Permanent tribute to Hillsborough survivors to be unveiled in Liverpool
The plague is being donated in memory of Anne Williams
Last updated 22nd Nov 2017
A permanent tribute to survivors of the Hillsborough disaster is being unveiled in Liverpool this weekend
This Sunday a special commemorative plaque, paying tribute to the survivors of the 1989 disaster who assisted in the rescue of fans, will be unveiled at Central Station.
It's been donated by the family of late Hillsborough campaigner Anne Williams, who lost her son Kevin in the disaster.
Before Anne lost her battle to cancer in 2013, she made a bucket style list of her last wishes and tasked her brother, Danny, with carrying them out on her behalf.
The final one was to create a touching tribute to the survivors who she credited with trying to save her beloved son Kevin, who was among 96 Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough Stadium, on 15th April 1989.
Danny commissioned a commemorative bronze piece after discussing the design and details with many of the survivors and families, who gave their approval and expressed how much it would mean to them.
However, four years after Anne’s death, he still struggled to find a permanent home for the plaque and faced many knockbacks along the way.
His main aim was for it to be placed in a community environment and after being contacted about Danny’s story, rail network provider Merseyrail, has agreed to install it at Liverpool Central- its flagship station.
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 2pm this Sunday and will be attended by Danny and his family, who will lead the tribute to the survivors’ efforts, in memory of his sister, Anne.
Speaking about Anne, brother Danny Gordon, said: “Anne was a dedicated supporter of the survivors and always said they tried to save her little boy, so this was her last legacy.
“Being from Formby, she regularly got the train to Liverpool Central to attend her meetings for justice in town, so it’s really special to have it there.
“The plaque was her way of recognising all the suffering and trauma they have been through, and are still going through, and to thank them for the help they gave to others, on that terrible day.
“We hope this tribute will give the survivors some small comfort knowing they will never be forgotten.”
Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, former managing director at Merseyrail, speaking before he left his role said: ““We want to help respect Anne’s last wishes and the plaque will act as a permanent reminder of that tragic day in Liverpool’s history.
“It will be seen by hundreds of thousands of passengers, who will be able to pay tribute to the survivors, which is exactly what she would have wanted."