Thousands of runners all over the UK are joining together for a special parkrun this weekend to celebrate 75 years of the NHS and us those of living here in Manchester, it’s happening just down the road at Heaton Park.
Official parkrun events happen all over the country every weekend but on this occasion, North Manchester healthcare provider, Connect Health, are urging those of all different levels of fitness to gather together and pay tribute to our beloved NHS on the week of its 75th anniversary.
As the largest provider of integrated community musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services in Britain, Connect Health knows all too well the importance of keeping fit, so events like parkrun are a great way to get people involved in raising awareness and, most importantly, moving.
So, tthe organisation have teamed up with the organisation to host 11 different events nationwide and not just one but two runs right here in Manchester on 8 and 9 July: the usual adults 5k on Saturday followed by the junior parkrun on Sunday. What better time to get involved than to thank our incredible NHS?
This weekend, parkruns around the country will be marking the NHS’s 75th birthday, and you’re invited! 💙
The only thing to remember about parkrun and this event especially is that, like free healthcare in the UK, it’s available to absolutely everyone no matter their age, fitness level, disability or physical limitations. For anyone who is slightly hesitant, they’ve also put together a number of helpful tips ahead of the day.
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As head clinician and Connect Health lead Mike Carpenter said in a statement ahead of the wonderful community event, “parkrun is all about participation and getting moving – whatever your level of fitness. Many people will be walking the course, so you definitely don’t need to be able to run.
“It’s all about togetherness, being more active and celebrating 75 years of our NHS. From countless studies and our own work in the local community, we know the positive impact that even very gentle movement can have on physical and mental health… why not bring your friends, your family members, your colleagues or just head down on your own and be part of something very special.”
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If you’re new to parkrun UK, you can register HERE and, hopefully, we’ll see a few of you there! Even if not, this isn’t the only worthwhile run happening this summer — how cool does this look?
Victim named and murder investigation launched after young woman is killed in Newton Heath stabbing
Emily Sergeant
The victim of a street stabbing in Newton Heath this week has been named for the first time as a murder investigation continues.
It comes after officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded to reports of a disturbance at around 2am yesterday (Thursday 15 October) on Dorking Avenue, in the Newton Heath area of Manchester, and when they arrived on the scene, they found a woman in her 20s with serious injuries that were ‘consistent with a stabbing’.
Despite best efforts of all emergency services involved, the young woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
As the murder investigation progresses, the woman has now been publicly named and a photo of her has been released for the first time.
She has been named as 26-year-old Alisha Samuels.
At this time, one man, aged 25, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a man and woman, aged 61 and 38, have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and they all remain in custody – with officers continuing their enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
Alisha’s family have asked for privacy whilst they deal with the devastating loss of their loved one, GMP has stated.
“We are continuing to urge people who may have information in relation to this incident to please come forward to support our investigation and bring justice for Alisha,” the police force said in a public appeal.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has mobile phone, CCTV, or doorbell footage, is urged to call GMP on 0161 856 5464, or contact them via the Major Incident Public Portal here.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Featured Image – GMP (Family Handout)
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Former supply teacher jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A former supply teacher has been jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester.
Abusali Rahman – a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford – appeared in Bolton Crown Court this week for his sentencing after first being charged with, and then pleading guilty to, several offences.
The offences are including, but not limited to, 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting), three counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (making AI-generated images), and one count of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Twelve girls have been identified in relation to the upskirting offences – aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending – at seven high schools in three Greater Manchester boroughs (Bury, Bolton, and Salford).
GMP says it has remained in close contact with the schools, local authorities, and other partners throughout the investigation to ensure all appropriate support is in place for those who need it.
Additionally, the court also heard how Rahman amassed a collection of images of young girls, using AI and other methods to sexualise them.
The images numbered more than 300 in total, ranging from Category A to Category C classifications, and Rahman would post these on social media, often alongside humiliating and disgusting captions.
Rahman was sentenced to six years in prison, and will also be subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Protection Order.
A former supply teacher has been jailed for child sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester / Credit: GMP
Detective Constable Lisa McGaffin, from GMP’s Bolton Child Protection Team, described Rahman’s crimes as ‘absolutely abhorrent’.
“My thoughts throughout this process have always been with the young girls who have been subject to such indignity,” DC McGaffin said following the sentencing this week. “Their welfare and support will always be a priority for us.
“While working as a teacher – someone who young children should trust and be safe with – Rahman repeatedly took secret photos for his own sick gratification, before posting images online which showed his total disregard for the girls’ respect and dignity.
Danny Jones -
7th July 2023 
