Bury

Bury AFC pays touching tribute to dedicated super fan Amanda Freeman after her death

'She was the epitome of what our club stands for'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 4th May 2023

Bury AFC has shared a moving tribute after the death of one of their most dedicated supporters, Amanda Freeman.

The fan-owned Greater Manchester club described her as a ‘dedicated volunteer and loyal Shaker’, who was ‘always smiling’.

Amanda, known to most as Mandy, was the daughter of legendary super fan Keith Freeman, who died in 2014.

Speaking of her passing, Bury AFC wrote: “We are devastated to report the passing of a well-loved and dedicated Bury supporter, Amanda Freeman. A ‘Her Game Too’ advocate, fundraiser & tunnel steward.

“Always smiling, go a million miles for anyone, dedicated volunteer and loyal Shaker who will be dearly missed by all.

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“Mandy competed in her beloved maroon team Bury AFC Women Recreational, being a valued member of the team.

“Our thoughts are with partner Martin & all their friends and family at this sad time. Sleep well, Mandy.”

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They then added: “Mandy was not only a team member, she was the epitome of what our club stands for. Passionate, loyal, selfless and gave her all to her beloved club and her team maroon. She will be missed by all, sleep well Mandy.”

Bury FC also shared a tribute, writing: “REST IN PEACE MANDY. We are saddened to hear about the loss of Mandy Freeman.

“Mandy was not just a Bury fan through and through, but also much-loved and will now be sorely missed. Our thoughts and condolences go to her family. From her #ShakersFamily.”

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Tributes and well-wishes have been pouring in from other members of the club’s community.

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Her Game Too, a non-profit that raises awareness for sexism in the game, wrote: “We are so saddened and heartbroken to hear of Mandy’s passing, she truly was a lovely lady and she will be missed by so many, RIP Mandy.”

Another person commented: “Our Mandy! You beautiful lovely lady- such a wonderful smile and such a friendly loving person- sleep well Mandy Jane – I’m absolutely heartbroken that you have gone – but so humbled to have called you a friend. We had such good times in our Bury AFC family – you will always be apart of us.”

Someone else posted: “A massive loss to everyone, can’t believe we will never play alongside each other again I’m absolutely gutted. The most kind, caring and selfless person you could meet who always had a smile on her face. Glad we met you will always be our teammate and with us always. A true legend! x”

Featured image: Facebook, Bury AFC

Bury

Family pays tribute to ‘gentle young man’ who died after a ‘targeted’ car attack in Bury

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Brandon Porter Kershaw

The family of a young man who was involved in a collision with a car in Bury earlier this week have now paid tribute to him.

The man has been named as 19-year-old Brandon Porter Kershaw.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called to reports of a road traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Porritt Street, in Bury, at around 8:10pm on Monday (19 May), and when officers attended the scene, they found a man lying with ‘serious injuries’ in the road.

Despite the best efforts of all emergency services involved, the teenager sadly passed away as a result of his injuries.

Police went on to inform the Greater Manchester community that they believe this was a ‘targeted attack’, with no wider threat to others in the area.

Following this admission, a 38-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday (Tuesday 20 May) and was taken to custody ahead of being questioned by detectives from GMP’s Major Incident Team.

With a murder investigation now underway, Brandon’s family have paid a touching tribute to the ‘devoted dad’ via police.

“We are all truly shocked and heartbroken by the sudden loss of Brandon,” their tribute begins.

“He was a gentle, kind-hearted young man whose warmth and social nature touched everyone around him. Brandon was a devoted dad to his young daughter, who he loved deeply. His family meant everything to him, and the bond he shared with his mum was incredibly special, they were best friends.

“Brandon was taken far too soon, and his passing has left a deep void in all our lives. As we come to terms with this devastating news, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and support one another through this difficult time.”

Porritt Street
Porritt Street in Bury, where the ‘targeted attack’ occurred / Credit: Google Maps

At this time, police confirmed the driver of the vehicle is still yet to be located, and they are now appealing to the public for information.

“We still have people of interest we are keen to speak to,” explained Detective Chief Inspector David Moores, of GMP’s Major Incident Team. “The driver of the vehicle remains outstanding and relentless efforts are currently being conducted by specialist units to locate him.

“I ask anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area that evening to come forward and know that information will be treated with the strictest confidence. It only takes one crucial piece of information that may be key to achieving answers for Brandon’s family and friends.”

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Anyone with any potential information is asked to either call police on 101 quoting incident number 3460 of 19/5/25, report it via the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk, or submit it through the Major Incident Public Portal here.

Featured Image – GMP

Bury

A massive ultra and trail running event is coming to Greater Manchester this summer

Danny Jones Danny Jones Ultra marathon trail running event Greater Manchester

Has this past month’s Manchester Marathon and Great MCR Run heroics got you feeling all hyped up for the next big challenge? How does an epic ultra/trail running event sound?

Best get those legs resting because there’s a brand new event coming to the race calendar.

The advent of ultras and trail running, in particular, looks to be growing ever more popular and with some brilliant terrain to be enjoyed around the North West, it’s not hard to see why.

Greater Manchester has loads of these runs throughout the year already, and now beloved event organisers, Beyond Trails, are bringing their first-ever Manc date to life.

Simply titled ‘Beyond MCR‘, this dual event will see runners offered the chance to take on one of two races, both of which will see them plodding beyond the half-marathon distance.

Depending on your disposition, you can take on either a 25k trail around Manchester, Trafford and Salford, or an ultra around even more nearby boroughs.

The ultra marathon distance will see participants putting in the ones and twos for a total of 55k, passing through the likes of Bury, Bolton, Salford and more. It’s one way to see 0161, put it that way.

As described on the website: “See a little of Manchester’s wild side with Beyond Manchester: a running event with a 25km trail option or a 55km ultra route for runners and walkers.”

Beyond Trails will also be teaming up with local favourites Track Brewery to supply some much-needed suds after the slog is done, with runners being handed tokens to claim their free pints there afterwards.

Now that’s the kind of motivation we can get behind.

The announcement goes on to add: “With its accessible city centre start and finish, plenty of signage, and a trademark Manchester welcome, Beyond MCR is for every kind of runner, no matter whether it’s your first trail event or your umpteenth ultra.

“Parkland, street, disused railway, reservoir trails – you name it, Beyond Manchester’s got it. The city just feels different when you go beyond your usual route – and we think you’re going to love it.

No matter which one you choose, both runs will begin and end in the picturesque Castlefield district, and whether you’re lacing up your trail shoes or your most cushioned trainers for some serious mileage, you’ll be able to take some stunning views from around the city and beyond.

Taking place on Thursday, 26 July, with an 8am start for the ultra and 10am for the 25k, we reckon it’s a great excuse to book a long weekend off work. You can find out more information and enquire about booking a place HERE.

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

Featured Images — Beyond Trails (via Facebook)

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