Our Manc of the Month series is back, and there could not be a more worthy or inspiring person chosen this time round.
We all know that Manchester is home to some special people, some born here and others drawn here, and after a bumpy two years that effectively amounted to one big lockdown, it’s these special people that have inspired and led us through the tough times – so we decided to start a series that shines a light on those who should be celebrated.
Following on from our ‘The Mancs of the Year’ feature towards the end of 2020, Manc of the Month officially kicked off in July 2021, with Marcus Rashford MBE, Manchester’s mural king Akse P-19, the local chef feeding the region’s vulnerable families Mary-Ellen McTague, and Manchester’s groundbreaking new Council leader Bev Craig among previous honourees.
But this month, it’s the turn of local boyband member Tom Parker, who’s beaten the odds to get back on top.
The past few months have been unlike any other for beloved British boyband, The Wanted.
The five-piece pop group – which first formed all the way back in 2009, and is made up of members Max George, Jay McGuinness, Nathan Sykes, and Siva Kaneswaren alongside Parker himself – first found success in the UK, before going on to build up a global fan base in the 2010s thanks to a handful of smash-hit singles, including ‘All Time Low’, ‘Glad You Came’, and ‘Chasing The Sun’, as well as releasing three studio albums.
Not long after the release of their third studio album ‘Word Of Mouth’, The Wanted announced in January 2014 that they would be taking an extended hiatus to pursue individual solo projects – but, in 2021, the boys decided to get the band back together to release a compilation album titled ‘Most Wanted: Greatest Hits’, and to take to the stage one more time.
And it’s all for a cause that’s extremely close to their hearts.
Tom Parker with his wife Kelsey, and their two children Aurelia and Bodhi / Credit: Channel 4
It’s fair to say that it’s been a long road back to the stage for The Wanted, but for Tom Parker, it’s been a bigger journey than most.
The Bolton-born 33-year-old was diagnosed with a terminal inoperable brain tumour, known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), back in October 2020.
Announcing the devastating diagnosis in a social media statement at the time, Tom said: “There’s no easy way to say this but I’ve sadly been diagnosed with a brain tumour and I’m already undergoing treatment. We decided, after a lot of thought, that rather than hiding away and trying to keep it a secret, we would do one interview where we could lay out all the details and let everyone know the facts in our own way.
“We are all absolutely devastated but we are gonna fight this all the way.”
Following on from his diagnosis, Tom shared that he has been undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as receiving private treatment on top of NHS care, in best efforts to prolong his life.
In recent months, Tom has bravely shared his journey in a TV special for Stand Up To Cancer, and has also spoken out during an appearance on a new podcast saying that a “massive improvement” is needed in treatment for brain tumours, and that a lack of research funding is part of the issue.
Tom was diagnosed with a terminal inoperable brain tumour known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) back in October 2020 / Credit: Instagram (@tomparkerofficial)
He added that the NHS had been “great” – but he wants more to be done.
A chemotherapy drug called Temozolomide is the standard treatment offered by the NHS to GBM patients – which hasn’t altered for almost 20 years, according to leading charity Brain Tumour Research – and Tom said that it’s “shocking” that this hasn’t been changed in such a long time.
“I think [the NHS has] been great, but I think there’s a massive improvement needed in treatment for brain tumours,” he concluded.
The people of Greater Manchester have shown unwavering support of Tom over the past 12 months since his diagnosis, which is why he was so overjoyed to announce that his latest MRI scan had shown a “significant reduction” of the tumour back in January, and then share the miraculous news merely a few weeks ago that the tumour is now “under control”.
“We had the results from my latest scan, and I’m delighted to say it is stable,” Tom said in an emotional post on social media earlier this month.
“Such a mix of emotions [and] we couldn’t ask for any more really at this point, a year or so into this journey.”
He also thanked everyone for all the “love and support over the last 12+ months.”
The Wanted reunited in 2021 to release a new greatest hits album, and take to the stage on more time / Credit: The Wanted
Tom was able to channel the positive energy from this news and take it back out on stage with him as The Wanted reunited for a special, one-off charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall a few weeks back to raise crucial funds for cancer charities Stand Up To Cancer and The Brain Appeal in his name.
‘Most Wanted: Greatest Hits’ was also released this month – which included all the fan-favourites, alongside two new songs – and entered straight into the UK charts.
The Bolton lad has been on a turbulent journey over the past 12 months, from battling brain cancer to being back performing in front of thousands – and he is no doubt an inspiration to us all.
This is why Tom Parker is our Manc of the Month for November 2021.
