Holocaust Memorial Day - West Briton Article

A photo of our newspaper article in print. Photo: Danielle Hutchinson

In January, I was invited to cover Holocaust Memorial Day at Truro Cathedral for the West Briton newspaper. The commemorations this year were particularly significant, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Interviewing second-generation survivors and hearing their stories was incredibly moving and powerfully important to share their words.

Photojournalism continues to be a key part of my work and I was very humbled to be able to capture the candle-lighting ceremony, with three of my images making it into the final publication.

The full piece is available to read below.

First published: Thursday 6th February, West Briton.

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Candle service remembers lives lost to the Holocaust

The descendants of Holocaust survivors, Cynthia (left) and Bernie (right), lighting candles to mark Holocaust Memorial Day at Truro Cathedral. Photo: Danielle Hutchinson.

A candle-lighting ceremony at Truro Cathedral was held to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday.

This year marks the 80^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on 27^th January 1945.

The families of survivors were part of the congregation at the cathedral and shared ‘their stories of strength, courage, and community’.

Cynthia Hollinsworth, whose mother survived Auschwitz-Birkenau, said “It’s not just about never again, but it’s also about never let it start – we know where hatred and prejudice can lead if left unchecked.”

This year, the theme of Holocaust Memorial Day was ‘For a Better Future’.

Local schools explored this theme by creating artwork and poetry which was displayed at the cathedral.  

Bernie Graham’s family were also persecuted during the Holocaust and he reflected on the influence this had on his upbringing.

“My father and my mother made a point of bringing us up that we do not discriminate against anybody - it was about the contents of someone’s character, not their colour, their beliefs, their sexuality… it was about tolerance, acceptance, love and kindness.”

Devon and Cornwall Police had a ‘Zero Tolerance to Hate Crime’ display at the event.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said “In honouring the memory of the Holocaust, let us reaffirm the commitment to creating a world where every person, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or background is treated with dignity and respect.”

Other organisations represented at the event included: Black Voices Cornwall, Inclusion Cornwall, Cornwall Council Refugee Resettlement Service, and LGBTQ+ organisations - Intercom Trust, FFLAG, and Transparent Presence CIC.

Sarah and Sorrel representing FFLAG, a charity that supports LGBTQ+ families in the UK. Photo: Danielle Hutchinson.

Candles lit at Truro Cathedral to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day on the 80^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Photo: Danielle Hutchinson.