Skydivers bid to raise money to fund new Hillsborough inquest

Jul 18 2012 by Chris Bratt, Heswall News

A BIRKENHEAD woman was among five brave fundraisers who took to the skies to raise money to support the fight for a new inquest into the death of 15-year-old Hillsborough victim Kevin Williams.

Janet Rathbone, from Birkenhead, Hillsborough survivor Steve Hart, his brother Tommy Hart and teenagers Ryan Peters and Nicole Kelshaw took part in the charity skydive in Lancashire last weekend.

Janet, 44, who is friends with Kevin’s mum Anne Williams, has been helping to raise funds for the past six months by organising raffles and a weekly car boot sale.

Any money raised will help to finance the continuing legal fees that are required to demand a new inquest for Kevin as well as helping Hillsborough survivors to make their claim for trauma money.

The battle for a new inquest for Kevin, which began after an online petition received over 100,000 votes, will seek to contest the accidental death verdict that was given in the original inquest in 1991.

Kevin’s mum Anne insists her son was still alive at 4pm and had not died by 3.15pm as the original verdict stated.

She believes that if this was the case it would mean that Kevin’s life could have been saved if he received basic medical attention that was at the time being blocked by the police who prevented ambulances from entering the ground.

Janet said: "I've raised over £1000, but there were four other jumpers, so whatever they've raised will all go towards one cause.We're raising money for justice for the 96 Liverpool fans."

Anne Williams said: "I'm so proud. I'm overwhelmed by the support, as I always am."

Anyone who wants to donate to the group can do so through Paypal at littlemiss40 @live.co.uk with the reference ‘skydiving’.