💔 Formby Remembers Local Hero and Hillsborough Campaigner, Barry Devonside
- Sefton Bubble
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
We are deeply saddened to share the news that Barry Devonside, a much-loved and highly respected member of our Formby community, has passed away at the age of 78.
Barry was known to many not just here in Formby, but across the country, for his tireless and unwavering fight for justice following the tragic loss of his 18-year-old son, Christopher, in the Hillsborough disaster of 1989.
On that heartbreaking day, Barry and Christopher travelled together to watch Liverpool play in the FA Cup semi-final. They had tickets for different parts of the ground — Barry in the North Stand and Christopher on the Leppings Lane terraces — where the disaster unfolded. Christopher was one of the 97 fans unlawfully killed.
From that moment, Barry dedicated his life to campaigning for the truth. He attended every single day of the two-year Hillsborough inquests, which concluded in 2016 that the victims were unlawfully killed.
Friends and colleagues describe Barry as a man of compassion, strength, and determination, who was always there for others — not only for the families of the 97, but for survivors and fans who were wrongly blamed.
Close friend Charlotte Hennessy, whose father also died in the disaster, said:
“The only peaceful thing about Barry’s death is knowing that he is reunited with Christopher now. His determination, his strength, and the love for his son just never wavered.”
Nicola Brook, from Broudie Jackson Canter solicitors, remembered Barry as a “kind-hearted, passionate person” who brought both support and moments of light to those around him:
“When you needed comedy relief, he was there. When you needed someone to talk to, he was there to have a quiet word.”
Barry Devonside will be remembered here in Formby as a father whose love for his son inspired a lifelong fight for justice, and as a man who never gave up on what was right. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.
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