James Bulger's family has called on football fans to come together during the derby to remember the toddler on the anniversary of his death.
Today, February 12, marks the 30th anniversary of James' death after he was murdered a month shy of his third birthday. James' family last night called on Liverpool to stand together again 30 years on from the murder that rocked the city back in 1993.
The grainy images of James being led to his death by his killers remains one of the most chilling images in history. The two boys responsible, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, became the youngest convicted murderers in the UK in more than a century.
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Following a wave of support from across Merseyside in recent days, Stuart Fergus, partner of James' mum Denise, told the ECHO the family are asking for a banner to be held during tomorrow's derby. Stuart, who is the charity manager at the James Bulger Memorial Trust, also called for an applause during the match at Anfield to remember the "fun, loving" boy.
On February 21 1993, just days after James' murder, the Kop at Anfield held the banner "RIP James" to pay their respects. Stuart told the ECHO today: "We were together last night and saw the picture of the Kop holding the banner and said why didn't we think of this before? We thought it would tie together if we could get that banner in the Kop again.
"Denise has received so much support from all over the world, but none more so than here in Liverpool. This city holds onto each other and never lets go. That's what being a Scouser is."
Speaking to the ECHO, Denise said "the people of Merseyside are like no other and I will always say that being from Liverpool makes you part of a family". The family confirmed to the ECHO a new "RIP James" banner is being made and has called on those in the Kop to hold the banner. They have called on Liverpool FC to help arrange an applause for James so "blue and red supporters can come together".
Kym Darby, chairwoman of the memorial trust, said the applause would be "poignant" given the match between Liverpool and Everton is on the anniversary. Kym told the ECHO: "The people of Liverpool are amazing. You don't see it anywhere else like you do in Liverpool.
"The family are Liverpool supporters through and through. It would be amazing if everyone came together and clapped for James during the match."
In an interview with the ECHO released earlier today, Denise said she wants James to be remembered "for the fun, loving little character he was". She said: "He could never keep still like most children are at that age. He loved listening to Michael Jackson with me, and getting him up in the morning and going through his breakfast routine will always be in my mind.
"He would come in the living room and point to the TV to be put on and then he could watch his favourite videos. When I'd ask him what he wanted to eat that morning, the way he used to say 'Frosties' and carry the last part of the word on."
She added the family would not spend the day thinking about what happened on February 12 30 years ago. Instead, the family will be remembering "little James running around the house constantly giggling and dancing which he loved to do".
Stuart told the ECHO: "Denise would have struggled without the backing of Liverpool. It would be great to see the city stand together tomorrow night."
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