Tributes are pouring in across social media after a beloved Wigan headteacher, talented musician and former Olympic athlete, Helen Smart, passed away suddenly last week.
Smart served as headteacher at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan and was a former Olympic swimmer under her maiden name Don-Duncan, as well as an “inspirational” and “integral” part of her local community music outfit, the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band.
The 43-year-old’s death was announced on Sunday, 13 August, by the likes of her school, the band’s official page, local water sports clubs, family members and countless others whose lives she touched.
The cause of her sudden death is yet to be announced but the outpouring of shock and heartfelt condolences online has been huge, with so many commenters labelling her “the loveliest lady”.
Writing in the Facebook post, her school wrote: “It is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce the sudden death of our beloved Headteacher, Mrs Helen Smart. Our heartfelt condolences are sent to Helen’s family at this very difficult time.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I know this news will be a shock and cause great sadness to our community. I want to reassure you that the Governors of Worsley Mesnes School are working with the local authority and school to ensure that our children, staff and parents will receive the necessary support in the coming weeks.”
Those who knew her from her days as a top athlete in her younger days, Tyldesley Swimming and Water Polo Club said, “Helen was an inspiration to so many in the swimming world.”
ADVERTISEMENT
As for her bandmates, which included her father and brother for over 30 years, only had similar glowing words about the “phenomenal woman” who “made an impact on so many people” and whose death has left them heartbroken.
As an Olympic swimmer, she represented England and won a bronze medal in the 200-metre backstroke event at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, as well as four consecutive titles in the same event at the ASA National British Championships from 1997 to 2000.
As you can see, the much-admired teacher and mum of two was held in high regard by everyone who knew her, with her husband urging people to honour her spirit: “Keep learning like champions. Please learn from this and live your best life, no regrets, take lots of photos, make memories and keep smiling just like Helen always did!”
ADVERTISEMENT
Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, colleagues and pupils at this difficult time.
In case you wanted a better idea of the kind of teacher Helen Smart was, this should tell you all you need to know. Rest in peace.
Greater Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
People in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 26 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launched this past Saturday (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Mana, Erst, Climat, 10 Tib Lane, Ezra & Gill, Tartuffe, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
The funds raised by StreetSmart in Greater Manchester this year will support the crucial work of organisations such as CentrePoint, which funds Independent Living Advisors for young people, and Real Change Manchester, which plugs into the existing homelessness charities to provide that extra boost of funding that makes all the difference.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2025, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
“Every £1 added to a bill adds up and makes a huge difference.”
Featured Image – John Carey (Supplied)
News
Police appeal for information after pedestrian killed on Mancunian Way followed earlier welfare concern reports
Emily Sergeant
Police are continuing to appeal for information after a pedestrian was killed on Mancunian Way during the early hours.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that the shocking incident occurred at approximately 12:50am on Friday 31 October when it was reported that a Volkswagen Passat had collided with a man in his 20s.
Sadly, the collision was fatal and the pedestrian died at the scene.
The driver of the Volkswagen, a man in his 40s, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Following the incident, subsequent police enquiries have established that a call was made to the force shortly after midnight which reported concern for a man walking on the carriageway, and GMP says it believes the man in that report was the man who was involved in the fatal collision.
Officers were sent out as ‘high priority’ to carry out an extensive search of the surrounding area after the report was made, but it was said that they couldn’t locate him.
#UPDATE | Officers are continuing to appeal for information following the fatal collision on Mancunian Way this morning.
We have referred ourselves to the IPOC after reports that the victim was possibly spotted on the carriageway earlier that morning.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) October 31, 2025
Due to this earlier report, GMP has confirmed that it has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to look into its response to the search.
The victim’s family is aware, have been updated, and they are being supported by specialist officers at this time.
GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is still appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward, and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV footage, dashcam, or mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the incident.
“This is a tragic incident for all involved and we express our deepest condolences to the family of the man who has lost his life, and whom we are doing our utmost to support at this time,” commented Sergeant Andrew Page.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting log number 111 of the 31/10/25, or by using the ‘report tool’ or LiveChat function on the GMP website – www.gmp.police.uk
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Danny Jones -
14th August 2023 
