Blood scandal memorial must be first step on pathway to justice for victims

A new memorial honouring the 122 haemophiliac boys treated at Lord Mayor Treloar College in Alton during the 1970s and 1980s has been unveiled today (Saturday 25 September), with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones calling for it to be a “first step on the pathway to justice” for victims and their families.

The memorial, recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff’s Infected Blood Inquiry, has been created in memory of the boys affected by the infected blood scandal, many of whom were infected with HIV and hepatitis through contaminated NHS blood products.

The memorial was organised by survivors Gary Webster, Steve Nicholls, Richard Warwick and Adrian Goodyear through the Independent Treloar’s Memorial Committee.

While welcoming the memorial as an important moment of remembrance, Donna Jones said it must not mark the end of efforts to secure accountability.

Donna Jones said: “This memorial stands as a permanent tribute to the 122 haemophiliac boys treated at Treloar’s during the 1970s and 1980s. It honours those who lost their lives, those who continue to live with the consequences of what happened, and the families who have carried this suffering for generations.

“Gary, Steve, Richard and Adrian have shown immense courage, dignity and determination. Their efforts have ensured those they have lost will never be forgotten, and for future generations why it must never be allowed to happen again.

“The publication of the Infected Blood Inquiry in 2024 was a significant milestone, but for many survivors and families the pursuit of justice is far from over.

“When I first became aware of this case and started supporting some of the surviving victims, I was devastated by the facts and determined to do everything in my power to help them secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

“While I am pleased Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has recorded crime reports from former Treloar’s pupils, I am appalled that progress towards a wider national investigation has been so slow. The fact that victims and families who have already suffered so much, for so many years, continue to have to fight for justice is simply unacceptable.

“This memorial must signify truth and accountability, and should serve not only as a lasting tribute, but as a bastion of courage and compassion on the pathway to justice.”

The bronze memorial, created by acclaimed sculptor Tom Murphy, stands at the entrance to Treloar’s as a permanent reminder of one of the most tragic chapters of the UK’s infected blood scandal.