Charity events raise over £500 towards Tony Agard’s funeral

The group walked to Littleborough from the Oxford, raising £272.50

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A charity walk and football match have raised over £500 towards Tony Agard’s funeral.

46-year-old Tony was reported missing on Friday 21 July after he was last believed to be at his home on Meadway, and was tragically found dead following his disappearance. Hours later, a fund-raising page was launched to raise £5,000 towards his funeral.

21 close friends and family of Tony took part in the two-hour walk on Monday evening (31 July) from the Oxford on Whitworth Road to Littleborough.

Wayne Traynor, whose wife Lucy organised the event, said: “The people that turned up were amazing and the kids were especially fearless. Rahanna Hawkins arranged the car and face-painting for children and balloons to be sold; she was fantastic and has been throughout.”

The group collected a grand total of £272.50, with Wayne and Lucy collecting a further £86.50 in donations after visiting pubs with charity buckets.

Tuesday’s (1 August) charity football match between Wardle FC teams at Rutherford Park raised a further £170 towards the cause. The Sunday team beat the Saturday team 6-2.

The Flying Horse Hotel and The Empire are also helping to support Tony’s family through this difficult time with fundraiser events.

The Flying Horse Hotel is hosting an open mic fundraiser with singers such as Abbie Wild and live bands at 7pm on Friday 4 August. Jack Hargreaves and Jamie Buckley will also be DJ-ing. Entry is just £5 and free for children.

Refreshments will be provided and a raffle and auction will take place with generous prizes such as Dale and Hornets merchandise, a signed Manchester United shirt, tickets for both Manchester United and City, plus a variety of vouchers donated by numerous businesses across the borough.

The Empire is hosting a family fundraiser on Sunday 6 August between 2pm and 2am. Cover band Ranura will take to the stage at 7pm with DJs Jimmy Mush, Paul Thompson and Jon ‘DaFox’ Riley hosting. Dave Sweetmore will also be hosting on the night, and a karaoke set will be performed by Helen ‘Miss-H’ Louisa.

There will be a hot food and sweet card by AM to PM Catering, face painting by Little Unicorn, a photobooth and raffle prizes, including large cash sums and football tickets.

A minimum £2 on the door donation is required. Children are welcome, although under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and can stay no later than 10pm.

All money raised will go to Tony’s family.

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tony-agard