Everton fans asked to clap in honour of "vibrant" Matthew Daulby who died in Ormskirk
The 19-year-old Everton fan was tragically killed in a knife attack in Ormskirk in July
The parents of a teenage Everton fan have paid tribute to their "loving and funny" son after he was stabbed to death.
Matthew Daulby was the victim of a horrific knife attack whilst on a night out with friends in Ormskirk in July.
The 19-year-old was taken to hospital after responders were called to save him, but despite their best efforts, he died in hospital in the early hours of July 29th.
As police investigations continue following the arrest of a second man in connection with his murder, Matthew's parents Gary and Angela have urged people to stay strong in his memory.
In a statement posted on social media, the family said: "Never in a million years did we think knife crime would affect our family, it doesn't happen to you and yours".
As part of an effort to highlight the damage knife crime does to families and the community, fans at Matthew's favourite football team Everton FC are being asked to clap during the nineteenth minute of their match with Arsenal today.
Daulby, who was a season ticket holder, was a keen football fan for the Toffees, acting as a mascot for the team against a 1-0 win against Burnley in 2015, when he was just 10.
"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," the family continued.
Matthew, from Lydiate, was meant to start a management course in September, as part of his apprenticeship.
He was also gearing up for a holiday to Ibiza with his friends when he was fatally wounded.
Gary and Angela, alongside Matthew's brother Tom, are now launching a foundation in Matthew's name to tackle knife crime and the devastating effect it has.
The foundation will also deal with youngsters being drawn into knife crime and work in preventing more young lives being needlessly lost to violence.
Father Gary spoke highly of his late son, saying: "Matthew was such a vibrant character and had a huge zest for life.
"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".
Gary also added that they want to give back to those who offered support to them after Matthew was killed - using the charity as a way to raise awareness of knife crime.
"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."