MOTHER OF MURDERED ANTHONY WALKER MADE MBE

The mother of an 18-year-old who was murdered in a racist attack has paid tribute to the supportive people of Liverpool as she was made an MBE for her fight against prejudice.

Anthony Walker was killed in a park in Huyton, Merseyside, in July 2005.

Dr Gee Walker has devoted her life to tackling the "evil that racism brings". and set up The Anthony Walker Foundation in honour of her son.

She was made an MBE by the Princess Royal during a Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony for services to diversity and racial injustice.

Cousins Paul Taylor and Michael Barton, the brother of former Premiership footballer Joey Barton, were jailed for the racist murder in December 2005.

The crime prompted widespread condemnation and The Anthony Walker Foundation was set up to tackle racism, hate crime and discrimination by providing educational opportunities, victim support services and by promoting equity and inclusion for all.

Dr Walker said her son's legacy was "forgiveness" because "he was always a man of love, and I do this for him, and I hope he will be proud of me today for receiving this honour".

She added: "I honour the people who work behind the scenes tirelessly - my children who are here with me - because they are part of the journey and I could not have done it without them.

"And the people of Liverpool, I must honour them because they stood with me, and this is also for them. They continually supported us in every way, shape and form - so, Liverpool, I salute you."

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MOTHER OF MURDERED ANTHONY WALKER MADE MBE

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