A special run for Hillsborough
A charity run from Hillsborough to Anfield is to be staged in April to raise funds for children's hospitals in Liverpool and Sheffield and in memory of the 96.
MP Steve Rotheram led a delegation to launch the second annual charity three-day run on Sunday at Alder Hey Hospital.
Led by team leader Dominic Williams, the runners will run 96 miles on April 4, from pitchside at Hillsborough stadium to pitchside at Anfield.
This is the second run between the two stadiums to take place, after the team completed the feat last year - raising £15,000 for the Hillsborough Family Support Group and Hillsborough Justice Campaign. This year, the focus is on raising money for Alder Hey and Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity.
Williams said: "The Hillsborough tragedy badly affected many people from both Liverpool and Sheffield. One of the things we're trying to do with this run is to keep the memory of Hillsborough alive in people's minds, but also to help bring some good out of it - a brighter future.
"By linking the two cities in the run and raising money for both Alder Hey and Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity, we hope to strengthen the bond between both cities.
"The two hospitals do amazing work and combined, they treat a phenomenal 445,000 children each year - many of which are from their respective local communities. Fundraising for these hospitals allows them to keep providing specialist services and equipment for sick and under-privileged children.
"We're kicking off the start of the fundraising so that we can raise money for both of these deserving charities. We all know that times are hard at the moment, but if enough people donate whatever they can - no matter how big or small - we can really achieve something good for the two cities."
Liverpool FC operations director Andrew Parkinson said: "Once again, Liverpool Football Club is delighted to support this year's Hillsborough to Anfield run to help raise money for the children's hospitals here in Liverpool and in Sheffield.
"We wish all the runners well and look forward to welcoming them on their safe arrival at Anfield."
Trevor Braithwaite, communications director of Sheffield Wednesday, said: "We are pleased to add our total support for this project, together with Liverpool FC and the wider communities of both cities central to the Hillsborough disaster.
"The concept of linking the two children's hospitals as chief beneficiaries from the Hillsborough to Anfield Run is inspired and will only strengthen the existing bond between Liverpool and Sheffield."