Gerrard donates £96,000 to HFSG
Steven Gerrard has made a personal donation of £96,000 to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.
The Liverpool captain's 10-year-old cousin, Jon-Paul Gilhooley, was the youngest of the 96 fans who died in the 1989 tragedy.
Gerrard agreed to make the donation public to keep the continued fight for justice firmly in the public eye.
He said: "I just think I'm in a position to do it.
"I think it's a nice gesture and also with the connection I've got to Hillsborough, with my own family, it's something I've wanted to do for a while.
"I think the timing's right and having spoken to the club I've decided to do it now.
"It had been in the media a lot so I didn't think it was needed where I had to step in and keep it on everyone's lips and in everyone's minds.
"But now it's gone a little bit quiet over the last couple of weeks, I think the timing's really good to get it back out there - sending another message out about how much we really want this justice."
Gerrard made the donation ahead of tonight's Merseyside derby with Everton at Anfield.
The 33-year-old was eager to pay tribute to the support the Blues and their fans continually provide their neighbours over Hillsborough.
"I think their show of support has been there since the tragedy happened," said Gerrard.
"But alongside the gesture I am making, I and every other Liverpool fan can only thank the Evertonians for their support.
"I'm not saying that to try and get in any Everton fans' good books because I understand my own personal rivalry with them. But it's there for everyone to see - the support they've given us which is very touching."