A memorial bus for Olivia Campbell-Hardy, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena Attack, has been unveiled at her former school. The Bee Network bus features Olivia’s name on the outside and a ceiling decorated with bees to remember all those who lost their lives in the attack.
Designed with the help and support of her family, the memorial bus will run between Bury and Tottington on the 469 route which she used to get to school. The bus was unveiled by Olivia’s grandmother Sharon on Monday morning (19 January) at Tottington High School alongside the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.
It comes after Olivia’s family approached Transport for Greater Manchester asking for a permanent memorial to remember the late teenager and spread a positive message.
Who was Olivia Campbell-Hardy?
The 15-year-old from Bury was one of 22 victims who lost their lives during the attack on May 22, 2017. Olivia was described by her family as a ‘funny kid’ who loved ‘music, dancing and singing’.
Following the attack, her family set up Liv’s Trust which promotes musical education, dance, drama and the arts for youngsters across Greater Manchester.
In a touching tribute to Olivia, pupils from Tottington High asked for the memorial bus to run on their route to school. The school also unveiled its own tribute to Olivia this morning, dedicating a memorial bench to the former pupil.
Sharon Goodman, Olivia’s grandmother, said: “It’s a fitting tribute to have a little bit of Olivia’s spirit coming to this area.
“It’s fitting that it’ll be used by young people for a young lady who was 15 and will remain forever 15.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “When Olivia’s family asked us to dedicate a bus, we all thought it was a wonderful idea and it all fits with the spirit of the Bee Network.
“Olivia will be forever 15 but forever on the school run with everybody because of the bus.
“Her name will always be there at the front of people’s minds.”
The bus becomes the second Bee Network vehicle to honour the victims of the arena attack, with the ‘Spirit of Manchester‘ Metrolink tram running on the network since 2017. The tram design was inspired by the worker bee, which become a symbol of solidarity following the attack, with tram number 3022 specifically chosen in memory of the 22 victims.