Heartbreaking Fathers’ Day tributes flood in for Grenfell fire victims
After a horror few months for Britons – Londoners in particularly – the community has come together over the Fathers’ Day weekend in support of the victims, families and survivors of the most recent tragedy, the inferno at Grenfell Tower.
Hundreds of mourners gathered for a memorial service near the charred tower yesterday, honouring the dead with prayers, songs, and a minute of silence. The hero firefighters who risked their lives to fight the terrifying blaze were also honoured with applause and a standing ovation from attendees.
There were emotional scenes at the site of the tragedy as children bid farewell to the fathers they’ll never see again, leaving flowers and heartbreaking messages. One read, “To dad, love you loads, never forget you, RIP. Love, your son Lee.” Another, left for a deceased 65-year-old granddad, promised, “This will never be forgotten.”
Survivors and families of the victims have also been comforted by visits from a few very special guests – the Queen and Duke of Cambridge. Her Majesty described the incident as “one of the most terrible things I have ever seen,” while Prince William broke royal protocol and comforted one victim with a hug, vowing to make a return visit to the community. To see the touching photo, along with more images from the memorial, flip through the gallery above.
The death toll currently stands at 58, though authorities expect this to rise even higher. Eighteen survivors remain in hospital, including nine who are still in critical care.