Hillsborough mum Anne Williams still hoping for justice as she reveals cancer battle


COURAGEOUS Hillsborough mum Anne Williams has revealed she is suffering from terminal cancer.

Mrs Williams, 59, who has campaigned tirelessly for justice for more than two decades after losing 15-year-old son Kevin in 1989, has been unwell in recent months, only leaving hospital two days before the Independent Panel's report was released in September.

Supporters are already moving to try to get a new inquest into Kevin's death brought forward as soon as possible.

Anne, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer, will move to a hospice in Southport to be closer to family after being taken into hospital again on Wednesday following her absence from Monday's Commons Hillsborough debate.

She said: "I'm still getting my head around the whole thing.

"I don't want to know how long I've got because I just want to enjoy whatever time is left with my family and friends."

For many years before the breakthrough, that came following Andy Burnham's speech at the 20th Hillsborough anniversary memorial service, Anne was a constant force in trying to get to the real truth about the disaster.

She submitted three petitions – with a fourth now active – for a new inquest into Kevin's death to the Attorney General and took her case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Anne said: "I want to thank everyone who has helped me over all the years, the barristers and forensic pathologists who waived fees to enable me to get through the system as well as the people of Merseyside who believed in what I was trying to do when it felt like no-one else was listening.

"They supported me because they knew I was right and I'll be always be grateful for that.

"I'll keep on fighting – I've been doing it for long enough – but I'm not an idiot and know how serious this is.

"I did watch the debate from parliament this week and it was good to see things start to move forward - I just hope I get the chance to see justice for my Kevin and for the 96."

* Hillsborough - the long road to justice: the story so far (TIMELINE)

Anne was one of the six families involved in the formation of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign in 1998 and they have been handling her affairs again in recent times.

Sheila Coleman from the HJC said, "Anne contacted me on Thursday to tell me about her health and obviously I am devastated at the news.

"She has often sacrificed her own health for the cause and after fighting so hard for so long, it is vital she gets to see the truth and justice she deserves.

"The human toll of Hillsborough goes way beyond the 96 who died but having known and worked alongside Anne since 1990, I'm not writing her off.

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Hillsborough justice campaigner Anne Williams, who passed way in April this year, is to be honoured at Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony.

The Helen Rollason Award will be accepted on her behalf by her daughter Sara, son Michael, and brother Danny, during the live show in Leeds on December 15.

The award is presented to someone who has shown outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.

Anne was a tireless campaigner for a new inquest for her son Kevin, who died at the Hillsborough disaster on April 15, 1989.

She fought for over 20 years, refusing to accept the coroner's findings in the controversial first inquest, and joined other victims' families in campaigning for a fresh inquest.

Anne became a key spokesperson in calling for successive governments to re-examine evidence and apply for a new inquest. Her perseverance, along with that of her fellow campaigners, prompted the creation of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, and her testimony and those of the witnesses she uncovered contributed towards new evidence the panel collated.

That led to the original verdicts being quashed by the High Court in December 2012, with new inquests ordered for all those who died at Hillsborough.

Anne's determination knew no bounds; continuing to campaign despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer. She passed away earlier this year leaving an amazing legacy, sadly she didn't live to see the new inquests which will begin next spring.

Following the announcement, Anne's daughter, Sara, said: "My mum embodied the very reason this award was created; strength, determination and passion.

"Her tireless campaigning was driven by the love she had for her son Kevin and her dedication to seeking a new inquest. If anyone triumphed over adversity, it's my mum."

The Helen Rollason Award is presented in memory of the BBC presenter who died in 1999 at the age of 43 after suffering from cancer and acknowledges outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.