Shaw says goodbye to Nellie

Murder victim Nellie Geraghty with her beloved husband Frank

FRIENDS and family were bidding a final farewell to tragic Shaw pensioner Nellie Geraghty today.

The 79-year-old’s funeral was due to take place at the Oldham Crematorium this afternoon after a procession through Shaw centre, where locals were expected to pay their respects.

Great-grandma Nellie died after suffering head injuries during an attack that saw a heartless robber steal her handbag. It contained her husband Frank’s ashes, which she had carried for 17 years and wished to be cremated with.

But the wish was set to go unfulfilled, despite extensive police inquiries and a 150-strong group of volunteers who took to the streets to look for the bag.

Preparing to say goodbye, her family issued a statement saying: “Nellie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Her life has been tragically cut short before her time. Her passing has left us all with the feeling of great sorrow and a gaping hole in our hearts. Nellie will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

“As a family we would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends and the public of Shaw for all their help and kind words. It has been a great comfort to us.”

A poignant procession was scheduled to leave Robert Nuttall funeral directors shortly after noon and travel down Market Street in Shaw providing a chance for the public to pay their respects.

Around 150 family members were then expected to attend the ceremony.

Nellie was found in an alleyway in Shaw on Thursday, November 24, still clasping the strap of the bag she had fought to save and which contained her husband’s ashes. She died from her injuries around midnight the following day.

Police have made a fresh appeal for information. Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Rawlinson said: “Nellie’s family have made it clear from the outset that her wish was always to be laid to rest with those ashes. Her family now has to cope with the double grief of both losing her, and the ashes still being missing.

“Her attacker is ultimately responsible for causing her death, but is also responsible for taking Frank away from Nellie for a second time.”

A 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed until February 14, 2012. Two boys also remain on police bail in connection with the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161-856 5448 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.