In Memoriam: Andy Walne

The university is saddened to report the death of Andy Walne at the end of February.

Andy joined LJMU in August 2022 as Head of Operations for the Faculty of Health, and was appointed to the role of Business Manager for the Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science (HITS) in August 2025.

Andy joined us from the University of Otago in New Zealand where he had worked since January 2016, latterly as Warden University College/Acting Senior Warden of Colleges. He moved to New Zealand in July 2008 when he was employed by Aoraki Polytechnic.

Andy made a significant contribution to LJMU through his leadership, integrity and commitment to colleagues and students, and he will be greatly missed.

Those who worked closely with Andy will remember him as a kind, thoughtful and deeply considerate colleague. He was unfailingly supportive of others, always taking time to check in on colleagues and offer help where it was needed. Andy never drew attention to his own ill health and met it with quiet resilience, maintaining his focus on supporting those around him and approaching his work with professionalism, warmth and good humour. His calm, caring presence made a lasting impression on many across the university.

His funeral will take place on 25 March at 11am in Vale Royal Crematorium, Northwich.

Our thoughts are with Andy’s wife Julia, his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.