A charity has been launched in memory of Liverpool Echo journalist, Dan Kay.
Kay died suddenly in May last year, aged 45. The Dan Kay Foundation, which has been set up by family, friends and former colleagues, aims to tackle the stigma around mental health.
“Barely a day goes by without Dan’s name being mentioned in the Liverpool Echo newsroom. He remains a much-missed colleague and a huge inspiration to our reporting team who have learned an awful lot from his many achievements and his commitment to combating injustice,” said Liverpool Echo Editor, Maria Breslin.
“I know being a Liverpool Echo journalist was a big part of Dan’s life for very many years and I am pleased we have been able to support, in some small way, the setting up of a charity aimed at carrying on the good work he started.”
As well as writing for the Echo as a sports journalist, Kay also campaigned on behalf of the Hillsborough families and was central to the paper’s coverage of the inquest.
He worked alongside the family of Anne Williams, whose teenage son died in the disaster and co-wrote her daughter’s book – With Hope in her Heart.
Since his death last year, friends, family and Echo staff have raised more than £13k for organisations he volunteered for, including An Hour For Others and Tough To Talk.
“It is emotional and exciting to see The Dan Kay Foundation registered with the Charity Commission,” said co-founder Amos Waldman.
“It has been a privilege to work with so many amazing and talented people to who Dan meant so much over the last year or so. Together, as trustees and volunteers, we look forward to continuing Dan’s great work.”
As well as raising awareness, the charity hopes to spread kindness and create opportunities for those less fortunate.
