Glow in the corner of the main commentary. Four and a half had gone up in flames’ Commentator John Helm recalls the horrific events of May 11, 1985
foot on it, that might have been the end of it, but people don’t react like that.
“Can you believe that four-anda-half minutes later – that’s all it took – the whole stand had gone up in flames?
“I couldn’t believe what was happening. The huge pall of black smoke must have been seen for miles around.
“It was just a case of me trying to keep my sense of proportion to describe what was happening without overdramatising it because I had no idea that all those people at the back of the stand were dying.
“Our position was a hut on a mound opposite the main stand. If I had been on the other stand, I wouldn’t be here today.
“I’ve never been able to watch the film of the game. I don’t even like hearing my voice on the coverage.”
It is believed a dropped lit cigarette went through a crack in the wooden stand, setting alight rubbish that had accumulated over the years.
“The stand was due to be demolished on the Monday. Just 48 hours after that final game of the season that wooden stand would have been no more,” said Helm.
Despite restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak, the dead will be remembered and respected.
Helm added: “There will still be a ceremony tomorrow to mark the 35th anniversary.
“A wreath will be laid at Valley Parade, although, of course, there will be no crowd there. It will be streamed so that people won’t miss out on being at the service. Both
Bradford City and the local council have been brilliant over the years.
“Nobody has been allowed to forget – and quite rightly so – and hundreds normally turn up every year to remember the tragedy.
“Ex-players Stuart McCall, Wayne Jacobs and Peter Jackson, who were all involved on that fateful day, always attend.
“I know a lot of people feel it is the forgotten disaster alongside of Hillsborough.
“Then, of course, later that month we had the Heysel tragedy.
“On that night I was on my way to help in a concert for the Bradford City fire appeal in the St George’s Hall in Bradford.
“I switched on the radio and there was the commentary of what was going on at Heysel. It was unbelievable, just 18 days later.”
Cherry will also be in people’s thoughts tomorrow, following his sudden death just days after his former Leeds team-mate Norman Hunter’s departure.
Helm said: “It’s even more emotional this time around with Trevor’s sad passing.
“Trevor was brilliant in the aftermath of the fire. He made sure everybody’s funeral was attended by at least one player or representative, often Trevor himself.
“His assistant Terry Yorath was one of the many heroes of the day. He actually dived through a window to help get somebody out.
“Another hero was one of our cameramen, Harry Wright, who, while still filming, carried some young kids to safety tucked under his arm, which was extraordinary.
“Nobody will ever be forgotten.”