Daughter's tribute to 'best friend' dad after his death at 52

A Hillsborough survivor whose family say took his own life was described today by his daughter as her "best friend".

Chris Lam died at his home in Widnes on April 7 at the age of 52. His daughter Rebecca, 20, said her dad had suffered with depression since the 1989 disaster and had spent his life campaigning "tirelessly for justice".

Rebecca told the ECHO: "He was a Hillsborough survivor, he's struggled a lot since then, and always struggled in April in the lead up to the anniversary. We knew he was struggling but we've all said none of us expected he would have done anything like this."

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Paying tribute to her dad, Rebecca said he was a "well known" and "genuine" man, who was part of Widnes Running Club where he was known by the nickname "Mr Widnes".

Rebecca said: "He was genuine, he was full of life, always willing to give a hand to anybody. He was there for anybody to have a chat.

Hillsborough survivor Chris Lam died at his home in Widnes on April 7 at the age of 52. Pictured here with his daughter Rebecca, 20. (Family handout)

"He was like my best friend, we just bounced off each other. We kept each other going, he's always been my rock.

"He was so well known we couldn't go anywhere without him bumping into somebody that he knew."

Rebecca has now set up a Gofundme page to raise money for the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance, who provided counselling to her dad, and Amparo, a charity that offers support to anyone affected by suicide.

Chris Lam who was an avid golfer and a member of Widnes Running Club (Family handout)

In a message on the fundraising page, Rebecca said: "Chris was a wonderful man who brought happiness wherever he went. He was warm, kind, generous, funny, a sportsman, a supporter, a friend to many, a loved one and a doting father.

"He was also a massive Liverpool FC supporter and a Hillsborough survivor. He campaigned tirelessly for justice and felt passionately about the work of the HSA.

"He very sadly ended his own life in April 2022. Amparo have offered invaluable support to his loved ones during this difficult time.

"We believe that raising money for these two organisations in his name will help leave a positive legacy."

If you would like to donate to the Gofundme page click here.