James Walker scored once in four games for Bristol Rovers, when on loan from Charlton Athletic back in 2006.

The 35 year old striker suffered a cardiac arrest in February 2019 and now lives in a care home in Southend and the local football club, for whom he appeared in 54 games, is organising a benefit match to raise funds for him in May.

The match, is being organised by Southend United’s Ex Players Association, which is part of the Southend United Shrimpers trust.

Walker, who also worked as a PE Teacher, was demonstrating a somersault to his class when he suffered a massive cardiac arrest which, for a time, stopped all blood flow to his brain. He was in a coma for 15 days and only just pulled through.

When he came round he it was evident that what had happened had left him with both physical and mental impairments and although he can now walk and move about freely he cannot look after himself, and lives in a 24 hour care home in Southend.

He may only have featured briefly in the Bristol Rovers story, but we at Bristol Rovers Former Players Association send our good wishes to James as he continues his recovery.

Keith Brookman February 2023