Dear Professor Scraton, for many years I have been following your work fanatically. Fanatically is a strange word to use i appreciate that but against a backdrop of conspiracy, corruption and obfuscation your were the only horse that I would back through this whole saga. No words from me carry as much weight as those from bereaved families & survivors alike. Only a man of your integrity and morality could have walked the delicate fragility of the tightrope of unearthing the truth and being so considered and sympathetic to those most hurt from Hillsborough.
Aside from your clear personal qualities you remained focused on what you needed to do in the face of severe and relentless diversions distractions, disinformation & duplicitity. I can only admire your tenacious, passion on bringing closure and exposure to the sorry mess that has transpired since that terrible day in April 1989.
You don't know me Professor, probably never will but when you look in the mirror remember this "you are credit to yourself and indeed your family and all that know you, but more importantly in a world that turned a blind eye to the horrific events of the day and needless suffering in the aftermath and subsequent years, you Sir, demonstrated a laser like focus that brought the establishment of the country to shame"
Following the HIP you did not rest you continued the quest for truth and justice and the decision to turn down the MBE was such huge statement, one that showed none of your work since 1989 has been about you or any personal accolades, it was about truth, justice and simply doing the right thing something that gets lost on so many people in all walks of life.
I speak for many Professor I'm sure but these words are mine. You have provided inspiration to many many people throughout the past 32 years and your motive and intentions were/are honourable, you have restored my faith in humanity Professor but sadly your work has only exposed the establishment that denied us and continue to deny us our rights and this is worth more than any MBE or establishment gong.
Your selfless dedication of many years will forever be remembered. You are one of the good guys and we will always be with you, we will NEVER EVER let you walk alone Professor, so keep walking and we are right behind you to carry you when you need us, after all you were there for us when we needed you most.
Despite the frustrations of the prosecutions of DD and the other culprits failing at the hands of a corrupt system you took them on and beat them, had them running scared. One man had the UK establishment shitting themselves and even helped force a tory PM to doubly apologise, one who famously mentioned a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that apparently wasn't there. Well you illuminated that room, gave the man sight and found that black cat. That is one hell of a result.
Professor Phil Scraton you are a proper proper Liverpool legend, without having ever kicked a ball on our hallowed turf, that my friend will take some beating.
God Bless you Professor and thank you for everything you have done for the survivors and families you have no idea how much we all appreciate it.