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Moving tribute paid to ‘cherished and adored’ woman, 22, killed in Manchester crash

'The world will be a dark place without her shining light in it'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 10th June 2024

The family of a young woman who died in a crash in Withington have paid a moving tribute to her.

Imogen Higgs was just 22 years old when she passed away following a collision on Mauldeth Road West in south Manchester.

Imogen, known to her family as Immy, has been described as being ‘beautiful inside and out’ in a touching tribute released through GMP.

“The world will be a dark place without her shining light in it,” they said.

The tribute to Imogen also praised all the people who tried to save her life at the scene and in hospital.

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A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving, failing to stop and perverting the course of justice, and an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

They have both been released on bail.

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In a tribute to Imogen, her family said: “Our darling Immy was cruelly and needlessly taken from us on 31 May.

“We are all devastated and heartbroken. Our family has been destroyed. 

“She had graduated with a history degree from the University of Manchester last year and had been working at the University for the last nine months.

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“She was intelligent, witty, funny, thoughtful, kind and caring. The best daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend anyone could hope for. Beautiful inside and out, she brought sunshine into everyone’s lives.

“The world will be a dark place without her shining light in it.

“We would like to thank the people at the scene who tried to save Immy’s life, including the numerous paramedics and hospital staff. 

“She will never be forgotten and is loved, cherished and adored by everyone who knew her.”

Imogen’s family have asked for privacy while they grieve for their loss.

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Featured image: GMP

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John Stones dedicates England’s win to Dillan Ramsey-Aksehir, 5, who died during Euros match

Danny Jones Danny Jones John Stones dedicated England's win over Slovakia to Dillan Ramsey-Aksehir, 5, who died during the match

Manchester City and England defender John Stones has dedicated Sunday night’s win over Slovakia to Dillan Ramsey-Aksehir, who sadly died during the match.

The Three Lions managed a last-gasp victory over their round of 16 opponents to secure their place in the quarter-finals against Switzerland, but while John Stones and co. were representing their country, the family of five-year-old Dillan Ramsey-Aksehir were sadly in mourning after his tragic passing.

Having first been diagnosed with blood cancer back in 2020, fundraising for the “special little boy” from Manchester captured the attention of the nation, with countless names like Stones donating and raising awareness around his GoFundMe, which has amassed over £650,000 to date.

Unfortunately, the leukaemia returned for a fourth time this February following a bone marrow transplant and mum Amy Ramsey confirmed he passed away at 6:15pm while most eyes were fixed on the England game. Learning of the news shortly after, Stones wasted no time in dedicating the win in his name.

As you can see, the Man City centre-back wrote: “Tonight was for Dillan. A special little boy that touched mine and my family’s hearts. He’s an inspiration to us all.

“Rest in peace little fighter, our thoughts are with his family during this unimaginably difficult time.”

The heartfelt gesture which has no doubt been felt throughout the England camp was met with warm applause back home, with people replying, “Absolute class”, “Thank you for all you and your family did to try [and] help Dilly” and one person adding: “What football is all about.” We couldn’t agree more.

As for mum Amy, she posted the gut-wrenching news on Instagram along with a tear-jerking picture of her ever-smiling child, assuring that “he wasn’t in pain and was still talking and making us laugh until he took his last breath.”

Sharing an update on Monday, she said: “I would like to honour Dilly in the best way possible, but also in a sensible way. We would really like to take some time away, take his ashes somewhere nice and make up for lost time with the girls. Possibly pay some rent in advance for a while to relieve the stress of this…

“If you can help take some of the stress away so that we can keep things as they are and pay off the bills it would be a huge help.”

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The comments are as emotional and full of love as you would expect, with countless parents offering their condolences and everyone uniting in labelling “the bravest boy” and an “inspiration.”

Our thoughts are with all of his loved ones during this unimaginable time and we sincerely hope his story can serve as added motivation for Stones and the rest of the England squad to go far in honour of Dillan and his memory.

Most importantly, the fundraiser set up by his family is still active if you want to show your support and donate to the page by helping put money towards funeral arrangements.

Rest in peace, Dilly x

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

Featured Images — GoFundMe/John Stones/Amy Ramsey (via Instagram)

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Family festival Geronimo cancelled for good as parents slam ‘absolute farce’

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Geronimo Festival has been cancelled for a second year. Credit: PR picture

Geronimo Children’s Festival, a popular family event that was meant to take place in Cheshire this summer, is ‘no more’.

The festival, sometimes dubbed ‘Glastonbury for kids’ has announced that it’s cancelling its summer weekender for the second year running.

In a statement, organisers blamed poor ticket sales due to ‘the great British weather’ and said that all ticket-holders will be refunded.

Its 2023 festival was also cancelled.

Geronimo was set to take place this year at Arley Hall between 23 and 26 August, featuring children’s entertainment, interactive musical experiences, food and more.

Parents who were looking forward to taking their little ones to the event have now slammed the cancellation as an ‘absolute farce’.

One wrote: “Aww so sorry to hear this we had an amazing time there 2 years ago and we’re so looking forward to going again.”

Another said: “Sad to see something so amazing 6 years ago has now gone to this.”

Someone else wrote: “No surprise there. Absolute farce.”

In its statement, Geronimo said: “With a heavy heart, we announce that Geronimo Children’s Festival is no more and our scheduled event on 23rd-26th August 2024 has been cancelled. We thank all those involved in it, the directors, staff and artists who all put their hearts and soul into the event.

“The great British weather is not always kind and with a huge percentage of festival-goers holding off booking until the last week, the event has become an unsustainable financial risk.

“Ticketline will arrange the face value refund of all valid tickets (including those rolled over from previous years) Please note we have no access to ticketholder details and are unable to assist with refunds directly. All ticket enquiries should be addressed to [email protected] or call 0161 813 2222.

“Thank you to all the families, performers and suppliers who made Geronimo Festival a magical experience for so many children over the last decade. We hope you will cherish the memories of your time in our festival fields and wish everyone a wonderful summer.”

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Featured image: Geronimo Festival

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