Port Sunlight Village Trust launches fundraising appeal to re-build Hillsborough memorial

Jun 24 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to re-build Port Sunlight’s Hillsborough memorial after vandals caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Villagers have made pledges of free labour, publicity materials and cash donations since the stonework surrounding the memorial was destroyed in the early hours of Sunday, June 7.

Port Sunlight Village Trust, which is responsible for the preservation of the 19th-century garden village, has now launched the Hillsborough Memorial Restoration Fund to co-ordinate the fundraising efforts.

The trust says it wants to restore the memorial to its former glory as soon as possible.

It is estimated repairs could cost up to £40,000 and, while the memorial is insured, the monument is understood to be subject to high excess payments, which means claiming is expensive.

The trust is planning a series of fundraising events in the village later this summer.

A village resident, who wants to remain anonymous, has also offered to spearhead long-term fundraising.

Created by Unilever, the memorial garden is a focal point for families and friends to remember the 96 who were killed at Hillsborough on April 15, 1989.

A spokesman said: “Port Sunlight Village Trust has been blown away with support and pledges from individuals and businesses who wish to help with the restoration.

“We will be launching an official appeal, which will introduce a new page on our website, and events in August. Early estimates suggest the repair costs could be in the region of £40,000.”