The family of a man who died shielding his wife from an oncoming HGV crash on the M60 have issued a heartbreaking tribute to him.
David Lalgee, who was in his 60s, died in the collision on Thursday 20 March in Swinton.
An HGV had crossed the central reservation into the opposite lane, before going into the embankment and colliding with six vehicles.
David was rushed to hospital but has since died of his injuries, and his family have described him as ‘selfless and loving’ in an emotional tribute.
His loving family detailed how his final act was to shield his wife, Jo, from the oncoming tragedy, placing his body between hers and the oncoming lorry.
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“He took the full impact, sacrificing his life to save the woman he loved,” they said in the statement shared through GMP.
David was a father of three, stepfather of three, and proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, as well as a Pastor of Church Alive in Blackpool.
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In the tribute, they wrote: “He adored his family, and the way he loved his wife was something truly special filling their home with warmth, kindness, and steadfast devotion.”
David’s family said: “On Thursday 20 March 2025 my husband and father David tragically lost his life in a road traffic collision on the M60.
“David was a devoted father to Josh, Tamar, and Ben, a loving stepfather to Jake, Will, and Connie, and a proud grandfather to nine wonderful grandchildren.
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“He adored his family, and the way he loved his wife was something truly special filling their home with warmth, kindness, and steadfast devotion. His absence leaves a void that words cannot express.
“In his final moments, David did what he had always done—he put others before himself. With incredible bravery, he protected his wife, Jo, placing himself between her and the oncoming lorry that had crossed the central reservation.
“He took the full impact, sacrificing his life to save the woman he loved.
“No words can truly capture the man David was. He was a protector, a carer, the Pastor of Church Alive in Blackpool, as well as above all else, a pillar of love and support to so many.
“He lived to serve others, always offering kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
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“David cared for people his whole life, not just for own family and friends but he was a proprietor for his own care home for over 30 years, Stockdove care home in Cleveleys where he cared for the elderly.
“We cannot imagine anyone ever speaking a bad word about him. His selflessness and compassion touched so many lives, and while our time with him was far too short, we will forever cherish the moments and memories he gave us.
“In two weeks’ time, David’s son-in-law, Reuben Morley, will be running his first 100-mile ultramarathon—a challenge David wholeheartedly believed he could complete within 24 hours. In honour of David’s strength and determination, Reuben is dedicating his race to him.
“Finally, we want to acknowledge the overwhelming love and support we have received. Every message, every kind word, and every shared memory means the world to us.
“We see them all, and they remind us just how deeply David impacted so many lives.”
Robinson’s Brewery among latest to join the crucial ‘VAT’s the Problem campaign’
Danny Jones
In case you missed the news, local Greater Manchester business Robinson’s Brewery are among several big names to join the growing ‘VAT’s the Problem’ hospitality campaign.
The Stockport beer makers are just one of the latest recognisable brands to rally behind the initiative set up by well-known British chef Tom Kerridge.
As well as appearing on the likes of Great British Menu, MasterChef, and Saturday Kitchen, the restaurateur also sadly had to close his Manc restaurant at the Stock Exchange Hotel back in 2022 amid the ever-lingering cost of living crisis, as well as rising energy bills and business rates.
Spearheading this mass petition since the start of June, Kerridge is now being backed up by the likes of Robinson’s and many more who believe the change could prove vital for countless operators within the industry to survive.
Sharing a lengthy statement in the caption of a post on their social media profile, ‘Robbie’s’ wrote: “Hospitality is one of the UK’s greatest success stories. It employs millions of people, gives young people their first jobs, creates lifelong careers, keeps high streets alive and brings communities together.
“But the sector is under enormous pressure. Rising energy costs. Food inflation. Huge employment costs. Unjust business rates. The highest tax burden in the UK economy. And on top of all of that – a 20% VAT rate that is among the highest in Europe.
“Countries including Spain, Italy, France, Ireland and Germany know how important hospitality is to society, and they know it pays too much tax. That’s why they already support hospitality with lower VAT rates. The UK deserves the same.”
