Parents’ tragic plea: don’t let our lovely son’s death be in vain

“If we can save one life by doing this, it will be worth it.”
Oliver Wane with dad Michael and mum JulieOliver Wane with dad Michael and mum Julie
Oliver Wane with dad Michael and mum Julie

These are the heart-rending words of a grieving dad Michael Wane, speaking on what would’ve been his son Oliver’s 21st birthday.

Tragically the Wigan college student never made that milestone. He was found dead in woodland off Scot Lane, Wigan, on July 16, last year.

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Paying tribute to his beloved son, Mr Wane described him as “fun loving and very happy” and someone who would “do anything for anyone.”

Birthday tributes left for Oliver WaneBirthday tributes left for Oliver Wane
Birthday tributes left for Oliver Wane

And although Oliver had been prescribed mild anti-depressants for his mental health, his family said there were no warning signs about his suicide.

Mr Wane has now taken to raising awareness and money for charity, including £10,000 which he has raised for Mind.

Michael said: “We never thought Oliver was struggling.

“He went to the doctor and said he felt a bit down but he never talked about doing anything else.

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“I would just urge people suffering to speak to somebody as it could save their life, as a lot of young men particularly, don’t talk about things.”

Following Oliver’s death, a shrine was placed on the fishing lodges side of Scot Lane, which has cards and balloons and tributes for the young man, including for his recent birthday which would’ve been on January 26.

Mr Wane, 48, from Westhoughton, said: “Oliver was so bubbly as a person and he had a love and passion for cars.

“He loved his Land Rover Defender and he passed his driving test just before his 18th birthday. He really was a fantastic son and a really funny and popular person.

“Oliver would go without to help other people.”

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Born in Bolton and growing up in Westhoughton where he lived with Michael and his mum Julie, Oliver was well-known and made many friends in Wigan where he attended Wigan and Leigh College. He also spent time at Runshaw College in Leyland where he studied engineering, as well as doing an apprenticeship and working for an engineering firm.

Oliver, who had a girlfriend at the time of his tragic passing, had a very close relationship with his grandparents and aunt and uncle over the years.

Michael said: “We actually received his certificates from Oliver’s college after he died and he’d done so much in his life at a young age.

“Oliver was furloughed at the time and like everybody else he was confined to home.

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“He did some volunteering at the local golf club and also enjoyed fishing.

“We’ve done some fundraising also and are planning on running a charity golf day and putting up some benches in Oliver’s memory.

“The response has been fantastic with the tributes left near the fishing lodges for Oliver which have been well-kept, and so many friends and people who knew him have come forward.”

He added: “We just want to raise awareness and if we can save one life by doing this, it will be worth it.”

To donate money search for the page “In memory of Oliver Wane” on Just Giving.