Huge crowds gathered in Collyhurst today (July 24) for the funeral of Jimmy Ward, a much-loved member of the traveller community who died at the age of 27.
Funeral details and tributes
Jimmy Ward, who died on July 1 after suffering a heart attack, was given a massive send-off at St Patrick's Church. Hundreds of people attended. The family spent over £500,000 on the funeral, including £50,000 on a gold casket, aiming to give the father of three a 'celebrity funeral' and a send-off 'fit for a king', the Manchester Evening News understands.
Rows of supercars, including multiple Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces, lined Livesey Street and remained parked outside during the service. Many cars featured personalised number plates displaying Jimmy's name and Manchester United's crest, as well as photos and tributes to 'Jimmy Ward, a legend'.
Family and community turnout
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Catherine, and three children: nine-year-old Jimmy, five-year-old Catherine, and four-year-old Mary-Ann. A tribute from Catherine, displayed outside the church, said: "RIP my beautiful husband. You have broken me. You're all I have ever known since being 14. My Jimmy, I will never get over losing you. I will always love you. J&K forever."
Hundreds of family members and friends arrived at the church from around 10am, flying Irish flags, letting off red flares and wearing Manchester United ties and football shirts. A presentation of photos of Jimmy was also displayed outside the church, soundtracked to "The Man" by Aloe Blacc, with the tribute 'Forever loved, forever missed. Rest peacefully, Jimmy Ward' shared.
It's understood the crowds made their way to Old Trafford following the service to continue Jimmy's send-off in style.
