PEOPLE are being asked to take part in a skydive in memory of a ‘wonderful’ man who died following a suspected hit-and-run in Burnley.

Gary Lord, 51, died after being struck by a silver BMW 3 Series in Yorkshire Street at around 11.45pm on Boxing Day.

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Mr Lord was initially taken to the Royal Preston Hospital, with serious head injuries, but his condition worsened and he died last week.

Mr Lord was a popular member of Team Rise, a project for people with learning and physical disabilities, based in St James’ Row, Burnley.

He ran the group’s tuck shop for more than 18 months, one of the project’s larger incomes.

The team have decided to rename the shop ‘The Gary Lord Tuck Shop’ in his memory.

Sharon Lord, manager at Team Rise, said Gary was everyone’s friend for life and would be missed by many.

He said: “We wanted to do something big for Gary because he was such a wonderful character.

“We held a skydiving event last year to help raise money for the group as we receive no regular income.

“This year we wanted to do it in Gary’s memory and raise money for Team Rise, we’ve called it ‘Jump for Gary’.

“Anyone is able to take part whether they know who we are or not, it is open to everyone.”

Mrs Lord added: “He had so much patience with the other members and he ran the tuck shop so well.

“I would even go as far as saying he was the tuck shop, he made it his own.

“It was such a shock when we found out he had died, we were all so upset.

“He was such a respected figure in our group.”

Two men, aged 22 and 30, were arrested following the collision.

They are currently on bail in relation to the incident until March 14.

The skydive will take place on Saturday, September 9, at the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Cockerham, near Lancashire.

For more information call Mrs Lord on 07939 265218 or call Team Rise on 01282 471056.