Heal the World

Denise Fergus has spoken of her deep sadness at the death of Michael Jackson who hadlent his supportto the James Bulger House Appeal.

The pop star sent a message of condolences to Denise at the timethe murder of her sonJames in 1993.

And this year Michael had given the rights to his song 'Heal The World' to a group of young entertainers from Merseyside to help raise money for the James Bulger Red Balloon Learner Centre Appeal.

Said Denise: "I was actually listening to the Heal the Word CD when the news flash came up on the TV to say that Michael had died.

"I felt completely numb, like a member of my family had died. I felt that close to him.

"It has left me in a daze and I just find it hard to accept that he has been taken from us at such a realtively young age.

"He was a tremendous entertainer and I will always love his music. He was a genius."

* The CD entitled "Bulief - Heal the World" was given its official launch in Kirkbyat a charity ball that was held in memoryof James.

With all proceeds going towards James Bulger House, the planned Red Balloon MerseysideLearner Centre, hundreds packed into the Kirkby Civic Suitel for the event,includingDeniseand her husband Stuart.

Family and friends of tragic youngsters Rhys Jones, Francesca Bimpson and Sarah Payne, also attended the night whichraised more than£10,000.

The evening saw a host of singers and dancers, which included Britain's Got Talent favourites MD Productions, who appeared in the final of the hit TV show.

Numerous acts took to the stage for a four hour concert, which finished with a tear-jerking finale of a live performance of Heal The World, in front of a huge screen showing images of James, Rhys, Francesca and Sarah.

Event organiser Steve Linder said: ' I'm absolutley delighted with the turnout. This shows the tremendous support for the Red Balloon Appeal.'

He added: 'The funding is in place for the James Bulger House. The Centre will accomodate roughly about 15 children, but they are never going to lose their education at school because of bullies at schools.'

'These kids are going to have the best education that we can offer them through our charity Red Balloon Learner Centres.'

See a video of the event at
http://www.clickliverpool.com/news/local-news/124665-heal-the-world-song-launched-for-red-balloon-centre-in-liverpool.html

-- Posted by Red Balloon - Merseyside on 26th June 2009 --