For Denise Fergus, the place where she goes to remember her little boy is sacred. This week, that place was violated — and the pain has cut deep.
James Bulger’s mother has spoken out after her son’s grave was vandalised, describing the moment she saw the damage as utterly shattering. The memorial, which has stood for decades as a place of remembrance and quiet reflection, was found damaged, with the cherished cherub figures on the headstone destroyed.
“I just broke down in tears,” Denise said. “I was — and still am — completely devastated.”
‘I Will Find You’
Speaking exclusively, Denise issued a firm warning to whoever carried out the act, vowing she will not stop until those responsible are held accountable.
“My message to the despicable, evil person who did this is simple,” she said.
“You will be found. You will be caught. And you will face justice.”
She added that the attack was “the most devastating thing to happen to our most sacred place”.
A Loss Reopened
The two cherubs that stood on either side of James’ grave held enormous personal meaning for Denise. They had been there for 30 years — longer, she said, than the time she was able to spend with her son.
“They’re a huge part of my life,” she explained. “When I saw what had been done to James’ resting place, my heart just sank.”
The charity linked to James’ memorial alerted the family to the damage, prompting an immediate visit that left Denise overwhelmed with grief.
A Painful Date Approaching
The incident has cast a shadow over a deeply personal and important time for the family. James’ birthday is just weeks away — a day they traditionally spend together at the grave, remembering him.
“This year won’t be the same,” Denise said quietly. “Instead of peace, we’ll be standing there seeing what someone has done to my James. That’s another awful blow.”
She described the grave as a place where she mourns, reflects, and feels close to her son — a place she now fears is being taken away from her.
Not the First Time
Denise also revealed the memorial has been targeted before, forcing the family to remove items from the grave out of concern it could happen again.
“No mother should ever have to do that,” she said. “All I’m doing is fighting for justice, running a foundation to help others, and trying to honour my child — and this happens. It’s disgusting.”
A Mother’s Resolve
More than three decades after James’ death, his mother continues to protect his memory with unwavering determination.
“This is our sacred place,” Denise said. “And I will never stop fighting for it.”
