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.
Everyone at Salford Red Devils are saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Logan Holgate.
Logan played for our U18s pathway alongside @hensingham_arl and was set to move up to the reserve team this season.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Image — GoFundMe/Salford Red Devils (via Twitter)
News
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Two more people arrested as investigation into Dovestone Reservoir moorland fire continues
Emily Sergeant
Two more people have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation into the devastating moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir.
Yesterday (16 July 2026), a 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been bailed pending further police enquiries, before a man in his 20s has today (17 July) been arrested on suspicion of arson, and remains in custody for questioning.
These follow the arrest and subsequent charging of 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde.
Care-Slede has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and was remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this past Tuesday (14 July).
After the blaze broke out this past Saturday evening (11 July) at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
With three major arrests having already now been made, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says its officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.
“This investigation has been progressing at pace, we are nearly a week on and the fire at Dovestones is still ongoing, and it has had devastating effects it has had on the Reservoir,” commented Detective Inspector Andrew Day, of GMP’s Oldham division said.
“As this incident continues, officers would like to thank all emergency service partners for their support and dedication.
“In particular, our colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, whose firefighters have spent countless hours tackling the fire in demanding conditions.”
Danny Jones -
12th January 2023 
