Manchester runner’s heart-shaped tribute to victims of Arena attack
- MMU graduate Nathan Rae ran 67 miles in the shape of a 'heart MCR' to commemorate victims of Manchester Arena attack
- Charity feat took him 18 hours to complete
- Raised more than £4,000 for North West Air Ambulance
A Manchester filmmaker ran for 18 hours around a heart-shaped route in the city to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing.
Nathan Rae, 37, ran for 67 miles along the route – designed in the shape of a ‘heart MCR’ inspired by the phenomenon of GPS art – finally reaching the Arena just after 11pm on Tuesday.
Nathan, an award-winning filmmaker and graduate from Man Met, set up a Justgiving page to raise funds for the North West Air Ambulance, with the current total sitting at just over £4,000.
He said: “The idea about this being a tribute to the victims of the bombings and a celebration of Manchester’s response came first. When I realised that it would resonate with people and that people would really appreciate it I decide to add the fundraising element.
“I’m so glad I did because I think the North West Air Ambulance charity is such a good cause. They help save people’s lives every day and I’m happy to have promoted the charity and raised some funds for them.”
Other runners joined Nathan throughout his journey, a show of support that was seen all across Manchester on the day of the attack’s first anniversary.
He added: “I think it’s important to respond to conflict and violence by trying to genuinely understand what happened and to be open to learn from it.
If we respond only negatively we won’t understand, won’t learn and may find ourselves in the same position in future when we might not have needed to
You can follow Nathan’s story on his website, or donate to his cause here