Taxi drivers take part in a convoy through Eccles in memory of murdered cabbie Alan Henning People lined the streets and applauded as the convoy wound its way from the AJ Bell stadium into Eccles town centre this afternoonThe streets of Eccles were brought to a halt as more than 200 taxi drivers formed a convoy in memory of murdered cabbie Alan Henning.
People lined the streets and applauded as the convoy wound its way from the AJ Bell stadium into Eccles town centre this afternoon.
Taxis were decorated in yellow ribbons and balloons as the town paid tribute to ‘Gadget’ as Mr Henning was known to friends.
Terror group Islamic State released a video showing his murder earlier this month.
Mr Henning’s nephew, Stuart Henning, 33, also a taxi driver from Irlam, who organised the tribute, said: “It’s our way of saying thank you and goodbye. It’s something we do in the taxi game when someone sadly passes away. We organise a convoy to show our appreciation.
“He was a fantastic guy. You couldn’t fault him. Anyone in need of help, he was always there for them.”
Mark McCarthy, 53, from Ordsall, said: “He was a great bloke. It was a stupid, stupid loss of life. He was trying to help other people. He was murdered by cowards wearing a mask. I’ve known him a long time, probably 18 years.
“We started together at Lyle Taxis. He used to go to the gadget shop in the Trafford Centre and get the latest electrical toy to keep him amused. He’d sell them a week later at half the price. On nights, he would always be the one to go out and get the kebabs. He was always helping people out - a very very nice man.”
Another cabbie, Stuart Ryan, 46, from Eccles, said: “We wanted to show our respects to Alan’s family. I’ve known him for 20 years. He was just one of the best you could ever wish to meet.”
At the same time as the convoy a celebrity football match was taking place to raise money for the Henning family.
Celebrities Ralf Little, Chris Bisson and Andy Whyment were among the players who turned out for an all-star team at AFC Monton’s ground in Winton, Salford.
Organisers praised a ‘fantastic’ crowd with all proceeds from the charity match going to a fund set up for Mr Henning’s family.
On Sunday, Mr Henning’s widow Barbara, and their two children, were in Perth, Scotland, for a thanksgiving service for another murdered hostage, David Haines.
The two families released a joint statement calling on people to come together to defeat terrorism.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... oy-7961712
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