LIVERPOOL graphic artist Danny Crone proves we can all be inspired in the most ordinary of situations to make a difference with the simplest of statements.
The lifelong Reds fan was trying to think how he could use his talents to help the Hillsborough Justice Campaign while sitting in the dentist's waiting room with a raging toothache.
“While I waited, I was trying come up with an idea for artwork that could be used to aid the HJC," he says, "which is when I noticed the postmark on the envelope in my hand. I copied the postmark but changed each detail to correspond to the disaster, with the numbers playing a significant part."
That was three years ago and, in the event, Danny, who works in a bookies by day, came up with two different designs, one square and one round.
One of the two designs: Six minutes past three on 14/04/89
At the last derby game, however, the circular design was spotted on a banner and ended up photographed in a national newspaper.
“It generated a lot of interest,” he says. “So I got in touch with Sheila Coleman and Debi McMillan at the HJC and gave them the artwork free to use to raise funds.”
Danny's two artworks have been used on a T shirt and they are flying out of the campaign shop in Liverpool. Such is the demand from supporters all over the world, wanting to show solidarity with the cause, that a reprint has already been ordered.
This week marks the start of the new inquest into the deaths of the 96 Liverpool FC fans. Taking place at Warrington, it is expected to last around a year.
And lest anyone forget, this month also marks the 25th anniversary of that fateful sunny Saturday, April 15, 1989, and the horrific events that unfolded in Sheffield.
*Danny Crone's designed T shirts are £10 with all money going to the HJC. They are available from the campaign shop at 178 Walton Breck Rd, Liverpool L4 0RG, which is open 10-1 each day and and before each home game. Best to ring to make sure on 0151 260 5262.Can't get there? Email hillsboroughjusticecampaign@hotmail.co.uk for full ordering instructions.
