Hundreds of people turned out to honour murdered Islamic State hostage Alan Henning at the opening of a memorial garden in his name.

During a moving speech at Eccles Recreation Ground, his widow Barbara Henning said she was delighted that the circular garden had been created as a place to reflect.

She described how the aid worker had returned from his first trip to Syria ‘so disturbed’ by what he had seen and said he felt a responsibility to help.

She said: “He didn’t care what religion these people were or what colour their skin was - he just wanted to help.”

Alan Henning's wife Barbara
Alan Henning's wife Barbara

Barbara said the other hostages held with Alan have since spoken fondly of him as a supportive friend who thrilled them with his ‘wild stories’, as well as talking about his children, family, love of carp fishing and gardening.

She told the crowds: “We didn’t expect what happened to him.

“For months we heard nothing. I worried he was alone with no-one to talk to, whether he was being hurt, whether his back was playing up so he couldn’t move, which would anger his captors.”

Read more: Daughter of murdered aid worker Alan Henning says work has helped her cope with tragedy

Father-of-two Alan was kidnapped while delivering aid to Syria in December 2013.

His brutal killing was announced in October 2014.

Alan Henning

Barbara said: “He was not a spy, he was our Alan who had gone to help. His death has left a huge hole in our lives which will never be filled.”

The garden design is based on a clock face, to give family, friends and community members time to reflect. It features two memorial plaques, yellow sleepers and a flower bed planted with yellow flowers to symbolise the hundreds of yellow ribbons which appeared in Salford when Alan was kidnapped.

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Ceremonial Mayor of Salford Coun Peter Dobbs opened the event and was joined by Eccles MP Barbara Keeley and Churches Together chair Reverend Dr Anne Louise Critchlow - who led prayers.

Closing the ceremony, City Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett described Alan as a hero.

Alan Henning's wife Barbara at the circular garden at Eccles Recreation ground
Alan Henning's wife Barbara at the circular garden at Eccles Recreation ground

He said: “Alan was a true son of Salford and he will always be remembered for helping people in need.

“It’s the actions of people like Alan that should drive us to be better human beings when there is so much suffering, poverty and persecution around the world.

“Alan will never be forgotten in our city - he is the true spirit of Salford.”

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