REST IN PEACE: Mandy Howlett-Farrell aged 48.

It is with great sadness to hear that on Saturday 13th May, Mandy Howlett-Farrell, one of FC United’s friendliest bar staff has died at the age of 48; two weeks after suffering from an aneurysm to her brain whilst on a hen party in Spain - Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family at this time.



It is with great sadness to hear that on Saturday 13th May, Mandy Howlett-Farrell, one of FC United’s friendliest bar staff has died at the age of 48; two weeks after suffering from an aneurysm to her brain whilst on a hen party in Spain. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family at this time.

Mandy, from Radcliffe, was on a hen party in Benidorm, when she suddenly fell ill while she was drinking coffee in the bar at Hotel Marina on the morning of Saturday 29th April. She was escorted back to her room but paramedics were called when she started being violently sick. She was rushed into intensive care at the nearby Levante Hospital.

Mandy’s husband Paul (Faz) Farrell, (a former board member at FC United), was watching FC United at Broadhurst Park in Moston when he got a call from Benidorm informing him of his wife’s illness. Daughter, Olivia (19) was also working behind the bar at FC United on the same day. Paul, Olivia and son Kieran (26) caught the next flight to Spain and arrived at the hospital at midnight.

Doctors told the family that Mandy had suffered an aneurysm to the left side of her brain and was in a coma.

Her family has been by her side over the last two weeks, in which time Mandy’s condition had started to improve slightly.

Speaking from Benidorm on Tuesday 9th May evening, Paul said: "Yesterday when I spoke to her she opened her eyes. We were convinced she could hear us when we spoke. it’s been a very emotional time, draining and overwhelming."

On Saturday Mandy’s son Kieran posted a message on facebook saying, "I know there are going to be a lot of heartbroken people but she wouldn’t want that, she lived her life to the full, she had an amazing husband who I have the pleasure to call my dad and a beautiful little girl that she really would do absolutely anything for, and not to mention the rest of my family that have been stronger than ever."

Yesterday FC United’s Women’s team paid tribute to Mandy dedicating their 6-4 League Cup victory over Bury Ladies to Mandy and her family.

#ForMandy ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ho9jsmOMTG

— FC United Women (@FCUnitedWomen) May 14, 2017

Although Mandy had insurance, friends started a JustGiving page as her husband’s small stonemasonry business McGarry Memorials Manchester, where Mandy and their children also work, has effectively ground to a halt and the family has no income.

Its target of £1,000 was quickly reached and now the fund has topped £10,000.

Paul said: “I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the response.???

Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.

A memorial event for Mandy is being held on Friday evening, May 19, on Redbank Playing Fields in Radcliffe, near the family’s home.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and friends at this very sad time.

On her Facebook page, Mandy described herself as "Always smiling, that’s me" and of her role at FC United she described herself as "the best bar maid ever, lol".

We’ll miss you Mandy x