A grieving daughter has shared a heartfelt tribute to her father and his loyal service dog, who tragically lost their lives in a canal boat fire on Christmas Day in Greater Manchester.
The tragic incident occurred in Wigan, along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal near Crooke Marina, in the early hours of Christmas morning. Emergency responders, including police, paramedics, and fire crews, swiftly arrived at the scene following reports of the fire in Standish around 3.30 am.
The victims of the fire were identified as 43-year-old Gabriel Murphy and his service dog Hugo, who were both found at the scene. Gabriel, also known as Philip, was a father of three, an Army veteran, and a paramedic with the North West Ambulance Service. His daughter Juliette revealed that Hugo provided vital support to Gabriel for his PTSD.
Following the tragic fire, an investigation was launched, and a police cordon was put in place around the marina. Emergency teams remained onsite throughout Christmas Day to manage the aftermath.
In a poignant message on Boxing Day, Juliette announced the devastating loss of her father and Hugo, thanking those who had offered support. She initiated an online fundraiser to gather contributions for her father’s funeral expenses, describing Gabriel as a gentle man who carried deep pain.
Juliette lamented the loss of all belongings and memories in the fire, emphasizing the profound impact on the family. The fundraiser aims to provide a respectful farewell for her father and to assist in coping with the sudden and traumatic loss.
Those interested in contributing to the fundraiser can do so through the online platform provided. Tributes on social media have remembered Gabriel as a kind-hearted individual who will be greatly missed.