Mum’s tribute to tragic Joe

Joe Smith

The mum of a teenager who died in a head-on motorbike smash in Denshaw has written a poignant tribute to her popular son.

Suzanne Smith wrote the heart-breaking words directly to 17-year-old Joseph Smith, of Malta Close, Middleton, who was killed when his bike collided with another on the A6052 Delph Road at 3.40pm on Saturday.

The former pupil of Middleton Technology School was about to start his second year on a plumbing course at Oldham College and also worked part-time at Argos on the Elk Mill retail park.

Police have not yet released the identity of the second motorcyclist killed in the accident.

Joe, my youngest son, brother of Amy, Emma and Tom, son of Tommy, you were the family baby even though you stood taller than all of us at 6ft 4in.

You were always so very special, a gentle giant, quiet, thoughtful, with a quick wit and a big heart and a lovely smile.

You loved the simple things in life, like messing in the snow, fishing, sketching, watching shooting stars, making fires, having barbecues, going to Anglesey on holiday, swimming in the sea, playing on your X Box, gardening, which included building bird and flower boxes, growing flowers and vegetables, drinking an occasional can of Red Bull and enjoying a rare cigar or two.

You loved some silly things as well like bath bombs and soaking in a bath full of bubbles, salad fingers, candles and Chinese lanterns — but as I know that was just your obsession with fire.

Most of all Joe you loved your treasured possession, your black Honda 125cc motorbike, which you kept immaculate and loved to ride around Saddleworth, Denshaw, Delph and Uppermill, enjoying your precious bike in the beautiful countryside you loved.

We only got 17 precious years together as mum and son and I know you knew that I loved you for every single second of that time. You were my precious, special, beautiful, baby boy.

Joe, I love you, I miss you, if you’ve got your bike with you ride carefully, until we meet again son, take care, love you always and forever.

Mum