TEARS flowed during a poignant church service held to remember the 72 victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, one year on from the blaze. It was standing room only at St Helen’s Church in north Kensington, London, at a service organised by campaign group Relative Justice Humanity for Grenfell.
The church was decked out in green, the colour that has come to symbolise the tragedy, with ribbons tied round pillars and scarves on each seat. It was full of bereaved families, survivors and members of the community united in remembrance.
The names of the 72 victims were read out, and at noon silence fell across the pews. Hundreds of white roses were handed out close to the service’s end to the crowds of people gathered outside the church. White doves were also released.
Clarrie Mendy, who lost two family members in the fire and organised the anniversary event, said: “It was a service of healing, community, inclusivity and solidarity, to know we are not alone. We released 73 white doves. Why 73 instead of 72? If there were more than 72, we will put one for the unknown.”
At the foot of the tower block, survivors and bereaved families were joined by hundreds of mourners including pop stars Adele and Stormzy to pay silent respect to the dead. The 72 seconds of silence which fell over north Kensington shortly before midday led a minute’s commemoration observed across the country, including the Palace of Westminster.
In the afternoon, the community congregated at the nearby Wall of Truth ahead of a silent march last night. Yvette Williams, from campaign group Justice 4 Grenfell, said: “We want the nation to keep Grenfell in their consciousness.
“The anniversary is about love and support. The fight can start again on Friday and Saturday.”
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