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'We will not forget': Grenfell Tower survivors hold silent march | 'We will not forget': Grenfell Tower survivors hold silent march |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have gathered for a silent march to remember those who died. | Survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have gathered for a silent march to remember those who died. |
About 30 survivors, grieving relatives, neighbours and supporters met on Friday at a church near the site of the fire. | About 30 survivors, grieving relatives, neighbours and supporters met on Friday at a church near the site of the fire. |
They met at Notting Hill Methodist church, which was overflowing with donations in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Police believe about 80 people died in the 14 June fire. | They met at Notting Hill Methodist church, which was overflowing with donations in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Police believe about 80 people died in the 14 June fire. |
They walked down St Marks Road and Cambridge Gardens, past bus stops and railings where posters calling for information about missing loved ones still flutter in the wind. | They walked down St Marks Road and Cambridge Gardens, past bus stops and railings where posters calling for information about missing loved ones still flutter in the wind. |
At the front, a man held a cross above his head. The marchers passed under the multicoloured railway bridge and past Latimer Road station as cars kept a respectful distance behind. | At the front, a man held a cross above his head. The marchers passed under the multicoloured railway bridge and past Latimer Road station as cars kept a respectful distance behind. |
As they approached St Clement’s church, a community hub that has provided vital support, a man explained to his two little daughters why people were marching. “They want to remember everyone who was living with us,” he said. | As they approached St Clement’s church, a community hub that has provided vital support, a man explained to his two little daughters why people were marching. “They want to remember everyone who was living with us,” he said. |
In the courtyard of the church community centre, where the mourners stopped for a few minutes in silence, one man, who did not want to be named, told those gathered they were “a dignified and strong group of people”. | In the courtyard of the church community centre, where the mourners stopped for a few minutes in silence, one man, who did not want to be named, told those gathered they were “a dignified and strong group of people”. |
They were here “to show we remember, we have not forgotten them, we think about them every day – but to show we are unified”. The group would continue to meet and perform the same act of remembrance on the 14th day of every month, he said. | They were here “to show we remember, we have not forgotten them, we think about them every day – but to show we are unified”. The group would continue to meet and perform the same act of remembrance on the 14th day of every month, he said. |
Marianne Alapini, who lives close to the Lancaster West estate, and was among those who walked along the route, said she had been moved by the peaceful march. | Marianne Alapini, who lives close to the Lancaster West estate, and was among those who walked along the route, said she had been moved by the peaceful march. |
“To have the promise and commitment to meet on the 14th of every month means a lot,” she said. “We will not forget the families, they are in our heart every day. This is our love, this is our community. | “To have the promise and commitment to meet on the 14th of every month means a lot,” she said. “We will not forget the families, they are in our heart every day. This is our love, this is our community. |
“Our grieving families have been put into disparate hotels but coming here today is such a symbol of the unity of our community.” | “Our grieving families have been put into disparate hotels but coming here today is such a symbol of the unity of our community.” |
Nat King, who lives on the Lancaster West estate, said it was a welcome moment to reflect. “It’s just nice to have this moment together,” he said. | Nat King, who lives on the Lancaster West estate, said it was a welcome moment to reflect. “It’s just nice to have this moment together,” he said. |
“We have meetings, vigils and we need them to keep us going and keep us together and turn this solidarity into community action for justice and support.” | “We have meetings, vigils and we need them to keep us going and keep us together and turn this solidarity into community action for justice and support.” |
Later, at a meeting of community leaders, volunteers and residents at nearby Acklam Village, there were questions about what would be done with an estimated £18m-£20m raised in donations to charities in the four weeks since the tragedy. | Later, at a meeting of community leaders, volunteers and residents at nearby Acklam Village, there were questions about what would be done with an estimated £18m-£20m raised in donations to charities in the four weeks since the tragedy. |
Grenfell resident Yvonne Harris said: “Where is this money? Who gives them the authority on how to share it out? They haven’t consulted us. | Grenfell resident Yvonne Harris said: “Where is this money? Who gives them the authority on how to share it out? They haven’t consulted us. |
“We should have the say in how it’s distributed, that money should be split between 129 flats … who has it and what are they doing with it?” | “We should have the say in how it’s distributed, that money should be split between 129 flats … who has it and what are they doing with it?” |
Volunteers also criticised the local council – the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea – for its lack of support. | Volunteers also criticised the local council – the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea – for its lack of support. |
Micah Frizzle, of the Harrow Club – a youth club – said: “We’re still wondering where the council are – we’re four weeks down the line and there’s nothing. It’s us looking after our own again.” | Micah Frizzle, of the Harrow Club – a youth club – said: “We’re still wondering where the council are – we’re four weeks down the line and there’s nothing. It’s us looking after our own again.” |
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