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On 1 February 2012, Sandra Potton unveiled the memorial she has had built in memory of her husband Steve Potton and the other passengers and crew on the helicopter which crashed into the sea on the evening of 27 December 2006. The helicopter was transporting staff from off-shore rigs when it ditched into the sea in the dark and in bad weather. The memorial stands on the sea front at Fleetwood near the RNLI station.
 

Steve was Sandra’s adored husband, and the father of two sons and step-father of Deborah, Sandra’s daughter. He had trained as a pilot in the army and then worked as a commercial pilot his whole life.

The tragic accident in which he and the other men died was investigated by the Blackpool coroner and Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Sandra had always dreamt that the memorial would stand here near the RNLI station from which crews came to aid the search and rescue operation off the Fleetwood coast. She is delighted to see this ambition become a reality and would like to thank all those who helped make it possible.

Catherine Leech solicitor to Mrs Potton and partner at Pannone said at the unveiling of the memorial:

“Steve was a much-loved husband and colleague and we were happy to help Sandra to realise her dream of erecting this memorial in the memory of him and the other loved-ones who died in this terrible accident. Our firm is respected for our work and reputation in pursuing serious injury claims but it is not just about money. In common with many people, erecting this memorial was more important to Sandra than any amount of money and I am delighted to be here today to witness it.”

ITV Granada Reports memorial video clip

The team at Pannone has a national reputation in the field of serious injury.  For free and expert advice on making a serious personal injury claim contact us on 0800 0384 384.