It was Doms idea to do the run
like him, I thought it must’ve been done
walks had been walked and bikes been rode
to do a run from Hillsborough, this surely showed
what this means to us as a team
after 76 miles, our muscles will scream
at least we can rest or have an ice bath
but the families continue along the justice path
backed solidly by both family group and justice campaign
not for themselves or fortune or fame
to raise awareness for the continuous fight
at the end of the tunnel is a glowing light
23 years is a long time to wait
23 years from opening the gate
fighting for justice for that April day
fighting for justice come what may
fighting for justice for the 96 fans
fighting for justice is the biggest plan
Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham, Labour MP’s
stood in the commons and voiced our pleas
the Tory government in power at the time
Thatcher tried to pass the blame in 89
“lets blame the fans, say they killed their own”
“leak it to the press, castigate Scousers alone”
The justice flame burns brightly for all to see
as we continue to fight, both you and me
doing our bit however small
fighting for justice, for one and all
It’s not about us and personal gain
It’s about the 96 fans and their families pain
We had the backing of both football clubs
we’ve collected donations from fans in pubs
even people walking towards the ground
wishing us well “nice one lads, thats sound”
throwing in anything they can, for the cause
without hesitation and without a pause
the same lads, week in and week out
hands in pockets, giving us a shout
“well done boys, you’ve done a great job”
“I’m a bit skint this week, heres a few bob”
no matter how much, how big or small
every penny matters for the justice call
We travelled across to Sheffield, bonding as a team
all in this together, all with the same dream
to run from Hillsborough, almost 80 miles
to finish at Anfield, all full of smiles
laying the wreath in front of Leppings Lane
standing together, sharing each others pain
supporting each other through this ordeal
wishing to myself that none of this was real
looking at the tunnel, nothing had been altered
gave us the boost that we couldn’t falter
Times were tough on the first day of the run
running up the pennines sure wasn’t fun
the changing weather had its own part to play
like Crowded House sang “four seasons in one day”
the support team were great and helped us through
all the lads were sound, and the girls too
keeping us fed, hydrated, injury free and warm
everything they did went beyond the norm’
looking after us runners all along the way
from morning till night, throughout every day
30 miles ran, from Hillsborough to Hyde
lets hope day 2 would be as good a ride
The second day was harder than the first
getting lost twice and fighting the thirst
tempers were frayed, pushed right to the max
but we worked as a team, no one would crack
words were said and opinions were aired
but soon were forgotten when we finally heard
our adopted signature tune ‘Ring of Fire’
blasting out from the bus “turn it up higher”
we finished in Widnes, 60 miles were now done
surely the last leg would be a bit more fun
only 18 miles to go through the streets of Liverpool
the support would pick up now, this would be cool
An early morning start on day 3 of our quest
injuries and aching muscles would be put to the test
from Widnes through Hale and past the airport
all on the roads now and receiving the support
running through South Liverpool and seeing people we knew
getting closer to Anfield the support grew and grew
Cars, vans and lorries all beeping their horns
made you forget about any blisters and corns
one last push up Utting Ave, towards the ground
turning on to Anfield Road arm in arm, this was sound
a crowd of people stood outside the Shankly Gates
clapping and cheering us along, we could see some mates
We had done it! We were finally home
on the same pitch where our heroes did roam
but for all those players who’d worn the red shirt
none could have given more, been through more hurt
than the runners and support of the Hillsborough to Anfield run
we had reached our goal and finished what we’d begun
all those months ago when Dom came up with the idea
he hadn’t realised how big it would grow, surpassed his fear
family and friends were waiting and rep’s from both groups
the adrenalin kicked in and I could’ve jumped through hoops
no tiredness now, we were running on pure emotion
looking around the whole team, I saw 100% dedication
Dom Drizz Neil, Chris Wes Conor, Adam and Jonny
Amo Mel Kate, Dan Michael Dean and of course me
Celebrations turned to reality like the flick of a switch
when it became time to walk the length of the pitch
to lay the floral tribute in front of the Kop
to pay our respects, to think, to shed a tear, to stop
to remember why we did this, for those that died
the 96 and their families, the pride of Merseyside!
we were back on the pitch the very next week
introduced to the crowd, I felt humble and meek
this wasn’t why I’d done it, I’m sure the rest felt the same
a group of people doing it cos they believed, not for the fame
It was an honour to be received on the pitch by Margaret and Steve
for 23 long years they have fought for what they believe
losing their loved ones at Hillsborough on that April day
I just hope we made them proud, even in a small way!
JUSTICE FOR THE 96
YNWA
Earle