He Thought It Was Just a Sore Throat – Two Days Later, Tragedy Struck!

A family in Manchester is grappling with heartbreak after the sudden loss of a beloved father of two, Jay Dignam. Jay, known for his love of motorbikes and his ability to fix anything, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 50, just days after complaining of a sore throat. His death, which shocked his family and friends, is now under investigation.

Jay’s younger sister, Emma Dunn, 34, was faced with the agonizing task of sharing the devastating news with his daughters, Milly, 18, and Scarlet, 10. Speaking about the experience, Emma said, “It was a sore throat, nothing else. It’s such a shock. It didn’t register and I don’t think it fully has. We went to see him in the chapel of rest and it felt more real then.”

Emma described her brother as more than just a sibling—he was a father figure and a constant presence in her life. “It’s been so sudden, and a sore throat is so insignificant,” she reflected. “If he had gone out on his bike and had a crash… it’s been hard to accept. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. It was unbelievably hard.”

Jay’s sudden passing has left the Blackley community mourning. Known for his big heart and exceptional skills, Jay was a go-to person for anyone needing help with manual labor or bike repairs. His passion for motorcycles was well known, and he spent much of his free time tinkering with engines and lending a hand to anyone in need.

A close friend, Matthew Largey, has organized a fundraiser to support Jay’s daughters during this difficult time. Matthew expressed his admiration for Jay, saying, “Jay was a brilliant example of a man who had a big heart, endless skills under his belt when it came to doing any form of manual labor work, a huge love for bikes, and a passion for helping anyone and everyone he could. It was clear to everyone who met him that his love for his two daughters, Milly and Scarlet, massively outweighed his love for anything else.”

In his tribute, Matthew highlighted Jay’s generosity and dedication to others. “Jay would jump at the opportunity to get his tools out,” he shared. “He spent his life in Blackley and had many jobs throughout his life. All jobs were completely different from one another, which allowed him to gain such a vast set of skills—he was the handiest of handy men that you could have the pleasure of meeting!”

The fundraiser, launched to help secure a future for Milly and Scarlet, underscores how deeply Jay’s passing has affected those around him. The community has rallied together to honor his legacy and provide support to the two young women he held closest to his heart.

For those who knew Jay, his sudden death serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be. What started as a seemingly minor health issue—a sore throat—turned into an unimaginable tragedy, leaving a family to mourn the loss of a devoted father, brother, and friend.

As investigations continue, Emma and the rest of Jay’s family remain in disbelief, trying to make sense of their loss. “It didn’t register,” she said, echoing the sentiments of so many who are grappling with this sudden tragedy.

Jay’s memory will live on through his daughters and the countless lives he touched in his community. Those wishing to support his family during this time of need can contribute to the fundraiser, ensuring that Milly and Scarlet are cared for in the future.