A MOTHER of a Manchester Arena attack victim visited students who would soon begin a pioneering counter-terrorism risk management course at the University of Cumbria.

Figen Murray, whose 29-year-old son Martyn Hett was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack, travelled up from her home in Manchester to the university’s campus in Ambleside to show her support.

“I think it’s really important that the students don’t just learn the theory” said Mrs Murray.

“By me coming in and speaking to them I wanted them to know that their professionalism will hopefully benefit real people.

“Because I’m a real person and what happened to us was devastating.”

The course is headed by security expert Edward Grant, who has been responsible for safety strategy during events such as Liverpool Football Club’s 2019 homecoming parade, the 2012 London Olympics and has also worked on NATO heads of state summits.

“It’s a business professional course,” said Mr Grant.

“It’s for the industry by the industry.”

Specialist tutors include Garry Jones and Phil Boardman, whose STORM4 Events company operates from Conwy in Wales. They are the longest serving trainers for the UK Police Counter-Terrorism Security Coordinator’s course.

Mr Grant explained the aims of the course.

“It focuses on understanding the nature of risk, the legal framework, the mitigation and understanding the proportionality,” he said.

“It’s important every event is thought about, what are the problems and how can we mitigate?

“The nature of terrorism it can be never be eliminated but we as a society can work as a team.”

“I’ve met the students and they’re all professionals,” said Mrs Murray.

“Very keen to prove their learning and enhance their learning and start this amazing course.”

Mrs Murray has been the driving force behind Martyn’s Law, which is asking for mandatory vulnerability assessments and proportionate security mitigation at venues to boost safety.

“Martyn’s Law will mean that security at venues isn’t just going to be a recommendation as it is at the moment,” she said. “But it will be mandatory and that’s where the course comes in because that’s where it will be put into action.”

The progress of the law has been slowed due to coronavirus, however Mrs Murray is certain that it will come into force.