President McAleese visits Parry centre

President Mary McAleese at the Peace Centre in Warrington, named after Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry who were killed by an IRA…

President Mary McAleese at the Peace Centre in Warrington, named after Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry who were killed by an IRA bomb in 1993. Photograph: PA

President Mary McAleese visited the Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Foundation for Peace in Warrington today as she continued her visit to Liverpool.

President McAleese and her husband Dr Martin McAleese are on a two-day visit to Liverpool where she has been attending events to mark the city's term as European Capital of Culture.

The Foundation was established by Colin and Wendy Parry following the death of their 12-year-old son, Tim and 3-year-old Jonathan Ball in the IRA bombing of Warrington in 1993.

The learning centre initiated the Survivors for Peace programme which works with victims of terrorism and politically motivated violence.

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The President commended Mr and Mrs Parry for "choosing to refashion their grief into a formidable force for reconciliation and healing".

Later that afternoon Mrs McAleese will address the Big Hope Global Youth Congress at Liverpool Hope University on “The road to peace – with a little help from our friends”.