‘HE WAS SUCH A HAPPY, FUNNY, MISCHIEVOUS CHARACTER, ALWAYS SMILING’
TRIBUTES TO BLUEBIRDS FAN AFTER DEATH, AGED JUST 22
EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to a “happy, funny and mischievous” Cardiff City fan who has died at the age of 22.
Liam Davies, who lived for his beloved Bluebirds, Manchester United and Wales, was described by his heartbroken sister Abbie as “always smiling”.
His family have now set up a GoFundMe page to get a plaque created and erected at the front gates of the Cardiff City Stadium, with any funds left over going to two charities.
“Liam may no longer be with us but he will forever be in my heart and I will think of him every day and keep his memory alive,” said Abbie, 20, from Pencoed.
“He was such a happy, funny, mischievous character, always smiling as you can see from near enough every single photo.
“He will always be remembered and spoken about fondly by every single person who knew him.”
Liam was five years old when it was thought he had dyspraxia, a condition affecting physical co-ordination.
“He was a bit awkward when he was walking, but he was still running around and playing football with his friends, just like any other boy,” said Abbie.
“We just assumed he was a bit clumsy.”
But when he failed to respond to treatment for dyspraxia, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Friedreich’s ataxia at the age of nine.
The disorder leads to progressive difficulty with walking, a loss of sensation in the arms and legs, and impaired speech.
He was also found to have a rare heart condition which is linked to Friedreich’s ataxia.
The former Pencoed Comprehensive School pupil was almost entirely confined to his wheelchair and needed help with everyday tasks, but on Tuesday, July 21 he lost his life to the condition.
To mark his 22nd birthday in April, Abbie issued a plea on social media to some of Wales’ biggest sporting stars to send her short video messages which she could surprise him with on the big day.
And thanks to her dogged persistence, she received more than 70 clips from famous people which lasted 23 minutes when put together. As well as receiving birthday wishes from his favourite Cardiff City, Cardiff Devils and Wales rugby players, both past and present, Liam also had messages from pop stars and actors.
“My brother isn’t the kind of person to show too much emotion as he’s quite reserved, but the smile of appreciation on his face when he saw it was more than enough.”
Any money left over from the installation of the plaque will be shared between Ataxia UK and the Cardiff City Foundation.
“Liam loved the club so much and they go out of their way to include people of all abilities to achieve their dreams of playing football,” said Abbie.
To donate please go to uk.gofundme.com/f/ liams-cardiff-citymemorial-plaque