In a wholesome bit of news that has left us both moved and inspired, a 68-year-old Brit has raised nearly £14,000 for The Christie Hospital in Manchester by completing a truly epic coastal journey.
Peter Walker, originally from Birmingham, was set to embark on the famous Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge last year with his friend Nick Slevin, but sadly his walking partner’s wife Carrie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and admitted to The Christie last year.
As a result, the journey had to be postponed but Walker still wanted to do his bit to try and raise some money in the meantime and so decided to take on a different challenge: the well-trodden but mammoth Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
For context, this designated National Trail runs for a whopping 186 meals and Pete managed to finish the whole thing alongside some special company earlier this month.
Peter starting at Amroth in the north.The Witches’ Cauldron near Ceibwr BayCredit: Peter Walker/GoFundMe
As if the distance wasn’t enough – we’re talking nearly 300km – the challenge was even more gruelling as the Pembrokeshire local had to train pretty intensely to be fit enough for the voyage and carry a 20kg backpack every step of the way, losing over a stone in weight during his preparation.
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Climbing more than 10,000 metres in total (that’s more than Everest by the way) ‘r Pete lost lover 3kg during the walk itself, which started at Amroth towards the north of the routeon 3 June.
So, why take this on? Well, his mate Nick, who recently retired from The Christie after 30 years of service, was a Professor of Oncology specialising in head and neck cancer and is still the Chair of The Christie Charity.
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The pair met way back in 1973 whilst Nick was at medical school and have been firm friends ever since. They both sadly lost their fathers to cancer more than four decades ago and his partner Carrie is a well-known teacher in the Didsbury area and similarly experienced fell-walker.
To make things even more heartwarming, Pete, his wife Helen, Nick and Carrie were all able to reunite for the last leg and the finish line at St Dogmaels just under a fortnight later.
Peter followed the Cicerone guide and camped at designated campsites or stayed with friends along the route, even noting how he “met a current Christie patient who was extremely complimentary of the care and expert treatment she’s received” on the very first day of the incredibly charitable undertaking.
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Speaking on the achievement, he said: “It was a challenging but wonderful experience taking on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and I learned a lot about backpacking after years of running and cycling… I’m extremely pleased to have been able to support The Christie, especially as they’re looking after Carrie.”
For many years Pete also organised and took part in the Tour of Pembrokeshire cycling event, so he’s no slouch but to still be doing these kinds of challenges at 68 and all for a good cause right here in Greater Manchester, he has our utmost admiration.
If you can still donate to his fundraising page HERE if you want to help do your bit for a medical institution that does so much for our area.
No trams to run on three major Greater Manchester lines this Easter bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
People are being urged to ‘plan ahead’ as no trams are set to run on three major Greater Manchester Metrolink lines this weekend.
As part of a continuing £150 million investment in the Metrolink network across the region, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced that more than 1km of track will be replaced on the Altrincham line, and work will also take place between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield to prepare for full track replacement later in the year.
As a result, there will be no trams on the Altrincham, Eccles, and Trafford Park lines this Easter bank holiday weekend all day from Friday 3 to Monday 6 April.
On top of these line closures, there is also set to be disruption across other parts of the network too, as on the East Didsbury and Manchester Airport lines, trams will run to Firswood only, and services on the Rochdale line will terminate at Exchange Square.
To keep people moving over the four-day weekend, replacement buses will run between all the affected stops, TfGM has confirmed.
Anyone using a replacement bus, however, will still need a valid Metrolink ticket or a one-day Bee bus ticket to travel, and customers will be able to use all existing options to buy these, as they will not be able to buy a ticket or pay for the fare on the replacement buses themselves.
No trams will be running on three major Greater Manchester lines this Easter bank holiday weekend / Credit: TfGM
Replacement buses are said to be calling at ‘all affected stops’ along the lines, so customers are being told not to worry about that.
Speaking ahead of the improvement works being carried out this weekend, Ian Davies, who is the Network Director for Metrolink at TfGM, said: “The first main upgrades of the year get under way over the Easter weekend, as our £150m programme to improve our network continues.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers while we carry out this essential work to ensure our tram network remains reliable, resilient and safe for years to come.”
TfGM has assured that staff will be out and on-hand across the network this weekend, but is urging anyone travelling to plan for their journeys ahead of time to make sure they go as smoothly as possible.
Looking ahead to the rest of the month, no trams will run between Piccadilly Gardens and Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April while the track is repaired, and a further weekend closure for track repairs on the Ashton line will take place on Saturday 25 April and Sunday 26 April.
Find out more and plan ahead on the Bee Network’s dedicated webpage here.
Featured Image – Janus Boye
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Three men arrested after ‘shocking’ Salford pub fight leaves victim in life-threatening condition
Emily Sergeant
Three men have been arrested as police continue to appeal following a ‘shocking’ incident in Salford over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at around 2:51am yesterday (Sunday 29 March), officers were called to reports of an assault at a pub on Liverpool Road in Irlam, where it’s understood that an incident involving several males took place.
Police quickly attended the scene, and one male was rushed to hospital.
The man sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment, where he’s said to remain in a life-threatening condition.
While officers are working ‘at speed’ on their investigation to establish the full circumstances of this incident, a scene is currently in place, and road closures are affecting the immediate area.
At this time, it has been confirmed that three men – all in their 20s – have been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault, and they remain in custody for further questioning while GMP renews its public appeal for information.
“This is a shocking incident and our thoughts are firmly with the victim and his family during this extremely difficult time,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Helen Bagnall, from GMP’s Salford district. “We are working at pace and remain absolutely committed to identifying everyone involved and bringing those responsible to justice.
“Three arrests have been made in connection with this incident, and we are continuing to appeal for further information.
“Officers remain committed to understand the full circumstances and are urging anyone with information to come forward to support our investigation.”
Can you help? A dedicated online Major Incident Public Portal has been set up, and information, CCTV, dashcam, doorbell, and phone images and footage can be submitted here, or you can also contact police on 101, quoting log 256 of 29/03/26.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Danny Jones -
25th June 2024 
