The parents of Evertonian Matthew Daulby have described their son as "a vibrant, loving and funny teenager" who had "a huge zest for life" and revealed plans to launch a foundation to fight knife crime in the 19-year-old's honour.
Evertonians are being asked by fan groups to applaud when clocks at Sunday's match reach 19 minutes to remember the Blues Season Ticket Member, who was tragically murdered in July while on a night out with friends.
However, Matthew's family are keen to ensure the tribute to Matthew also raises awareness of the devastation caused by knife crime and wish to encourage young people to "choose life, not a knife".
"Never in a million years did we think knife crime would affect our family, it doesn't happen to you and yours," read a family statement posted on social media.
"This clap is so important to spread the word of how utterly devastating carrying a knife is. Our family has been ruined and can never be repaired."
Matthew, from Lydiate, was due to start a management course this month at Hope Street University, which was part of his apprenticeship.
A music enthusiast, he was also looking forward to a holiday in Ibiza at the time of his death.
Matthew’s parents, Gary and Angela, and brother, Tom, now want to start a foundation in Matthew’s name to try to prevent more youngsters losing their lives to knife crime and to help those without the level of support they have so gratefully received.
"Matthew was such a vibrant character and had a huge zest for life,” said Gary. "That's why we are promoting the message that 'Matthew says choose a life, not a knife'. That's the message we want people to have in mind when they clap for Matthew on Sunday.
"Going forward, we want to set up a foundation to raise awareness of the devastation caused by knife crime but also to fund events that will help get the message through to young people who may not pick up a newspaper or watch a TV programme and need to be engaged through social media and other ways.
"We are also so grateful for the level of support we have received from family and friends, who have just been incredible. But how do you manage if you don’t have the support?
"We also want to look at bleed bags and supporting the calls to have them available alongside defibrillators. There’s so much we can do to ensure losing Matthew is not in vain."
Members of Matthew's family and close friends will be in attendance when Everton welcome Arsenal on Sunday.
As a 10-year-old in April 2015, Matthew was a mascot for a 1-0 win over Burnley, walking out with captain Phil Jagielka and meeting players including current club skipper Seamus Coleman, a favourite of Matthew’s alongside Leighton Baines, Richarlison and Jordan Pickford.
"Matthew loved going to Goodison with all of his family. He really enjoyed his family holidays with his cousins. He loved his family, loved family life and had a great sense of humour,” said Gary.
"He will never get to see and do all the things he had planned and we want fans to applaud on Sunday and to raise awareness that this can happen to anyone, as it has to Matthew and to us as a family."
The thoughts of everyone at Everton Football Club continue to be with Gary, Angela and Tom, Matthew’s family, and his many friends, and all supporters are encouraged to join in Sunday’s applause when the clock reaches 19 minutes.
