HILLSBOROUGH mum Anne Williams has been nominated for a national accolade celebrating inspirational women.
Mrs Williams, a shining light in the 23-year battle for justice after losing 15-year-old son Kevin in 1989, is among the ‘Women of Achievement’ at the Women of the Year event to be held in Park Lane, London later this year.
The awards, which have been running since 1955, salute women who have displayed courage, dedication and achievement with previous winners including Doreen Lawrence, Ellen McArthur and Dame Vera Lynn.
Anne, who until recently lived in Chester, said: “I’m a bit overwhelmed really. I received a letter from Baroness Helen Kennedy congratulating me for what she called my ceaseless campaigning over Hillsborough and I had to read it through a couple of times to take it all in.
“I’ve always had Kevin in some form of legal avenue for the last 23 years and always felt his case could open the floodgates for the others.
“After getting the news about the inquests just before Christmas, it’s pleasing to get the new year off to a good start with this nomination. I feel very honoured.”
As she waits for the new inquest into her son’s death that she has campaigned for more than two decades to see, Anne, 61, who is battling terminal cancer, is currently writing new chapters for her book, When You Walk Through The Storm, which details her long quest for the truth and is to be republished later this year.
Anne said: “I’ve got quite good quality of life at the moment. Some days I feel wonderful, other days not so great but thankfully I’ve got wonderful family and friends who are so supportive to me.”
You can vote for Anne at enquiries@womenoftheyear.co.uk.
