Gerrard presents flowers to the Hillsborough Family Support Group in 2012. Credit: Nick Potts/PA Archive/Press Association Images

LIVERPOOL CAPTAIN STEVEN Gerrard has donated £96,000 out of his own pocket to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

The legendary Reds midfielder, who has spent his entire career at the Premier League club, made the contribution ahead of tomorrow’s Merseyside derby with city rivals Everton at Anfield.

“I just think I’m in a position to do it,” the Liverpool Echo quotes Gerrard as saying.

“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.”

The England veteran also commended Everton for the support shown ever since the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, which saw 96 supporters die during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

“I think their show of support has been there since the tragedy happened,” Gerrard added.

“But alongside the gesture I am making, I and every other Liverpool fan can only thank the Evertonians for their support.”

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