Luton Town’s Liam Walsh has thanked his club and fans for their outpouring of support after he and his partner recently disclosed they had lost their baby through miscarriage.
Aston Villa and England midfielder Missy Bo Kearns revealed the news in a social media post in March, having previously announced she was pregnant.
An emotional Walsh said they had taken the joint decision to speak publicly about their loss – ahead of The Hatters trip to Wembley Stadium on Sunday – to help other people going through similar situations.
Walsh also praised the club for its help, saying: “The manager’s been with me every step of the way, and Missy says every day how much he’s done for us.”
Missy Bo Kearns, holding the England pennant, is part of the national team [PA Media]
Speaking to BBC Three Counties Radio presenter Justin Dealey, the 28-year-old said he wanted anyone suffering the loss of a baby in pregnancy to also feel well supported and added that it was an important matter to be open about.
“The pain is just obviously unexplainable so we want to get a message out there [about] how to support people,” said Walsh.
“You never know what some people are going through, so I think… people close to you, just always checking up and being supportive… that’s the right way to go about life.
“I’ve had all the support in the world from my club and so has Missy.”
Walsh said he had also been overwhelmed by fans’ emails and messages sent to the League One club, which had been passed on to him.
“You get emotional reading it, and it’s someone that I’ve never met,” he added.
Liam Walsh (centre) said his partner, family and a busload of friends will be at Wembley to cheer him on in the EFL Trophy final against Stockport [PA Media]
Walsh said he was a “bubbly” character by nature and felt his spirit had been lifted by throwing himself back into training.
He also said how fans singing his name in the first few minutes of a recent Kenilworth Road game had given him a boost and had been “all I wanted since I came to this club”.
Kearns will be in the crowd at Wembley for the Vertu/EFL Trophy final against Stockport County.
The Hatters last won the cup in 2009 – beating Scunthorpe in what was then called the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Kearns, who like Walsh is originally from Liverpool, will be joined in the stand by 26 of their friends from their home city, who will travel to London on their own bus.
“It’s the next big game for us and it’s the occasion as well – that means more than anything, having friends and family there,” said Walsh.
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