THE FUNERAL of a much-loved athletics coach will take place today.
As an athlete, and then as a coach, secretary, and chairman, Joe Galvin dedicated more than 50 years of his life to Leigh Harriers.
Along with his wife Margaret, Joe trained countless budding athletes in the borough and ensured that all the young people they mentored became the best person they could be.
The local athletics club announced that Joe passed away in his sleep, aged 80, on Wednesday, March 1.
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Leigh Harriers were inundated with tributes following the sad news, while a tearful Keely Hodgkinson dedicated her 800m European Indoor Championship gold to her former coach.
The start of the remembrance service will begin at Leigh Sports Village at 1.30pm on Friday, March 17, with Joe's family asking people to honour the coach with a "lap of the track".
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The funeral service will then take place at 2.15pm at Saint Ambrose Barlow Church in Astley, followed by committal at Leigh Cemetary for family and close friends.
Those who knew Joe are then welcome at Leigh Sports Village's Banqueting Suite for refreshments from 4-4.30pm.
Donations will also be asked for Macmillan Cancer Support and Wigan & Leigh Hospice.
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