THE family of a man who died after being knocked down on the East Lancs are to host a fundraiser for the air ambulance who enabled them to say goodbye to him.
Gareth 'Gaz' Powell tragically died aged 39 after being hit by a car near Haydock Island on August 23, 2021.
A “larger than life personality”, Gaz, from Haydock, had a big passion for music and was also well known in the St Helens local sporting community.
Gaz’s family have held fundraiser music nights, called Gazjam, in memory of the much-loved son, brother and uncle, to raise funds for the North West Air Ambulance charity.
Gaz was taken to hospital by the air ambulance following the collision which enabled his family to say goodbye to him.
His family has since held fundraisers to help raise money for the North West Air Ambulance charity.
These have included a music night called Gazjam, which features various musical performances from local acts and people who knew Gaz.
The third staging of Gazjam is set to be held in June and people to help the “good cause”.
Gaz’s mum Sandra said: “We just want to make people aware if they could donate money to the air ambulance. It is a really good cause and the more money we can raise for it will be good.
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“It has been a really good night. It makes something positive and his friends have been really good and have rallied round.
“People are now aware of what the Air Ambulance actually do and that’s what made us eager to get as much money as we can for this charity.”
'They are the reason we got to say goodbye'
Gaz’s sister Emma added: “We are coming up to our third Gazjam in June which is a night for his family and friends to remember him and his love of music whilst raising money for an amazing cause the North West Air ambulance who are the reason we got to say goodbye after his tragic accident in 2021.
“The night is friends new and old giving up their time to play music and help raise as much money as possible.
“We have currently raised £11,839.36 since his death. This has been done by Gazjam, a sponsored walk, Three Peak challenge, marathon and many other things all done by his friends and family.
“He has a much-loved page if anyone wants to donate.”
- Visit garethpowell.muchloved.com to donate.
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