A pensioner in Chorlton has been flooded with kind messages after sending a heartwarmingly honest letter to his neighbours.
David Whitehead, 75, posted a letter to other homes on his street asking if they ‘might allow’ him to meet their dogs, writing that he ‘very much misses canine contact’.
David shared in his letter that he and his late wife had rescue dogs when they lived in Northern Ireland.
But since moving to Chorlton and into rented accommodation, he’s no longer allowed to have pets.
Since the widower’s touching appeal was shared in a local Facebook community group, he’s been flooded with kind offers of companionship – both human and four-legged.
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One person shared that he has already ‘met five dogs in four days’, along with a photo of David holding two small dogs in a coffee shop.
David’s letter reads: “Do excuse this unsolicited letter from a well-meaning neighbour.
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“Last month I came to live at Acres Rd. Because my house is rented I am prohibited from keeping a dog (or indeed any kind of pet). Which saddens me. In an earlier life – in County Down, Northern Ireland – my late wife and I homed a sequence of rescue-dogs, and I very much miss canine contact.
“I am writing to ask, therefore, whether you have a dog or dogs yourself and, if you do, whether you might allow me to meet him/her/them.
“Beyond that, occasionally joining you on a walk (not-too-strenuous: I am 75!) would mean a lot to me.
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Chorlton widower flooded with kindness after sending a letter to neighbours. Credit: Facebook, Rory Michael
“Again: my apologies if you find this approach intrusive; it is certainly not meant to be. If you don’t, please consider texting me so that we can discuss how to proceed.
“Thank you and best wishes, (Prof) David Whitehead.”
One neighbour then shared the following update: “Hello everyone! David wanted to thank everyone for their kind comments and messages, he’s now met 5 dogs in 4 days including my own dogs.
“David was the loveliest coffee shop companion and if anyone with a dog wants to reach out to him I can vouch for him not being an internet weirdo.”
New monthly comedy night with ‘some of the UK’s biggest names’ to launch in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A new monthly comedy night comedy with ‘some of the UK’s biggest names’ on the lineup is launching in Manchester.
As a new chapter for stand-up unfolds, you can expect an evening of belly laughs and big names all under one roof, as Club Comedy MCR and local comedy legend Josh Jones brings a brand-new monthly comedy night to Fairfield Social Club.
You might know host Josh Jones from massively-popular national TV shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club, Late Night Mash, and most recently starring on ITV’s Dancing On Ice – but now he’s heading back where it all began, and bringing some of the UK’s best new acts along with him for a full comedy showdown.
Launching next week, the exciting new event aims to bring together some of the very best comedy acts from across the UK.
Fairfield Social Club, tucked away down in the city’s Green Quarter, already knows how to put on a big show, but organisers say this ‘loud and packed’ comedy showdown is guaranteed to bring a fresh wave of stand-up talent to the popular venue.
The lineup is packed with big laughs and even bigger community spirit.
On the opening night next Friday (16 May), the bill reflects a mix of favourites and rising stars – with Fairfield Social Clubs’s welcoming both first-timers and comedy die-hards alike, as big names take centre stage.
New monthly comedy night with ‘some of the UK’s biggest names’ to launch in Manchester / Credit: Jason Erst (via Flickr)
Beth Moore, Louise Young, and Faizan Shah are just some of the comedy names appearing on the opening night lineup.
“We’ve been working on this for a good while now, as we were desperate to get Josh in for a regular night,” commented Sam Stroker, who is the Head of Live Entertainment at Fairfield Social Club, ahead of the event kicking off next week.
“We reckon Manchester is going to love this night, and it can only go on to bigger and better things.”
Club Comedy kicks off at Fairfield Social Club in Manchester next Friday 16 May, and you can find out more and get tickets here.
Featured Image – StockCake
Manchester
Limited 10k places left as Great Manchester Run half marathon sells out once again
Danny Jones
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run half marathon has officially sold out yet again for 2025, with just a small number of 10k places left.
With thousands of Mancs and visitors to the region having earned themselves glory at this year’s Manchester Marathon, attention has already turned to the next big event: the Great MCR Run.
Returning for its 22nd year, AJ Bell is bringing the Great Manchester Run back to the city and while tickets for the longest distance may have been snapped up as per, anyone debating taking on the 10k still has time to get their bib through the post.
Go on, you know what want the finish line feeling – not to mention a shiny new medal to score some well-deserved free pints on the day.
Yes, while spaces on the Great Manchester Run have already sold out in no time, there are are now less than 500 still left to grab for the 10k.
The question is, will you be one of them?
Final entries are available for £45 but there are also a select few charity places for anyone who backs themself to raise enough money before race day.
Taking place on Sunday, 18 May, with the first runners getting underway from approximately 8:10am, you’ve not got long to decide whether you want to be part of the action.
It’s worth also worth noting that if you missed out on the half marathon this year but fancy giving the next one a go, you can set a reminder for 2026 entries now.
One final thing: last minute Great Manchester Run entrants for the 10k must be aged 15 and over; a booking fee of £2.50 per entry will also applied at checkout.
Beyond that, provided you’ve got the training under your belt/you already a solid fitness base, the only thing that’s left to do is get ready for the starting gun. You can even take part in the official shake-out run, if you fancy it.
See you for the post-race pints and hopefully some PB showboating!
Say hello to the Official AJ Bell Great Manchester Run Shakeout with @Mitchum – powered by Manchester Run Club 🏃♂️⚡
📍 Great Northern Square 🗓️ 8:30AM | Saturday 17th May 🏃♂️ 5km route
Daisy Jackson -
10th February 2025 
