Championing cause of victims’ families
Date published: 15 August 2011
Graham Foulkes: Pride in Oldham nominee
WHEN his son was tragically killed in the 7/7 London bombings, Graham Foulkes suffered heartache he could never have imagined.
Yet through his grief he has emerged as a national ambassador for the victims’ families and a figurehead for change.
Now he has been nominated for a Pride In Oldham award for his unwavering efforts.
Originally from Cheshire, Graham (59) moved to Oldham 35 years ago and lives in Austerlands.
His family’s life was turned upside down in 2005, when his 22-year-old son, David, was killed in the Edgware Road blast.
He said: “I really consider this town to be my home, and I am a very, very proud Oldhamer.
“Since David died, we’ve experienced a friendliness and support from the people of Oldham I don’t think we would have got anywhere else in the country.
“People have been so genuine and warm in their concern and that has proved a massive support.
“I’m delighted to be nominated.”
Mr Foulkes, who works as a magistrate, has played a high-profile role in the years since the attacks.
He was among family members who campaigned for a public inquiry into discovering whether the atrocities could have been prevented and also attended the inquests of the victims.
He has since been in talks with the Home Secretary over the future of supporting families of terrorism victims and is due to travel to Europe in September to discuss the issue.
It’s a role that arose from tragedy for Graham, and he admits he found it difficult at the time based in Oldham when a lot of the attention was based around the capital.
He said: “I just felt strongly that there were, and still are, important messages to be said.
“Nobody could say they were pleased with what they have done because their son died.
“It’s a job that needed to be done and I think David would have wanted me to do it.
“We talk about him all the time with friends and family and we keep his memory alive.”
NOMINATE someone for a Pride in Oldham award: see the story at the top of this section.
