I come before you all with a request this afternoon, a request for positive energy. Not for myself, but for a young 17 year old lad who lives not too far from me, and is a massive supporter of Liverpool Football Club like myself. I found out about this last night. The lad is called Liam Harker, and this is his sad story (taken from the Liverpool FC website):

"Liverpool supporters have once again proved just why they're held in such high esteem all over the world after rallying round to bring some joy to a young Liverpool fan dying of cancer.

On the eve of the Fulham match, liverpoolfc.tv published the tragic story of Liam Harker, a 17-year-old Liverpool fanatic from Darlington, who was presented with a signed shirt by his Anfield heroes on the day that doctors admitted there was nothing more they could do to save his life.

Liam only found out he was suffering from stomach cancer six weeks ago after he was admitted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital in Newcastle. After being treated with an intensive course of radiotherapy, Liam was told on April 3 that he had beaten the cancer as the tumour had started to shrink.

Things took a serious turn for the worse the following day when Liam became very ill however. X-Rays revealed that the cancer had not only returned, it had spread throughout his body. It was at this moment that his parents were told that more radiotherapy would only help prolong his life by a matter of weeks.

On April 11, Liam was told he had just two weeks left to live and was allowed home to die. Macmillan nurses are on hand round the clock to help him and his family at this incredibly difficult time. Upon arriving home, Liam's wish to his dad was to spend his final days in a shirt signed by the players he idolises. He also asked his dad to bury him in a Liverpool shirt when he dies as he's lived and breathed Liverpool Football Club all his life.

When news reached the club of Liam's plight, the youngster's dad was contacted and Liam was invited down to Melwood on Monday to not only pick up a signed shirt but also be taken on a tour of Melwood and meet not just the players but also Rafael Benitez.

Unfortunately, Liam was advised by doctors that he wouldn't be able to make the trip to Liverpool due to his worsening condition as even short trips between his home and the hospital in Newcastle for radiotherapy sessions take too much out of the youngster.

However, while Liam couldn't make the trip to Melwood to pick up the shirt, on Friday one arrived special delivery at his home in the North East from Liverpool complete with the autographs of all his heroes.

News of Liam's brave battle struck a chord with Liverpool supporters all over the world and fans on Red and White Kop, the independent Liverpool website, and many other official and unofficial fans forums took it upon themselves over the weekend to try and send a message back to Liam that he was never going to walk alone. The idea was simple: make a flag with a message to Liam, unveil it during the Chelsea game on Tuesday, alert ITV to Liam's plight and pray that the TV cameras pick it up for Liam to see watching back home in his bed in Darlington."

So there you are. That is Liam's tale. Please, if you can, send lots of positive energy to Liam and his family. Help him make it through to at least Tuesday night (and hopefully beyond), so he can watch the big match on TV and see all the banners made to show the fans support. Thank you.