Anne Williams' fight for justice to be made into new TV drama
Last updated 15th Jan 2018
The story of Hillsborough campaigner Anne Williams, who fought tirelessly to find out how her son died in the tragedy is being made into a new TV Drama
Anne, from Formby was a prominent figure in the campaign for justice until her death in 2013.
She lost her 15 year old son Kevin in the disaster back in 1989.
Now ITV say they have commissioned a new four part series - Anne - which will depict how she challenged medical evidence following her son’s original inquest, and refused to accept its verdict of accidental death.
Determined to unearth the truth she refused to believe the official line on how the disaster unfolded, seeking new medical opinion, tracking down witnesses whose statements were altered, and leaving no stone unturned in her fight for truth and justice.
The four-part mini-series is written by Kevin Sampson, author of the book Hillsborough Voices, which depicts the tragic events of the day, and what unfolded in the hours, days and years after the disaster.
Sampson was at the 1989 semi-final as a fan, and interviewed Anne Williams for Hillsborough Voices
He said: “From the first time I spoke to Anne I was struck by her steely determination. Nothing and nobody was going to deter her from her ultimate aim – justice for Kevin and the 95 who died with him at Hillsborough."
"Anne’s is a story of a mother’s love being stronger than any opponent or obstacle. She refused to lie down, and it’s an honour that her family has entrusted us with telling her inspirational story.”
On commissioning the drama Polly Hill said: “This drama is dedicated to Anne Williams and her diligent and tireless 23-year campaign to learn how and when her son died. She was an inspiration and I’m proud that we can depict her story.”
The series has been developed with the support of her daughter, Sara, who was aged 9 when her brother died.
Sara has carried on her Mum’s work, and has assisted Kevin in the writing process.
She said: "This is something I have thought very carefully about before deciding to go ahead."
Mum’s story is such a powerful and inspiring one, and we all remember how important she always felt it was to get the message out there and bang the drum for justice."