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Sad farewell to Halton

Susannah Wright
31/ 1/2008

FRIENDS of Halton McCollin, who was murdered in a Chinese takeaway, have paid an emotional tribute to him.

Halton 20, died three days after being shot by two masked men at China Gardens in Stretford.

He was a semi-professional footballer and this week footballers in Chorlton held a minute’s silence to remember him.

He spent much of his childhood and teenage years living in Chorlton.

Former neighbours have spoken of their sadness and shock at his death.

Gabe Hasford, 14, was a close friend. They had a shared passion for football and computer games. He said: "He was a very nice, caring lad. We used to hang out having a laugh, and he was a bit like an older brother to me. He was really good at football but he still used to play in the park, and if we played on computers he always loved playing sports stuff."

It is thought that Halton had moved to Wilton Road next to Beech Road Park with his father around six years ago, when he was 14.

Despite the six-year-age gap between the lads they struck up a friendship. Gabe, a pupil at Chorlton High School, says his friend moved away around three years ago, and Halton was living in Old Trafford when he was shot on January 19.

But the promising footballer - who played for Chorltonians FC and Flixton FC - often used to spend time round Chorlton with his mates.

Gabe said: "I saw him a couple of months ago and we had a laugh. It’s really sad about what’s happened to him."

The teenager lives on Chequers road with his mum, Elise, dad, Tom Sharp, and younger sister Esme, four. He also has an older sister, Sophie, 20, who is at university in Leeds. Elise Hasford said: "He was a lovely lad - exceptional really. It’s such a shame that he’s died and I can’t quite believe it. Even though there was an age gap between them, Halton always had time for Gabe and was a good friend to him.

"He was always really polite to adults too, and was the sort of lad you’d want your own kids to grow up to be."

A tribute was also paid by the headteacher at Parrs Wood High School, which Halton went to until 2004.

Tarun Kapur, the new headteacher, spoke on behalf of staff who remember Halton. He said "He was a popular lad with staff and was a positive role model for his peers, always having time to help and support others.

"Halton was a good pupil and loved school - especially PE. He and his parents were always supportive of the school, and we hope that his parents are able to come to terms with their loss."

Halton’s team-mates at Chorltonians FC, held a minute’s silence before their match on Saturday, January 26.

Chorltonians chairman Trevor Messitt said: "He epitomised the ethos of football, he loved playing the game, he loved the banter and sharing the day with his friends."

Halton, who worked for the Norwich Union, had gone into the China Gardens take-away on Chester Road, Stretford, with friends. At about 8.45pm on Saturday, January 19, two masked men ran in, one carrying a gun, and fired shots. Halton died three days later. No-one else was injured.