Reverend named first Grenfell community hero dies

Reverend Julyan Drew used social media to campaign for justice for victims of the 2017 tragedy from his hospice bed.

Last year the dad of three, of Newlyn, Cornwall, met survivors from Grenfell who visited Cornwall for respite holidays.

The father-of-three served as Superintendent of the West Penwith Methodist Circuit and for 20 years, as Minister of various West Cornwall Chapels.

Chaplain of the Penlee lifeboat, he has also served as Chaplain to the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, the town council and been chair of numerous local bodies, including as chair of the YMCA, The Newlyn Fish Industry Forum and the 3 Villages Project.

Rev Julyan was the first person to receive a Grenfell Community Hero Award by Grenfell United, survivors of Grenfell Tower Fire for his support.

The accolade was launched this year to celebrate local community heroes, whose lives exemplify exceptional community spirit and leadership in their own areas all over the UK.

It was inspired by the outpouring of love and kindness from people all over the capital and further afield, which followed the Grenfell tower fire.

It was presented to Rev. Drew in his hospice in Cornwall by Esme Page, founder of the charity Cornwall Hugs Grenfell, which brings those affected by the fire for respite holidays in Cornwall.

Cornwall Hugs Grenfell’s Esme Page…