Whalley vigil in honour of bomb blast victim Michelle

A vigil was held in Whalley this evening by the family of terrorist attack victim Michelle Kiss.
Over 100 people turned out to pay their respects to MichelleOver 100 people turned out to pay their respects to Michelle
Over 100 people turned out to pay their respects to Michelle

Michelle's husband Tony organised for the vigil, during which candles were lit in honour of Michelle, which was held in the gardens of Whalley Methodist Church.

Mother-of-three Michelle Kiss was among the 22 people killed on Monday when a suicide bomber detonated a homemade device that tore through the foyer of Manchester Arena as people left following a pop concert.

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Mum to sons Dylan and Elliot, who are former pupils of St Augustine's RC High School at Billington, and daughter Millie, Whalley-based Michelle remained unaccounted for after the Ariana Grande concert.

Over 100 people turned out to pay their respects to MichelleOver 100 people turned out to pay their respects to Michelle
Over 100 people turned out to pay their respects to Michelle

This led to her son Elliot, who is a student at Blackburn College, issuing a desperate appeal on Facebook which was subsequently shared thousands of times.

In a statement issued through Greater Manchester Police, her family said: "Michelle Kiss was a loving wife to Tony, mother to Dylan, Elliot and Millie, as well as daughter to Mick and Christine and sister to Nichola.

"She tragically died during the horrible event that occurred on Monday night.

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"Family was her life and we are all obviously devastated by her loss. "She has been taken away from us, and all that love her, in the most traumatic way imaginable.

Candles were lit in honour of MichelleCandles were lit in honour of Michelle
Candles were lit in honour of Michelle

"We hope to draw from the courage and strength she showed in her life to get through this extremely difficult time."

The 45-year-old mother tragically shared a picture to her Facebook page shortly before entering the concert with her smiling daughter and the caption: "Excited girlies ready to watch Ariana.”