THE mum of murdered toddler James Bulger visited St Helens to thank a firm of jewellers which is backing her campaign to help other young victims of crime.

Yesterday was the 21st anniversary of the death of two-year-old James who was abducted and murdered on a railway line in Liverpool, by 10-year-olds Robert Thompson and Jon Venables.

James’ mum Denise Fergus and her husband Stuart thanked Eddie Hoffman and Sharon Jones-Hoffman, who run Jones & Hoffman jewellers in Church Square Shopping Centre, who support The James Bulger Memorial Trust.

Their shop was one of the Trust’s first collection and badge distribution points raising money which provides free breaks in a six-berth holiday home at Ribby Hall for families whose children need a morale boost or have shown outstanding community spirit.

Denise, who continues to receive messages of sympathy and support from all over the world, said: “Eddie has been very supportive and very generously donated a Rotary watch and contributed to a dinner event which raised £10,000.

“Money from the badges will go towards improving the accommodation. Our annual fundraising target is £6,000, the amount needed to maintain James Bulger House at Ribby Hall.

“We want to help children who are wheelchair bound and are looking at purchasing a lodge there which will cost in the region of £190,000.

“I promised James I would always fight for justice and do my best to keep his memory alive.

“He was such a wonderful, loving and cheerful little boy. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him.

“I like to think that, like my other three sons, he would have been a good and kind boy, and become part of the community in which we live.”

Jeweller Eddie said: “I have got to know Denise and Stuart over the years, when they’ve called in the shop. I was delighted to offer to help. Already the collection box is filling.”

Church Square Shopping Centre manager Steven Brogan said: “I am sure our customers have a special place in their hearts for James, and for what his family have gone through.”

Donations can be made at Jones and Hoffman or online at forjames.org.

If any local businesses would like a collection box or to sell badges or hold an event for the charity, contact Stuart at enquiries@forjames.org or phone 0151 546 9508.