Work starts on park in memory of blast victim Jamie

DIGGING deep: Kenny Heaton cuts the ground at the new play area.

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THE father of Shaw gas-blast victim Jamie Heaton said he felt “every emotion possible” as he started work on a new park area in memory of his son.

The play area, at Bullcote Park in Heyside, has been paid for by three years of work by “Team Jamie”, which has raised £37,000.

As well as modern play equipment, the new area will feature a rock with a plaque featuring a poem about the two year old, who died on in June 2012 when an explosion tore through his home and others in Buckley Street, Shaw, as he watched TV.

Dad Kenny Heaton, whose wife Michelle is expecting a baby boy in October, said: “I would not have got through the last three years without the generosity and kindness of the local community.

“To see work actually starting on the play area is a weird feeling, I am happy, sad, excited — every emotion possible at the same time.

“This represents three years of hard work by Team Jamie and I am so grateful to everyone that has helped along the way. The local community has really embraced the fund-raising challenge and I hear people talking about it everywhere I go.”

Neighbour Andrew Partington, who was later jailed for 10 years for manslaughter and criminal damage had severed gas pipes in his home following an argument with his girlfriend. he was severely injured in the blast.