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Anne Williams - With Hope in Her Heart
‘Mum...’ This was the last word that 15-year-old Liverpool fan Kevin Williams spoke as he lay dying, one of the 96 tragic victims of the Hillsborough disaster. Kevin’s mum, Anne, was not there to answer his call but she never let her son down. From that fateful day, April 15, 1989, she embarked on a remarkable 24-year battle to see justice done. Convinced of a cover-up by the powers that be, she left no stone unturned in her quest to uncover the truth. It was a campaign that she fought to her dying day, succumbing to cancer at the age of 62 in April, 2013. Anne’s efforts had not been in vain. Just months earlier, a historic breakthrough saw the original inquest verdicts quashed, following a public apology to the Hillsborough families by Prime Minister David Cameron. Her daughter Sara, Kevin’s sister, was with Anne every step of the way. Now, with the help of personal recollections penned by her mum in her final months, she tells the real story of Anne’s remarkable journey – her spirit in the face of the many setbacks and her defiant refusal to accept defeat. Anne’s final message before losing her fight for life was ‘I never walked alone’. This book is dedicated to everyone who has ever fought for justice in the name of the 96.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of the copyright holders, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent publisher.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of the copyright holders, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent publisher.
- GenresNonfictionFootball
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2013
26 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Sara Williams
135 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
I have two mysteries out, THE DON JUAN CON, optioned by Robert Evans, Paramount Studios and THE SERENOA SCANDAL, a PBS/FL radio and magazine feature. My third novel, ONE BIG ITCH is scheduled to release in '08. My popular talks include IS IT A MYSTERY?(just why this genre is so popular,) and THE DON JUAN CON: Any woman with a heart can be swindled out of it. Look for my book reviews at WritersareReaders.com. I'm a member of Mystery Writers of America and Novelists Inc."
I have two mysteries out, THE DON JUAN CON, optioned by Robert Evans, Paramount Studios and THE SERENOA SCANDAL, a PBS/FL radio and magazine feature. My third novel, ONE BIG ITCH is scheduled to release in '08. My popular talks include IS IT A MYSTERY?(just why this genre is so popular,) and THE DON JUAN CON: Any woman with a heart can be swindled out of it. Look for my book reviews at WritersareReaders.com. I'm a member of Mystery Writers of America and Novelists Inc."
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 2, 2024
This story is told by her daughter. If you read it, make sure you have plenty of tissues at the ready. No human being can fail to be moved by this travesty.
The story of one woman’s fight for justice for her son Kevin and the 95 others who lost their lives at the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989. I can clearly recall the day and the aftermath, but no one could have even thought it would take over a quarter of a century for Ann Williams to come even close to getting accidental death verdicts overturned and new inquests ordered. The crying shame of it is, she died after the Hillsborough Panels verdict but before the new inquests. It is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice, lie upon lie by those in authority, designed solely to deflect blame and to cover backsides.
The story of one woman’s fight for justice for her son Kevin and the 95 others who lost their lives at the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989. I can clearly recall the day and the aftermath, but no one could have even thought it would take over a quarter of a century for Ann Williams to come even close to getting accidental death verdicts overturned and new inquests ordered. The crying shame of it is, she died after the Hillsborough Panels verdict but before the new inquests. It is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice, lie upon lie by those in authority, designed solely to deflect blame and to cover backsides.
January 16, 2022
Anne Williams was an incredible woman & has done her beloved Kevin and all the families of the victims and the survivors proud in her fight for truth and justice.
It’s tragic she never lived to see the Unlawfully Killed inquest verdicts & infuriating that still there is no justice but she was an inspiration to all.
RIP Anne. YNWA.
It’s tragic she never lived to see the Unlawfully Killed inquest verdicts & infuriating that still there is no justice but she was an inspiration to all.
RIP Anne. YNWA.
April 27, 2022
Brilliant book about the fight for justice ,
Strong woman who never gave up .
I read the first book Anne wrote but this one goes into more detail about the fight for justice as was wrote later.
Strong woman who never gave up .
I read the first book Anne wrote but this one goes into more detail about the fight for justice as was wrote later.
February 11, 2022
I knew the "story" of Hillsborough well and being from Nottingham makes it more poignant. In age I'm between Mike and Kevin, Anne Williams' two sons. I remember the day so well being at College with so many ')ads' all buzzing for heading up the M1 to Sheffield for the game, and the state of these same boys the next day's and weeks after witnessing the atrocities, albeit from the safety of the other end of the ground. I've followed the story over the years as it's been in the news but there's obviously been SO MUCH MORE to this than what's been in the news. The recent tv series brought it all back, and more, hence I thought I'd buy the book. What the families of the victims and the survivors have been through is nothing short of horrendous, and Anne's tenacious character having to fight, fight and fight some more constantly adding insult to injury. A very moving book which I only dropped a star for due to it often being mixed up who was telling the story, hence sometimes getting a bit confused (doesn't take much!!). Thank you Sara for continuing the work your brave Mum did for so many years.
