Memories of fateful day will not fade

Rain was starting to wash away messages accompanying the freshly laid flowers at a service to mark the 25th anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster but the memories of that fateful day will not fade.

By The Newsroom

Published 12th May 2010, 01:14 BST

Updated 12th May 2010, 01:14 BST

As up to 2,000 people filled Bradford's Centenary Square yesterday it was clear the 56 football fans who died on May 11, 1985, when Bradford City played Lincoln City at Valley Parade, will never be forgotten.

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu told the gathering: "A community that forgets its memory becomes senile. So you, the city of Bradford, do well to remember the Bradford City fire disaster."

A short time later the crowd fell silent as a sea of people peppered with the Bradford City colours of claret and amber remembered those who died in the disaster that left some 265 people injured.

Former City player, manager and fans' favourite Stuart McCall, closed his eyes for much of the ceremony as he clutched a wreath. Among those to pay their respects was life-long Bradford City fan, David Hustler, 70, who survived the fire but suffered extensive burns over his body.