Setsuko Thurlow, Hiroshima Survivor, Visits The Mount
On Friday the 6th May students from Year 10 to College 2 sat down for one of the most moving experiences of their lives.
The Hiroshima nuclear bomb survivor, Setsuko Thurlow, was to speak to us and tell us her story. Setsuko was to speak at The University of York later that day, and the University had contacted us to ask if we would like to host her in the morning.
Students from Millthorpe School also attended, keen to hear her story and message. We were told that Setsuko had spent many years sharing her story, and that she had spoken to 1000’s of young people, high ranking government officials and at the United Nations. We were deeply honored to hear her speech.
Setsuko was 13 years old in August 1945 when the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, where she was living, took place. Setsuko told us her story, and we were all astounded by the horror she had witnessed and by her strength of character, kindness and passion.
It was shocking to hear first hand what happened and to interact and ask questions to such an astounding woman. What truly made this experience memorable was how kind she was, holding the hands of those who asked her questions and showing us a banner of the names of the classmates she had lost in the bombing.
It was a truly amazing experience and one that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
Isobel Sygrove, College 1