Walter Byford was a resident of Weatherfield Vale, the care home where Martin Platt was employed. Martin became concerned about Walter's well-being when he went off his food. He explained that he was worried about his sister, Mabel - who had been placed in Greenside House, situated on the other side of Weatherfield following Walter's stroke. Although Gerald Lickley, the care home manager was unsympathetic towards Walter's situation, Martin managed to secure a place for him in his sister's home. When Martin went to inform him of the good news, he discovered that Walter had died.