The family of a former police officer and father-of-four have paid tribute to a man who 'just liked to help people'. Russell Thomas died following a collision between his motorcycle and a black Land Rover Freelander in Macclesfied on May 17.
The incident happened around 4.30pm on Pexhill Road where the 60-year-old sadly died at the scene. His family are being supported by specialist officers.
Members of his family have now paid a heart-breaking tribute to him. Russell leaves behind a wife, Sara, four children, Joshua, Naomi, Sophie, and Oliver, as well as two grandchildren.
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In a joint tribute, they said: "Russell came to Macclesfield in 1986, his parents Ann and Owen owned the Moorhayes House Hotel on Manchester Road in Tytherington. He became a police officer in Cheshire, covering Macclesfield, Wilmslow, and Congleton.
“He enjoyed spending time with his family and was an active member of Tytherington Family Worship Church. His career policing the roads found him in cars and on motorcycles during the years when the Cat and Fiddle Road attracted many road users. He was also the neighbourhood policing sergeant in Congleton, and Congleton Sherriff and was hugely active within the town.
“He lived in Tytherington with his wife Sara, working full-time as a Security Officer at Recipharm following retiring from the Police after 30 years’ service. Recently, he celebrated his 60 th Birthday, having a large party at the Pack Horse Bowling Club at which he was able to meet up with friends, many of whom he hadn’t seen for years.
“Between them, Russell and Sara have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren - to Russell, family was everything. Russell was loved by so many and is missed by many more.”
His wife Sara said: “Russell changed the course of my life. Our shared faith brought us together and he lived life to the full with me each and every day.
"He was extremely proud of all of our children and was never short of advice, love, and a helping hand. He was a huge DIY enthusiast, always building or improving something at home or wherever his skills were needed.
“He just liked to help people. He was the most generous and kind man I have ever met. He has left an enormous hole in our family.”
His children, Joshua, Naomi, Sophie, and Oliver added: "He was someone who chose to approach life with joy, enthusiasm, faith, and hope. He had an abundance of optimism and many plans and dreams for us all.
“He touched people’s hearts with only a few exchanges, unconditional love, and a smile as wide as you could imagine. He enriched the lives of those he encountered, could talk forever, and made the world a better place. He was an extraordinary son, amazing husband, incredible dad, and proud grandad."
Cheshire Police are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have footage or witnessed the incident. Anyone with any information or dashcam footage in relation to the incident is asked to report it to Cheshire Constabulary via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/ quoting IML 1271223, or call 101.
Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or report it via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
