Rhys Jones walk
PLAYERS and managers at Liverpool’s two big football clubs will use today’s derby to remember Rhys Jones and make stand against gun crime in the city.
Today would have been Rhys’ 13th birthday and Liverpool FC and Everton FC will pay tribute to the youngster who was shot on his way home from football practice.
The killing galvanised the city sparking the Liverpool Unites campaign and today’s fixture is the charity’s first anniversary.
Liverpool Unites is also sponsoring the game and providing the branded shirts both sides will warm up in, while David Moyes and Rafa Benitez and ground staff will wear purple ribbons.
The game will also mark the first time that the Daily Post has adopted Liverpool Unites as its official charity. In doing so it will be able to continue supporting the NSPCC Safe Place appeal which benefits children and young people who need support on Merseyside.
Daily Post editor Mark Thomas said: “The derby games are the most important dates in the city's sporting calendar and are seen by fans from all over the world.
“It's a great opportunity to bring both halves of the city together to support a great cause.
“It's also the perfect opportunity to adopt Liverpool Unites as The Daily Post's official charity.”
Everton manager Mr Moyes said: “Derby games are great for any city, I’m from Glasgow and know how important they can be.
“What we’re looking for is a fantastic atmosphere because that’s what derby games are all about and can show the city off.”
About 2,000 purple branded balloons will be released at Goodison Park and the charity will announce to fans that it has reached its £100,000 target to build the Rhys Jones Community Centre.
Unprecedented levels of support from the people of Merseyside saw the thousands pour in from events such as the Liverpool Unites: Concert for Rhys and the Liverpool Unites: Run for Rhys.
A cheque will be handed over by a symbolic purple ribbon character to the memorial fund before kick- off. The purple represents the combination of the blue and red of the two Merseyside football clubs.
The charity is also fundraising to give grants to other local children’s charities and community groups to help to support and sustain the valuable work that they do for young people.
