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‘We have lost our perfect son’

Sue Carr
7/11/2007

THE parents of a boy who died trying to cross the M60 have spoken for the first time about the loss of their ‘perfect’ son.

Nathan Owen, 16, was killed after being hit by a car on the carriageway near to Lord Sheldon Way, Ashton, on Saturday, 13 October.

Parents Pam and Mark, currently awaiting the results of a police investigation to find out what happened, have paid tribute to their eldest son.

"He had a smile for everybody and a heart of gold," said Pam, of Lytton Road, Droylsden.

"He was just perfect in everything, in his manner and in the person he chose to be. No one had a bad word to say about him. We always knew he was a popular boy but we are absolutely overwhelmed with the support we have had and it makes us feel so proud."

The couple were told Nathan and three friends were being pursued by police following a disturbance at Hollywood Bowl when the accident took place.

Mark said: "All interviews have now taken place and we should be getting the outcome this week. We just feel as though he was snatched away and we don’t yet know why.

"We honestly think Nathan made the decision he made because he didn’t want his mum and dad to be disappointed in him."

Tributes have poured in for the football-mad youngster who played for Medlock Rangers and had undergone trials with Manchester United.

The family has received a letter of condolence from Sir Alex Ferguson and the Reds paid tribute to Nathan in the match programme for their Champions’ League tie with Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday.

A memorial match has been organised by the Reddish and District Junior Football League and Medlock Rangers at Curzon Ashton on Thursday, 29 November, kick-off 6.30pm.

Tickets (£2) are available from Richard Rawsthorne on 07725 802536 or on the door.

The league has also changed the name of its trophy, formerly called The Plate, to the Nathan Owen Memorial Shield.

Pam and Mark also want to thank Malcolm at James Bradley and Sons, Dave Pace and Stella Quinn at Droylsden Football Club and family and friends for their support.