January 20, 2022
COMETH THE HOUR COMETH THE WOMAN!
I knew of the lies and deceit raged by the establishment to protect their incompetence regarding the Hillsborough Disaster. Until I saw ITV'S excellent drama, I had to admit I knew nothing of Anne Williams' vital part in getting at the truth.
Her daughter's book on Anne's part in getting at the truth of Hillsborough is a fitting tribute to her mother. Despite many setbacks, Anne never gives up. Her dedication and leadership are an example to us all. It is cruel that did not live to get her son Kevin's corrected death certificate.
Well done Sara on a worthy tribute to your mother. Anne was a great lady on par with Rosa Parks.
I knew of the lies and deceit raged by the establishment to protect their incompetence regarding the Hillsborough Disaster. Until I saw ITV'S excellent drama, I had to admit I knew nothing of Anne Williams' vital part in getting at the truth.
Her daughter's book on Anne's part in getting at the truth of Hillsborough is a fitting tribute to her mother. Despite many setbacks, Anne never gives up. Her dedication and leadership are an example to us all. It is cruel that did not live to get her son Kevin's corrected death certificate.
Well done Sara on a worthy tribute to your mother. Anne was a great lady on par with Rosa Parks.
March 5, 2022
Very moving
If like me you remember this tragedy and know where you were when it was happening. I do I was at my Nans house we had been out playing came in and this was all over the tv with my uncles and aunties watching this unfold. You would know what these families went through the lies that were told about them and the fans on that very day. This is the true story of what fans and families and survivors went through and what the powers that be went through to cover up there incompetence. The 96 need to never be forgotten and the strength of the Liverpool people is never to be underestimated
If like me you remember this tragedy and know where you were when it was happening. I do I was at my Nans house we had been out playing came in and this was all over the tv with my uncles and aunties watching this unfold. You would know what these families went through the lies that were told about them and the fans on that very day. This is the true story of what fans and families and survivors went through and what the powers that be went through to cover up there incompetence. The 96 need to never be forgotten and the strength of the Liverpool people is never to be underestimated
January 17, 2022
Incredible book that follows an Incredible lady I'm a lifetime red & remember watching the unfolding of the disaster on TV while my brother was in Barcelona phoning at what he thought would be half time to find out the score asking if I could buy all newspapers & keep them until he came home the families should never of had to go through the injustice that the police media & government put them through hopefully justice will come soon R.I.P Anne with our Kev
May 26, 2022
I’ve had this on my to read list for a couple of months and I’ve literally not been able to put it down..
Whether you are a football fan or not, know the story of Anne or not and the 96, this book shows the commitment that someone is prepared to go to fight for justice.
It brings together all the people who were involved directly or indirectly and accounts from a survivors perspective what happened that dreadful day.
Definitely a read for anyone who’s been following this story in the news.
Whether you are a football fan or not, know the story of Anne or not and the 96, this book shows the commitment that someone is prepared to go to fight for justice.
It brings together all the people who were involved directly or indirectly and accounts from a survivors perspective what happened that dreadful day.
Definitely a read for anyone who’s been following this story in the news.
November 2, 2020
5stars
This is the dairy of one woman in her quest for the truth about the tragic events at Hillsborough. Despite all the set backs she continues her quest for truth and finally after 23 years gets the facts regarding the events of Hillsborough that claimed the life of her son. Compelling read.
This is the dairy of one woman in her quest for the truth about the tragic events at Hillsborough. Despite all the set backs she continues her quest for truth and finally after 23 years gets the facts regarding the events of Hillsborough that claimed the life of her son. Compelling read.
January 14, 2022
This book had me in tears most of the way through it,you feel for the victims and the families fighting and still fighting for justice for way too long. It shouldn’t never happened this is just a little insight on that frightening day.
January 17, 2022
Such an amazing lady
Anne was an amazing lady with a heart of a lion, I'm not from Liverpool but I remember the victims every year as it happened on my 12th birthday. The book is a testament to how strong Anne was.
Anne was an amazing lady with a heart of a lion, I'm not from Liverpool but I remember the victims every year as it happened on my 12th birthday. The book is a testament to how strong Anne was.
January 8, 2022
Inspiring
Insightful & frustrating story of Anne's journey, and all those who supported her on her campaign for justice after Hillsborough disaster.
