Local DJ and producer Luke Leadbelly has died after a short illness, with tributes pouring in.
The young DJ was a familiar face behind the decks at clubs, festivals and events right across Manchester.
Luke had been diagnosed with AML cancer, a type of blood cancer, and ‘fought many rough months’ before passing away on Sunday 25 August.
A GoFundMe has now been set up to help his family and to give him ‘the send off he deserved’.
Several event organisers and clubs around Manchester are now paying moving tributes to Luke.
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Hit and Run, a local club night, shared: “Just wanted to take a moment to big up our dear departed friend @lukeleadbelly – who recently left this world after a brief illness
“He was a key figure – especially in the first decade of the night. He played several of the @hitandrunuk takeovers and boat parties at @outlookfestival, as well as our first 2 room takeovers at @fabriclondonofficial – plus countless HIT & RUN’s, especially the Grime takeovers, whether we were doing a joint event with his crew @p13_mcr or not.
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“He was a wicked DJ, dedicated producer for nearly 20 years, and one of the sweetest spirits you could ever hope to meet.
Tributes pour in for much-loved Manchester DJ Luke Leadbelly after his death. Credit: Instagram, @hitandrunuk
“We are truly shocked by the news, and send love to his family and loved ones at this most difficult of times.
“He will always be remembered with the utmost affection by all of us here at @hitandrunuk”
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The GoFundMe page said: “Sadly on the Sunday 25 August 2024 Luke lost his fight to AML cancer. After his diagnosis, Luke fought through many rough months till his body gave in and he finally passed away.
“Luke truly was one of a kind and we’re hoping to raise some funds towards the funeral; to help the family and give him the send off he deserved. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.”
DJ Rich Reason shared: “Really gutted to hear that our friend @lukeleadbelly has just died – all happened so quickly, it’s difficult to get your head around it at all.
“Such a sweet and kind soul, with the cheekiest and widest smile; had mad love for the guy, and his fashion sense too! Always so happy to see him when out & about.
“He was a key presence in so many milestone moments for @hitandrunuk and will never be forgotten; also for his tunes with @tumarnigresham & @skittlesuk, his residency at @p13_mcr, countless sets with @mcrchunky & @strategyyeah
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“So sorry that so many people I know & love will be hurting a lot right now. Seems so cruel when he was really on the up and was obviously so happy in life and in love. This one hurts. Big Love Luke, Rest easy.”
DJ Katie Cooper wrote: “LJ, Luke, Beeb. I could write a million words to describe our lives growing up together over the last 17 years, but there isn’t any words to describe how proud I am to have been your friend.
“@lukeleadbelly my heart is truly broken and its hurting to imagine a world without you in it. thank you for being a brother, a best friend and for the most incredibly ridiculous memories anyone could ask for. I love you so so so much, forever and eve”
And fellow DJ and sound engineer Jonny Opo wrote: “This one hurts bad. Gonna miss you our Luke. You were there through all the early rave days, your energy and mischievous grin were infectious. I’ll never forget the b2bs in dirty warehouses and fields – you lived for it with me and the rest of the crew.
“I’ll never forget the outfits – there were always belters. You pioneered some crazy pants and animal prints!
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“Until we meet again at the big rave in the sky love you always and rest easy”
70% of North West residents think Andy Burnham has ‘done well’ as Greater Manchester Mayor
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that 70% of North West residents think Andy Burnham has ‘done well’ in his job as Greater Manchester Mayor.
It this point, it’s hardly a secret that Andy Burnham’s run in the upcoming Makerfield by-election is about more than just becoming an MP, with expectations that – if he wins, of course – he will go on to challenge Keir Starmer for the position of Prime Minister.
But do Brits believe Burnham has what it takes for the top job? Well, YouGov has set out to answer this question with a new survey, seeing how much people think he’s succeeded in his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester.
The survey found that Brits tend to believe Burnham has ‘done well’ in his current job as Mayor, with 44% of survey respondents nationwide saying so, in comparison to just 12% who’ve gained the impression he’s done poorly and a further 44% saying they are unsure.
70% of North West residents think Andy Burnham has ‘done well’ as Greater Manchester Mayor / Credit: GMCA | Mylo Kaye (via Unsplash)
Although this poll is, admittedly, not a large enough sample to examine Burnham’s reputation in Greater Manchester alone, it was discovered that an impressive 71% of those in the wider North West region think he’s done a good job, while just 14% believe the opposite.
The most interesting part about this statistic is that Burnham’s reputation as an effective Mayor appears to be spread across political parties – even somewhat conflicting one.
It includes 66% of those who voted Labour in 2024, as well as 56% of those who backed the Lib Dems and 51% of those who voted Green. Conservative voters also tend to believe Burnham has been a good Mayor, by 41% to 19%, while Reform UK voters are split 33% to 31% on his effectiveness.
Britons tend to think it's unclear what Andy Burnham stands for, even if more feel it's clear what he believes than what Keir Starmer believes
Around four in 10 Brits (39-43%) describe Burnham as being competent, likeable, and decisive, and around 27% see him as trustworthy.
Whether he is ready for a promotion to Prime Minister in the future though, now that divides the public.
According to YouGov’s findings, a third of Brits (33%) believe Burnham looks like a leader ‘in waiting’, but this is then matched by the same amount who feel he doesn’t look like a Prime Minister at present.
While the public might not be sold on Burnham as a Prime Minister just yet, what can be seen is that opinion on whether he is up to the job compare favourably to current opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch.
Featured Image – TfGM
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Transfers: Manchester United reportedly in the race for Rafael Leao as asking price is revealed
Danny Jones
In the latest transfer news coming out of Manchester, Man United are reportedly set to make the first move in an effort to sign Serie A star Rafael Leao after AC Milan are said to have ‘offered’ the wantaway winger to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
After being linked with MUFC on and off in the past, this could shape up to be a tasty tug of war if all rumours are to be believed.
But a recent interview by Leao may have pricked up ears over at Old Trafford and Carrington:
Do you think there are some hints being dropped here?…
Speaking to London-born and now Manchester-headquartered (interesting…) streetwear and jewellery brand Cernucci on their new podcast, the Portuguese international confessed to presenter Fred Buckley that he spent much of his childhood watching Man United, and still does to this day.
While he also admitted he likes Arsenal, adding even more fuel to the fire of the links with the Gunners, he also named Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol; either way, the ‘Rossoneri’ are believed to be asking for between £43-50 million for the former Sporting and Lille player.
A teammate of his with the national squad and having starred for major European sides, winning silverware – a Serie A title and Italian Super Cup, as well as a UEFA Nations League with Portugal – he’s evidently looking to try and emulate his fellow compatriots’ success moving forward.
Now 26 years old, he’s at a crucial juncture in his career, and despite being criticised for his work rate and efforts off the ball at times, not to mention blowing somewhat hot and cold in and around a fair few injury problems, the next big money move feels almost inevitable as he approaches his ‘prime’ years.
As you can see, many Milan fans have seemingly turned on him already after he made his plans to depart rather publicly, which has also seen him pop up on the radar of several other Champions League competitors this summer.
One such alternative suitor outside of English football is Galatasaray, with multiple Italian and Turkish outlets claiming that the club are the only team to be drawing up a ‘formal proposal’ thus far.
Journalist Matteo Moretto does state, however, that no official offer has been made as yet.
Daisy Jackson -
30th August 2024 
