Adele pays tribute to Grenfell Tower victims and survivors on third anniversary of tragedy
ADELE has paid tribute to Grenfell Tower victims and survivors on the third anniversary of the disaster.
The singer, 32, made a video message for campaigners Grenfell United in which she hailed their “persistence for answers”.
It the message, broadcast on YouTube, she said: “Hello, it’s Adele here. I want to send all my love to you today and let you know I’m thinking of you as I always do.
“I think this year more than ever there has never been a more appropriate time for us to truly exercise camaraderie and compassion and open-mindedness and persistence. Persistence for answers. And persistence for action.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted the country was working to ensure it never happened again.
Hello singer Adele added: “It’s a scientific fact that humans beings are pack animals.
“We’re not supposed to be left on our own. We need each other to survive.
“And that is something that I truly see in action with the Grenfell community. I have never been so moved or so inspired by a group of people before.
“Your resilience is second to none.”
The musician was heavily involved in supporting the victims in the wake of the fatal blaze in June 2017.
In the aftermath of the fire, Adele paid a low-key visit to the site, staying for around 15 minutes.
"Join with me & @grenfell_united to REMEMBER at 6pm on youtube.com/GrenfellUnited - to Show that we’re still united for change & justice. Follow @grenfell_united for more info.💚#Grenfell #Demandchange."
Twitter users spotted the Someone Like You singer with her ex-husband Simon Koneki, where she was visibly emotional and reportedly "hugging and comforting" victims.
Six days after the tragedy, she surprised firefighters when she turned up to thank them for their work, by banging on the window and offering cake.
She also backed a petition calling for then Prime Minister Theresa May to take urgent action to restore survivors' faith in the public inquiry.
A total of 72 people lost their lives after the cladding on the West London building caught fire, while 74 others went to hospital with non-fatal injuries.
It is believed to have started on the fourth floor, before it quickly spread to the whole building.
The blaze was not brought under control until 1.14am on Thursday, June 15, some 24 hours after it started.
The Sun on Sunday have since revealed those affected by the blaze have been offered compensation as low as £10,000 — while not one arrest has been made.
Grenfell United spokesman Karim Mussihly, 34, whose 57-year-old uncle Hesham Rahman died in the tragedy, said: “Three years on we are still here having to fight for justice.
“If this happened in a wealthier part of the borough, would people be in jail?”
Almost seven in ten of those who escaped the tower block blaze have needed care for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.