Stoicism is in the DNA of Mancunians

Last week’s unspeakable suicide bomb attack has shaken Manchester to its core – but it will not wilt

Members of the public gather at Albert Square in Manchester to honour the victims of Monday evening's terror attack Picture: Getty

A day after the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert, a complete stranger tapped my mother on the shoulder as she queued at a cash machine near my family home in Manchester.

“Were all yours okay, love?” he asked. Relieved, she explained that her family was safe but told how several children at the school where her daughter teaches were fortunate to come home from the arena. The stranger’s eyes filled with ...