A ST HELENS footballer who lost his leg in a motorbike accident has been one of the leading figures on an international inclusion project by Everton and its kit manufacturer.
It has been a whirlwind few years for Liam Burbridge, from Clock Face, who after losing his left leg in 2013, has gone on to win the English amputee football league, the FA Cup, and secured Champions League football.
The dad-of-three has also represented his country in an amputee World Cup and Nations League tournament, despite only joining Everton for his first taste of amputee football two years ago.
Achieving this sporting success in such a short space of time, Liam was chosen as the amputee team's representative for Everton and hummel's limited edition 'Equality Jersey', which also included players from the men's, women's, and under 21 teams.
READ > Cocaine dealer's 'double life' collapsed after being caught at bar
The shirt, which almost instantly sold out on Everton's website, is part of a wider campaign by Danish manufacturers hummel, with Real Betis, FC Köln, Brøndy IF, Las Palmas, Southampton and Coventry City also taking part.
Proceeds from the sale of each shirt went towards 'Everton in the Community'; which delivers vital projects and education sessions in disability, youth engagement, and social isolation, as well as celebrating cultural diversity and the LGBT+ community at the club.
Liam, who works as a therapeutic support worker and has gone back to college to train as a physiotherapist, said: "The feedback has been brilliant to the shirt and the campaign, and it completely sold out within a few days.
"I'm really happy to be a part of it because Everton in the Community have helped me so much over the years, as they have done with a lot of other people.
"I've grown up a Liverpool fan but Everton has changed my life, the support they have given me has been amazing."
With the amputee Euros and Champions League next on the horizon, Liam hopes to keep pushing the amputee game into the limelight and raise its awareness, with the long-term goal of taking it professionally.
And after "falling in love" with the amputee game, Liam said he hopes to continue sharing his story to help any other people who may find themselves in a similar position to him.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here