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Owen McVeigh Foundation Launched

The Liverpool community was rocked by the death of 11-year-old Owen McVeigh, but sometimes through tragedy comes hope.

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In one of the more touching moments this season, Anfield supporters stood up to applaud during the 12th minute of the League Cup semifinal against Stoke. The ovation was to honor 11-year-old Liverpool fan and leukemia victim Owen McVeigh. Additionally, a banner was unveiled with the boy's likeness reading, "It's off to the match we go," one that has continued to fly at both home and away matches.

McVeigh's family have decided to use this good will and positive feelings to repay the community thought their own foundation.

"Our aim is to help enrich children's lives in the local area," Mark McVeigh, Owen's father, explained. "[Owen's mother] Joanne works at Alder Hey and through them we can reach a lot of children and we can help in a lot of ways.

"[It's] in Owen's name and that's the main thing we wanted to do, to make sure he was never forgotten."

McVeigh has been overwhelmed by the reaction of the supporters, and believes the tribute thus far would have been what Owen wanted.

"I was so touched because the flags in the Kop are Shankly, Paisley and Dalglish - and then Owen's flag. The family were more than moved. [Owen would be] just so happy. He was so proud anyway to be associated with anything to do with Liverpool Football Club so to be there as a permanent fixture, we're very proud and I know he would have been."

More information can be found on the foundation's Facebook page.

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