Insightful & frustrating story of Anne's journey, and all those who supported her on her campaign for justice after Hillsborough disaster.
February 24, 2022
An incredibly sad story about an amazing woman. Just a bit repetitive and sometimes rambled on a bit.
June 16, 2022
Brilliant
Stunning book about Anne Williams everyone should read this the determination not to give up is awe inspiring for everyone
Stunning book about Anne Williams everyone should read this the determination not to give up is awe inspiring for everyone
September 18, 2023
What a woman. What a story. The real Iron Lady. God bless you Anne ❤️ you will never be forgotten. YNWA
September 8, 2016
Wow what a powerful book.
Unfortunately it also made me ashamed to be British.
96 people died at Hillsborough whilst trying to enter the ground and watch their football team Liverpool in a FA Cup semi final. Those inside pen 3 were crushed to death. The police and David Duckenfield in particular failed to ensure their safety and men women and children were crushed to death.
The ground shouldn't have held a semi final. In 1981 I was there as a Tottenham fan and 37 Tottenham fans were injured. Fortunately the police opened the gates and let people on the pitch to allieviate the situation. The FA declared that no more FA Cup semi final games would be played at Hillsborough again till Sheffield Wednesday improved the safety and communication with the police. In 1988 a semi final was played there again between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest without the FA checking that improvements had been made. A crush ensued but an experienced police inspector ensured nobody was injured as he told his policeman to help the fans.
In 1989 Liverpool played Forest again at Hillsborough and Liverpool were put in the Leppings Lane end again despite protests from Liverpool that their fans were crushed last season. Duckenfield was placed in charge of his FIRST game. Pens 3 and 4 were packed and so fans should have been herded in to pens 1, 2. 5 and 6 which were virtually empty. Traffic was delayed due to an accident so 3,000 fans arrived at the Liverpool end just before kick off. A crush occurred outside the stadium turnstiles and Duckenfield ordered the gates to be opened without ensuring the fans were directed in to other pens. All the fans tried to get in to the middle pens 3 and 4 and thus a crush occured.
Liverpool fans were screaming for the fans to be allowed on to the pitch but the police under Duckenfield's direction refused. Eventually at 3.10 pm 15 minutes after the crush started they relented and let people on the pitch. However numerous ambulances were prevented from entering the ground. Had the been allowed than at least half of the 96 fatalities would have been prevented.
A massive cover up occurred and accidental death was the verdict at the inquests.
Anne Williams lost her son Kevin but she wasn't prepared to accept that verdict. She campaigned tirelessly to the detriment of her health and her marriage to have this verdict overturned and the police held accountable.
The book tells the story of a woman full of courage and determination to see the truth exposed and give piece of mind to all. It is a difficult read but one we should all do.
Heartbreaking, frustrating, provocative, shameful to read but a testament to Anne who became a mother to all those who had survived but felt guilty for doing so.
Unfortunately it also made me ashamed to be British.
96 people died at Hillsborough whilst trying to enter the ground and watch their football team Liverpool in a FA Cup semi final. Those inside pen 3 were crushed to death. The police and David Duckenfield in particular failed to ensure their safety and men women and children were crushed to death.
The ground shouldn't have held a semi final. In 1981 I was there as a Tottenham fan and 37 Tottenham fans were injured. Fortunately the police opened the gates and let people on the pitch to allieviate the situation. The FA declared that no more FA Cup semi final games would be played at Hillsborough again till Sheffield Wednesday improved the safety and communication with the police. In 1988 a semi final was played there again between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest without the FA checking that improvements had been made. A crush ensued but an experienced police inspector ensured nobody was injured as he told his policeman to help the fans.
In 1989 Liverpool played Forest again at Hillsborough and Liverpool were put in the Leppings Lane end again despite protests from Liverpool that their fans were crushed last season. Duckenfield was placed in charge of his FIRST game. Pens 3 and 4 were packed and so fans should have been herded in to pens 1, 2. 5 and 6 which were virtually empty. Traffic was delayed due to an accident so 3,000 fans arrived at the Liverpool end just before kick off. A crush occurred outside the stadium turnstiles and Duckenfield ordered the gates to be opened without ensuring the fans were directed in to other pens. All the fans tried to get in to the middle pens 3 and 4 and thus a crush occured.
Liverpool fans were screaming for the fans to be allowed on to the pitch but the police under Duckenfield's direction refused. Eventually at 3.10 pm 15 minutes after the crush started they relented and let people on the pitch. However numerous ambulances were prevented from entering the ground. Had the been allowed than at least half of the 96 fatalities would have been prevented.
A massive cover up occurred and accidental death was the verdict at the inquests.
