Burnley survivor of Hillsborough disaster and Liverpool fan writes second book on tragedy

Christopher Whittle (61) of Leamington Avenue, was in Pen 4 of the Leppings Lane End when tragedy struck on April 15th, 1989, during an FA Cup match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

He has now self-published ‘At The End of The Storm There’s a Golden Sky’, which follows Chris’ journey of ill health and the Liverpool supporters’ fight for justice since that fateful day.

Chris, who has fought post-traumatic stress disorder and a host of other physical and mental health problems ever since, said he would like to see the disaster and subsequent cover-up by the authorities taught in local schools, as it is in Liverpool and Cheshire.

"I’ve become good friends West Derby Labour MP Ian Byrne who has successfully got Hillsborough onto the National Curriculum in his local schools. Unfortunately, I’ve had less joy with Lancashire County Council.

“It seems that some misguided individuals still do not recognise the issues of Britain's worst ever sporting tragedy and cling to shocking myths and hideous so called death mocking.

"A large percentage of the 97 innocent fans who died that horrific, dark day were children. This should be recognised. The formulation of Ian Byrne's Real Truth Legacy Project is pivotal in this regard.

"However, I’m pleased that St John the Baptist RC Primary School in Burnley have spent some time looking at it.

"My second book looks at the disaster and its subsequent cover-up, as well as how police handled miners’ strikes in the 1980s. There is also a bit about my experiences since the disaster, as well as the inquest and independent panel. I think it’s important that children learn about how authorities in this country have now handled things as they should have in the past.”

The book, which is for sale on Amazon and other bookshops, was self-funded who received compensation from South Yorkshire Police and West Midlands Police in 2019.

A donation to St John the Baptist Church in Burnley, where Chris worships, will be made from any book sales.

Chris wrote his first book ‘With Hope in Your Heart’ in a bid to exorcise his demons and raise money for the justice campaign.