News

Shock as Salford Red Devils ‘future star’ Logan Holgate, 18, dies suddenly

His cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 12th January 2023

The Greater Manchester rugby community has suffered a tragic blow as rising star Logan Holgate has sadly died at the age 18.

The talented young Cumbrian prospect had been playing for Hensingham Amateur Rugby League Football Club (ARLFC), but was on the under-18 pathway for Salford Red Devils.

He also helped guide the England Community Lions to victory in the under-19s European Championship in Italy in 2022, when the talented young team defeated France in the final.

The teen was due to join the Greater Manchester rugby league side’s reserves team this season but was sadly announced as having passed away on Wednesday, 12 January.

Dedications have been pouring in for the future Red Devil with the England Community Lions Programme paying tribute to “a brilliant young man and team mate” who always impressed with his “work ethic, infectious attitude and quick humour”.

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After breaking onto the scene in an impressive debut in the under 16s win over Wales at Colwyn Bay in 2021 – following in the footsteps of his brothers, Ellison and Fletcher, as all three siblings proudly represented their country – and it wasn’t long before he was fast-tracked for older age groups.

Even despite his tender age, many of those fortunate enough to play with him insisted he will leave “a lasting legacy”, as former teams including St Benedicts RUFC, Moor Row FC and more all paying tribute.

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His former secondary school, St Benedict’s Catholic High, and even local environment and energy authority, Sellafield Ltd. (where he served as an apprentice), have issued emotional messages following the deeply saddening news.

They described him as a “popular… dedicated student who lived for his sport” and who always brought joy to his fellow classmates with his “amazing sense of humour”.

At present, the exact nature of his death is still unknown but some outlets are reporting that the suspected cause is cardiac arrest.

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Writing on Facebook, his cousin Georgina Lily-anne Holgate said: “Our hearts are truely broken, and I don’t think they can ever be fixed… My childhood is one thing I’ll never forget we we’re surrounded by love and we all had the best bond”. As for his brother Fletcher, he simply wrote: “Love you bro”.

A GoFundMe page has been set to help Logan’s family during this difficult time, with nearly £20,000 already raised in contributions. You can donate HERE.

Our thoughts go out to his Logan Holgate’s family, friends and former teammates. Rest in peace.

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

Featured Image — GoFundMe/Salford Red Devils (via Twitter)

News

Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Spectacular New Year's Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester

Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.

This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.

Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.

The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.

The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.

With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.

“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.

“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year’s Eve is going to be fantastic – a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.

“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”

Manchester New Year's Eve fireworks
Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, designecologist

There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.

It will be a standing room only event though there’ll be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.

Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.

Councillor Pat Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town.

“I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”

Important road closures and event information for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester

A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.

Road closures – 31 December 2024 

7.30pm–2am

  • Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
  • Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
  • Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
  • George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
  • St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
  • Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
  • Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)

9pm–2am

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  • Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
  • Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
  • Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)

Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January

  • Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)

Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January

  • Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
  • Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
  • Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
  • George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
  • Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
  • Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
  • Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)

Accessible parking

  • Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.

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Featured image: Unsplash, Chris Curry

News

Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree

A man has been charged for a series of burglaries in Wigan – one of which saw him nick the ingredients for a Christmas dinner.

Gary Marsh of Heath Street in Golborne had reportedly taken a number of festive food items from a freezer at an address.

In the burglary on 7 December, the 38-year-old took items including a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.

Mr Walsh also made off with a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.

Police have said he has been charged for stealing ‘a Christmas dinner worth of goods’.

He’s been charged with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference and will appear at Manchester Magistrates Court today.

Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree
Man charged after stealing Christmas dinner ingredients in burglary spree. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

GMP said in a statement today: “One frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets and a handful of Christmas appetisers.

“Gary Marsh 16/05/1986 of Heath Street, Golborne, in Wigan, was charged on Wednesday 18 December with six counts of burglary and one vehicle interference.

“On 7 December 2024, the following items were reportedly taken from the freezer in the basement of an address: a frozen turkey, two packs of pigs in blankets, a pack of prawns, spring rolls and chicken satay skewers.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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