(Image: Family submit)
Police issue appeal after 'lovely and caring' grandad killed crossing the road
by Ashlie Blakey · Manchester Evening NewsPolice have issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward after a 'loving and caring' grandad was killed in a crash in Middleton.
Terence Lewis James was knocked down by a car as he crossed the road with his granddaughter on Grimshaw Lane at around 7.05pm on Sunday (September 29). The driver of the car - a Nissan Micra - remained on the scene.
Terence was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, the 78-year-old died on Monday night after the decision was made by his family to switch off his life support.
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His granddaughter Jade Louise Greatbanks, one of Terence's 15 grandchildren, told the Manchester Evening News that she flew back early from her holiday in Tunisia when she heard the devastating news. He also leaves behind his four children Caroline, Beverley, Sarah and Alan.
"I was so close to my grandad," she said. "I got the first flight home. He couldn't wait for me to come back so we could book a holiday away next year together.
"I used to speak to him everyday. I was there for him every single day. All of his family loved him so much. We are all heartbroken.
(Image: Family submit)
"The doctors told us that he had already gone, but the life support machine was keeping him alive. We turned it off at 9.21 and four minutes later, he had gone.
"He was such a lovely man. Everyone adored him. He was well known around Moston and Blackley and used to drink in the Blue Bell up until a few years ago. He was just the most caring man. Nobody ever has a bad word to say about him."
Terence, who used to work at the Royal Mail depot on Oldham Road, was well-known around Moston and Blackley. He suffered a stroke around two years ago and had recently suffered from ill-health, Jade said.
On the day of the fatal collision, Jade said Terence had been at her mum Caroline's house for a Sunday roast. He then went to a nearby shop with his granddaughter, aged 10, to buy orange juice.
(Image: Cllr Dylan Williams)
"It happened as he crossed the road," Jade said. "My little sister then ran over to my mum's to tell her and she came running out. By the time they got there, the police had stopped my mum going near him."
An investigation into the crash remains underway, with no arrests made. Today (October 2) police issued a fresh appeal for any witnesses of the crash to come forward.
Officers at Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit also want to speak to anyone who has dash cam, mobile or doorbell footage. Information can be reported by calling 0161 856 4741 quoting log number 2814 of 29/09/2024.
Alternatively, details can be shared on GMP's LiveChat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.