Jon Ratcliffe passed away after a short illness last Tuesday at Hope Hospital, in Salford.

He was the North Western area media and marketing manager for the British Transport Police, based in Manchester, and previously worked as a press officer for Cheshire Police in Winsford.

Speaking from their Gresford home yesterday, Jon's father Rob, headteacher at Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Gwersyllt, his mother Gill, a supply teacher, and brother Dan, a student, all paid tribute to him.

"It was a very short, sudden illness; he died in Hope Hospital, in Salford," said 56-year-old Gill.

Rob, also 56, said: "He was an extremely popular man in the village, and the whole of Gresford is stunned.

"We are exceptionally proud of everything he achieved – he was a great son and a great brother."

Brother Dan, 19, said: "He had a wonderful sense of humour. It was almost the centre of everything he did. Even when he was ill he still managed to make me laugh."

Jon had had a girlfriend, Louise, for three years and the couple had recently moved to Salford Quays, in Manchester.

Gill said Louise had been "devastated" by the news, with her parents flying back from Australia to comfort her.

Gill said: "They were looking forward to getting married – it's just a tragedy."

In his capacity as media and marketing manager for the British Transport Police, Jon was praised for his sensitive handling of different media events, including the train crash in Cumbria in February 2007 which left one person dead and many others injured.

"He dealt with some difficult and sensitive issues and had gained the equivalent of a commendation," said Rob.

"He recently had a job interview with UK Athletics and he would have been media officer for the UK Olympics – he only narrowly missed out on it."

After leaving Leeds Metropolitan University, he had got his first PR job with Cheshire Police before moving on after two years to the British Transport Police.

Jon was the middle child with one older brother Ian, 32, and Dan the youngest at 19.

Dan is now studying the same public relations course at a different university, and one day hope's to emulate his brother's achievements.

"My older brother had Jon as his best man – and that's what he said he was, in every sense of the word," said Dan.

"Even though Jon was the younger brother, Ian aspired to be like him.
"From my point of view all I've got is happy memories of a caring guy who would try and get the best out of me."

Jon was well known in local footballing circles having played for his high school, Darland, for Marford and Gresford and for Gresford Athletic.

Rob said: "He was called up to the Welsh schools under 18 squad and he held the triple jump record at Darland School for years – he was a fantastic all round sportsman."

Gill revealed the family had received over 200 cards and numerous bouquets of flowers since Jon's passing.

She said: "He had a wonderful and caring hospital. We couldn't speak highly enough of the care he received in the two weeks he was there."

North Western area commander for the BTP, Chief Supt Peter Holden said: "We are shocked by this sad news, as we have lost a consummate professional and popular and respected member of staff.

"He was well liked by all who knew him and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts go out to Jon's loved ones during this difficult time."

Jon's funeral takes place at Christ Church, Rossett, at 12.45pm tomorrow followed by cremation at Pentrebychan Crematorium at 2pm.

Donations will go to Cancer Research and Ward L6 at Hope Hospital, Salford, via the offertory plate at the church or at the crematorium.

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