Manchester has always been a city that takes pride in its charitable spirit — we band together around here, especially in tough times — so when we came across the incredible work children’s organisation Destination Florida have been doing for over three decades.
Created all the way back in 1988, Destination Florida is a children’s charity, based out of Manchester, that has been taking children with medical problems on what they rightly call the “trip of a lifetime” for more than 35 years now.
Starting out as Destination Disney, the charity was created by Dr David Evans and Sister Alex Shaw, the idea was inspired by when a group of northern-based children were nominated to go on a trip to Florida through a London-based charity but were sadly left unselected.
As a result, the founders wanted to make sure they could provide the same incredible opportunity to those with life-threatening illnesses and conditions in the North, and so Destination Florida was born.
Similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the charity organises a team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and non-medical volunteers to take over 70 children to Florida to enjoy the likes of Universal and Disney World and more, all while providing for their full medical needs.
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Taking kids aged between 7-16 years old, whose medical conditions can vary from acute or chronic to life-limiting, the annual trip runs for seven weeks, with their dedicated parents and full-time carers also being rewarded a well-earned break whilst safe in the knowledge that they’re in the best of hands.
Since they have fully qualified medical professionals with them, not to mention a hard-working team of fully vetted volunteers, Destination Florida are able to deliver all manner of therapies while over in the States.
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In 2020, the Manchester charity was honoured with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and held two huge fundraisers, generating crucial funds both for the trips and the children’s families.
Starting out with a group of just 25 children more than 30 years ago, Destination Florida has gone on to provide this wonderful opportunity to hundreds of children who might have otherwise not had the chance.
Now fully back up and running after the uncertainty of the pandemic, this year’s trip takes place from 8-15 September and you already know the destination.
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If you would like to invite you to nominate any child that you feel may be appropriate for the trip, you can do so via the website, and the same goes for if you want to donate or volunteer.
It’s a truly wonderful cause that we’re proud to say comes from Manchester.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces VAT cuts on household electricity bills over winter
Emily Sergeant
It’s been less than 24 hours since Andy Burnham officially became Prime Minister, and he’s already announced his first measure.
After giving his first speech as Prime Minister outside the doors of Number 10 yesterday, where he said he intended to ‘give people some breathing space’ straight out the gate, it has now been announced that millions of households across the UK will benefit from immediate action to help with their electricity bills this winter.
The Government says it wants to address the cost of living crisis first and foremost, and will do this by tackling rising bills with a tax cut to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, just in time to impact the next Ofgem price cap.
This immediate action applies and is funded for this financial year.
The cost of this immediate action for this financial year is being funded from the £1.8bn Digital ID programme – which Burnham also announced he would be scrapping.
Any further action – including on funding for longer-term measures – will be taken at the Budget, alongside an Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast, and all decisions at that point will continue to be funded with the Government’s fiscal rules, it has been confirmed.
Cutting VAT on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October, and this is on top of the £150 removed from bills at the last Budget.
All suppliers are expected to pass the VAT reduction on to all customers, including those on fixed tariffs.
Small businesses who qualify for the domestic energy VAT relief and are not registered for VAT, as well as charities and residential care homes eligible for the reduced rate, will also benefit.
“I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister. We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets, and bring back hope.”
England international and ex-Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75
Danny Jones
Football veteran and legend of the English game, Kevin Keegan OBE, has sadly died at the age of 75.
A former Liverpool and Newcastle player, not to mention England international, turned Manchester City manager and even Three Lions boss, his death was announced on Monday, 20 July.
The news comes following a battle with illness since the start of the year, after it was revealed that he was tragically diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer back in January.
The original ‘King Kev’ before the likes of De Bruyne, also affectionately known in the footballing world as ‘Mighty Mouse’, is said to have passed away with key members of his close family by his side.
Confirmed via a public statement issued to Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves, they wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.
“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments. “Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather.”
Put simply, he had an incredible career and leaves a lasting legacy.
It goes on to read: “The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time, and they are requesting space and privacy.”
Naturally, tributes are already flooding in online, with ex-pros, pundits and fans alike labelling him among England’s best-loved father figures and characters, with one user notably dubbing him as “one of football’s good guys.”
Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, after battling cancer.
The England, Liverpool and Newcastle United legend will be remembered as one of English football's most decorated players. pic.twitter.com/oNIPUV806n
Even at his fiery and most passionate best, he was still one of the most respected figures in the history of English football and the sporting world at large.
For instance, arguably his most iconic interview as Newcastle boss ahead of his team’s clash against Manchester United back in 1995/96 only showed how mild-mannered he often came across.
Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, former teammates and all those mourning the familiar face with a famously good head of hair.
Danny Jones -
21st April 2023 
