From Premier League grounds to harrowing aftermath of Manchester bombing, Alice’s work experience puts her at the centre of the news agenda

A student from the University of Northampton has spoken of her experience filming the funeral of a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing.

Final year Multimedia Journalism undergraduate, Alice Grundy, spent two weeks on a work experience placement with leading media agency, the Press Association.

One of the most affecting parts of her placement was covering the funeral of eight-year-old Saffie Roussos, who was one of 23 people killed in the terrorist attack on an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, in May.

“It was incredibly strange to be reporting on a funeral, especially in such an emotional case,” said Alice.

“The mood was very sombre and as Saffie’s family walked towards the cathedral and her coffin was carried in I felt extremely sad, but also like I was witnessing something important and beautiful.

“There was this great outpouring of love for Saffie and a huge sense of togetherness. The funeral was about a little girl who was full of life and vibrancy and the way her family spoke about her was deeply moving and I was holding back tears.

“But it also felt to me like a show of spirit and defiance to the terrorists who tried to break this family and our country. At times, especially when the family were arriving, I did feel like an intruder.

“This was their private moment that I was filming and broadcasting to the world and it didn’t sit 100 per cent right with me. But I do think it’s important to tell Saffie’s story. In his speech, her dad said he wanted to make her the most famous girl in the world. And maybe, with the help of myself and the other media there, she could be.

“It was an incredible, emotive, and in some ways inspirational experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Alice made a video which sees her talk about her work experience – see below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfU9dWRAlU0

Her stint at PA also saw her film at Premier League football clubs, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City and United, cover court stories and film a police press conference.

Alice added: “I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for the University of Northampton. My lecturers had the contacts I needed to get the work experience, and they gave me the skills I needed to complete it successfully.”