STEVEN GERRARD LEADS TRIBUTES

Liverpool ace still affected by cousin's tragic death

STEVEN GERRARD - tribute

By CHRIS BASCOMBE, 11/04/2009

STEVEN GERRARD and Rafa Benitez will lead the tributes on the 20th anniversary of the disaster on Wednesday.

Gerrard's cousin, Jon-Paul Gilhooley, 10, was the youngest victim of the tragedy and the Liverpool captain admits that time has done little to ease the pain of that terrible day.

He said: "The scars will never heal and the fans will never forget.

"I was only eight and I was shocked to see the scenes on TV. The next morning we learnt a member of our family had been killed."

During his Youth Training Scheme days at Anfield, Gerrard was constantly encouraged by Jon-Paul's parents and 20 years on he still thinks of his cousin every time he steps on to the pitch.

He said: "Seeing the reaction of Jon-Paul's parents and family helped drive me on to be the player I am today. All the Hillsborough families have shown great dignity.

"The 96 who died and the others who were hurt will never be forgotten. The club has fought for justice ever since and will continue to do so."

On Wednesday, Benitez will lay a scarf on the Anfield centre circle and release 96 balloons in memory of the victims. Gerrard and Jamie Carragher will then present the Freedom of the City of Liverpool to representatives of the victims' families.

There will be a one- minute's silence held in Liverpool, Sheffield and Nottingham at 3.06pm - the time the FA Cup semi-final was halted in 1989. At 3.08pm, all civic, cathedral and church bells in Liverpool will ring 96 times and public transport will come to a standstill for two minutes.

A party of 12 from the Hillsborough Families Support Group will attend next Saturday's FA Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Chelsea and receive a presentation from FA chairman Lord Triesman and the two captains.

The FA did consider a minute's silence but, after discussions with the families, it was decided not to go ahead.

Your comments

This article has 5 comments

On this day 96 of the most passionate supporters lost
there lives,its important to remember who lost there lives and that they will remain in our thoughts forever.To the families that lost loved ones this is and always will be tough time,i know this based on experience..All i can say is may GOD Bless you and protect you in this turbulent time.Its important to remember that life goes on and that its important that there memories are kept in your hearts and minds.
As a Liverpool fan i have all you in my memories..Remember how your lost ones were and what they expect from you at this time..PEACE..AND LOVE ..Carlo Naidoo Florida South Africa.

By Carlo Naidoo Florida South Africa.. Posted April 15 2009 at 10:07 AM.

May the almighty bless the families,friends,fans of those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. We in Rwanda are mourning our loved one too but will be paying our tributes to all Hillsborough victims on Wednesday with a minutes silence. "You Will Never Walk Alone".

By Kris Romeo.. Posted April 13 2009 at 8:51 AM.

May the almighty bless the families,friends,fans of those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. We in Rwanda will be paying our tributes on Wednesday with a minutes silence. "You Will Never Walk Alone".

By Kris Romeo.. Posted April 13 2009 at 8:40 AM.

Take heart my steve G

By Chike Ifediora.. Posted April 12 2009 at 1:23 PM.

May the lord of peace take on his soul to the perfect realm.Steve.G,i am a Nigerian but my spirit is with you and i will equally observe one minute's silence here in Nigeria.

By owoyemi kayode.. Posted April 12 2009 at 8:11 AM.

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