Bolton: Heartfelt tribute to man, 38 after diabetes battle

Phil Langley, from Great Lever, died following a long battle with diabetes.

Brother Ben Whittaker says that “no one really knew how ill he was” because he was always looking out for everyone else.

Although Phil became quite ill in the past few months of his life, he still went out to help elderly residents in the community with their gardens and odd jobs around their homes, sometimes doing it for free.

Phil was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 28 and died on January 22, 2023.

His mum Karen Rogers described him as 'the most lovable son' she could ask for and said that he was always thinking of everybody else.

From left to right: Philip's uncle Wayne, Emma,  mum  Karen, Jordan, and Phil (Image: Public)

She said: “He was the most loveable son I could ask for.

“It breaks my heart.

“You never think your son will go before you.

“He was just thinking of everybody else and sometimes he would do work for the elderly for free.

“He was a very private person and never wanted to worry me if he was upset.

“We are all so proud of him.”

Karen says that he is 'so missed' and that he will always be remembered as a 'beautiful person'.

She said: “He was such a gorgeous and beautiful person, and we will always remember him that way.”

Phil left behind is 22-year-old daughter Amy Haxton who he was close to.

Ben says that he was the 'best uncle' to his children Lola and Layton.

Phil also has another three brothers, John, Anthony, and Troy, as well as a sister called Leah – who he “loved to pieces”.

Brothers Ben and Phil (Image: Public)

Ben said: “Even though he was ill he was always happy and just carried on no matter what it was.

“He didn’t want to bother anyone.

“I don’t think any of our family realised how ill he was.

“He was always alright and just said his diabetes was playing up.

“It’s hard, but I just have to be strong for my mum.”

The family has since set up a GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/f/are-phil-funeral) to help cover the costs of the funeral and they have asked for people to donate what they can.

Karen added: “I want to thank everybody who has already helped with the costs and donated.

“The community really got together and helped.”

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.