A much loved and well-known businessman has died at the age of 56.

John Harrison died in the early hours of Sunday, July 14 with his family by his side following a courageous 18 month battle in hospital.

John lived in Egerton and was a familiar face in the Bolton community, serving over three generations of schoolchildren from his uniform outlet on Blackburn Road. 

He lived his entire life in Bolton, having attended St Cuthbert's Secondary School.  

His love and dedication led to hundreds of loyal customers who were the very children he dressed when he first opened the Harrisons Schoolwear establishment back in 1990. 

John leaves mother Barbara and sister Denise, who said, “Everybody knew John if you lived in Bolton. He was so likeable, full of humour and kind and always had time for both parents and pupils of the many schools in the Bolton district. 

He will be dearly missed by us all and we hope his legacy will continue as we intend to keep Harrison’s Schoolwear going in his name and memory. 

“At a time when we are feeling overwhelmed we have been inundated with good wishes from so many local people which has helped both my mother and I considerably at this very sad time.” 

Denise took on the shop 18 months ago, when John first fell ill. 

She said: "He went in for an emergency bowel operation, then he suffered with epilepsy and a stroke. 

"He was in hospital for the majority of those 18 months, we thought he was recovering so it was a shock when things took a turn for the worse.

"I looked after him throughout everything, it has been a long journey, it has been really difficult and I really miss him." 

Denise has taken on the shop in John's memory, which used to be co-run by him and their mother. 

Denise added: "I want to carry on for John, and how lovely everyone has been. 

"We now have the third generation of people coming in, the children now there have grandparents who got their uniforms here. 

"His friends have been so supportive throughout the journey, they have been amazing. They all used to play pool and snooker together, they have been to see him." 

A Church mass and funeral service will be held at Holy Infants Church and Overdale Crematorium for friends and family on Wednesday 7th August at 10am, all are welcome to attend.