Memorial Service for Keith Bennett

Published: 04 February 2010

A Memorial Service for Keith Bennett, victim of the 1960s moors murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, is to be held in Manchester Cathedral on 5 March at 11am.

12-year-old Keith was abducted by Brady and Hindley in Hathersage Road, Longsight in June 1964. He was the third of the Moors Murderers' five child victims. Despite a thorough and long search Keith's grave has never been found. Last July the Police called off the search for Keith's body saying "for now, we have exhausted all of the avenues available to us."

For over 45 years Winnie Johnson, Keith's mother, has hoped that she will be able to finally lay her son's remains to rest. 

A private family service will be held a few days before the Cathedral service at St Chrysostom's Church, Manchester, where Winnie regularly worships. The Parish Priest at St Chrysostom's, Fr Ian Gomersall, said "Winnie's determination to give her son a final resting place has been an inspiration. Winnie now feels it is appropriate to hold a public memorial service for Keith and she does so with the prayers and support of her family, her church and her friends."

The public memorial service, at which the Bishop of Manchester will preach, is to be held at the Cathedral on Friday 5 March at 11am. It will be an opportunity for different sections of the community to remember this tragic event. Winnie also hopes to be able to say 'thank you' to those who have helped look for Keith's remains, especially the Police.

A fund has been opened at St Chrysostom's Church to provide a memorial for Keith at the Church.


Other Stories