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Events held to remember murdered MP Jo Cox Events held to remember murdered MP Jo Cox
(about 4 hours later)
Communities have come together to celebrate the life of the murdered MP Jo Cox.Communities have come together to celebrate the life of the murdered MP Jo Cox.
The 41-year-old was shot and stabbed in Birstall, in her Yorkshire constituency of Batley and Spen, on 16 June 2016.The 41-year-old was shot and stabbed in Birstall, in her Yorkshire constituency of Batley and Spen, on 16 June 2016.
To mark the first anniversary of her death her family and friends have urged people to hold events that celebrate her life.To mark the first anniversary of her death her family and friends have urged people to hold events that celebrate her life.
The Great Get Together, involving picnics, street parties and concerts, runs across the weekend.The Great Get Together, involving picnics, street parties and concerts, runs across the weekend.
Organised by the Jo Cox Foundation, it aims to reinforce the message in Mrs Cox's maiden speech in the House of Commons that "we have more in common than that which divides us".Organised by the Jo Cox Foundation, it aims to reinforce the message in Mrs Cox's maiden speech in the House of Commons that "we have more in common than that which divides us".
Mrs Cox's sister, Kim Leadbeater, said the events were "nothing to do with politics, nothing to do with religion".Mrs Cox's sister, Kim Leadbeater, said the events were "nothing to do with politics, nothing to do with religion".
"Nothing to do with anything other than getting together with people in your communities," she added."Nothing to do with anything other than getting together with people in your communities," she added.
"People are desperate for it - people want something that is about coming together and being positive.""People are desperate for it - people want something that is about coming together and being positive."
The Labour MP's former constituency will be the focus of a number of events. The Labour MP's former constituency is the focus of a number of events.
Schoolchildren across the area participated in special assemblies and Upper Batley High School renamed its conference centre in honour of Mrs Cox.Schoolchildren across the area participated in special assemblies and Upper Batley High School renamed its conference centre in honour of Mrs Cox.
'Captured a moment' The new centre was opened by Mrs Cox's parents Gordon and Jean Leadbeater. Mrs Leadbeater said she was delighted to take part in the ceremony.
There will also be moments of reflection in Birstall around a tree of remembrance. "There was nothing Jo liked better than getting into the schools," said Mrs Leadbeater.
"She knew that this is where it all started, the grassroots. Start with the children and work up."
Mr Leadbeater added that, although the anniversary was difficult, "what keeps us going is the strength we are getting from people and we can feel the love".
People gathered for "a moment of reflection" close to the site of Ms Cox's murder in Birstall market place.
Children wrote messages on a memorial wall erected in the square.
More than 500 children sang in a choir on the village green in Heckmondwike.
Nationally more than 100,000 events have been planned between Friday and Sunday, the foundation said.Nationally more than 100,000 events have been planned between Friday and Sunday, the foundation said.
Mrs Cox's widower Brendan said he was "awed" by the numbers of people who planned to take part.Mrs Cox's widower Brendan said he was "awed" by the numbers of people who planned to take part.
Ms Leadbeater said: "I think we've captured a moment in the nation where we need it more than ever, and people have certainly embraced it.
"Jo would have loved it. She would have been in the middle of it all trying to get to as many events as possible and talking to as many people as possible."