News

Krispy Kreme’s Manchester drive-thru has now re-opened for NHS and emergency services

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 17th April 2020
[siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_PanelImage_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget]
[siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_PanelText_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget]
[siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_PanelImage_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget]
[siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_panelQuote_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget]
[siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_PanelText_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget]

News

Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36

Danny Jones Danny Jones Joe Thompson death third cancer diagnosis

Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielder Joe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.

Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.

The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.

News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.

Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.

ADVERTISEMENT

“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”

Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”

ADVERTISEMENT

They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.

Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.

Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.

She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.

“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”

Gone far too soon. Rest in peace x

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Thompson Family (via Instagram)/Manchester United

News

There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.

Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?

Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.

Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.

This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.

As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.

There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.

And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.

With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.

Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Disney

More News

Keely Hodgkinson Great Manchester Run official starter 2025

City Centre

Local Olympian Keely Hodgkinson named as official starter of the 2025 Great Manchester Run

Crime

Murder investigation launched after 93-year-old woman found dead in Stockport suburb

News

‘Busiest’ Easter bank holiday weekend expected as 19 million people hit the roads

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches