Bury South MP Ivan Lewis has led the tributes to friend and colleague Warren Flood, who died last week aged 41 at Fairfield Hospital, where he underwent back surgery.
Mr Flood, a former councillor, had been employed by the MP as a support worker and Mr Lewis was among the 250 mourners at the funeral at Rainsough Jewish Cemetery on Tuesday.
“We are united in our shock and grief that such a special young man should be taken from us in the prime of his life,” he said. “I have lost a special friend, the people of Bury a true gentleman — simply one of the best.”
On Monday, Rochdale Coroner’s Office opened and adjourned an inquest into Mr Flood’s death. A spokesman for the Pennine Acute Trust, representing hospitals in North-East Greater Manchester, told the JC: “It would be inappropriate to comment at this stage.”
The married activist and Heaton Park Synagogue congregant was an avid Bury football fan, and his family has asked that any memorial donations be sent to Bury FC supporters’ club Forever Bury or local mental-health charity Creative Living Centre.
To get more from community, click here to sign up for our free community newsletter.