Preston Grasshoppers is saddened to announce the death of Mike Forshaw who passed away earlier today (16th April) following a long battle with illness.
Mike was a former Secretary of the club who also acted as the club Archivist and Historian. In recognition of his service to the club over many years, Mike was awarded with an Honorary Life Membership last year. Mike made significant contributions to both the website and Match Day Programme writing under his alias ‘Digger’.
Mike will be sorely missed at the club and our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this time.
Pictured above with Mike (left) is fellow Honorary Life Member and long time friend of Mike, John Dewhurst (right). John has kindly shared the words below about the passing of his friend.
“It’s very sad to relate that my dear friend Mike Forshaw has passed away after suffering a long illness with great courage and fortitude.
Mike was heavily involved at Hoppers as previously documented and also sourced our distinctive club blazers which always draw complimentary comments on our visits to other rugby clubs. Even as recently as this last Saturday at Rotherham.
Myself and my wife Karol have travelled all over England with Mike and his wife Catherine following Hoppers, probably approaching 30 years or so.
Visits also to Twickenham many times also feature but the stand out memory is several days spent in Rome for the rugby which brings back many wonderful memories.
Mike was the nicest, most polite and intelligent man you could wish to meet and will be sorely missed.”
Funeral details
The funeral service wil be held on Thursday 16th May 2024 at 12 noon at St Michael’s & All Angels, Egerton Road, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 1AJ, with the wake taking place at PrestonGrasshoppers.
No flowers are requested in Michael’s memory. If you wish to make a donation, Michael’s chosen charity is Rosemere Cancer Centre.
Catherine and the girls would like to extend their thanks to the Hoppers community for all the kind words of support
