Prestwich: Funeral service remembers life of 'much-loved' firefighter

Francois Childs, known as Frankie, from Prestwich, died suddenly and unexpectedly aged 44 at his home on Tuesday, September 3.

He served on Broughton Community Fire Station's Green Watch where he had been based since joining Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS). in January 2018.

Prior to joining the fire service, he worked in banking and served the machine gun platoon of the Bury Fusiliers.

Frankie Childs (Image: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) Frankie left behind his wife Sarah, two children, parents and three brothers.

Yesterday, Monday, his funeral took place with firefighters turning out in force to pay their respects.

Frankie Childs' coffin being carried (Image: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) Frankie Childs' funeral (Image: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) Frankie Childs' funeral (Image: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) A GMFRS spokesperson said: "On Monday, at Blackley Crematorium, we said our final goodbyes to our colleague and friend, firefighter Frankie Childs.

"Colleagues from across our service joined Frankie's family and friends for a funeral service to commemorate and remember his life.

"Frankie served on Green Watch Broughton and achieved many great things with our service, making a positive difference to our communities."

Firefighters pay their respects (Image: Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service) Following Frankie's death last month, assistant chief fire officer and director of service delivery, ​Sarah Nattrass, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of one of our colleagues and share our heartfelt condolences with Frankie’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Frankie was part of our GMFRS family for more than six years as a much-loved member of Green Watch, Broughton, and he will be very sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues.”

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) also paid tribute to Frankie, who supported a Care4Calais charity trip to France he went on in November last year.

An FBU spokesperson added: “Frankie was one of 12 FBU members who volunteered their time to travel to France to support the Care4Calais charity in November 2023.

"Care4Calais supports the thousands of refugees and people seeking asylum across the UK and northern France.

"They offer their time to collect and distribute essential items and provide social support, and to help in many other different ways, from replying to messages, to fundraising and admin.

"The charity could not provide this support without dedicated and caring people like Frankie. His support will not be forgotten by the FBU or by the many people his efforts undoubtedly helped contributed to making refugees lives better.”