Hero dad gave life to save daughter in horror smash
MAN HIT BY CAR AFTER PUSHING HIS 9-YEAR-OLD OUT OF HARM’S WAY
TRIBUTES have poured in for a hero dad who pushed his daughter to safety during a horror crash in Wythenshawe.
Airport worker Paul John died in hospital on Thursday, two days after he was struck by a Kia Picanto on Woodhouse Lane.
Witnesses reported seeing Mr John, 47, desperately push his nine-year-old daughter, Angela, out of the way of the car before he was hit.
And in his last selfless act, the devout catholic donated his organs, to give others the chance of life after his death.
The car also struck a 27-year-old woman and her two-year-old son, who was in a pushchair.
The woman was treated for a broken wrist and the toddler was uninjured.
Tributes have poured in for Mr John - a dad-of-two from Wythenshawe, who ‘always had a smile on his face.’
Commenting on the M.E.N. Facebook page, Paula Coutts said: “Was a lovely man, lived next door. RIP Paul.”
Jill Glenister said: “So very sad for his family. What a wonderful legacy to leave though. Sign up to the donor register please everybody.”
Lyndsay Grimshaw added: “Horrible things always happen to wonderful people! Such a selfless person! Poor family, killed thru no fault of his own... RIP FELLA.”
Sarah Corcoran said: “Truly heartbreaking, hope the little girl will grow up to know just what a true hero her daddy was.”
And Abby Grinyer said: “R.I.P what a hero.”
Mr John, who moved to Manchester from Kerala in southern India in 2001, attended St Elizabeth’s RC Church in Wythenshawe. Mr John’s wife, Mini Paul, works as a staff nurse at Wythenshawe Hospital and his 13-year-old daughter Kimberley attends Whalley Range High School.
Angela is a pupil at St John Fisher and St Thomas More Catholic Primary. Headteacher Dominic Hemington said: “Everyone here in school is deeply saddened at the news of Paul John’s death. His daughter Angela is a kind and caring little girl, with a lovely family, who we know very well. Pupils have been making cards and writing prayers.”
Sajan Chacko, president of the Manchester Knanaya Catholic Association, said: “Paul was very involved in church activities, and was a very active member.
“He was a lovely man, he always had a nice smile on his face.”