“We Should Never Forget.” – Formby High School Hosts ‘Crucial’ Hillsborough Legacy Event | OneFootball

Formby High School Hosts Powerful Hillsborough Legacy Event

Students, staff, and members of the local community gathered at Formby High School on Friday afternoon for a deeply moving and educational event centred on the legacy of the Hillsborough disaster. The occasion brought together remembrance, truth, and community action, while also raising vital funds for those affected and the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND Association).

In memory of Kevin Williams, a Formby High School Year 11 student and son of Anne Williams, who sadly lost his life in the tragedy, the current year 11s took on the staff in a penalty shootout that went to the wire before the students prevailed after their headteacher had stepped up to keep the drama unfolding.

Former Liverpool midfielder Sammy Lee was in attendance, and he discussed the event and the importance of the campaign message: “That’s the word poignant. Lest we forget, we talk about doing this once a year, the families go through this every day for 37 years now, that’s why the campaign is still going on, that’s why we’re still fighting for justice. It may be an annual thing, but it’s a daily thing for the families. They want closure; we’d all like closure. ” 

“It’s crucial that we educate the younger generations, it’s vital that we learn from the mistakes that have been made in the past in any walk of life, but certainly when it comes to this, and what happened to our people and their families.” 

After the fun of the penalties, inside the school, it was over to the LFC Foundation to continue the impactful work of The Real Truth Legacy Project, an initiative dedicated to educating young people about the events of 15 April 1989 and the decades-long fight for justice that followed. Through presentations, exhibitions, and student-led discussions, attendees were given a powerful insight into the importance of truth, accountability, and media responsibility.

A central theme of the day was ensuring that younger generations understand the real story of Hillsborough—challenging the misinformation that surrounded the tragedy for years. Students engaged with personal testimonies, historical context, and the voices of those who have campaigned tirelessly for justice. The project’s message was clear: the legacy of Hillsborough is not only about remembrance, but also about learning and preventing injustice in the future.

Avid Hillsborough campaigner and Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby, Ian Byrne, recounted his experiences from that fateful day and answered questions from the year 7 students, as well as helping to pass on the important message of never giving up the fight for justice as it continues to rumble on. 

Alongside the educational programme, the school organised a series of fundraising activities and raised an incredible £728.77 for the MND Association. The cause holds particular significance within the football and wider community, with ongoing efforts to raise awareness and fund research into the life-limiting condition. 

The combination of remembrance and fundraising created a powerful sense of unity. By linking the lessons of Hillsborough with charitable action, the event highlighted the strength of community spirit and the importance of standing together for meaningful causes.

Teachers at Formby High School praised the students for their maturity and engagement, whilst many students reflected on how the day had deepened their understanding of justice and inspired them to contribute positively to society.

As the event concluded, there was a shared sense that the legacy of Hillsborough continues to live on—not only in memory, but in education, action, and the determination of a new generation to uphold the truth.

Find out more about The Real Truth Legacy and Hillsborough Law Now.