A Liverpool FC fan caught in "horrific" crushes at the Champions League final in Paris has been reunited with a steward who hugged her as she sobbed.
Anita Gillen, a LFC season ticket holder for over 20 years, previously told the ECHO of the terror she experienced outside Stade de France before the game at the end of May. Anita was caught at the front of the queue when the crush at the turnstiles started before being pulled to safety by a police officer just before the gates closed.
Anita, who was on her own at the stadium, said she felt "really vulnerable" before the events began and "absolutely terrified" once the crush started. The 55-year-old from Parkgate told the ECHO she was pulled through the barriers before being embraced by a UEFA steward as she sobbed.
READ MORE: 'Kind' steward hugged Liverpool fan as she sobbed outside Paris final
The touching image of Anita hugging the steward, an English woman working on behalf of UEFA, was shared on BBC North West during the chaotic events. Anita appealed to be put in contact with the steward to thank her for "saving" her from the horrendous events.
And following an extensive Twitter appeal and help from BBC journalist Roger Johnson, Anita has now met steward Brenda O'Rourke for the first time. Speaking to the ECHO the day after the pair met at Anfield, Anita said: "I didn't know what to say - all I could say was thank you.
"I wasn't sure at first if she would be interested in meeting but I just wanted to send a card or some flowers. When she wanted to meet it was lovely and quite emotional. She remembered vividly what happened and all the people she helped.
"It helped her with the healing process as well knowing that the people she helped that night were okay. It was a positive outcome from such a negative experience. I was able to thank her for the kindness she showed me."
Anita said the experience of meeting Brenda and being back in a football stadium was a "cathartic experience" for her. The mum previously said she would never go to another away game in Europe.
She said: "I can't explain how bad it was - I've asked myself if I was naïve but I don't think I was. The whole situation was just overwhelming."
But Anita said she's now looking forward to returning to the football and is "excited about the season starting again". She said: "The result of the Senate report was a positive outcome. All the fans over there knew what happened so it was frustrating hearing the lies.
"The other stewards I met last night told me to come and find them when I'm next at Anfield. I'll give them a little shout and say hello knowing they're there makes me feel safe."
Speaking about that night in Paris, Anita added: "Brenda is a real credit to the club and they should all be so proud of her. I'll never forget the kindness she showed me."
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