Everytime I drive into Anfield, I slow to a crawl as I pass through the Shankly Gates. My eyes are drawn towards the Hillsborough Memorial. I see the tributes to the ninety-six Liverpool Fans who never returned from that FA cup semi-final in 1989. I see the scarves left by visiting fans, signs of respect that lie alongside wreaths placed by families whose tears will never dry. I see the flame that burns always, reminding the world that the ninety-six will never, ever be forgotten.
As my car inches past the Memorial, I look down the names of those who fell on the Leppings Lane End, never to rise again. My eyes stop at one name. Jon-Paul Gilhooley, ten years old, the youngest of those who died following the team he loved. A boy whose life was snatched away just as it was starting. Crushed to death in a stand unfit for human beings. I knew Jon-Paul. He was my cousin. A shiver runs down my spine. I make the sign of the Cross and drive on.
Whenever I saw Jon-Paul's parents during my Youth Trainee Scheme days at Anfield, it gave me an extra determination to succeed. Just before i made my Liverpool debut, they said " Jon-Paul would be so proud of of you." During the match, i felt Jon-Paul was looking down on me, pleased i was fulfilling a dream we both shared.
The families are very good at supporting each other. At Liverpool, You'll Never Walk Alone. Our famous song is more than a string of words and a great tune, its is a pact between people. We stand together in good times and bad. The people who run the Hillsborough Families' Group deserve so much praise. They want justice and they just won't give up, which is completely right. There are families across Liverpool with an empty seat at their table, and untouched bedroom upstairs. These families deserve justice. I fully support the campaign because i want it myself. We should know exactly what happened at Hillsborough, and who was to blame. Action should be taken against those in authority who let ninety-six innocent people die. My cousin died at Hillsborough, and he has not had justice. When i warm up at Anfield, I see the 'Justice for the 96' banner and i nod passionately in agreement. The government should hold a proper enquiry. Only then can the families of the ninety-six sit at home and mourn, knowing justice has been done. Only then can they tend their loved ones' graves knowing someone has been brought to account for this terrible tragedy. A tragedy that could have been avoided.
Hillsborough must never be allowed to happen again. No one should lose a life or a relative at a football match. Everytime i see Jon-Paul's name cut into the cold marble outside the Shankly Gates, i fill with saddness and anger. I have never let anyone know this before, but it's true: I play for Jon-Paul.