Andy started work for Celtic Vista (now Supalite) in 2013, working as an HGV driver and helping in the factory between runs.
He was an excellent all-rounder who quickly bought into the ethos of a growing company and was a great help to the founder David Watters.
As the business expanded, it acquired larger premises, moving to Walton Summit in 2014; it was a natural progression for Andy to become transport manager, responsible for planning deliveries and managing a growing fleet of vans and trucks.
Andy became ill whilst on a motorcycle trip to Germany in 2017. On returning home and visiting the doctors and subsequently having several hospital appointments, he discovered he had a very serious heart condition he apparently had from birth but had never affected him before.
He was told he would need a heart replacement which was clearly a shock; in true Andy spirit, he accepted his lot and lived with the LVAD, a mechanical device, for a while until a heart replacement could be found. His health recovered enough for him to return to work in a role with less responsibility and hours.
Such was Andy’s nature; when he was well enough to do so, he embarked on a fundraising road trip on the continent with his good friend Steve. They set off in Andy’s vintage MG Midget to take in the sights of Switzerland and Germany, raising thousands for New Start, the charity based at Wythenshawe Hospital that was instrumental in seeing him receive the LVAD.
Andy raised funds through a raffle and selling stickers to local businesses and organisations. This transformed his little car into a right head turner!
When Covid struck, Andy felt it was time to take stock. He sold his house and bought a barge which he berthed on the Lancaster Canal.
He retired from work and got a dog ‘Frankie’ to keep him company as he sailed up and down the canal. Unfortunately, Andy’s heart condition recently deteriorated, and Supalite lost a good friend.
Andy was well-loved by all his friends and colleagues at work and will be sadly missed.
In memory of Andy, a minute’s silence was held at work across all sites at 11am on Tuesday, 20 September.
