Community comes together in loving memory of Tony Agard

Tony Agard

The community of Rochdale has united to raise funds 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.

A fund raising page has been launched to raise £5,000 towards his funeral and currently stands at £4,000.

The Flying Horse Hotel and The Empire will host fundraiser events to help Tony’s family through this difficult time, plus a charity walk and football match.

The walk will take place on Monday (31 July) from the Oxford Pub at 6.30pm to Littleborough Town Centre with anyone invited to join.

The football match will take place on Tuesday (1 August) at 6.15pm between Wardle FC Saturday and Sunday teams at Rutherford Park.

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.

Organiser and family friend, Wayne Traynor, said: “No-one deserves this. Tony was an old-fashioned family man with an amazing family. They go above and beyond for everyone else because they have beautiful hearts and souls, and I wanted to help them.

“I’ve been so overwhelmed by the response of Rochdale coming together in this time of crisis, thank you so much.

"I’d also like to thank my wife, Lucy, Ben Boothman, Reece Cole and Hayley and Stacey Connolly.”

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