A father from Lancashire has tragically died following an accident at Kewsick’s Kong Adventure Climbing Centre in the Lake District.
Carl O’Keeffe from Lancaster was attending a family member’s birthday at the popular North West tourist spot on 22 April when he slipped and became stuck in a section of the tunnels that run around the indoor climbing centre.
As various other visitors, staff members and emergency responders began to dismantle the walls to gain access to the tunnels behind them, he was eventually freed after four hours but was left seriously injured.
Sadly, despite being rushed to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle shortly after, the 49-year-old tragically died as a result of his injuries. His family confirmed his death around 3pm on Sunday, 30 April.
Carl O’Keefe sadly died after his climbing centre this weekend (Credit: Family photo/Keswick Mountain Rescue)
A spokesperson for Cumberland Council issued a statement saying: “We have been notified of an incident that took place at the Kong Adventure Centre, Keswick, and are investigating the matter as the regulating body.”
As per ITV, the dad of three was described as a clever and devoted family man who also was also “a strong advocate for the neurodiverse community”, helping teach people to “learn what adjustments they needed in life and to not only accept them but to live them.”
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Carl often wore dark glasses and a fedora hat as he was photophobic — sensitive to light — and was described as having “a brilliant mind”, having been in the process of applying to study an astrophysics PhD and explore his love of space.
Writing in an emotional Facebook post, Carl’s older sister Olivia said: “At 3pm today I sat with Carl and said goodbye forever. He was my baby brother and over the last few years became my best friend.
“I loved him dearly and we were in contact daily doing word challenges and exchanging weird facts of nature. I also got to spend alternate weekends with him and his children.”
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Having been at his bedside for the entire time he spent in intensive care with crush injuries, she explained how he was moved to a private room “so that he could die with some dignity.” She went on to describe the period as “unbearable”, leaving her and his loved ones “broken-hearted.”
Our thoughts are with Carl’s family and friends. Rest in peace.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Danny Jones -
1st May 2023 
