Our former player James Walker has made huge strides since that wonderful day back in May 2023 to help raise funds for his ongoing care needs. However, for that progress to continue, and for life to get a little closer to what it was like before his tragic life-changing event, we would like to give James a further boost.
To recap … one day, in February 2019, James was demonstrating a somersault to his class when he suffered a massive cardiac arrest which, for a period, stopped all blood flow to his brain. James was in a coma for 15 days and it was touch and go as to whether he would survive, but when he came round, it was evident that what had happened had left him with both physical and mental impairments.
His loving family have since been with him every step of the way, and his mum Dawn is an inspiration to us all. It wasn’t until the start of 2023 that we got to know of James’s plight. Before our benefit match, now over two years ago, James found social interaction challenging, and took all food through a stent in the stomach. He also took medication to control his behaviour. But, thanks to YOUR help, James has been able to attend countless therapy sessions and be part of several life experience events which have made a HUGE DIFFERENCE.
He now eats and drinks normally and earlier this year his medication ceased – and you should see the difference! James now enjoys and appreciates many things – he even earlier this year attended a Southend United home match sitting in the East Stand with the fans.
Life though is still a battle. He continues to live in a 24-hour care home environment, and to avoid his progress plateauing, further therapy and life enrichment sessions are vital … and of course these things cost.
At SUEPA we don’t just do something and think that’s ‘job done’. Since the benefit match we have been in regular contact with James and his mum, and a group that we put them in touch with, the wonderful folk of Just Ride in Southend, has become one of James’s favourite activity sessions.
So, what are we going to do? Well, on Saturday 4th October 2025, 10 am to 12 noon, James will be taking part in one of Just Ride’s regular bike sessions and we would like you to join us – or if you cannot be there please be a sponsor.
Who will be there? James, some of his family, we hope a former Southend United teammate or two (keep a look out on SUEPA social media for news of who), members of the Shrimpers Trust, and as many people who would like to be there. It will be wonderful to get as many Shrimpers there as possible to show James we are with him in support.
- Where is it? The Just Ride sessions are at Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend SS24FA. There is plenty of on-site parking if you are coming by car.
- Can I use my own bike? Yes, or you can (for a small donation to Just Ride) use one of their circa 160 bikes that they have available for the public to use.
- Do I need to ride? It is entirely up to you. Just come along and watch if you wish.
- How do I donate? There will be a bucket collection on the day, but if you cannot be there you can donate online HERE
If you have any questions please contact SUEPA by email at suepa@shrimperstrust.co.uk
Every penny raised will be used by James’s family to help him continue on his long journey on the road to recovery. With your support we can help him get there. A donation will also be made by SUEPA from the profits of our recently published ‘Roots & All’ book.
SUEPA: creating new memories.