Relief for parents as stadium truth is out (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Relief for parents as Hillsborough truth is out

10:37am Thursday 20th September 2012 in News By Ian Craig

THE parents of a Lechlade man who died in the Hillsborough disaster have spoken of their relief after a report published this week cleared Liverpool fans of any blame.

Derrick Godwin, 24, was one of the 96 Liverpool supporters killed on April 15, 1989, during an FA Cup semi-final clash at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium.

Last week a long-awaited independent report into the tragedy revealed police statements had been altered to blame the Liverpool fans and remove criticism of South Yorkshire police.

Derrick's parents Margaret and Stanley said this week they were delighted and relieved that the truth had finally been revealed.

"We knew from day one it was a cover up," she said. "It’s a shame it’s taken so long but it’s a relief the real truth is out."

Derrick, who went to Lechlade Primary School and Farmor’s School in Fairford, began supporting Liverpool after he saw them beat Swindon Town in 1987.

On the day of the disaster he had travelled up to the Sheffield Wednesday stadium on his own to watch the clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Stanley and Margaret travelled to Liverpool on September 12 along with the families of the other 95 victims to hear the result of the inquiry being presented.

"It was quite a day for us but we needed to be there," Margaret said. "The independent panel have really worked hard and we’re so proud of what they’ve achieved.

"It’s just such a relief."

The couple attend a memorial service in Liverpool every year along with members of the Hillsborough Family Support Group and Margaret said she hoped all the families of the victims would finally get the answers they needed.

"We know nothing will bring Derrick back – we’ve had to learn to live with it," she said.

"We don’t know what happens next, we’re leaving it to the lawyers

"What we would really like is for the inquests to be reopened because we know the deaths weren’t accidental, but that’s down to the Attorney General.

"It will take some time of course but we’ve had the right result so we’re happy."