TO mark the 30th anniversary of the bombing, the Warrington Guardian is proud to announce the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation as its charity of the year.

Earlier this week we commemorated the 30th year anniversary of the Warrington Bombing with killed Tim, 12, and Johnathan, aged three.

Tim’s parent’s, Colin and Wendy Parry, couldn’t find any organisations that helped families or their children.

After years of fundraising, they opened the Peace Centre in Great Sankey, to reach out to help other victims of terrorism and violence.

The Foundation works nationally and internationally to support those affected by terrorism and conflict.

With 30 years of experience, the team believe that addressing the causes of violence before, during and after conflict situations is the most effective way possible to promote peace.

They work in three main areas:

Prevention – The charity works with schools, colleges, universities, constabularies, local authorities, and communities to prevent violence before it starts. With pioneer education programmes and bespoke work.

Resolution – The charity seeks resolution through dialogue and actions to deal with issues without recourse to violence.

Response – When violent conflict has already occurred, the charity is there to respond to help those affected to cope and recover.

Since the Manchester arena bombing in May 2017, the Peace Foundation’s Survivors Assistance Network (SAN) has supported over 750 individuals.

SAN provides free, life-long, practical, and emotional support to people directly affected by terrorist attacks.

It is the leading UK provider of support to victims of terrorism, to young people and communities whose lives are affected by conflict, extremism, or any form of violence.

Colin Parry OBE, CEO and co-founder of the foundation said: “On behalf of myself, my wife Wendy and everyone here at the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Warrington Guardian for taking the foundation as its charity of the year, 2023.

“This is especially appreciated because 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the date when the IRA bombed Bridge Street, killing two young boys, Tim and Johnathan and injuring and traumatising so many others.

“We hope the close collaboration between us will bring benefits to both parties.”

Richard Duggan, group editor of the Warrington Guardian, added: “The story of the foundation in many ways has mirrored that of the Guardian over the past three decades.

“Warrington will never forget the attacks but also the move towards peace since.

“We look forward to telling those incredible stories this year.”