By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A huge tree in the garden of a home on Hart Street in Southport has been lit up pink in tribute to the girls who died and all those who were injured in the Hart Street tragedy.
The idea came from owner Wendy Miller, who wanted to add her own contribution to the huge outpouring of love seen in our town since the horrific attacks last Monday.
Wendy says that Southport “is a small town with a huge heart” with local residents doing all they can to support the friends and families of all those affected.
The tree has been lit up by local lighting firm IllumiDex, well-known locally for lighting up both sides of the Lord Street shopping boulevard on behalf of Southport BID.
Wendy said: “I think it is a tree of love, for the children who died, and for all those who were injured or affect by this attack
“The tragedy happened very close to where I live.
“Since then so many people have been coming to bring flowers and tributes to the road. There are hundreds of them.
“It is absolutely beautiful.
“Even at 10 o’clock at night people are arriving to bring more, and to pay their respects.
A tree in a house on Hart Street in Southport has been lit up pink by IllumiDex in memory of the girls who died in the Hart Street tragedy in Southport
“In recent days people have been coming down to sort the flowers out and look after everything.
“They are all there working so hard, volunteers have been there every day.
“People have been so kind. We need it.
“Doing some in an active way will help us through.
“It is a common bond shared by everyone in Southport.
“I have not been able to sleep through the emotion of everything that has happened.
A tree in a house on Hart Street in Southport has been lit up pink by IllumiDex in memory of the girls who died in the Hart Street tragedy in Southport
“This is a tragedy which has affected people all around the world. Even my sister’s friend, in New Zealand, has heard about what happened, people in Japan have sent their condolences, as have people in the US.”
Wendy, who ran a stall inside Southport Market for several years before retiring, wanted to do her bit.
She said: “When I heard they were lighting up The Atkinson in pink, and then other buildings, I thought I want to do something too.
“I contacted Steve and Jan Clayton from Southport lighting company IllumiDex at 9 o’clock in the morning, and they were at my house by 10am, wanting to help. They have been absolutely superb.
“Steve just said ‘leave it with me’ and what they have done is fantastic.
Tributes left to the victims of the Hart Street tragedy in Southport at the Town Hall Gardens in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“This is a tree of hope and love. It is for everybody.
“I am happy to leave it lit up pink like this for as long as everyone wants it to be. It is up to the public.
“I love how so many people have been doing things out of kindness. There are plans for a memorial garden using plants that people bring on Maple Street. People are doing what they can.
“That’s all we can do. We can’t make things better. We can’t turn the clock back, although we all wish we could.
“All we can do is show our love for people.
“Southport is a small town, but it is a small town with a very big heart.”
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