News

Body found in Cheshire confirmed to be that of missing man Tony Williamson, as family pays tribute

Tony's family have paid tribute to him.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 21st March 2024

The family of missing man Tony Williamson have paid tribute to him after his body was found in Cheshire.

The 62-year-old father from Trafford had been missing since December 2023.

Formal identification of a body found in the River Mersey in Warrington on Sunday has confirmed, tragically, that Tony has died.

His family have now issued a moving tribute to him, and thanked the public and the police for their support since his disappearance.

Greater Manchester Police have been conducting a wide-ranging search using specialised resources since late last year.

ADVERTISEMENT

Tony’s family said: “We would like to thank everyone for sharing social media posts, and members of the public and friends who have been out looking for our dad Tony.

“It is truly with great sadness to say that he has passed away after battling a chronic illness that caused a severe decline in his mental health.

ADVERTISEMENT

“He was a much-loved, well-respected man and no-one had a bad word to say about him.

“He was a beloved husband to our mum for over 30 years, a devoted dad and grandad. We are truly devastated by his loss.”

During the appeal to find Tony, his family had shared that he had been suffering with an illness that had left him in ‘continual pain’.

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking on behalf of the force and the Trafford district leading the investigation for GMP, Detective Sergeant Rory Leicester added; “First and foremost, our thoughts and condolences remain with Tony’s loved ones, who we have been in constant contact with for a number of months, always remaining hopeful.

“This investigation has affected us all personally and is not the news anyone wanted.

“Officers were committed to bringing the family their loved one back home but wished it wouldn’t be in these devastating and upsetting circumstances.

“The way Tony’s family and friends have conducted themselves, along with the outpouring of love from the public, has shown everyone just how much he meant to a lot of people and we hope they take some comfort in this.”

Tony’s family have asked for continued privacy while they continue to grieve and lay him to rest.

Read more

Featured image: GMP

News

2024 Manchester Marathon raises £29 million for local economy and over £3.7m for charity

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Marathon raises millions for city economy and local charity

Just under a fortnight on from the 2024 Manchester Marathon and the numbers are finally, with the annual race generating nearly £30 million for the local economy and raising over £3.7m for charity.

This year’s Adidas Manchester Marathon saw record numbers of runners and spectators as over 30,000 took part in the popular race, up by roughly 6,000 from 2023, and more than 125k turned up to line the streets of Greater Manchester.

As a result, these huge crowds spent upwards of £29.2 million at business around the city centre and around the 10 boroughs last weekend, serving as one of the most significant contributions to the local economy on the annual calendar.

Not only was this an approximately £8m increase on last year’s tally but, most importantly, a sizeable chunk of that went straight into both regional and national charities.

The 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon was a spectacular day for the city and its economy.

Beyond the boost to local vendors, the hospitality sector and retail businesses, over £3.7 million were allocated to charities such as Alzheimer’s Charity, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and The Christie. 

Over £32,000 was also raised for the Trafford Active Fund, with £1 from every paid entry to the Adidas Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half donated directly to the initiative that benefits local sports clubs and organisations through Trafford Council.

Better still, with City of Trees selected as the chosen ‘Green Runner’ charity, the eco-friendly drive saw roughly 7% of participants opt out of receiving either a finisher t-shirt, medal or both.

The money saved in production goes towards maintaining woodlands and wildlife across Greater Manchester.

Fundraising from the Manchester Marathon is one of it’s biggest upshots.

Read more:

This year’s Manchester Marathon also helped produce some of the highest number of passengers on public transport in the city’s history, with a over 175,000 journeys made on Metrolink alone – the highest number of journeys ever recorded on a single day.

This was a 20% increase on 2023’s race day (145k), spotlighting how the event continues to be more environmentally conscious as years go by.

With the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon confirmed to be taking place on Sunday, 27 April next year – and over 12,000 places already sold – the city can already look forward to reaping the economic and social benefits of hosting one of Europe’s largest, flattest, friendliest and most-loved marathons. 

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

Featured Images — Adidas Manchester Marathon/The Manc Group

News

Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester firefighter surprise proposal recruit passing out parade

We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.

Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.

The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.

Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…

Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.

As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.

You already know the rest.

Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.

You just love to see it.

Read more:

Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.

If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.

All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.

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

Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

More News

Peter Kay statement after Co-op Live gigs cancelled for the second time

Gigs & Nightlife

Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time

Co-op Live postpone The Black Keys and Peter Kay gigs again

Audio

Manchester’s Co-op Live arena postpones The Black Keys and Peter Kay (again)

Gary is outta here.

Audio

Co-op Live boss resigns just days before venue’s official opening

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches