Hillsborough campaigner who lost son in disaster dies as tributes pour in

Phil Hammond at a demonstration by the families of the victims of the Hillsborough football ground disaster outside the Houses of Parliament in 1998
-Credit:PA Archive/PA Images


A father who was instrumental in the fight for truth and justice following the Hillsborough tragedy has sadly passed away, according to a campaign group. Phil Hammond, former chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, is remembered as a "very kind, fair, honest and humble man" by those also bereaved in the 1989 disaster.

After losing his 14 year old son Philip in the crush at Hillsborough stadium, which resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans during the club’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest, he became a key figure in the campaign. The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance expressed their sadness at the news, stating: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Hammond, who was once the chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group. Reunited with his son Philip. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew him."

Liverpool FC also paid tribute, saying: "All at LFC are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Hammond. He lost his 14 year old son Philip at Hillsborough, went on to become chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group and helped lead the fight for justice for the 97. RIP Phil. YNWA".

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Louise Brookes, whose brother Andrew also died in the tragedy, said she was "extremely saddened" to hear of Mr Hammond’s death and described him as "a very kind, fair, honest & humble man".

A Liverpool City Council spokesman added: "This is sad news indeed. Phil was a lovely man. His role in the fight for truth and justice over the Hillsborough disaster will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace."

Mr Hammond’s wife, Hilda, shared at an inquest in 2014 that their son was a "typical" 14 year old lad. He enjoyed football, was part of the Boys’ Brigade, had a passion for golf and occasionally had the typical teenage outburst where he would "stomp up to his bedroom shouting ‘I hate this house! ’," Mrs Hammond recalled.

His former school, Calderstones in Liverpool, dedicated its new sports hall in his memory, with his parents proudly attending the opening ceremony, the inquest was told. Mrs Hammond expressed: "Hopefully you can understand how much we miss him. We were certainly blessed to have such a lovely boy, even though it was for only 14 short years. We still miss him very much."