Arena bombing that occurred on May 22, 2017, shares her journey alongside her son, Jake. The terrifying experience, which unfolded during an Ariana Grande concert, left 22 people dead and over 800 physically or psychologically injured. In the aftermath, struggling with survivor’s guilt and the psychological impacts, Cath and Jake found solace and strength in the Manchester Survivors Choir, an initiative started by Cath to help those affected by the tragedy.
The choir, which Cath established in February 2018, became a platform for survivors, particularly young people and their families, to come together, share their experiences, and support one another. The group, which grew to 36 members by its first anniversary, performed at the Manchester Together – With One Voice event, marking a significant step in their collective healing process. The initiative not only provided a therapeutic outlet for the participants but also made a powerful statement against hate and violence.
Cath’s work extended beyond the choir; she later founded Bee the Difference through the National Emergencies Trust to address gaps in services for young people affected by terrorism. Her efforts contributed to a reassessment of how support services for terrorism survivors are funded and provided.
Despite stepping down from running the choir, Cath’s and Jake’s lives continue to be shaped by their experiences. They remain cautious but undeterred, refusing to let the events define them. Cath’s story is a testament to the power of community and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity, serving as an inspiration and a call to action for better support for survivors of terrorism.