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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Kieran Isgin

Hundreds gather to say goodbye to BBC presenter Harry Gration after tragic cancer death

Hundreds have gathered outside York Minster to pay their respects to late BBC presenter Harry Gration who tragically died of cancer last month.

The procession arrived at the cathedral at 11.30am today (August 1) with family and friends of the Look North presenter gathering inside to celebrate his memory. Others in attendance include Labour MP for Batley and Spen, Kim Leadbeater, fellow Look North presenters Amy Garcia and Keeley Donovan as well as presenter Christine Talbot and former Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd.

Former Archbishop of York Lord Sentamu told mourners that it was fitting the veteran 71-year-old journalist's funeral took place on Yorkshire Day as he gave the sermon for his "dear friend and fellow traveller".

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Gration became a Yorkshire icon after fronting the BBC's Look North programme between 1982 and 2020 in a 40-year-long career. Amy Garcia told the congregation: “Harry was the heartbeat of the programme and head of the Look North family for four decades.”

The coffin of Harry Gration leaves a service of thanksgiving (PA Wire/PA Images)

She said: “Often called Mr Yorkshire, he was passionate about the county and its people.” She added: "He was their voice. He was on their side. He was their friend too.”

Lord John Sentamu speaks at a service of thanksgiving for BBC presenter Harry Gration at York Minster in York (PA Wire/PA Images)

Gration's wife Helen, also paid tribute to her husband along with two of his sons - Harrison and Harvey. She said: "We know that we shared him with many. To us, he was a husband, dad and daddy and we loved him totally.” Mrs Gration and the sons were earlier seen following the coffin which was carried into the centre of the Minster through the Great West Door, adorned with white flowers.

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