An appeal has been made to help families of Piper Alpha victims pay their respects in an upcoming memorial service.
The Pound for Piper (PfP) Trust is putting together a series of photographs of survivors and those lost in the tragedy 32 years ago for the remembrance on July 6.
A total of 167 people lost their lives in the North Sea explosion in 1988, and this year’s service will be held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Survivor and PfP chairman Steve Rae and his wife MaryAnn, also a PfP trustee, are organising the event, which will include submitted messages and photographs.
Although the idea has already had positive feedback and support, the organisers said there are challenges around some older people not having access to social media, and there having been a lack of digital technology in the 80s for archiving photos.
Mrs Rae said: “We’re appealing to everybody really to help with that. If they know someone that is connected that doesn’t necessarily have social media, they could perhaps help them if they would like to submit something.
“This is what it is about – the people who lost family members, or those that survived it and remember it who lost colleagues. They can have the opportunity to pay that respectful remembrance to that member of their family.”
PfP is hoping for any submissions to be received by next Friday (26) at midday so they can be included in a film for the service.
Steve Rae, who is also executive director of industry group Step Change in Safety, said it remains important a service can still be held virtually, despite Covid-19.
He said: “I know what it means to those folks who have lost people and those folks who were able to survive that night.
“It really is a heart-warming feeling to be in a room full of people who understand.
“I would say most days, if not all days, I have a reflection on my life and Piper Alpha, in a positive manner as well as reflecting on those that were lost.
“We have five relatively young sons and they have lived with this all their lives as well.
“It is good that they understand what this means to us as a family, as well as for Aberdeen as a city, and the industry itself.”
Anyone wishing to make a submission can email info@poundforpiper.com or producer Roy Stewart at Roy@rsfilms.tv
Recommended for you
