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McDonald’s brings back Raspberry Ripple and Mint Choc Chip iced frappes for the summer

There couldn't be a better time for the fast food chain to announce the return of the fan-favourite iced drinks.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 14th July 2021

McDonald’s UK has brought back two of its fan-favourite iced frappe drinks just in time for the summer.

After a few weeks of grey skies and classic Manchester rain, the temperatures look set to soar and the sunshine will be showing its face once again over the coming days. So, there couldn’t be a better time for the popular fast food chain to make some additions to its summer menu.

Although unconfirmed by McDonald’s as of yet, renowned food-spotting Instagram account New Foods UK has revealed that the Raspberry Ripple and Mint Choc Chip iced frappes are back.

From Millionaire’s Shortbread, to Honeycomb, and of course the two mainstays Caramel and Mocha, McDonald’s has had a wide range of iced and frappe drinks on the menu over the years – but arguably none were loved more by fans of the fast food chain than the Raspberry Ripple and Mint Choc Chip.

Presumably influenced by calls for their return, the drinks are now making a comeback.

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Inspired by two much-loved classic ice cream flavours, the frappe drinks look to have been taken to the next level on their return.

Announcing the return of the two drinks on Instagram this morning, New Foods UK said: “Two new Iced Drinks at McDonalds UK – Raspberry Ripple Iced Cooler and Mint Choc Chip Iced Frappe.

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“Both are really good, but the Mint Frappe is our favourite – reminds us of Mint Aero.”

It’s currently unconfirmed how much one of these new frappe drinks will set you back, but it’s expected that they will be in the region of £2.49 – which is the price they were at last time they were on the menu a few years back.

The Raspberry Ripple Iced Cooler and Mint Choc Chip Iced Frappe are said to be available at McDonald’s branches across the UK now.

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Wigan Warriors make history with first-ever Women’s Challenge Cup win

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Wigan Warriors have done it: they’ve officially lifted the 2025 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup for the first time in their history following an emphatic victory over serial champions, St Helens.

The Greater Manchester club managed not only to finally win the tournament but also to put a stop to St Helens’ hugely successful streak and what would have been five consecutive wins.

Spurred on by some smart tactics from club legend and boss, Dennis Betts – who won the competition seven times with Wigan as a player himself – the Warriors put in an imperious performance, leading by 18 at half time. Now that’s how you start a match.

Here’s the moment they finally got their hands on it:

Not only was the first-ever Challenge Cup win for Wigan Warriors Women, but it also ended a fairly significant silverware drought that has felt even longer for the supporters.

The last time a female Wigan Warriors squad won a major trophy was in the Super League back in 2018, when they also managed to win a maiden Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos by just 18-16.

Cut to this weekend, and the team fielded was much more impressive, not just when it comes to taking an early lead but by stretching and consolidating it to continue controlling the game.

In fact, Wigan were up by 24 before the opposition coaching duo Derek Hardman and Craig Richards’ side even got points on the board.

Full-back Grace Banks pipped her teammates to the Player of the Match award, but there were star showings all over the pitch, including a prolific Isabel Rowe and a wonderful run from Eva Hunter.

They were never in doubt.

Truth be told, it was a bit of a thrashing and one of their best scorelines of the season – kind of them to save it for an epic conclusion at Wembley Stadium.

As for Salford-born Betts, who was once a prospect at Manchester United, playing with the B team alongside the likes of Mark Robins and Clayton Blackmore, this was his first trophy in charge of the women’s team in what has already been a remarkable career.

What a success story his sporting switch turned out to be

Congratulations to a local club with a very bright future ahead.

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Featured Images — BBC Sport/Wigan Warriors (screenshots via X/IG)

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Co-creator of Manchester-Blackpool bike ride hoping to reunite with fellow founders for special anniversary

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester to Blackpool bike ride 40th anniversary 2025

One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.

Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.

Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.

Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.

manchester to blackpool bike ride
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)

To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.

It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.

This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!

manchester blackpool cycling event
tony odwyer
Credit: Supplied

“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”

“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”

Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.

Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.

“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”

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For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.

As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.

Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Chrisite (supplied)/Leo C. Owen (Pexels)

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