Thirty years after the 1996 IRA bomb devastated Manchester city centre, survivors like Steve Cope and Samantha Shaw are speaking out about the lasting trauma and lack of support they experienced, contrasting with the city's celebrated regeneration.
Steve Cope's Story
On June 15, 1996, Steve Cope, then 20, was working at Debenhams when the 3,300lb bomb exploded. Unlike most, he was not evacuated. The blast threw him to the ground, and he described the skies going dark. In the aftermath, he suffered panic attacks and PTSD, but his GP told him there was no help available since he hadn't been in the military. It took a breakdown after the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and help from a Northern Irish charity to get treatment.
Now living in the Netherlands, Steve says, "People talk about it being a great thing for Manchester, but it wasn't for me and the other poor b******* who were there." He criticises the lack of support for survivors, noting that millions were spent rebuilding the city but little on those affected.
Samantha Shaw's Experience
Samantha, 29 at the time, was left in her office by mistake. The bomb blew in steel doors and shattered windows. She suffered physical and psychological trauma, including hearing loss and memory issues, spending £40,000 on private treatment. She says, "When these horrific things happen it's always Joe Public that suffers. Everybody pulls together at the time, but then everyone just forgets."
Ongoing Struggles
Both survivors highlight the long-term effects of the bombing, from PTSD to physical ailments, and the difficulty in accessing support. A memorial service for the 30th anniversary will be held at Manchester Cathedral on June 14, organised by SEFF, the charity that helped Steve.
