Family's tributes to kind-hearted Scarborough dad Sandy Noble who died in 'tragic accident'

Sandy Noble, 33, was a much-loved son, partner, brother and father who was idolised by his eight-year-old son Jayden.

He died while carrying out work on a lift at Oldham Royal Hospital in what has been described as “a tragic accident”.

His partner, Carley Holden, said: “I would like him to know how much he was loved by us, and how much Jayden completely idolised him.

“He will forever be in our hearts and, in his son, a piece of him will always live on.”

Sandy grew up and went to school in Filey before moving to Scarborough when he was 17.

He spent a short time in the army but left after quickly realising it was not the career for him.

He worked at a tyre firm, in a factory making car parts and at environmental company Yorwaste before becoming a lift engineer.

Sandy’s job meant he worked away during some of the week but his family said he could never wait to get back to Carley - his partner of 11 years, her sons Jack and Charlie, and Jayden.

Sandy and Jayden had many exciting adventures together, they said, usually involving one or the other getting muddy or wet.

They used to walk and cycle around Eastfield, enjoying the fresh air and keeping fit.

Sandy was a keen gamer and enjoyed a good night out socialising after a hard week’s work and spending time at friends’ houses.

His mother, Carol Biggins, wrote a poem for her son, which said: “I closed my eyes but for a moment and suddenly a man stood where a boy used to be.

“I may not carry you in my arms but I will always carry you in my heart.

“You have given me so many reasons to be proud of the man you have become. But the proudest moment for me is telling others that you are my son. Always and forever.”

Sandy’s step-dad Michael Biggins said: “Sandy was a lovely, kind-hearted young man who I have the privilege, along with his brother David, to call my step-son.

“They had already lost their dad, aged 42, when Sandy was 15 and David 16. Sandy never got over the loss of his dad but had a loving family behind him for support.”

An online fundraising page has been launched after several staff from Royal Oldham Hospital contacted Sandy’s family to ask if they could donate in his memory.

More than £8,500 has already been collected which will be put into a trust fund for Jayden.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michael-biggins.

David Jago, Chief Officer for the hospital, said police and firefighters were called on the morning of Monday, February 22, after a “tragic accident” involving a hospital lift and a maintenance engineer.

“The Health and Safety Executive has been notified, “ he said. “Investigations are ongoing to understand the circumstances surrounding the accident and to ensure the area is safe.

“This news has come as an awful shock to everyone who works at the hospital and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and colleagues.”

Police and the Health and Safety Executive have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

An inquest into Sandy’s death was expected to open and adjourn yesterday.