The heartbroken family of a teenager motorcyclist who died in an off-road crash in Wigan have paid tribute to him.
Josh Sharpe is being remembered for his “empathy and generosity”.
The 19-year-old “much-loved son, brother, and partner” sadly lost his life following a fatal collision at Astley Raceway, close to the Wigan town of Tyldesley, this past Saturday (22 June), despite the best efforts of all emergency services who attended the scene.
The “very sporty” teenager developed a love for motorbikes at a “very young age”, according to his family in their touching tribute paid to him.
#TRIBUTE | Family pay tribute to a much-loved ‘son, brother & loving partner’ Josh Sharpe.
Josh (19) sadly passed away following a fatal collision at Astley Raceway on Saturday.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 26, 2024
“Josh was very sporty and excelled naturally in football,” the family’s tribute begins.
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“He played for Rishton United Football Club Juniors and Hyndburn Youths. Josh’s love for motorbikes developed at a very young age and he often rode them with his Dad on weekends. Although he has always loved motorbikes, it wasn’t until he was financially independent that he was able to enjoy this hobby more frequently with his friends.”
Josh’s family highlighted his “kindness” as being the quality that stood out the most.
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“He had an ability to sense when someone needed a friend, a kind word, or a gentle smile,” their tribute continues.
The family of a ‘beloved’ teenage motorcyclist who died in an off-road crash in Wigan have paid tribute to him / Credit: GMP
“He was always the first to offer help, never asking for anything in return. His empathy and generosity were beyond his years, qualities that made him beloved by everyone who knew him. In his short life, he touched more hearts than many do in a lifetime.”
Following the tragic incident, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched an investigation and is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident at the track, but has not yet been spoken to, to come forward to provide information.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741, 101, or alternatively, online at gmp.police.uk quoting log 1673 of 22/06/24.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
27th June 2024 