Manchester Thunder and AO help provide grassroots netball teams with new kits
Danny Jones
Our native netball team, Manchester Thunder, and Bolton-based principal sponsor, AO, recently helped provide new kits to grassroots clubs in the region.
We love to see it.
Acting in collaboration not only with the local electrical retailer but with the team’s very own kit manufacturer and sportswear supplier, VX3, who design gear for all manner of disciplines, Manchester Thunder visited the Platt Lane Sports Complex in Fallowfield to visit some youth netball teams.
Surprising the girls at the popular Greater Manchester community sports venue – operated by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) – a trio of different outfits from the North West and beyond were kitted out with jerseys, shorts, netball dresses, t-shirts and more.
Ribble Valley NC, Bangor’s Thundercats, and Chester, who were named North West Netball Club of the Year back in 2023, were all presented the boxes of brand-new netball kit.
These training and match-ready sportswear packages were worth more than £500 each, with VX3 renowned for their top-quality products, particularly prominent in both netball and rugby.
With approximately 700,000 women and girls playing netball nationwide every year, and an estimated 3.1 million people playing the sport annually, it remains the highest female participation sport in the country.
Multiple Manchester Thunder players were also in attendance on the day to help dish out the new kits, delighting youngsters who are no doubt hoping to follow in their footsteps one day.
Better still, not only were the kits bespoke to each club, but they also included tickets to a Thunder match, as well as an exclusive training session with the senior stars themselves.
Thundercats Under 12sRibble Valley U11sChester Netball ClubManchester Thunder presented netball kits to dozens of aspiring young players. (Credit: Supplied)
When it comes to the likes of Chester, the nearby netball team saw their previous season hit by multiple obstacles, including their summer club tournament, which typically serves as a key annual fundraiser, being called off due to adverse weather conditions.
That being said, competitions and generous donations like these prove vital for spotting organisations up and down the UK.
Maya Nelson, Head Coach of Ribble’s under-11s squad, said of the heartwarming event: “Getting the kit means a lot to the club.
“I think the dress, especially with them being different to our usual kit, is a really nice touch, and it’s something that we can wear to competitions and different events, and feel a little bit special.
“We’re always trying to recycle kit through pre-loved sales, so it’s nice for the girls to be able to be gifted something new through the competition, and not having to wear second-hand kit. We were all absolutely buzzing and we couldn’t believe it.”
At the time of the launch, Arafa Heneghan, Director of Brand at AO, said: “We’re incredibly passionate about supporting young people and grassroots team sports at AO, so we’re thrilled to run this competition for the next generation of netball stars, alongside Manchester Thunder.
“We know how much pride players take in their kits, so ten lucky teams getting the chance to create something bespoke with VX3 is really exciting.”
As official partners of the legendary AO Arena, the city’s iconic venues will also host the return of the England Netball team for an important international test series.
Featured Images — Supplied (via Manchester Thunder/AO)
Bolton
RSPCA appeal launched after ‘young pup’ found in river weighed down with rocks
Daisy Jackson
The RSPCA are appealing for information after a dead dog was found dumped near a river tunnel, stuffed into a bin bag and weighed down with rocks.
The young German Shepherd, identified as ‘Alpha’ from his microchip, was discovered in a remote location near Barrow Bridge Road in Bolton.
The RSPCA has described it as a ‘very distressing scene’, with the young dog ‘deliberately concealed’ from passers-by.
Two-year-old Alpha had had a bin bag pulled over his body, and rocks placed on top to weigh him down in the water near the river tunnel.
He was moved to the Destitute Animal Shelter in Bolton after being reported to the local dog warden, before being moved to the animal welfare charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
Alpha’s body was covered in blood but vets found no visible external injuries or fractures and his cause of death remains unclear.
His microchip linked him to a previous owner who said the dog was rehomed earlier this year – the new owner is believed to have connections to Bradford in West Yorkshire.
The RSPCA is now appealing to the public for information, especially from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near Barrow Bridge Road or who has CCTV or ring doorbell footage from nearby homes, farms or cottages.
The RSPCA has issued an appeal after a young German Shepherd was found weighed down with rocks in a river
RSPCA Inspector Deborah Beats said: “This was a very distressing scene. The circumstances in which Alpha was found suggest someone went to deliberate lengths to conceal his body.
“To leave any animal like this is deeply concerning. We want to understand what happened and whether this dog suffered before his death.”
She added added: “This is a quiet spot, but not far from a main road. It’s possible someone local saw or heard something unusual in the early hours of Sunday 13 June.
“We’re urging anyone with relevant information to contact the RSPCA Inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident number 01574838.”
For more information about how to report an incident of animal cruelty, visit the RSPCA website.
Emily Sergeant -
30th November 2021 
