Matty Fairclough

Lancaster UAF | Tuesday, 29 May 2007 Source: Searchlight

We've received the sad news that Matty Fairclough, one of the young lads from Ulverston we met at one of the Leeds demos against Nick Griffin last year, has died after being involved in a car accident on 29 April. We reprint a recent article from the NorthWest Evening mail below. Condolences to family and friends from all at Lancaster UAF.

May Searchlight join you in your tribute to this young anti-fascist.

Friends pay tribute to 'life and soul of party'

Emotional tributes are pouring in for a musician killed in a road accident. Matthew Fairclough, 21, of White Ghyll Lane, Bardsea, was fatally injured on the A5902 at Penny Bridge at 12.30am on Sunday [29 April]. Messages of condolence are being posted on the Evening Mail's forum as news of the tragedy spreads to shocked friends and fellow musicians.

Many remember Matthew as "the life and soul of the party". The self-taught drummer — known as Steel to his friends — played with local bands Drownin' Trout and Youth Approval. One mourner posted on the Evening Mail website forum: "The local music scene has lost a jewel of a guy." Friend James Hemsworth, 19, who met Mr Fairclough, an apprentice builder, four years ago through the music scene, said: "He was a likeable guy, always playing jokes and he always had a smile on his face. He had a kind heart."

A former school friend called Kimberley said: "Matt I know you are in God's hands now and will be looking down on your family. You have merely gone on before us and we will meet in a better place once again. Sleep tight babe." Another pal said: "He was always the life and soul of the party everywhere he went and always had a smile on his face. What a character." Others described him as a "truly amazing friend" and a "legend".

Dozens of messages have been left on his internet MySpace page, including: "You were the coolest and funniest guy I knew. Rest in peace."

A neighbour in Bardsea, who did not wish to be named, said: "They're a lovely family. I couldn't wish for better neighbours. This is a tragedy." Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.