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Bulger 'refuge' appeal launched Bulger 'refuge' appeal launched
(about 1 hour later)
The mother of murdered two-year-old James Bulger is to launch an appeal to provide the first memorial to him. The mother of murdered two-year-old James Bulger has launched an appeal to provide the first memorial to him.
Organisers want to raise £1m to set up the Red Balloon Learner Centre, a refuge for bullied children.Organisers want to raise £1m to set up the Red Balloon Learner Centre, a refuge for bullied children.
James was killed by two 10-year-old schoolboys after being abducted in The Strand shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, on 12 February 1993.James was killed by two 10-year-old schoolboys after being abducted in The Strand shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, on 12 February 1993.
His mother Denise Fergus will be joined by Esther Rantzen at the launch of the Red Balloon James Bulger House Appeal. His mother Denise Fergus was joined by Esther Rantzen at the launch of the Red Balloon James Bulger House Appeal.
The refuge will be based in Liverpool. The refuge is likely to be in a house near Liverpool city centre and will help about 15 youngsters who have been bullied.
Red Balloon is a specialist group which provides education for youngsters who cannot return to mainstream education.Red Balloon is a specialist group which provides education for youngsters who cannot return to mainstream education.
Nothing can ever bring back James and I have got to live with that knowledge Denise FergusNothing can ever bring back James and I have got to live with that knowledge Denise Fergus
Ms Fergus and Ms Rantzen will be joined by Merseyside chief constable Bernard Hogan-Howe at the launch the appeal at the Radisson Hotel in Liverpool. Ms Fergus and Ms Rantzen was joined by Merseyside Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe at the launch of the appeal at the Radisson Hotel in Liverpool.
James, who was battered to death by schoolboys Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, would have celebrated his 18th birthday this Sunday.James, who was battered to death by schoolboys Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, would have celebrated his 18th birthday this Sunday.
Thompson and Venables were jailed at Preston Crown Court in 1993, but have since been released and now live under new identities.Thompson and Venables were jailed at Preston Crown Court in 1993, but have since been released and now live under new identities.
Ms Fergus said: "Nothing can ever bring back James and I have got to live with that knowledge.Ms Fergus said: "Nothing can ever bring back James and I have got to live with that knowledge.
"His 18th birthday is going to be a particularly hard time for me and all our family, not having him with us."His 18th birthday is going to be a particularly hard time for me and all our family, not having him with us.
'Remember with hope'
"I will never forget my son and I still get messages of support from all over the world. So, I was very pleased when Esther explained about her idea for a memorial to James.""I will never forget my son and I still get messages of support from all over the world. So, I was very pleased when Esther explained about her idea for a memorial to James."
She added: "I was shocked to learn how many children commit suicide every year because of bullying. Ms Fergus added: "I was shocked to learn how many children commit suicide every year because of bullying.
"If James Bulger House can help save the life of just one child in that terrible situation then it will be a fitting tribute to my son.""If James Bulger House can help save the life of just one child in that terrible situation then it will be a fitting tribute to my son."
Mrs Rantzen said: "It is extraordinary that there is no memorial to him, no way for his family and his community to remember him with hope, to help other children in his name. Ms Rantzen said: "It is extraordinary that there is no memorial to him, no way for his family and his community to remember him with hope, to help other children in his name.
"Now there will be.""Now there will be."
Carrie Herbert, founder and director of Red Balloon, said funding James Bulger House was the organisation's most important development yet.
Youngsters are referred to Red Balloon Centres by local authorities.
Children take part in lessons which involve small groups of pupils and are designed to boost their self-esteem.