2023 Winner
Figen Murray OBE
Mother of murdered Martyn Hett is a powerful campaigner for peace and change in her son’s name.
When her son Martyn Hett was murdered along with 21 others in the Manchester Arena bombing, Figen Murray was determined to move forward in a positive way. Just three weeks after the atrocity she told her husband, Martyn’s stepdad Stuart Murray, she planned to publicly forgive her son’s killer.
“I said to him, I’m thinking about who killed Martyn and I want to do what’s humanely the right thing,’” said Figen. “’I’m going tomorrow morning on public, national TV and I will publicly forgive the terrorist that killed Martyn. It’s something I need to do and I strongly believe it.’”
Now, almost six years later, Figen’s extraordinary response to the tragedy continues to make an impact.
As well as successfully leading the campaign for Martyn’s Law, new legislation designed to boost security measures at venues to help prevent future terrorist atrocities, Figen speaks directly to young people, delivering talks about radicalisation and her experiences at schools, colleges and universities.
“I saw on day three after the attack, I think it was, the photo of the terrorist for the first time who killed Martyn, and I was so shocked at the young age he was,” said the mum-of-five. “I think it’s really important that young people who are at the cusp of adulthood, who are the future adult generation, really get reminders about the importance of values such as tolerance, kindness and compassion.”
Through it all, says Figen, Martyn, who was just 29 when he died, is always at her side. “Martyn’s with me all the time,” she said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham described Figen as an icon of the city. “Figen responded to an awful, evil act of hate with love,” he said. “Everything she has done since losing her son has been about making the world a better place in his memory. “Through her work with young people and her campaign for Martyn’s Law, she is helping to prevent future tragedies and give every parent peace of mind. She is a real icon of Greater Manchester.”