Queen Elizabeth II: Tributes, reaction and live updates as the people of Wigan join the nation in period of mourning
As the period of mourning begins, here we will publish the tributes, reaction and latest news during this momentous time.
Updates as Wigan mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said: “I was incredibly sad to hear that Her Majesty The Queen had died.
“On her 21st birthday, she promised that her life would be dedicated to our country’s service. To her dying day she fulfilled that vow with unparalleled dignity and dedication and was a constant throughout many difficult times in the past 70 years of her reign.
“I pay tribute to her lifetime of service and incredible legacy. My thoughts are with The King and the rest of the Royal Family during this difficult time of national mourning.”
Here’s the full story on the Wigan 10k and family mile, which are taking place this weekend. But both Haigh Woodland parkrun and Pennington Flash parkrun have now announced that they’re cancelled.
The Wigan 10k and family mile are definitely ON this Sunday and there will be a minute’s silence for the Queen.
The Proms in the Park event due to be held at Pennington Hall Park in Leigh tomorrow has been postponed.
Mayor of West Lancashire Coun Marilyn Westley said: “The people of West Lancashire and staff and councillors at West Lancashire Borough Council are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Queen Elizabeth II has been the longest serving monarch in British history and a major international figure for more than seven decades. We send our condolences to all the Royal Family at this sad time.”
Bolton West MP Chris Green, whose constituency includes Atherton, said: “With deep sorrow we learnt of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. This is such a difficult time for the country and Parliament has been suspended for 10 days so that we can mark this in a dignified manner.
“Bolton and Wigan Council’s have opened Books of Remembrance at their Town Halls and at other locations around the Boroughs.
“God Save the King.”
Dave Russel, Chief Fire Officer for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“On behalf of my colleagues at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all GMFRS fire stations as a mark of respect to the Queen.
“The fire service will always be grateful to the Queen for when she paid a visit to our headquarters alongside the Duke of Edinburgh. Our long service firefighters are also appreciative for the recognition the Queen paid to them through the Long Service and Good Conduct Awards along with medals marking her Golden, Diamond and most recently Platinum Jubilee celebrations.”
'She'll be greatly missed': Wigan shoppers and business owners pay tribute to the Queen
Shoppers and business owners in Wigan town centre have been sharing their thoughts on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“I’m from Poland but I know how important she was to so many people and how her reign will forever be remembered.
“Even with her latest troubles and illnesses, she was incredible and showed such strength appointing our 15th prime minister.
“She will be sorely missed.”
A statement from the Atherton branch of the Royal British Legion:
“It is with the deepest sorrow that the Atherton Branch of The Royal British Legion marks the death of our Sovereign and Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen has served as Patron of the Royal British Legion since 6 February 1952. We are immensely thankful for Her Majesty’s faithful service, and we join the entire Armed Forces community in mourning the loss of its Commander-in-Chief. The Queen’s unwavering dedication to the British Armed Forces will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences are with the Royal Family at this sad time.”
There’s already a post on Pennington Flash parkrun’s Facebook page saying that will go ahead tomorrow.
The bells at St Wilfrid’s Church in Standish will be ringing for the next hour in honour of the Queen, but they will be muffled. The tenor bell will be half-muffled and a lot quieter than usual.
Coun Keith Cunliffe and Dr Tim Dalton, who are joint chairmen of Healthier Wigan, have released this statement.
“We would like to express our deep sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“She was an incredible leader and woman who will be missed by people across the world.
“Our condolences go to her family, friends and everyone who loved and cherished her as both a person and a Queen.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your many years of service to your country.”
A spokesman for Wigan-based Breastfeeding Together said: “We are hugely saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll.
“As a charity who prioritises the needs of women and babies, and a recipient of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, tonight we think about an amazing woman, a mother, who didn’t stick with tradition and chose to breastfeed her babies, helping to normalise breastfeeding and changing things for future generations
“We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time. RIP Your Majesty.”