I can still remember a lot about that fatefull day. I was 18 years old and mad about football. With Liverpool having another great season I was really excited about the day ahead , and the thought of reaching another Wembley final.
I remember that it was a lovely sunny day and I was just so excited about the game against Forest. In those days there wasn't so many live televised games and usually you could only get second half commentary on the radio. So I decided to go out that afternoon to what we call locally as " the moor" which is just a patch of wasteland near the town centre, with my golf clubs and hit some golf balls around for a while because it was a nice sunny day. But my mind was just on one thing, the semi-final, so after hitting a few golf balls around I decided to go home and switch on Grandstand on BBC1 to see what the score was. But when I switched the TV on I could not believe what I was seeing, the match reporter was telling us that what they initially had thought was crowd trouble had turned into a disaster with people being crushed to death and the match had been abandoned. I could not believe my eyes or ears I was shocked, horrified and tearfull about what I was witnessing. TV pictures showing the world a football park with people lying, running around in panic or pain on this park where a great sporting occasion should have been taking place.
I will never forget that day like many of you reading this but I feel strangely fortunate because I was seriously considering going to that match so in a way I got away with one. But I took a long time to get over it and I wasn't even involved directly with the disaster as I never knew anybody that went to the match. But always at this time of year it always brings these memories back.
I would just like to pay tribute to everybody that fights for justice, the relatives of the bereaved, and the great spirit that the club shows recognising these fans that died for our club they will never walk alone.
To the greatest supporters in the world YNWA
South African reds have a tradition of going to Spion Kop for a memorial service which I only found out about this year, they have erected a bench made from 96 slats and have been holding a memorial service there for the past 4 years. Hillsborough means as much to reds from other countries and it is a time when we have to show solidarity and honour the victims. I personally feel I have to show respect and take the day off from work to remember reds that should still be on the Kop,should still be tasting the unique atmosphere of european nights and who's families will never hear them laugh again. To the Hillsborough Family Support Group who have worked so tirelessly for so long, I thank you for the effort you have made to provide comfort and closure to those families who had loved ones so cruelly taken away. You'll Never Walk Alone, Always in our minds and forever in our hearts.
ReplyDeletetremendous and poignant words which I'm sure will be more than appreciated from Reds closer to home. Really is amazing how strong and loyal support this club has all over the world, I would really like to thank you for your comments really touching. YNWA
ReplyDeleteI just wish there was more we can do for the families. I often meet South African red who more often than not haven't heard about or don't understand what Hillsborough and the fight for justice is about. I make a concious effort to make them aware and help spread the knowledge about one of Liverpool's darkest hours as both a club and a city. I was pleased to see a lot youngsters at the memorial service yesterday and it makes me proud that there is another generation aware of what happened and able to carry on the fight for justice, though I hope the justice and closure isn't far away.
ReplyDeleteseems to me that you are doing tremendous work with your fellow reds by learning them of this important part of the club's history and yes it was good to see a younger generation at the memorial service, keep up the good work. YNWA
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteMy dad was killed at Hillsborough. I was 6 years old. Im only just starting to accept it and understand. 21 years on.
I attended the memorial services for the 1st time this year and have never felt so proud to be a red, to be scouse, and so united. Surround by other people, who understand, who hear our voices and our need for justice.
I took my 7 year old son. He was so proud to be there for his grandad, even though he's never met him. Ive always been honest with him and told him what happened to my dad.
Some Tranmere fans were sat behind us. We never spoke, but I guess from the fact that my son has Hennessy on his liverpool shirt, they looked in the booklet and saw we were family members.
After the service, as they were leaving, 1 of the guys put his hand on my shoulder and said 'you'll never walk alone girl. your dad might not be here, but every single person in this stadium now, is. Justice.'
Those words have touched my heart beyond belief. I will never forget that man's kind words.
I will never give up the fight for justice.
YNWA
xx