Source: SKY_Sports
Gerrard driven on by tragedy
Steven Gerrard has described how the memory of his cousin who died at Hillsborough has spurred him on throughout his career.[LNB] The Liverpool captain was only nine when the tragedy occurred in Sheffield but he recalls the emotions he felt.[LNB]Gerrard discovered the following morning that his 10-year-old cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley was among the 96 who died and the youngest victim claimed by the disaster.[LNB]"I was really, really shocked and deeply saddened to have seen the scenes on TV and hearing the radio at the time," said Gerrard, 28.[LNB]"I was completely and utterly shocked, whilst wondering if there was anyone we knew who was really close and personal at the game.[LNB]"But also feeling exactly what every Liverpool fan was feeling at the time, because I'm sure everyone was wondering if they knew anyone who was at the game also.[LNB]"And then obviously going to bed that night, lying there praying and keeping my fingers crossed that it didn't get any worse to what we had already heard.[LNB]"But unfortunately for myself and my family we got the dreaded knock the next morning to say that a member of our family was at the game and had been tragically killed."[LNB]Never forgottenThe 20th anniversary of the disaster will be marked next Wednesday, when Gerrard will lead the Liverpool players at a memorial service at Anfield.[LNB]The memory of Hillsborough remains significant to Gerrard and he maintains that it has been the driving inspiration behind his rise to the top.[LNB]He added: "Obviously it was a difficult time to know that one of your cousins had been at the game and had been tragically crushed.[LNB]"And seeing the reactions of his mum, dad and family helped me drive on to become the player I have developed into today.[LNB]"The memory of Hillsborough is very central and very important to this club and the 96 will never be forgotten, as well as the people that got hurt.[LNB]"It is important these people get remembered individually and not just as a number of 96. This club has fought for justice ever since and will continue to do so.[LNB]"We have stuck together since that day like we always do at this club and that shows what kind of football club we are, sticking by each other when times are tough.[LNB]"We are not just about what happens on the pitch, we are all one off the pitch as well.[LNB]"Time has gone by, but the scars will never ever be healed and the fans will never ever forget. So you can always rely on our supporters to be there for you when you need them."[LNB]
