Tributes pour in for popular sportsman Wil

Wil Handford, who lived in Barrowford, attended Fisher More RC High School, He was 23 years old.

A mixed martial arts expert, Mr Handford learned he had bowel cancer after returning from a cage fighting training camp in Thailand. He passed away on Wednesday evening.

His brave battle with cancer earned him many admirers both locally and nationally after his story was featured in the national media.

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Your tributes

RIP Wil a brave young man, thoughts and prayers with your family, x loved by so many

Michelle Brodie

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Good mate and got along from day 1. Words cannot express. R.i.p.

Sraz

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Rip will sleep well gorgeous your with the Angels now xxx

Natalie Hirst

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Didn’t know you personally but I followed your story. You are a insperation to one and all. So strong and so brave you are a hero you never gave in and even in your darkest hours you never lost faith. Heaven has gained a truly beautiful angel inside and out. You can now rest peacefully thoughts go out to your loved ones xxxx

Emily Rose

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Such tragic news, just heard from my mum (Ann pilkington) I’ll never forget you... Sending Love to all the family, thinking of you all..xxx

Emma Pilkington

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Rest in peace

Chris

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When those we love go away, they never really leave us;

They are with us now, wherever we are.

Those whom we have cherished, live on forever,

For love wraps itself around the heart.

Although it’s difficult now,

Someday beyond our tears and all the world’s wrongs;

Beyond the clouds and all that we can see and touch,

We shall all understand.

Anonymous

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R.I.P... I didn’t know you but my heart goes out to all your family and friends. Such a young age and brave young man. Massive love to all close to him.

Claire

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R.I.P Will, such an inspiration x

Jessica

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RIP Wil, it was an honour to know you.

Graeme Slater

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Been following your story and hoping for a good outcome for you, so sad to hear today that you have lost your battle r.i.p Wil

Deborah

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Always had a real laugh on the big lads nights out ! You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten Wil. Too many laughs and too many stories for that. Rip...

Paul Larkin

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So very sorry to hear this awful sad news . I met you as a baby when I was midwife to your mum and remember visiting you as a baby . My Marc is the same age so it is significant I remember you . Sincere condolences to your family .

Linda Arnold

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R.I.P to a brave, strong, handsome young man. Deepest sympathy to all you left behind. God bless xxx

Deb Taylor

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RIP I am so sorry. Life can be so unfair at times!

Ed Semple

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I didn’t know you, but R.I.P xx

Cindy MacDonald

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Family friend, too young, too early, too heartbreaking RIP wil your fight will never be forgotten

Siobhan Wooler

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RIP wil, been an honour knowing you.thankyou for the great memories. your kindness will not be forgotten. may you have an eternal life full of happiness, hope you’re loved ones get peace and comfort.

Shaf

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R.I.P. young man! Taken far too soon!

Fanbelt

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Rest in Peace sweetheart. Gone too soon, never will be forgotten.xx

The brightest star in the sky.

Diane Hiley

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R.I.P a great inspiration to everyone. Heaven has gained a star

Anonymous

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Brave fighter who fought the last battle with such dignity. R I P Will x

Anne Clayton

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R.I.P. Young man, I didn’t know you personally but my thoughts and prayers are with you in heaven and your family that have lost such an inspirational son. God bless you.

Sylvia Seminara

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I read your blog.....I admired your spirit......I pray for your peace (and am not religious) ..... My love to your family xxxxxxx

Beverley

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Such sad news, i knew you from such a young age & this is devastating, you were such an inspiration to your mum & dad & others, x

Janet Ashworth

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R.I.P wil, a very brave inspirational young man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family x x

Jeannie

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Now in the safest place in the Uinverse......God’s hands. Soon to be awakened in a paradise earth. John 5: 28,29.. Our thoughts are with all the family. We lost a grandson and know the devastation it causes. But trust in God. He never lies. If he says that one day the dead will be given their life back it WILL happen.....❤️❤️

David Harvey

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I’ve known Wil Handford and his family since our days at Blacko Primary School, he was always the type of guy that could make anyone laugh.

Although I hadn’t seen him in a number of years, it saddens me deeply to have heard this news. My thoughts are with Cat Handford, his family and Rose Barrowclough.

Wil, you are an inspiration to many and your memory will live on. Sleep well.

Rest in Peace, Wil

Will Moulton