Valentine’s Day appeal - Chinook Justice Campaign
Widows speak out for first time in Valentine’s Day video - as they step up demands for justice for the 29 killed in 1994 RAF Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre
Families demand urgent response from ministers following landmark meeting at the Ministry of Defence two months ago
10th February, 2026
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Two widows who lost their husbands in the 1994 RAF Chinook disaster have spoken publicly for the first time in a powerful Valentine’s Day film which has today been sent to every UK cabinet minister, as families step up their demands for answers from the Ministry of Defence.
The short film, released today by the Chinook Justice Campaign, features Gaynor Tobias, whose husband John was killed in the crash, and Lynn Bunting, whose husband Dennis also died when Chinook ZD576 crashed on the Mull of Kintyre on 2 June 1994, killing all 29 people on board.
Speaking on camera for the first time, the widows describe the enduring impact of the disaster and the additional pain caused by decades of unanswered questions surrounding the aircraft’s airworthiness and the circumstances of the crash.
The Valentine’s Day film has been released to mark the families’ renewed appeal for public support, as they seek to reach 100,000 signatures on their change.org petition calling for a full public inquiry into the tragedy.
Also taking part in the short Valentine’s Day film – which can be viewed on the campaign website and YouTube – are Lynn’s daughter Erin, also speaking for the first time, along with Sue Angus, whose husband Gary Sparks was killed, and Lisa Fitzsimons, whose father Brian Fizsimons also died in the crash.
The film begins with these moving words: “Valentine’s Day is about love. This film, sadly, is about love – and loss. About lives that should never have ended 31 years ago. About a tragedy that was preventable. About love that still endures. And love that deserves answers.”
Lynn Bunting, from Belfast, widow of Detective Chief Inspector Dennis Bunting, said: “I wanted to take part and speak out publicly for the first time because 31 years on – and two months since MoD ministers promised to review our evidence, we are still waiting for answers.
“This Valentine’s Day will be the 31st without my Dennis. And why? Because he and 28 others were put on a helicopter that was not airworthy, that the RAF and MoD knew was not airworthy and should not have been in the air.”
The families say they are deeply disappointed to still be waiting for a detailed response following their meeting on 16th December with defence ministers, at which they presented extensive evidence relating to the aircraft’s airworthiness and the catastrophic decision-making that allowed it to fly.
The campaign has today shared the film directly with ministers, including those who attended the families’ first meeting with ministers in 31 years, which took place last year, to underline the human cost of continued delay and the continuing nature of the ‘Ambiguous Loss’ they continue to suffer – according to Dr Pauline Boss, professor emeritus of the University of Minnesota, in the US.
The film is released in memory of the 29 people who died in the crash, and also pays tribute to David Hill, the campaign’s long-standing technical expert and author of multiple books on the disaster, whose funeral takes place next week in Bristol.
Hill devoted more than 30 years of his life to uncovering evidence that the Chinook Mk2 was not airworthy at the time of the crash.
Sue Angus, from Hampshire, widow of Major Gary Sparks, said: “The crash devastated our lives. Only months after Gary died, I had to move my three young children from where we were posted in Northern Ireland back to England, find schools and a home for us amidst our grief. 31 years on, we miss him every day.
“We should be able to grieve him in peace, instead we have to continue this battle for honesty and clarity from the MoD. Only an independent judge led public inquiry with power to compel all documents and witnesses can look at all the evidence properly, without institutional pressure or conflicts of interest.”
Gaynor Tobias, from Watford, widow of Lt Colonel John Tobias said: “John was everything you could look for in a partner. He was such a good role model for the children. After the crash, we had to move house, find a new home, picking up the pieces of our lives eventually. But we miss him every day with affection and love.
“My sons were among those representing the campaign in the meeting with the Ministry of Defence at the end of last year. Three MoD Ministers looked them in the eye and promised to look at the vast and compelling evidence we have that the Chinook was not fit to fly, and yet we are still waiting.
“I know that their father would be so proud of them, but we should not have to tirelessly fight for justice from this government which says that it is committed to candour and transparency.”
The Chinook Justice Campaign is urging members of the public to watch the film, share it widely, and add their name to the petition at change.org/JusticeForThe29 calling for a judge-led public inquiry.
“These widows should not have to keep reliving their grief just to be heard,” the campaign said. “Reaching 100,000 signatures would send a powerful message to government that the public stands with the families — and that justice for the 29 cannot be delayed any longer.”
The petition can be signed at:
