Manuela's parents thank Galway people for support during ordeal

They wish concert funds to be spent locally in causes close to Manuela's heart

Manuela’s snow-covered tombstone in Switzerland, with the Claddagh symbol.

By Declan Varley

THE PARENTS of murdered Swiss teenager Manuela Riedo have written a letter of appreciation to the people of Galway for their support during the ordeal of their daughter's death and for backing the concert held in her memory.

In an emotional correspondence, Hans-Peter and Arlette Riedo have also wished that €50,000 raised by a concert in their daughter's memory will be spent in Galway and the west of Ireland on causes that were close to Manuela's heart.

In the letter sent to the organsing committee and issued through the Galway Advertiser, the Riedos have stressed their gratitude for the support they have received since their daughter’s murder and since the trial of her killer Gerald Barry last year.

They have also sent recent photographs of Manuela’s gravestone which carries the Claddagh symbol, emphasising the bond they feel has been created between the family and the people of Galway.

In the letter, they speak of the warmth they felt during their visit to the site of Manuela’s murder near the Railway Line in Renmore. They referred to the fact that people walked with them to the site and that it was sad that daughter had been alone on the night she was killed.

“On October 2, 2009, while we were walking with our rose bouquet along the railway line towards Renmore, something wonderful happened. We met lots of people who wanted to accompany us to the church.

“Afterwards we walked along Lough Atalia towards the place where the tragic event occurred. There were people at every crossroad who wanted to walk with us for support.

“However we wanted to go there on our own. It was an incredible feeling, knowing we were not alone. At the same time it was very sad – why was Manuela not so fortunate on October 8 2007?

“We would like to thank all those people who invested so much time preparing, presenting and performing the “Night for Manuela” concert. We would also like to thank the people from and around Galway who attended the concert – without all your help this concert would not be as successful as it was.

“The organising committee of the “Night for Manuela” has informed us that over €50,000 was raised. It is now our wish that this money will remain and will be spent in Galway and the West of Ireland, supporting professional services and projects that do invaluable work, work that is at the heart of Manuela’s foundation.

“We look forward every day to returning to Galway - to our new friends and to Manuela.

They signed the letter "Arlette & Hans-Peter Riedo and our angel in heaven, Manuela, rest in peace.”

The organisers of the “Night for Manuela” said that they had underestimated the support there would be for the event.

“When we decided to run this event in Galway we had no idea of the impact it would have on us personally, on the Riedo family, and on the people of Galway. A group of people came together because they had one thing in common. They felt, like many people in Galway felt, they wanted to do something. Something for Manuela, something for her parents Arlette and Hans Peter and something for Galway to help our city heal. When this tragedy happened we all felt so helpless, so saddened and even ashamed. Such a thing to happen, in such a manner, in our city.

“It was also an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the courage, strength and dignity of Hans Peter and Arlette Riedo. We wanted to let them know that they are not alone, the people of Galway stand with them in their grief. We support them in their work to help other victims and families of sexual violence. We will not forget Manuela.

“The Night for Manuela in Galway raised over €50,000. Manuela’s parents now wish for this money to stay in Galway so that it can support the foundation’s goals. Through established professional agencies the money will go towards helping and supporting rape victims and their families, promoting education, awareness and prevention. This is truly a fitting and inspirational gesture by them to Galway, in memory of their daughter,” said the organisers of the event.

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