'96th Son' single released
A song-writing mother from Croydon is raising money for the Hillsborough Family Support Group and Hillsborough Justice Campaign by releasing the single '96th Son'.
Sarah Milne was so moved by the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report last month that she felt compelled to record the song, which is available to download now.
All profits will be donated to the Reds Rose Walk, a charity event set to take place in December in an effort to generate funds on behalf of the two organisations.
Milne penned the song alongside local pianist Jnr "Sunraii" Keys, with Tony Bradey providing his re-recording and mixing services for free.
The revelation that as many as 41 supporters could have survived the tragedy in 1989 had medical help been offered quicker on the day struck a particular chord with Milne.
Her eight-year-old son has suffered with complex health problems since birth, giving Milne a poignant empathy with the families of the 96 people who lost their lives 23 years ago.
"I have watched my son fight for his life, I will do so again and, one day, that fight will be too much for him and I'll lose him," she explained.
"When that day comes, I will know that everything has been done throughout his life by experts doing everything in their power for him. It breaks my heart that 96 mothers lost their sons and daughters, knowing that they were left on the grass to die.
"It breaks my heart even more that the police then set out to make people believe that the victims were drunk and violent and to blame for their own deaths.
"I was so moved and upset by the report that I had to write a song. The lyrics came to me all at once while I was playing the chords on the piano.
"It's a voice pleading with people to believe the truth about his life and death and bring justice so he can finally rest. It almost wrote itself.
"It was never planned to release the track as a single but we realised we could raise money to help the Hillsborough families through the next phase in their fight for justice and also use our song to raise awareness about the truth.
"I'm so honoured that the song has touched people. That's the only reason I write."