Tributes paid as Rev Alyn Haskey dies in hospital

An inspirational writer, evangelist and priest, who suffered from cerebral palsy, died this week after his condition had deteriorated rapidly in hospital.
 
The Revd Alyn Rex Haskey, an Associate Priest at St Christopher with St Philip Sneinton, in Nottingham, died on 9 February 2012.
 
The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Butler, paid tribute to Alyn and said: “I have known Alyn (pictured right with Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams) since I was a Nottingham student in the 1970s. Over the years we worked together visiting schools, running Holiday Clubs, engaging in Parish missions and much else besides.

"Alyn was always a great wit, a thoughtful poet, a good storyteller and an inspiring man. His courage in the face of his disabilities, his perseverance and his deep love of Jesus Christ were wonderful. As a Reader then as a priest he added further to his long and extensive ministry. He will be greatly missed. It was an absolute privilege to have known Alyn and be a friend. “
 
Alyn was born with cerebral palsy and spent his early years fighting against severe difficulties including a pronounced speech defect. He went on to gain a degree in History and Sociology and also studied Theology. He won a bronze medal with the Great Britain wheelchair football team at the 1984 Paralympics, but many people have known him for his gifts as a writer and evangelist. The book about his life entitled Don’t talk to me about life, is a collection of poems, stories, reflections and modern parables, which gives an insight into how his faith changed his perspective on life.

Alyn was a gifted evangelist, especially with the young. He was one of the first diocesan evangelists, licensed 20 years ago well before he was ordained. In his disability he witnessed both the brokenness and strong love of Jesus to all he met in a very real and down to earth way.
 
Alyn was ordained as a deacon in the Church of England in 2004 and Priested in 2005. He became an associate priest at St Christopher with St Philip’s Sneinton, St Nicholas Nottingham, and St Saviour’s Nottingham in 2004 – offering ministry across all three churches. He was also appointed a Diocesan Advisor in Evangelism in 2009.
 
Alyn leaves a sister, a brother, two nephews, two nieces, and a great nephew and niece.

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