A survivor of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing who was left paralysed from the waist down has met with Coronation Street actors to offer insight into life after a spinal injury. Martin Hibbert and his wife, Gabby, visited the ITV studios to meet Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, and Jennie McAlpine, who portrays Fiz Stape, as the show explores a new storyline involving a serious spinal cord injury.
In recent episodes, viewers have seen Tyrone involved in a devastating hit-and-run accident that leaves him unable to walk. The storyline has been developed with support from the Spinal Injuries Association, where Mr Hibbert serves as vice-president. “I’m so impressed that Coronation Street has chosen to tell this important story,” Mr Hibbert said, commending the show’s effort to raise awareness about the long-term impact of spinal injuries.
Mr Hibbert’s life changed forever in May 2017 when a suicide bomber detonated a homemade device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds more. Standing near the blast, he suffered 22 shrapnel wounds and underwent emergency surgery at Salford Royal Hospital. The explosion severed his spine, leaving him paralysed from the waist down with a T10 complete spinal cord injury.
“Spinal cord injury can happen to anyone, at any time, and having such a big TV programme shine a light on the realities of living with it will make a huge difference,” he said. “By showing that ordinary people can be affected, it helps to raise awareness, break down barriers and start vital conversations about life after injury.” Mr Hibbert added that it was an honour for him and his wife to share their story with the cast and crew and see their dedication to portraying the subject with respect and authenticity.