A charity has launched a free mother and baby music group to support families after a fundraising partnership raised £5,000 to help get it off the ground.

Liv’s Trust CIO has launched the free classes at Radcliffe Girls and Boys Club in Withins Avenue after a successful year as The Rock Shopping Centre’s Charity of Choice for 2023-2024.

The charity was set up in memory of Olivia Campbell-Hardy, 15, from Bury, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

Olivia Campbell-HardyOlivia Campbell-Hardy (Image: Family handout)

It aims to support those aged 25 and under in music and dance - in line with Olivia's passions.

During the 12-month period that the charity was The Rock’s fundraising partner, events in the centre raised £5,000 and the funds have been used to fund and equip the weekly classes.

The classes take place on Thursdays from 10.30am to 11.30am.

No booking is required and attendees can just turn up at the club.

Olivia’s grandma Sharon Goodman said: “We were so pleased to have raised so much money whilst we were The Rock’s partner charity and we wanted to use the funds for a specific project.

“Our trustees had identified a need for a free mother and baby music group and since we launched it just a few weeks ago the response from the community has exceeded all of our expectations.

“The £5,000 will enable us to run these classes for the next 12 months.”

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, centre director at The Rock, added: “We thoroughly enjoyed our fundraising year with Liv’s Trust, they took every opportunity and worked hard to raise these funds.

"We are so happy they’re able to put them towards such a beneficial community project and we wish them luck with the mother and baby group going forward.” 

To find out more about the classes or the charity visit Liv's Trust CIO Facebook page.

The Rock’s new partner charity is Secret Garden – Hoyles Park.