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.”
Altrincham named one of the UK’s best places to live in 2026 in The Sunday Times’ annual ranking
Emily Sergeant
A popular Greater Manchester town has been named among the UK’s best places to live by the Sunday Times in its annual ranking.
That’s right… it’s that time of year, once again.
The Sunday Times is known for pulling together a list of what it considers to be the most sought-after places to live in the UK every year, and 2026’s ranking has officially been published today – with dozens of locations across the country making up the comprehensive guide, and six of those coveted locations being right here in the North West.
The Sunday Times’s expert judges have visited all locations on the list, and assessed factors such as schools, transport, culture, broadband speeds, access to green spaces, the health of the high streets, and much more to devise the always-talked-about annual ranking.
Macclesfield in Cheshire, Eden Valley in Cumbria, Lancaster in Lancashire, and Aigburth in Liverpool are just some of the North West areas named by the publication in the 2026 list.
Altrincham has been named one of the best places to live in the UK / Credit: The Manc Group
A spotlight has also been shone on two Greater Manchester towns, and one of two has even been given the regional North West title… but which are they?
Where has taken the top spot as the best place to live in the North West for 2026, and is therefore one of the best places to live in the whole of the country? Well, that honour has been given to none other than Greater Manchester’s very-own Altrincham.
The publication described the Trafford town as ‘classy, cool and effortlessly comfortable’.
“Altrincham is a top-notch town brimming with independent businesses and big brands, and now it’s flying even higher,” The Sunday Times said.
The fact that co-working has now arrived on the high street thanks to the conversion of the old Rackhams department store, and that the town’s cultural and creative ‘cachet’ is also on the rise, have been highlighted as reasons as to why Altrincham has been chosen as the North West’s winner, as well its newly-flourishing fitness scene.
Of course, the town has also been praised for its transport links into Manchester city centre and across the region, as well as it being a great place for families thanks to the excellent local schools on offer.
Didsbury was the other Greater Manchester town chosen to represent the best of the North West – with the Manchester suburb described as being ‘stylish, solid, safe, and, yes, a little bit smug in parts… but that’s okay’.
You can read the full Altrincham feature here, and see where else The Sunday Times included in its list for 2026 here.
Featured Image – Geograph
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11 arrested and £70k cash seized during early-morning police drug raids across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
11 people have been arrested, as well as a large amount of cash and drugs seized, during early-morning raids across Greater Manchester.
The raids took place during the early hours of the morning yesterday (Thursday 19 March 2026), where Greater Manchester Police (GMP) successfully executed eight warrants simultaneously across Tameside, Oldham, and Rochdale to tackle a ‘suspected criminal network’ involved in the distribution of class A drugs and firearms.
Officers from Tameside Programme Challenger team, the District Intelligence Unit (DIU), and GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) were deployed to each of the addresses.
Following weeks of intelligence gathering and preparation, a total of 11 people – each aged between 24 and 77 – were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences during the raids.
Eight men and three women were arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, being part of an organised crime group, possession with intent to supply, money laundering, and possession of an offensive weapon.
They all remain in police custody for questioning at this time, GMP confirmed.
During searches of the addresses, various class A, B and C drugs – including crack cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and nitrous oxide – were seized, while further recoveries of £70,000 in cash, a zombie knife, a BB gun, and four vehicles were also made at the same time.
Speaking following the success of the raids yesterday, Chief Superintendent Shan Nasim, District Commander for Tameside, said: “[This] operation has been a powerful example of our continued, determined effort to dismantle organised crime in our district and Greater Manchester.
“We have 11 people in custody being questioned by our investigation teams in relation to an organised crime group (OCG) that have been causing widespread harm across our communities.
“This action caused significant disruption of an organised crime group (OCG) and has prevented drugs and weapons from reaching the streets, as well as the associated harms that come hand in hand with organised crime.
“Organised criminals exploit vulnerable people and blight our communities; we will take robust action to catch offenders, keep our communities safe, and protect vulnerable people across Greater Manchester.”
Daisy Jackson -
11th April 2025 
