'They will never walk alone'

John Bishop has donated £96,000 to the families of those who died in the Hillsborough disaster.

The figure represents £1,000 for each of the Liverpool fans who died at the stadium at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989.

He said he was inspired to donate to the Hillsborough Families Support Group by the 'dignity' of relatives who made personal statements at the ongoing inquests.

In a letter, Liverpool fan Bishop said: 'After 25 years, the families of the 96 are now hopefully moving closer to a resolution.

'Reading the family statements from the inquest has brought home to me once more the individual loss that so many suffered.

'The donation I have made is no more important than any other donation from any other individual trying to support the families over the last 25 years.

'In 1989, I laid flowers in front of the Kop to pay my respects to those who had lost their lives and show support to their families.

'Today, making a donation to help assist in bringing the end closer seems more appropriate.

'The dignity with which the families have sought justice for over a quarter of a century is a lesson to us all.

'They are the best of us and will never walk alone.'

Margaret Aspinall, the chair of the support group who lost her 18-year old-son at Hillsborough, said: 'To donate this money is a lovely gesture.'

Published: 5 May 2014