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‘He sacrificed himself to save the woman he loved’ – Emotional tribute paid to man who died shielding wife from M60 crash
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
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Featured image: GMP
News
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielder Joe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Gone far too soon. Rest in peace x
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Featured Images — Thompson Family (via Instagram)/Manchester United
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There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
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Featured Images — Disney
Daisy Jackson -
11th April 2025 
