Members of the Dan Kay Foundation, which was launched in his honour to fund mental health crisis training, youth organisations and those in need, raised over £5,800
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Updated 18:05, 23 Mar 2025
Dan Kay Foundation members ran the Liverpool Half Marathon today
Dan Kay Foundation members ran the Liverpool Half Marathon today(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Twelve runners took on the Liverpool Half Marathon today in memory of former ECHO journalist and Hillsborough justice campaigner Dan Kay, who died in May 2023 at the age of 45. Members of the Dan Kay Foundation, which was launched in his honour to fund mental health crisis training, youth organisations and those in need, raised over £5,800 for the run.
Among them was ECHO Political Editor Liam Thorp and former members of the ECHO's sportsdesk including Sean Bradbury, Sam Carroll and Adam Jones. Dan Kay worked at the ECHO from 2003 until 2021 across news and sport and was a universally popular member of the team.
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He was a driving force within the campaign for justice over Hillsborough both in his personal life and with the ECHO - where he was central to the coverage that stemmed from the disaster, most poignantly of the inquests that led to the ruling the 97 innocent men, women and children who lost their lives as a result of the tragedy were unlawfully killed.
The Dan Kay Foundation has raised over £20,000 since 2023. Liam Thorp, one of the runners, described Dan as "a brilliant colleague and friend to many of us at the Liverpool ECHO," adding: "He was someone who always interested in others and would genuinely go out of his way to help people whenever he could.
"I remember when I first started at the ECHO - which was a fairly daunting experience. Dan was one of the first people to come over, sit on the corner of my desk and chat to me. Of course he talked about football, of which he had an extraordinary passion and knowledge, but he instantly helped to make me feel settled and welcome - something he did with many others in his time in our newsroom.
"Dan was a superb journalist and writer and someone many of us learnt a lot from. It was of course his pivotal work on the subject of the Hillsborough disaster that would become the most important work of his life as he fought endlessly for the families of those Liverpool fans who died in their campaign for justice.
Former ECHO journalist Dan Kay, who died in May 2023
Former ECHO journalist Dan Kay, who died in May 2023(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
"When the news came in 2023 that Dan had died, it was difficult to comprehend. When it later emerged he had taken his own life it was heart-breaking to imagine someone so kind who had been suffering so badly. I reported on Dan's inquest last year - which was one of the most emotionally difficult experiences of my career, but something we felt was vital to do and to do properly."
Liam, who completed the half marathon this morning, was said to be 'broken' following the run. He said: "As someone who has never been much of a runner, I knew this was going to be a huge challenge for me and it was.
"There were some really tough moments but thoughts of Dan and what an inspiring person he was definitely kept me going at times. I’m so grateful to everyone who generously donated to help us raise a brilliant amount of money for the Dan Kay Foundation.
"This will do so much good and help people in the way Dan always did in his life. Now I’m retiring from running."
Former ECHO sports editor Sean Bradbury said: "Today felt like the kind of morning Dan would have loved: lots of people coming together for good causes in an event that showcased the city of Liverpool at its best. There were almost a dozen runners doing the half marathon to raise funds for the foundation that now carries Dan’s name and helps organisations close to his heart.
"Dan was as generous and supportive a colleague and friend as you could possibly imagine. It’s been great to see thousands raised already in his honour - and any further donations would be hugely appreciated by everyone involved on Sunday."
Former Liverpool Echo journalist and Hillsborough campaigner Dan Kay
Former Liverpool Echo journalist and Hillsborough campaigner Dan Kay
Dan's cousin Amos Waldman added: "Massive congratulations and a huge thanks to everyone who pounded the streets of Liverpool on behalf of the Dan Kay Foundation. Amazing effort.
"You can rest those legs tonight knowing that the money you have raised will go to causes close to Dan's heart. Thank you also to everyone who donated and supported the runners."
Thousands of runners descended on the Liverpool waterfront today to take part in the city's 31st half marathon, which began at 9am outside the Cunard Building. The marathon consisted of two different runs including the 13.1 mile half marathon and a 'shorter' 10-mile run.
The 'shorter' run reached a 'split point' 3.5 miles into the race, where the half marathon and 10-mile road racers separated to follow different routes. Huge crowds of supporters lined the route of the race to cheer on the participants.
Ian Lawton from Gateacre was crowned the male winner of the Liverpool Half Marathon. He told the ECHO: "Two years ago I won the half marathon and that was like a dream. Now, at the age of 43, I really didn't think it was possible to recreate 2023.
Liverpool Half Marathon men's winner Ian Lawton
Liverpool Half Marathon men's winner Ian Lawton
"Today it happened again and I could not be more proud. The event was bigger this year and the support was absolutely unbelievable. I was talking to two lads at the end from London who couldn't believe the atmosphere on the course. Our city should be very proud yet again."
Lucy Fairclough was crowned the women's winner of the Half Marathon. For the shorter 10-miler run, Paul Edwards was crowned the winner amongst the men, and Ellie Hunter was the winner of the women's race.
Congratulations to all who took part in the run today. If you would like to donate to the Dan Kay Foundation please click here.