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Hundreds of people lined the streets of Ribchester on Sunday (19 January) in memory beloved Ribchester Rovers Football Club ‘legend’ Peter Hargreaves.
Peter unexpectedly passed away at home on 20 December, 2024, aged just 38.
A major figure in the village community, ‘Big Pete’, as he was known, prompted an extraordinary and humbling outpouring of love and respect on the village streets on Sunday.
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The funeral cortege left Ribchester park at noon. With the park being the home of Ribchester Rovers FC, a club which Peter dedicated so much time to as treasurer and committee member, the cortege then made its way through the village to function venue Hidden Oaks, Oak Bank Farm, Stoneygate Lane.
Celebrant Alison Goossens addressed the large crowd of mourners who assembled at Hidden Oaks.
She said told the crowd: “Your love and support means the world to Pete’s family and friends
“He devoted his life to helping others and was selfless in all he did. He was passionate about the village and worked tirelessly for the football club and helped to get it where it is today.”
Peter’s sister, Ann-Louise, said her brother ‘excelled at everything he did’.
“Peter, you were the true hero,” she added.
Employed by BAE Systems in its finance department, a statement from his manager, read out by Ann-Louise, said: “The whole team is devastated by the loss of Big Pete. We send our love and strength to the family. He was one of the best I have worked with in 22 years with the business.”
With several friends and extended family paying tribute to Peter during the service, many spoke of how he looked out for others over himself, his love of the village, and the tireless work he did for the football club and the community at large.
With many members of the junior, senior and ladies teams lining the streets and clapping as the cortege went by, it was a truly humbling way for a community to pay its respects to one of its own.
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