In these Strangest of Times: Hillsborough 31 Years On - Always Remembered

Even in these strangest of times I don't have a need to remind myself to always remember; I can never forget that day.

Last year, for the 30th Anniversary, I had decided to make changes to how I remembered the day. I didn't want crowds, I just wanted those closest to me to know that I was safe and not spiralling into an abyss of darkness that had often happened on anniversaries in the past.

On 14th April I placed roses at the memorial in Old Haymarket and on the Anniversary we went to Pennington Flash to start the day in a tranquil place where my mind could reflect and remember the fans who didn't make it that day, despite our best efforts. 

Hillsborough Memorial - Old Haymarket

Later in the day we visited Hillsborough Oaks, a special place for me.  We wondered where the years had gone and thought about fellow survivors, supporters and family members who had passed away during the time since the tragedy.

Bullfinch at Pennington Flash

Robin at Pennington Flash 

Hillsborough Oaks

A sad day had worked out perfectly and my sanity remained intact for once.  ❤️💙

This year was going to be similar. But then this year turned out to be similar to nothing any of us has known.

I had booked a Bed and Breakfast in Windermere to stay over on the 14th waking up there on the Anniversary to find somewhere quiet and peaceful to have my thoughts and reflections.

Lake Windermere 

Lake Windermere from Orrest Head

The plan was to then visit the Memorial and Hillsborough Oaks when we returned that evening.

That of course has all changed now and I'll be here at home with my thoughts.

I have a beautiful rose, "Loving Memory", that will be my focus this year.

It was bought because a friend of friend wanted to do something for a survivor.  The rose is the result of this and is now in the garden as a permanent memorial. I am still truly blown away by that. ❤️

Loving Memory 

It is planted in a pot surrounded by red tulips that I am hoping will be in bloom on the day - the rose will follow later on.

In these difficult times I hope that everyone affected by Hillsborough stays safe and can find their own special way to remember our friends this year, the 31st Anniversary of the tragedy. 

One thing is for sure, we will never forget!

Justice for the 96.  Justice for all.

You’ll Never Walk Alone 

Hillsborough - Upbeat?

What a few days it has been. What a week, what a year.

We began last week with the sad internet troll trying to belittle us.  We fought it and we rose above it.  We paid our respects at the Memorial Service on Wednesday and the emotions overwhelmed some.  A group of intrepid heroes inspired and humbled us by running from Hillsborough to Anfield over two days.  Then on Sunday it gelled as our community, its football clubs and many others, joined the inaugural Run For The 96 5k in Stanley Park.

Where to start? Well this time last year a group of us had just got home from a walk from Hillsborough to Anfield, We Never Walked Alone. It was an experience that will live long in my memory, a great experience, I am so glad that I was part of it.  Then, like at the weekend, LFC had great expectations only to see them slip away.

More importantly the inquests began  and in that time the families have, through their heartfelt pen portraits, put a name, a face, and a real person in place of the number that before then their loved ones had been known.   

They have listened to evidence and heard reluctant admissions from people who should have had some balls many years ago. It's been a tough year for the families and those who were there on the day and still feel the guilt of survival. The inquests are underway again and it's important that we all take care of what we say and post. 

What I will say is that everyone involved has my 100% support and that will never waiver.

I attended the memorial service at Anfield which as usual was emotional and I was pleased to have Sofie, my daughter, at my side again supporting me.  It was also nice to be accompanied by other great friends that day.  

Other friends attended the memorial in Old Haymarket to pay their respects whilst others paid their respects in other cities both here and all over the world or by simply pulling over in their car or stepping outside of work at 3:06 to reflect. Many of course also Wore Red the 96 to show their support.

It doesn't matter where or how anyone pays their respects. It's that we still do 26 years down the line and we always will as the younger generation like Sofie, not born in 1989, know the significance of what happened that day and will never forget.

Moving on to last weekend when the Hillsborough - Anfield Run team got back to Anfield after their two day run, which as I said at the time I felt humbled as I welcomed them back to Anfield after their amazing effort. Well done to each of you!

                       

Then it was Sunday and the inaugural Run For The 96 5k in Stanley Park. I'm not a runner but I love walking and I decided to be a little different in my approach to the 5k. This would after all be the one and only time I would run a 5k, wouldn't it!?

My plan was to walk from home to the run, I had walked to Anfield from home before and the route I took was exactly 9.6 miles - a total coincidence! 

So on Sunday morning I set off at 7am aiming to get to Stanley Park 9:15 and the start of the 5k.  It was great to have some company on the walk as Andy stepped up his training for the Rock n Roll Marathon by walking there with me and jogging back home! Cheers mate!

The walk was enjoyable and we arrived in Stanley Park bang on time! Straight away despite the vast crowd there were friendly faces and hugs a plenty.  I then found Kenny, Carolyn and the girls waiting patiently on the start line. 

                  

My plan was start with a little jog and then walk the 5k but as I set off, in my walking boots, I had a Forrest Gump moment and I was off! Young Sarah accompanied me around the course and somehow had the breath to tell me stories from start to finish! 

 

There was something happening in those few hours on Sunday morning. Here I was at a Hillsborough event feeling upbeat, happy even.  I have heard and read much in the few days since.  I certainly wasn't the only one who felt this, it seems everyone there felt the same!  

Well done to Dom Williams and the team for thinking up and seeing through this wonderful event to its successful conclusion.  Well done also Dom for getting through it on your crutches, I hope that you recover from the injury quickly.

As for this being my last 5k I think not. I'll be back every year that I am able, inspired by everyone who took part and this special moment....

Photograph: P. Tichen Photography

See you next year!

The Hillsborough Memorial - Remembering the 96 #JFT96

The Hillsborough Memorial in Old Haymarket Liverpool marks the 26th Anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster. Floral tributes placed at the memorial which was commissioned by the Hillsborough Justice Campaign (HJC) and created by local sculptor Tom Murphy show that 26 years on 96 fans who never came home are always remembered.  More photographs on Flickr 

Hillsborough Memorial, Old Haymarket, Liverpool