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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Liam Thorp

Parliament hears tribute to 'pioneering' former ECHO journalist Dan Kay

The 'extraordinary and pioneering' work of a former Liverpool Echo journalist who died suddenly has been honoured in Parliament.

Dan Kay, 45, was a tireless campaigner on behalf of the families and survivors of the Hillsborough disaster. He was a much-loved member of the ECHO team for many years where he pioneered digital journalism in the newsroom and helped to lead this newspaper's coverage of the Hillsborough legal proceedings.

News of Dan's death yesterday led to an enormous outpouring of sadness and love for a man described as 'kind, generous and gentle' by all who knew him. Today in Parliament, Wirral South Labour MP Alison McGovern raised a point of order so that Dan's legacy as a tireless Hillsborough justice campaigner would be noted in Hansard, the permanent record of the House of Commons.

READ MORE: Outpouring of love for 'tireless' campaigner who 'touched the lives of everyone who knew him'

Ms McGovern said: "The first debate in this house arising from a public petition was that on the Hillsborough Stadium disaster in 2011 and I'm sorry to tell you that one of the campaigning journalists who made that debate happen, Dan Kay, died this weekend.

"Dan made an extraordinary, pioneering contribution to journalism and he was an incredible support to bereaved families and survivors during the very traumatic second inquest."

She then asked Deputy Commons Speaker Rosie Winterton how best Dan's legacy could be remembered. The Deputy Speaker responded to say: "She has succeeded in putting this sad news on the record and I'm sure that colleagues from all sides of the house will wish to join her in sending their condolences to Dan's family and friends." The intervention was warmly welcomed by Members of Commons across the House.

Tributes to Dan have continued to flow in from across the region and beyond. Social media has been flooded with moving words from those who knew and loved him and the many people who he helped.

A statement from his beloved Liverpool Football Club said: "Everyone at LFC is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Dan Kay. A much respected journalist who was well known to many at the club, tireless Hillsborough campaigner and lifelong Liverpool fan, our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."

The Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance said: "Heart-breaking to hear about the sudden passing of one of the Liverpool Echo great writers, campaigners, fundraiser and author & co writer of With Hope In Her Heart. Our thoughts are with Dan’s family and friends. Anyone affected by this very sad news please contact us at HSA."

Dan's uncle Steven Waldman said: "I doubt there is a more decent person than Daniel.

"He was a giving, supportive, loving person. He cared for society, he cared for Liverpool Football Club and he had a strong social conscience. He wanted to work with people in need, that was his plan.

"He had the ability to listen to people and provide support. He was a wonderful son, supportive to his mother and father. He gave understanding and support to my mother, his grandmother, Edna Waldman and to his grandfather Jack. He was a totally giving person."

A date has not yet been confirmed for Dan's funeral although it is expected to take place at Broadgreen Jewish Cemetery.

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