Memorial for morgue mix-up man welcomed

The corpse of Christopher Alder, who died in police custody in 1998, was discovered in a mortuary where the body of a woman, Grace Kamara, was supposed to be when her family came to collect her for burial on November 4.

It is suspected that Mrs Kamara, who died of natural causes in 1999, was buried in Mr Alder’s grave in November 2000.

While the shocking blunder is now the subject of a police investigation, another former soldier said he would like to see a memorial to Mr Alder in Hull.

Former Royal Marine and boxing coach Pete Moore said he planned to donate £400 from the account of the now defunct Beverley Boxing Club to the project, with the same amount going to a local hospice.

Mr Moore said he was shocked at the treatment of Mr Alder, a former paratrooper who was decorated for his service in Northern Ireland.

He said: “The other coach would like to donate half to Dove House Hospice and I the rest directly to the Alder family to get a memorial fund going and I hope the public support them.

“I just think for any man who served this nation and fought with distinction, this country owes him a bit more respect.”

Mr Moore said Mr Alder’s case should be a “national cause for concern” and was particularly poignant given the Remembrance services held over the weekend.

Mr Alder’s sister Janet said: “It’s a fantastic idea. I really do welcome the support.”

South Yorkshire Police are investigating the mix-up at the request of Humberside Police, in whose custody Mr Alder died. Last week Humberside Chief Constable Tim Hollis said he was “appalled” by the error and expressed sympathy to both families.

The Human Tissue Authority is reviewing practices at the morgue.