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Why we fought for memorials ... and why the PM backed us
6/ 6/2007
SUNDAY'S remembrance service took place by two stone memorials on Hopes Carr.
The first memorial, which bears a plaque to the 72 passengers and crew who died, was unveiled by survivors Vivienne Thornber and Harold Wood in June 1998.
The second remembers the heroic rescuers who risked their own lives to save the 12 survivors.
It was put up following a campaign launched by the Stockport Express in 2002.
The campaign called for their utter selflessness and instinctive courage to be recognised and it received tremendous public support.
A phone vote showed 92 per cent backed plans for a permanent memorial and the Stockport Express post bag was never more full with letters of support.
All four Stockport MPs backed the proposal and Prime Minister Tony Blair even sent a letter of support for the campaign.
Mr Blair (pictured) wrote: "You can only marvel at the courage of the police, fire officers and local residents who risked their lives to save passengers trapped in a burning aircraft.
"Without their efforts the dreadful death toll would have been even higher.
"They did so without thought for their own safety and, of course, without any thought of recognition.
"By their courage and humanity they demonstrated - then as now - that the real strength of this country is in its people. And they were, of course, just part of a massive rescue effort involving so many in the town.
"I would like to join the Express in paying tribute to the local people, police and fire officers, NHS staff and Salvation Army whose individual heroism and brilliant team-work saved 12 lives on this black day in Stockport's history."
The second stone memorial was mounted at the site in October 2002. It reads:
'This memorial is dedicated to those involved in the rescue and who gave aid at the Stockport Air Disaster 4th June 1967. All were faced with the true horror of tragedy and did not turn way. Their courage saved twelve lives.'
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