The moving tribute says: “Our beautiful Sharon sadly passed away on Wednesday 12th April 2023. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends.
“Sharon brought joy and laughter to every single person she met in her life. Her kindness and friendship will be missed by so many people. She lived life to it’s fullest, without any prejudice and always with love.
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“She was a devoted daughter to her Mum, Norah. A fantastic role model to her brother Ash. And the most loyal friend to everyone that had the pleasure of meeting her.
“Her loss will leave such a hole in so many lives.
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“We have set up this GoFundMe to raise money for Sharon’s funeral costs, we would love to give Sharon the beautiful service that she so deserves.
“Any contribution big or small is very much appreciated.”
Sharing the sad news today, EatMCR wrote: “A young woman called Sharon, who some of you will know, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday.
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“You might have seen her around town or had one of her bakes. She worked at both @longboisbakes in Levenshulme and @trove_foods. From the few times I met her, she immediately stood out to me as someone who radiated positivity and had a heart of gold. I really do mean that.
“A Go Fund Me has been set up to raise money for her funeral costs. The donation link is in our bio.
“I know there’s many of you reading this who might not have met her and this is quite a personal post for us to share. Sharon was a well loved member of the Manchester hospitality community, it felt only right we help as much as we can now.
Sharon Nagadya-Tendo. Credit: GoFundMeCredit: Long Bois BakehouseSharon with the Long Bois Bakehouse team at the MFDF Awards. Credit: Carl Sukonik
“If you are able to donate to help her family with the funeral costs, that would mean a lot to her loved ones. Sending love to all her family and friends.”
Local hospitality businesses have all been sharing their fond memories of Sharon this afternoon – all centring about her positivity and smile.
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Tiny coffee and cocktail bar Kiosk on Lapwing posted: “Sharon probably baked many of the things you popped in your mouth here at Kiosk and anyone who was lucky enough to cross her path knew about it because she will have BLASTED you with positivity and joy.”
Local supper club Seasons Eats wrote: “Such sad news. She was always smiling and full of joy. She will be missed.”
The Palms Bakery posted: “You couldn’t go anywhere with Sharon without her knowing at least one person at every stop. She’s had such an impact on so many people and she’ll be remembered and loved forever.”
Levenshulme locals have also been sharing their memories of Sharon. One person wrote: “This is so shocking. She was a pandemic staple for me when I would visit Long Bois and she would always stop to pet my dog who she fondly called Meatball. She was always so positive, smiley and really could spin any day into a positive. She will be missed.”
Another person remembered how they would always leave the bakery ‘so happy and smiling’ after spending any time in her presence.
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Her loved ones hope to raise £15,000 in her memory to pay for her funeral costs – and after just hours, it’s already sailed past £10,000.
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 midfielderJoe 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.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
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.”
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.
Daisy Jackson -
14th April 2023 