Anne Williams lost her son Kevin but she wasn't prepared to accept that verdict. She campaigned tirelessly to the detriment of her health and her marriage to have this verdict overturned and the police held accountable.
The book tells the story of a woman full of courage and determination to see the truth exposed and give piece of mind to all. It is a difficult read but one we should all do.
Heartbreaking, frustrating, provocative, shameful to read but a testament to Anne who became a mother to all those who had survived but felt guilty for doing so.
May 25, 2016
In 1989, I, along with my sister, was taken by our parents to lay flowers in memoriam for 96 people who had died at a football match. I don’t remember this, I was only five and in fact my first really knowledge of the Hillsborough disaster didn’t happen until much later. As I said, I was baby. In 1996, I watched the Jimmy McGovern docudrama on ITV and afterwards I openly sobbed for what had happened. From that moment on I noticed things about my city (Liverpool) that I had never been aware of before.
With the recent news of the Hillsborough Inquiry coming in favour of the families of the 96 people killed at Hillsborough I picked up a copy of Anne Williams – With Hope in Her Heart by Sara Williams. Anne Williams was the mother of Kevin Williams, a young fifteen year old boy who was one of the 96 victims. Anne Williams fought for over 25 years to have the truth revealed about what happened to her son on that fateful day. The massive cover up operation meant that the South Yorkshire Police publically accused the fans of Liverpool Football Club of causing the disaster taking none of the blame themselves.
In 2012, the truth was revealed (through Anne Williams and the other families tireless campaigning) and a new inquest into the deaths was to be opened.
Anne Williams – With Hope in Her Heart by Sara Williams is Anne Williams Story. It is told in such concise detail and with such heartbreaking emotion – in both Anne Williams’ words and her daughters. Sara Williams does her mother proud with the release of this truly amazing book about the resilience of one woman whose life was torn apart by the death of her son.
Everybody should read Anne Williams – With Hope in Her Heart by Sara Williams. It is important. The most heartbreaking thing about this book is the knowledge that Anne Williams passed away before she could see the blame apportioned to the right people and the hard work and the courage of her conviction paid off.
The world needs more people like Anne Williams. Justice for the 96.
Anne Williams – With Hope in Her Heart by Sara Williams is available now.
With the recent news of the Hillsborough Inquiry coming in favour of the families of the 96 people killed at Hillsborough I picked up a copy of Anne Williams – With Hope in Her Heart by Sara Williams. Anne Williams was the mother of Kevin Williams, a young fifteen year old boy who was one of the 96 victims. Anne Williams fought for over 25 years to have the truth revealed about what happened to her son on that fateful day. The massive cover up operation meant that the South Yorkshire Police publically accused the fans of Liverpool Football Club of causing the disaster taking none of the blame themselves.
In 2012, the truth was revealed (through Anne Williams and the other families tireless campaigning) and a new inquest into the deaths was to be opened.
Anne Williams – With Hope in Her Heart by Sara Williams is Anne Williams Story. It is told in such concise detail and with such heartbreaking emotion – in both Anne Williams’ words and her daughters. Sara Williams does her mother proud with the release of this truly amazing book about the resilience of one woman whose life was torn apart by the death of her son.
Everybody should read Anne Williams – With Hope in Her Heart by Sara Williams. It is important. The most heartbreaking thing about this book is the knowledge that Anne Williams passed away before she could see the blame apportioned to the right people and the hard work and the courage of her conviction paid off.
The world needs more people like Anne Williams. Justice for the 96.
Anne Williams – With Hope in Her Heart by Sara Williams is available now.
December 14, 2020
i love this book, it tells the story of a mother's love to fight for the memory of her son and for the memories of the 95 men, women and children who were needlessly killed because of the inadequacies of those in charge. Anne was a powerful woman who would not stop until the real truth came out that her son and the other 95 hillsborough victims and even the survivors who were wrongly accused were inncocent. Rest in peace Anne and to her son Kevin and to the innocent hillsborough victims.
April 28, 2016
A superbly written book about a truly remarkable and inspirational woman. Anne fought for 24 years for justice for her beloved son Kevin and the other 95 victims of Hillsborough and despite being thwarted many times she still carried on. A great tragedy that she didn't live too see justice at the new inquests. RIP Anne, the true Iron Lady.
March 5, 2016
Wow what an amazing woman Anne Williams was, her tireless campaign to bring the truth about Hillsborough which didn't just affect survivor's and the families of those who didn't survive, it affected a whole city; Liverpool. Written by her daughter it includes Anne's words. I'm glad Anne managed to get the truth before her sad demise.
December 26, 2014
What an inspirational woman and mother. Well done Anne
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews