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A Song for Manchester

Britain’s Got Talent favourites The Missing People Choir could team up with Manchester terror attack victims’ families for emotional tribute

Singer Peter Lawrence says collaboration would be the perfect way to raise funds for the Missing People charity

BRITAIN’S Got Talent favourites The Missing People Choir could team up with Manchester terror attack victims’ families to write a song.

Singer Peter Lawrence, 70, said a collaboration would be the perfect way to raise funds for the Missing People charity.

 Britain's Got Talent favourites The Missing People Choir want to team up with Manchester Terror Attack victims' families to write a song
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Britain's Got Talent favourites The Missing People Choir want to team up with Manchester Terror Attack victims' families to write a songCredit: Splash News

He joined the group after daughter Claudia’s disappearance in 2009.

And he said footage of the Manchester bombing as parents desperately tried to find their missing children brought back painful memories.

The retired solicitor said: “Our message will strike more of a chord now with those watching.

 Missing Choir congratulate one another after emotional show
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Missing Choir congratulate one another after emotional showCredit: Splash News
 Missing Choir share their harrowing experiences with the judges on BGT
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Missing Choir share their harrowing experiences with the judges on BGTCredit: Syco/Thames/Dymond
 Peter Boxell (left front) joins Peter Lawrence (far right) in practice with the rest of The Missing People Choir
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Peter Boxell (left front) joins Peter Lawrence (far right) in practice with the rest of The Missing People Choir

“And for quite a while people were reported missing from that.

“It’s a horrendous event, but something that we’re beginning to have to live with.

“It did bring back difficult memories, you feel for the people involved. It must have been a terrible thing. It is horrendous.”

He added: “All sorts of people have started choirs. There’s no reason why the Manchester victims’ families shouldn’t start a choir themselves.

 Peter Laurence in a photo with missing daughter Claudia
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Peter Laurence in a photo with missing daughter ClaudiaCredit: PA
 Peter has been campaigning for news of Claudia since 2009
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Peter has been campaigning for news of Claudia since 2009Credit: PA Wire
 Claudia went missing on March 18, 2009
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Claudia went missing on March 18, 2009Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
 People attend a vigil for the victims of the attack at Manchester Arena
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People attend a vigil for the victims of the attack at Manchester ArenaCredit: Reuters
 People light candles in St Ann's Square in Manchester
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People light candles in St Ann's Square in ManchesterCredit: EPA
 People leave messages of peace with stones in St Anne's Square
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People leave messages of peace with stones in St Anne's SquareCredit: Rex Features

“If they form a choir and we get in touch with them we may well look at doing a song together.”

Chef Claudia was 35 when she was last seen near her home in York after finishing work.

Peter said he often thinks of her as he performs — and sheds a tear.

He said: “Claudia was a fan of BGT. She would have been amazed at the idea of me going on.”

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