BEFORE Elaine Hart goes to bed, she looks at a cherished photograph of her son, Robert. When she wakes up in the morning, she will do the same thing.
It's a routine the 75-year-old has followed religiously for the last decade. Ten years have now passed since Elaine saw her son or heard the comforting sound of his voice.
On June 7, 2014, Robert Hart went to Parklife festival to enjoy a weekend of music and fun with his girlfriend. He never returned home.
Standing in the middle of the crowd, waiting for US rapper Snoop Dogg to come on stage, he stepped in to protect his girlfriend, who was being hit with an inflatable toy.
An argument ensued in which a man punched Robert, 26, in the head.
He fell to the ground unconscious and died in hospital days later.
About 70,000 people were at the festival, in Heaton Park, that weekend, but to this day the man who punched Robert has escaped justice for it. Today marks a decade since the day Robert was attacked - and the moment his mother's life changed forever.
His death continues to have a profound impact on Elaine, who remains desperate for answers and closure.
"I just exist," said Elaine. "My children and grandchildren help me enormously but every morning I wake up and I look at Robert's photograph...and I look at Robert's photograph when I go to bed.
"I ask the person that punched him 'why? What was the reason for such an aggressive punch?' What was going through their mind? "Robert loved life and he should be here enjoying himself, having children, living his life. He went to Parklife to enjoy himself and he never came home."
Robert would have celebrated his 36th birthday in March. For grief-stricken Elaine, the thought of what her son endured in his final days will always be deeply painful.
She said: "Robert was exceptionally kind. He was very funny and had a fantastic sense of humour.
This story is from the June 07, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
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This story is from the June 07, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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