Last night, there was an explosion at Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring 60. During this horrific crisis, one woman stepped in and led 50 teenagers to safety, possibly saving them. Because of this, she has been called the “Angel of Manchester.”
Paula Robinson just happened to be at Victoria Station with her husband when the explosion. She responded quickly and posted to Twitter and Facebook:
“We have got about 50 kids with us waiting to be picked up, they are safe we will look after them.
Please repost for any parents with children at M.E.N. We have taken as many kids as we can to Holiday Inn. We will keep them safe and stay with them.”
She apparently safely led the teens to a Holiday Inn, and posted on social media for parents to come for their children, even giving out her personal information to do so.
Can we give praise to this lady “Paula Robinson” who is looking after missing children,when evil strikes the people hit back👏🏻 #Manchester pic.twitter.com/fdfeZGD4KW
— Jono Morris (@jonomorris1) May 22, 2017
Because of this, many are praising her on social media for helping parents and kids stay safe during the terrorist attack, which has now been claimed by ISIS–and rightly so, her efforts helped avoid more chaos and confusion. Robinson didn’t have to help, and put her own life at risk to do the right thing–which is one of the few lights in such a dark situation and time, showing that people do indeed step up in times of crisis.
Just read about the incredible lady Paula Robinson who led so many youngsters to a safe place last night
What an amazing person #Hero— Adam Brooks (@EssexPR) May 23, 2017
48-year-old Robinson explained the situation, stating, “We ran out. It was literally seconds after the explosion. I got the teens to run with me.”
Others in the area have also offered to help, giving people rides and places to stay, using the hashtag #RoomsforManchester:
Anybody need a lift from Manchester? I can pick up on bury new rd. DM me. #RoomsForManchester
— Emma.C. (@emma331) May 22, 2017
I’m 3 Minutes From Victoria Station With A Comfy Sofa, Wifi, Chargers & Teabags. DM Me If You’re Nearby & Stranded. #RoomsForManchester
— Laura O’Connor (@LauraLauraLaur) May 23, 2017
Celebrities also reached out on social media to express their horror, like Mayim Bialik:
Just heard about the explosion outside of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. Terrorism suspected. What a horrible tragedy.
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) May 23, 2017
A comforting and poignant response came from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who was the former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom. He wrote on Facebook how the night brought out the “best and worst” of humanity:
“The terrorist attack in Manchester, reportedly carried out by a suicide bomber, was shocking and horrific, one that deliberately targeted the young and vulnerable enjoying an evening at a music concert. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those 22 people, including many children, and those dozens who were injured. Their lives have been changed forever and our hearts are broken.
The response of the police and Manchester community also showed us the best of humanity: those individuals who stopped to help; who opened their homes, hotels and shops to provide safe spaces for those fleeing the terror; who offered lifts in their cars to take frightened children and parents home.
Terrorists seek to strike fear into our world and divide us. But they underestimate our strength, as local communities, as nations and as a global society. They will fail, and despite the intense grief we feel this morning for the people of Manchester, we will survive and thrive.”
What he says is so true–we can band together as a community to fight against racism, sexism, terrorism, and prejudice. While we can’t change what happened, we can control how we react, be supportive and kind, and find ways to provide safe spaces for those around us.
