For 60 years, Iby Knill kept secret the fact that she had survived the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps – even from her children.
Now, Iby Knill has shared her recollections of Auschwitz with the community of Ellesmere Port
Students from the University Church of England Academy (UCEA) travelled back in time, in remembrance of the 70th anniversary of the Holocaust events.
In partnership with Our Place - Cheshire West and Chester Council, the academy was proud to play host to Iby, who shared her experiences of the Nazi concentration camps.
Author of The Woman without a Number, 91-year-old Iby told the students of her first-hand account of the terrors that occurred in the Nazi concentration camps.
In Auschwitz, Iby promised that if she survived the events, she would tell the world her story.
Year 10 students from Ellesmere Port Catholic High School were also invited to join the event, along with members of the community including Cheshire Constabulary and local churches.
Special guest speaker Mayor of Ellesmere Port Brian Jones, who also compered the event, said: “On Holocaust Memorial Day we honour the survivors of these atrocities and learn the lessons of their experiences to challenge hatred and discrimination in the UK today.”
He also added: “Each and everyone one of us should ensure that we continue to challenge the hatred and discrimination that is still prevalent in society today.”
Sixth Form students from the academy, Hannah McMurray, head girl, and Chloe Bakewell, were welcomed onstage to give the opening speech.
Hannah said: “Being able to meet and hear from a Holocaust survivor was an extremely overwhelming and emotional experience. It was a privilege to have Iby visit our school to mark such an important anniversary with us and I will remember it for years to come.”
Iby’s full story can be found on her website, www.ibyknill.co.uk
