Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Manchester bombing: Wendy Fawell confirmed as latest victim of suicide attack

'A beautiful lady who I will have treasured memories of,' says best friend Debbie McDowell

Niamh McIntyre
Thursday 25 May 2017 07:12 EDT
Comments
Wendy Fawell
Wendy Fawell (Charlotte Fawell)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A 50-year-old mother has been confirmed as one of the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

Wendy Fawell attended the concert with her daughter Charlotte and was last seen near the exit of the arena.

A vigil had been held in Ms Fawell’s home town, Otley, west Yorkshire to pray for her safe return.

However, her death was later confirmed by a friend on Facebook.

Describing Ms Fawell as her best friend and confidante, Debbie McDowell said she was "heartbroken beyond belief."

She added: “A beautiful lady who I will have treasured memories of. Nite god bless sweetheart. Love you to the moon and back.”

It is believed another woman from the town, on the outskirts of Leeds, is being treated for shrapnel injuries.

Ms Fawell’s son, Adam, had thanked comedian James Corden for his tribute to the Manchester victims just hours before her death was announced.

“Fantastic words said on the late late show about Manchester disaster. My mother is still missing after the explosion”, he said. “Be strong! They will be found and come home safe!”

Greg Mulholland, MP for Otley, said: "The whole country is united in grief after this devastating terror attack but also in determination to take on these terrorists and their message of hatred, division and violence."

He later tweeted a tribute to Wendy Fawell.

Ms Fawell is believed to be the 19th victim to be formally named out of the 22 victims to have died in the suicide bomb attack on an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

119 others were injured, 64 were taken to hospital and 20 still remain in critical condition.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in