Proposing – along with their fellow campaigners across the country – for the VAT to be cut in half, they believe that 10% would not only help keep struggling bars, restaurants and more alive, but help further invest in job creation, aid customers when it comes to overall costs, and therefore “strengthen high streets and local communities.”
It isn’t just a case of reducing obstacles for those working within the sector, but an effort to help bring prices down across the board across Great Britain. Those who passionately serve the population are falling short, while those who want to patronise their favourite places can’t make ends meet.
“Because when hospitality businesses close, communities lose far more than places to eat and drink; they lose connection, opportunity and local identity. Help us, help our industry.”
Besides soon-to-be Prime Minister and outgoing Mayor Andy Burnham having been vocal in championing the campaign, others getting behind the movement range from native names like the Third Floor Rising cafe in Afflecks to fellow famous chefs like Scotland’s Tom Kitchin.
Issuing a statement to The Manc, the brewery’s MD for their pubs, William Robinson, went on to add: William Robinson, Managing Director of Pubs, went on to say: “The compounding impact of taxes on pubs and hospitality is really beginning to bite the sector; the changes to National Insurance and National Minimum Wage increases affect hospitality businesses especially hard.
“To be able to invest in our teams and future growth, hospitality needs to be given the same support it receives in other European countries. This will also allow us to employ and invest in younger team members and through that help them to develop skills which they can use throughout their careers.”
You can support the VAT’s the Problem campaign by signing the petition right HERE.
Road to Victory is turning Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl into the latest World Cup fan zone
Danny Jones
Manchester’s smash-hit Road to Victory is bringing its first-ever open-air World Cup fan zone to the city, as the event is set to take over Castlefield Bowl.
With England’s place in the semi-finals secured, it’s now a matter of just how far we can go…
The famous amphitheatre might be fresh from the 2026 edition of the annual Sounds of the City festival, but now they’ve decided to keep the ‘doors’ open for something equally special.
Norway was too soon, but now we’ve made it past the Scandinavian side, Castlefield Bowl will be welcoming roughly 9,000 fans for the semis against Argentina, AND (touch wood) the final.
Announced just before the tense quarter-final victory, the Road to Victory (RtV) team – backed by production company and promoters AIX Live, who specialise in multi-sensory, immersive fan experiences – have now confirmed moving into their latest Manc venue for the upcoming fixture at the very least.
Having started over at Depot Mayfield before moving to the likes of Diecast and most recently AO Arena, they’re planning to make the most of the ongoing heatwave by securing the beloved Bowl.
With the Manchester Storm ice hockey team returning to the Arena, they’ve had to vacate ahead of preparations; on the upside, it now means that we’re looking at one of the biggest outdoor supporter parks in the country, let alone just the North West.
Just imagine the vibes with the sun shining well into the late evening before the dusky sunset skies are filled with limbs and flying pints.
Here’s how it looked the last time we were there to cheer on the boys at the event:
Obviously, how many Road to Victory dates we get here all depends on whether or not Thomas Tuchel’s side make it past the reigning World Champions, Argentina.
Yeah, you know, just the world’s greatest-ever footballer in Lionel Messi and a team who have won back-to-back Copa America trophies. No biggie.
The demand was obviously expected to be huge from the off, with more than 40,000 joining the party for the 2022 World Cup, and the previous Euros final in 2024 sold out the AO Arena, so it’s no surprise that tickets are already selling out fast.
With that in mind, we’d say be quick on the draw; plus, make sure you get down early with doors from 5pm, as the Road to Victory pre-show will kick things off pronto, alongside live DJs, entertainment and bars – all of which promise to deliver an unparalleled festival-like matchday atmosphere.
You can grab yours right HERE and, in the meantime, if you’re still wondering where the best places to watch England vs Argentina in Manchester city centre are, you can find our round-up down below.
Daisy Jackson -
11th April 2025 
