ALAN GETS HIS HENNING WAY

The mere mention of his name stirs many different emotions within Salford, the foremost of which is pride, for he represented the spirit of our city on the global stage, not with words but with his selfless actions.

Alan saw a problem and knew he had to help do his part to resolve it, and when war tore through Syria, the Salford dad could not sit back and watch children suffer.

So the Eccles taxi driver took action, joined a humanitarian aid group based out of Bolton and headed into a war zone to bring much needed aid and supplies to the countless orphans who were left behind after their parents were killed in the fighting.

It was during his travels with that humanitarian relief convoy that he was kidnapped and held hostage by the terror group which became known as Islamic State, ultimately to be callously murdered by their hands as his brutal ordeal came to an end.

In late September, two of his alleged captors learned that they would finally face justice in the American courts for their parts in the barbaric murders which were carried out by the fundamentalist state.

When news of Alans death broke, the City immediately united in grief to pay tribute and stand shoulder to shoulder in support of his loving wife and young family of which he had been stolen from.

Since those dark days his name has become a symbol of light within Salford, a shining example of the best that its people can be.

We talk about the 'Spirit of Salford' a lot, but Alan encapsulated it with every fibre of his being and his selfless actions are seen as nothing more than truly heroic.

In short he is without a doubt, Salford's finest son and that is why so many signed a petition to ensure that his name should be forever imprinted upon the cities landscape.

https://www.change.org/p/salford-mayor-let-us-have-recognition-for-salford-s-finest-son

We are happy to say that the Council agreed and plans have been underway to make a dream into a reality.

The Salford Western Gateway, the one-mile dual carriageway which connects the A57 Liverpool Road in Salford and Trafford Way to the east of the M60 in Trafford will be named Alan Henning Way.

Salford City Council is currrently working with the developer Peel Holdings to complete the final process of adoption and the road will be formally named in the near future.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said once the road is in public ownership it will be “an honour” to name it in tribute to Alan.

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“Port Salford is the first inland UK port and distribution hub which is served by short sea shipping, using the Manchester Ship Canal, rail and roads linking it to the motorway network,” he said.

“The new road was chosen for several reasons. It is a vital, international distribution link and an essential part of the Port Salford scheme. As the port continues to grow, Alan Henning Way will become an even more important gateway to Salford.

“There is so much of Alan in that – a man who was a vital part of humanitarian aid missions and a man willing to give up his home comforts to travel internationally to distribute goods to families and children in desperate need.

“It will be an honour to see his name on the signs so that his bravery and kindness are never forgotten.”

 

Barbara Keeley, MP for Worsley and Eccles, paid tribute to Alan and said she was delighted with the decision.

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“Alan was a local hero and local people wanted a tribute to him, knowing that he had given his life taking aid to children and families in need in Syria. It is right that the city of Salford is naming a road after Alan and people in Salford and across the UK will be pleased with this tribute to his compassion and generous spirit,”

In 2016, after discussions with Alan’s family, Salford City Council created a memorial park to Alan at Eccles Recreation Ground, where people gathered to light candles and hold a silent vigil after news of his murder was revealed.

The design is based on a clock face and features a circular flower bed with yellow flowers and plants, wooden sleepers painted yellow and two granite boulders bearing memorial plaques to recall to the yellow ribbons that were used to show solidarity with Alan’s family during his captivity and after he was murdered. A family headstone at Eccles Parish Church also bears his name.

Eccles ward councillor, Councillor Sharmina August, added:

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“Alan touched the lives of so many people. Thousands of people across the city spoke out and said they wanted a way to make sure Alan was never forgotten as a true son of Salford. This road will make sure we remember that the world would be a better place, if we all showed the same Spirit of Salford as Alan did.”

Additionally, Alan has been put forward by both Barbara Keeley MP and Councillor Sharmina August to posthumously receive the freedom of the City, something which we think would symbolically well and truly bring Alan home.

In his final months his freedom was cruelly taken from him, we as a city can give him it back so he can can spiritually have a freedom no one can ever take from him again.

As ever we would like to give mention to Alans family who have been stoic and resolute in their fight for justice, we hope that in the not too distant future, those who brought them such unimaginable pain will be brought to account.