A MEMORIAL plaque has been unveiled to commemorate and celebrate the life of Michelle Hodgkinson, who died after being attacked in Tameside close to the Ashton Canal last year.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner joined Michelle’s family and friends to unveil the special tribute to the 51-year-old mum and grandmother on the canal towpath as requested by her family.
Michelle Hodgkinson was attacked on Edge Lane in Droylsden on Friday, June 2, 2023, as she walked to visit her mother, and sadly died at the scene.
The brass plaque simply reads “In loving memory of Michelle Hodgkinson 8/3/72 – 2/6/23. Taken far too soon, forever loved and always missed. Our Shelly B”. It is situated near to lock 16 on the Ashton Canal, close to where Michelle lived and where she regularly walked.
The Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP said: “Michelle’s family have shown immense dignity and courage over the past 15 months as they try to process the heartbreaking loss of their beloved mum, nanna, sister and friend.
“I am delighted that there is now a permanent tribute to Michelle where her loved ones can come to remember her.
“Thank you to the Canal & River Trust for their efforts to bring the family’s vision to life.”
She was joined at the unveiling by Michelle’s daughter Kasey, her sister, auntie and nanna at the small ceremony.
Michelle’s family, who affectionately called her ‘Shelly B’, said she loved helping people in her local community, and was known for volunteering and carrying out charity work.
Michelle’s daughter Kasey added: “I would like to thank the Canal & River Trust and Angela Rayner for supporting us to obtain this plaque in honour of my mother. She loved walking down the canal, especially on hot days, and by having this plaque we have a place to remember her and trying to turn a negative place into a positive one, in her memory. Forever loved and always remembered, our Shelly B.”
Other attendees included Jon Horsfall, North West director at Canal & River Trust, and Andrea Barrett, the trust’s partnerships and fundraising manager. Colleagues at the waterways charity helped organise the ceremony and install the memorial plaque.
Paul Hughes, 29, has been charged with murder with a trial date set for December 2, 2024. He has been remanded to a secure mental health hospital where he remains under treatment.
