Cornwall marks 8th anniversary of Grenfell Tower tragedy with new film
This weekend, Cornwall showed heartfelt solidarity with Grenfell, both at home and in North Kensington
The people of Cornwall came out in 'heartfelt solidarity' with those whose lives have been impacted by the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London - on the 8th anniversary of the UK’s worst residential fire since WWII.
The Grenfell Tower Fire on June 14, 2017, claimed 72 lives - deaths all deemed "avoidable" by the 2024 Grenfell Inquiry.
Esmé Page, founder of the charity Cornwall Hugs, joined survivors and bereaved families in London, carrying messages from Cornwall, where over 500 Grenfell guests have received respite since 2017.
Meanwhile, in Mousehole, supporters paid their respects at Grenfell Street, with Cornwall Hugs sharing their solidarity on social media.
Esmé said: “If any of us was involved in a disaster and needed change to happen to avoid it happening to others - we would want people to stand with us, not just for a year or to, but until it was done.
“These messages have meant a great deal to survivors and bereaved who fear being forgotten before those responsible are brought to account”
“This could be the final anniversary with the tower still standing.
“For many, it remains a sacred place and a vital symbol that justice has yet to be served.”
She attended the memorial service at Notting Hill Methodist Church and reunited with many former guests there and for the Silent Walk. Abraham and Abem, who came to Cornwall on respite in 2018, proudly carried the Cornish placard.
At the midpoint of the walk, Grenfell firefighters, including former Cornwall Hugs guest David Badillo once again formed a guard of honour through which the community passed.
Karim Musilhy, Vice Chair of Grenfell United lost his uncle Hesham Rahman in the fire.
Hesham was disabled and lived on the 23rd floor.
Karim and his family visited Mousehole in 2019 and helped unveil the special Grenfell St sign in Mousehole.
Closing his speech just before the whole community was allowed to pay their respects at the sacred area beneath the tower, one last time, Karim said: “Before a single person has been made accountable the only decision the government has made is to take the tower down.
“A clear skyline and a forgotten scandal.
“Hope is not a plan. Justice is not optional. Safety is not a luxury.”
Guests from across the generations sent messages of love back to Cornwall including Mohamed Ragab (now 86), who visited in 2023 and features in Cornwall Hugs’ new film, Grenfell & the Ocean.
Abem, who visited Cornwall at age six and is now 13, helped carry the Cornish placard, while others recalled paddle-boarding and coastal walks with joy.
Esmé added: “These memories are pockets of resilience.
“Many had seen the solidarity photos from Grenfell Street and had watched our new film and said it meant so much to know they are not forgotten.”