Headscarf Revolutionary's family join tribute run

Headscarves were donned earlier for a run along the River Humber to raise money for a statue to honour four pioneering women from Hull.

The Headscarf Revolutionaries, as they were known, fought to improve safety in the fishing industry following the city's Triple Trawler Tragedy of 1968.

Kiera Murray, the granddaughter of Yvonne Blenkinsop – one of the campaigners – took part in the 3.1-mile (5km) event and hailed the "four strong, independent women that didn't take no for an answer".

The Headscarf Hustle, now in its third year, coincided with International Women's Day.

In 1968, 58 men lost their lives at sea when, in quick succession, the Hull trawlers St Romanus, Kingston Peridot and Ross Cleveland sank, with only one survivor – Harry Eddom.

The tragedy resulted in a campaign led by Lillian Bilocca, Christine Smallbone, later known as Christine Jensen, Mary Denness and Blenkinsop.

The Headscarf Revolutionaries established the Fisherman's Charter, which was a demand for better safety standards in the fishing industry, such as a radio operator on every trawler, better safety equipment and improved training.

Blenkinsop, the last of the Headscarf Revolutionaries, died in 2022, aged 83.

Kiera joined her sister Azarai Murray for the 5km event, which set off from near The Deep.

Kiera said: "The legacy and spreading awareness is something that's really important to both of us and the family. It didn't just impact Hull, it impacted global changes for safety regulations with the fishing industry.

"But I think at the core, it's four strong, independent women that didn't take no for an answer and did it for a cause that was greater than them, but so important to the community".

Azarai said she was "very proud" of the woman they knew as "Nana".

The event was organised by Fitmums & Friends.

Sam Barlow, from the group, said International Women's Day was "the perfect time to celebrate these inspirational women and all the women who make a difference in our lives".

"It's an amazing part of history, so it's a wonderful thing to be part of," she said.

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