After being at the Ariana concert on the 22nd May when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the foyer of the Arena, killing 22 people, we were lucky enough to get out of there unharmed. But we were also in a position to receive free tickets to the One Love Manchester concert.

When we first found out that the concert would definitely be happening, we wanted to go, even if we would have to pay for tickets. But then the night before the concert was due to take place, another attack took place on London Bridge. This brought back a lot of memories from Manchester for me, and I was unsure whether I wanted to go to the concert.

We must not let hate stop us from living our lives to the fullest, so I decided that I would still go to the benefit concert, and I'm so glad I did.

It was literally the best concert I have ever been to, with Ariana herself performing, as well as Take That, Robbie Williams, Pharrell  Williams, Miley Cyrus, Niall Horan, Little Mix, Victoria Monet, Black Eyed Peas, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, and many more. Not only was it an incredible experience to see so many great performances live, but to honour the 22 lost in the attack and show that we will not be beaten by hate.

When we went to our seats, the lady showing us to them saw on our tickets that we had got them free and said "were you there on that horrible night" which just made me tear up as it was the first time someone I didn't know had really acknowledged what had happened. I continued to cry throughout the concert, in particular the first time we heard Ariana sing since the attack, knowing that last time people had lost their lives.

Over 2 million pounds was donated to the British Red Cross during the concert as well as donations from the Manchester Metro Link, Uber who were providing free travel and matching fares in donations, and other organisations, including the merchandise stands at the event which took the total raised since the attack to over 12 million pounds.

Myself and my friends bought t-shirts whilst at the event and later ordered more online, not only was it something to remember the concert by but to help raise money ourselves as we felt we had a closer connection to the cause as we were there on that terrible night.

In years to come, I will look back and be so proud to have been involved in the concert. Although it was televised all around the world, to actually be there in person is something I will never ever forget.

Beth x

Photo credit: http://lifestyle.one/grazia/celebrity/news/one-love-manchester-concert/