Heartbroken Humans of Liverpool creator launches appeal fund to help LFC Parade victims

A fund to help victims of the LFC parade tragedy has been launched by Humans of Liverpool creator Adam Thompson.

Adam, whose Instagram account has thousands of followers and tells the hidden stories of people in the city, has set up a GoFundMe appeal with a £5,500 target for LFC Parade victims.

Working with the Community Foundations for Merseyside charity (CFM) which helps local people in crisis – and supported Southport families affected by last summer’s horrific knife attack – he says the money will go to those who were physically and psychologically hurt in Monday’s shocking victory parade incident when a car ploughed into crowds of fans on Water Street.

“It was a day meant for joy and celebration which turned into something else entirely,” says Adam, who watched the LFC parade with a group of friends at Childwall Fiveways.

“When we heard about what had happened in town, like everyone else our hearts sank.

“Instantly you think about all those who were hurt, and the whole day being defined by that by those outside of the city.”

He adds: “Like everyone else, I was left shocked and heartbroken. This isn’t the kind of moment any of us ever expect. It’s shaken our city. And so straight away I started to think about how I could get involved in some way and use my platform to help.”

With misinformation rife – something the police swiftly and ‘thankfully addressed’ – he goes on: “Initially it was to put my thoughts out there and get people to spread love, not hate or misinformation.

“But I have a pre-existing relationship with GoFundMe from last year when the Southport attack happened and they asked me to share their hub with different fundraisers on it, and this time around, they asked if I would host the fundraiser.

“It was in unfortunate circumstances obviously, but also an honour and privilege that they trusted me with something like this.

“I made sure to gather information on how the money would be used before putting anything out. There are so many fundraisers; there’s a recession, and personal financial situations are pretty tough right now, so I wanted to make sure people know what their donations will go towards.”

Every donation of the Support LFC Parade Victims GoFundMe appeal will go to the victims through the Community Foundations for Merseyside who will work alongside Merseyside Police Family Liaison Officers and other emergency services to ensure that any support reaches those who need it most.

In the first instance, Adam says, it will prioritise people directly affected by the incident, who needed hospital or medical treatment, physically or psychologically.

Then, once any immediate needs are met, it will be directed towards community organisations in Liverpool working to rebuild and care for ‘our collective wellbeing’.

“This could include services offering emotional support, helping to co-ordinate local response, or creating ways for our communities to come together,” says Adam. “Depending on how much money is raised, it will go to supporting local charities and mental health services that are at an all-time low anyway and fighting to survive.”

He concludes: “What happened has also brought out something powerful: our need to stand together.

“If anyone’s ever been moved by a story on Humans of Liverpool where I share everyday stories of strength and connection across our city, I ask that they are a part of this one, and we can remind each other what Liverpool is really about, and that’s coming together when it matters most.

“Monday’s incident felt surreal. It was horrific. And now we hope that all the victims make a full recovery and that this doesn’t define the whole celebration.

“This is our chance to show those impacted that Liverpool, and the global community of LFC fans, looks after their own—not just in joy, but in pain too.”