But Martin, known as 'McGra' to many, tragically died on New Year's Day after a period of illness which left him in Bolton Hospice for a number of weeks. Martin at work (Image: Submitted)Childhood friend and director at A&C, Alex Lorant, paid tribute to him. He said: "I've known him since I was at school and worked with him from starting the business. It is the little things that you would normally do, especially when you work with someone, you're constantly reminded of them. "Martin loved just being involved in anything, work, mates, he wore his heart on his sleeve."