The family of a much-loved man with a 'cheeky smile' who died after allegedly being stabbed in Bolton have since set up a fundraiser in his memory.
Michael McCann, 35, known as 'Micky' to his loved ones, died following reports to police of a stabbing in The Haulgh area, just outside Bolton town centre, on the evening of June 7.
Emergency services were called to Back Bradford Street at around 7.15pm, where Michael was taken to hospital. He died from his injuries two days later, on June 9.
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Fondly described by his loved ones as 'touching so many lives' and having a smile that 'showed what true happiness looked like', a fundraiser has since been set up to help support Michael's family lay him to rest.
The post read: "As many of you are aware we sadly lost our brother/Uncle Micky 35 years old on Sunday 9th June. As you can imagine this has come as a total shock for us all.
"You never imagine getting the phone call we did. Micky touched so many lives and didn't deserve to lose his life like he did.
"He will sadly be missed by all his family and friends. Setting this page up I didn't really want to do, but with this being so unexpected we're asking for any small donations to help towards the cost of the funeral. As a family we will be so grateful.
"We just want to give Micky the send off he deserves. Thank you for taking your time to read our story."
Paying tribute to Mr McCann in a statement issued by police, his family added: "Our family will miss our brother's smile as it showed what true happiness looked like. Michael's sole purpose in life was the needs for his family. He will now miss out on being the brother and uncle that he wanted to be.
"We will always cherish the time we had together and the memories that we have all individually shared together. Although we had hoped for more than we have already, they will never be taken for granted."
Mr McCann's cousin added: "We can't believe we will never get to see his cheeky smile again. We will all miss you so much. We love you Micky."
Paul Simmons, 48, of Bradford Street in Bolton, has been charged with Mr McCann's murder. Jordan Downes, 31, of no fixed abode, is charged with assisting an offender. Kelly Hughes, 37, of no fixed abode, is charged with obstructing police.
