Hillsborough 28th anniversary: Remembering those from Wirral and Ellesmere Port who lost their lives in the disaster

From this year at the request of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, memorial services will no longer take place at Anfield.

Instead the city’s cathedrals will take it in turn to host low-key services in an initiative from the Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend Paul Bayes, and the Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon, in liaison with Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson.

The first half-hour service will start at 2.45pm at the Anglican Cathedral.

It will include simple prayers and time for silent reflection but will not offer any sermon.

The service will be open to all who find it helpful to mark the anniversary in prayerful contemplation.

A minute's silence will be observed at 3.06pm - when the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest was stopped at Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield.

Right Rev Paul Bayes said: "On behalf of all the churches we count it a great privilege to offer this brief and simple service.

"We will remember the 96 before God, and pray for their families, for the survivors and for all those who remain deeply affected by the tragedy.

"Our cathedrals are here for the people and we are proud and glad to offer the opportunity on April 15 to reflect and to pray in peace."

Media have been asked not to attend the Hillsborough service as it is a private act of worship.

Players and staff of Liverpool FC will also pause to observe a minute's silence at 3.06pm and the day's training session at Melwood will stop so respects can be paid alongside the temporary Hillsborough memorial which will be moved to the complex at the request of HFSG.

Families gave emotional portraits of their loved ones as the fresh inquests into their deaths began three years ago.

On April 26, 2016, the jury concluded the 96 were unlawfully killed and that no role was played by the supporters in causing the disaster.

It came after more than two years of hearings at Birchwood Park as the coroner’s 14 questions on what caused the tragedy were answered.

Three decades of fighting for truth by a group of remarkable people who demanded justice for their loved ones had preceded the historic day.

Twelve of those who lost their lives in the disaster were from Wirral and Ellesmere Port.

They were Peter Burkett, Raymond Chapman, Anthony Kelly, James Delaney, Christopher Edwards, Arthur Horrocks, Kevin Traynor, Chris Traynor, James Hennessy, Graham Roberts, Dave Thomas and Thomas "Steve" Fox.

You can read their pen portraits below.

Peter Burkett, 24, from Rock Ferry.

Peter Burkett’s sister told the hearing he “touched the hearts of all the people who knew and loved him.”

Lesley Roberts said: “When he walked into a room it would feel like somebody had switched a light on and everything was instantly brighter.”

Read the full pen portrait here.


Raymond Chapman, 50, Prenton.

Raymond Chapman told his wife he loved her before heading off to the football match from which he would never return.

His last words to his widow Joan were “See you tonight, love you, bye”.

Read the full pen portrait here.
 

James Delaney, 19, Ellesmere Port.

Ellesmere Port man James Delaney told his little brother he would take him to the FA cup final on the morning of the Hillsborough tragedy.

Nick Delaney paid tribute to the 19-year-old he was proud to call his big brother.

Read the full pen portrait here.
 

Christopher Edwards, 29, Ellesmere Port.

Christopher Edwards was described as the “apple of his mum’s eye” by his father.

Sydney Edwards said he often wonders about the family his son could have had.

He said: “The only comfort I have is that Chris experienced what it was like to be loved and he lived his life to the full.”

Read the full pen portrait here.
 

Thomas “Steve” Fox, 21, Birkenhead.

Thomas Steven Fox had hoped his organs would be used to help others when he was killed at the age of 21.

His mother, Brenda Fox, said: “Had he been taken to hospital, many others would have benefited. Sadly, he never made it to hospital.”

Read the full pen portrait here.
 

James Hennessy, 29, Ellesmere Port.

The death of James Robert Hennessy left a hole in the life of his “daddy’s girl” daughter.

Charlotte Hennessy, who was just six when her dad died, described “our Jimmy” as a beautiful person who never had a bad word for anyone.

Read the full pen portrait here.
 

Arthur Horrocks, 41, Bebington.

Arthur Horrocks was described as full of fun and a man who lived for his family.

His son was the first to read a statement on behalf of Mr Horrocks’ wife Susan which left many people in tears.

Read the full pen portrait here.
 

Anthony Kelly, 29, Rock Ferry.

Anthony Kelly’s mother said “Hillsborough should never have happened” as she paid tribute to her son.

Betty Almond said that Anthony was her only son and was born prematurely weighing less than 2lbs but "grew into a grand land".

Read the full pen portrait here.
 

Graham Roberts, 24, Wallasey.

Graham Roberts was engaged to marry and due to sign for his first home on the day of the Hillsborough disaster.

Fiancé Sandra pleaded with Graham to not go to the game and instead sign the contracts for their new home.

Graham’s sister Sue said: "He said, 'it's a semi-final and that they could sign for their house on Monday instead'."

Read the full pen portrait here.
 

David Thomas, 23, Higher Tranmere.

David Thomas was “just becoming a man” when he died in the disaster. He was 23 years old.

His mother said she found it hard to talk about her son, who had started his own business as a painter and decorator and was “quite successful in his short life”.

Read the full pen portrait here.

Kevin Traynor, 16, and Chris Traynor, 26, Birkenhead.

The sister of brothers Kevin and Christopher Traynor was overcome with emotion as she told the court they had been involved in a crush at the stadium just one year before.

Read the full pen portrait here.