Chapel packed for Susan memorial

Family of Susan May at the memorial service

Bethesda Chapel, Royton, was packed as friends and neighbours went to pay their respects to Susan May who died died last month while fighting to overturn her 1993 murder conviction.

Ms May (68) served 12 years for killing her elderly aunt, Hilda Marchbank, at Tandle Hills Road in Royton in 1992. She always maintained her innocence and campaigned — backed by 100 MPs and peers — to clear her name in the eight years following her release.

The funeral was held two weeks ago but a memorial service on Saturday was open to all those who wanted to pay their respects and share their stories.

Her son, Adam, said: “Everyone knows she didn’t do anything. She was a great person, very strong and supportive.

“She was the least judgmental person, considering what she went through. She didn’t have an ounce of bitterness in her body.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better mother. Everyone who’s had contact with my mum will know the person she was, the spirit she had, the kindness and generosity she showed to others — that will live on.”

Pastor Geoff Goodwin said: “She lived for 48 years before this scourge came on her life. Everyone who met Susan had a story about the kindness she gave them. We don’t want to her let her life be defined by what happened to her 20 years ago.”

MP Michael Meacher said she fought with “unfailing dignity to reverse a huge injustice”. A letter he wrote to Ms May’s supporters was read out at the service, as well as one from her son Toby who could not attend. Her solicitor Campbell Malone spoke of her as a “terrible victim of a miscarriage of justice.”
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