It was with great sadness that the LDSA learned of the sudden passing of our friend, and LDSA founder member, Adam Walker on the 26th September 2013. Adam was 31 years old.
As a founder member of LDSA, Adam served on the committee for 4 years and helped the organisation to establish itself and gain credibility. Adam was an intelligent and thoughtful young man who had conviction in his beliefs and was committed to achieving equality for disabled people; he was perfectly suited to representing the views of the disabled fans of LFC.
Adam also had a great sense of humour and was able to laugh at himself and take an understated stance towards his disability and how it affected his life. Due to cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis, Adam was unable to stand, walk, or use his hands so he used an electric wheelchair which he controlled skilfully with his chin.
Originally from Southport, Adam moved to East Sussex where he attended Chailey Heritage, a residential special school for children and young adults. Upon leaving school at 19, Adam's love of LFC was a massive contributing factor in him moving back to Formby from where he could travel to Anfield easily.
Liverpool Football Club, and football in general, was Adam's passion and he was a real student of the game with a vast knowledge of players, teams, and tactics. Watching football at Anfield meant so much to Adam, he said, "When I'm most relaxed with myself ... is when I'm watching football, because then I'm not any different, it's 45,000 people all in red". When Adam couldn't get tickets for Liverpool matches he would attend games at Blackburn where he was equally well known and he was also a keen supporter of the England national team.
Over the years, Adam became a familiar face to many within the game and could count some players as his friends; his charm and determination helped him gain almost unparalleled access as he amassed a vast collection of football memorabilia that would be the envy of fans far and wide.
Away from football Adam worked for Triangle, an organisation that helps children with disabilities to communicate; Adam travelled all over the country to give communication training to many professionals including doctors, police officers, care workers, teachers, and lawyers.
Adam is survived by his parents Alan and Dayle; his sister, Suzanne; and his brothers, Mark and James.
