Olivia Campbell‑Hardy was the daughter of Charlotte Hodgson and Andrew Hardy.297 She was a much‑loved stepdaughter, sister and granddaughter.298 She was 15 years old at the time of her death on 22nd May 2017.299
Olivia was a happy, determined girl who had packed so much into her 15 years.300 I heard many amusing stories about Olivia from her family: from her arrival at the school prom dressed head‑to‑toe in blue, riding on a blue scooter,301 to the way she would speak in “dinosaur language”302 and do Judge Rinder impressions.303 Anything she did, she made funny.304 She was always making people laugh and made an impact on everyone she met.305 Olivia didn’t just walk into a room; she would make an entrance.306 In addition to her loud and boisterous side, Olivia was gentle and caring and would “fight for the underdog”.307 She always put others before herself.308 She made the world a better place.309
Olivia was a talented singer and had a promising future ahead of her.310 She loved performing with her primary school choir, with her great‑grandma ‘Larlar’311 and even auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent.312 Her mother recalls her singing at a family wedding aged 11, and reducing grown men to tears.313 Her father recalls how proud he was when she sang at her Grandad Steve’s 60th birthday party.314 She dreamed of performing in the West End, of finding fame and getting a house in New York.315
Olivia was clearly special and loved by all of her family.316 I have no doubt that, with her determination and sense of humour and the support of those who loved her most, Olivia would have made a success of a life in music or in anything else she chose to do.317
Events of 22nd May 2017
Olivia was a fan of Ariana Grande and had been offered a ticket by her friend.318 They were extremely excited in the lead‑up to the concert.319 After school, they got the tram into Manchester and had something to eat before going into the Arena.320 Olivia’s friend spoke of the fun they had at the concert, “singing along” and “messing about” together.321 He said Ariana Grande “was fantastic. We loved her.”322
Olivia was in contact during the concert with her mum, who told Olivia that she loved her.323 Olivia and her friend left their seats after the encore and entered the City Room at 22:30:51.324