Trade union Unite reveals plaque for Wigan 'working class hero' who gave four decades of service
A Wigan great-grandad who dedicated more than 40 years to a trade union has been recognised for his service.
Alan Featherstone, from Golborne, died on April 15 last year after being diagnosed with primary lung cancer in 2023.
He received chemotherapy and radiotherapy and spoke about taking part in a trial run by The Christie looking at whether sparing the top of the heart during radiotherapy could help patients with lung cancer live longer.
Mr Featherstone was married to Barbara and was devoted to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, while he was also a life-long Wigan Warriors fan who never missed a match.
He gave more than 40 years of service to Unite, first as the convenor at Heinz and then becoming a Unite educational tutor.
His knowledge concerning Unite procedures and rules was well-known and took him abroad, earning him the nickname “El Presidente”.
Even while dealing with ill health, he still had time to tutor Wigan Branch 54’s new committee and was on hand to offer advice.
His contribution has now been recognised with the unveiling of a plaque in his honour at Unite’s Wigan branch office on Hallgate.
It was an emotional morning and featured speeches by chairman Michael Bentley, secretary Ian Wright and members Freddie Ralphs and Kenny Brindle.
In attendance were Mr Featherstone’s wife Barbara, son Gary, daughter-in-law Gail and grandson Joe, along with workmates from Heinz and comrades from Unite from Salford and Liverpool.
Gary, speaking on behalf of his family, said: “What an honour to see the plaque to celebrate my dad's work within Unite and this memorial to be placed among other great characters of this great union movement. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
Branch treasurer Pat Draper presented a glass memorial to Barbara to take home.
Afterwards, Pat said: “What a wonderful day we all had chatting and remembering Alan and the legacy he has left behind.
“Alan always followed the rules and procedures. He lived by his word. His loyalty, integrity and morals will not be forgotten ever.
“This ‘working class hero’ will always be with us.”