In news you simply love to see, an Altrincham grandma not only completed her second Trafford 10k in two years this past weekend, she also managed to beat her personal best — all on her birthday!
Running for Greater Manchester charity St Ann’s Hospice along with 20 members of her family, Alty nan Barbara Thackray managed to complete the popular 10k running challenge in 85 minutes, nearly a whole two minutes quicker than she did last year at her hometown Altrincham 10k.
To make the occasion even more wonderful, Barbara just so happened to be running on her 85th birthday and was met at the finish line with plenty of cheers and a cake at the ready.
Have to say, the fact it was everyone’s favourite Colin the Caterpillar makes this story even better.
Congratulations to Barbara Thackray who completed Trafford 10k on her 85th birthday, to raise funds for our #BuildItTogether new hospice appeal. 🙌🎂
Barbara only started running when she turned 77 and has steadily been smashing PBs left right and centre ever since. Go on, Barbs!
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She now runs around 12 miles every week and is a big proponent of ‘you’re only as old as you feel’. Speaking to BBC’s North West Tonight in 2022, she said that running for a cause “enables us to keep our body going” and has only increased her mileage since lockdown.
The 85-year-old raised a whopping £1,325 with her latest feat on Sunday, 5 March and has raised well over £20,000 with her runs over the past few years. She has been raising money for the organisation for over a decade now, doing so after her late sister Audrey became a patient at the hospice.
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She told Altrincham Today: “This race is always special to me as my family come from across the country to run with me and some crossed the finish line with me too!”
They say you're as young as you feel!
Meet 84-year-old Barbara Thackray from Greater Manchester. She runs more than 12 miles every week and has been raising money for St Ann’s Hospice at the weekend. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/H56jjGfwIq
The Altrincham grandma has been inspiring others, senior or otherwise, to keep moving and do their bit.
Although she has kept fit all her life, whether it be walking or otherwise, she says that running has changed her life by giving her a new purpose and spreading plenty of happiness along the way.
She went on to reinforce just how important the charity has been for her family. “My sister’s death was much better due to St Ann’s Hospice, they’ll do whatever they can for their patient to have the best quality death they possibly can have – and that’s worth supporting,” said Barbara.
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As for her message to anyone of a similar age who might be considering taking up running, she simply advises to “begin gently and listen to your body.”
You can still donate to Barbara’s fundraiser or help St Ann’s Hospice in their mission to support those who are 18 and above and affected by life-limiting illnesses, as well as their loved ones and carers HERE.
Greens hasn’t shared as much detail about its Sale closure.
Simon Rimmer’s Greens restaurant in Sale has announced its immediate closure. Credit: The Manc Group
They wrote: “It is with deep regret that the board of directors and shareholders have decided to close the doors permanently on Greens Sale with immediate effect.
“We’ve done everything possible to make this work, but it is now clear the business is untenable.
“We’d like to thank everyone, team members & guests, who have been on the Greens journey with us.”
It’s another blow to the Manchester’s famous vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene, which has lost the likes of Wholesome Junkies, Vurger Co, and V Rev all shutting down in the last couple of years.
Wholesome Junkies shut down because of ‘skyrocketing costs’, writing at the time of their closure in July: “The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.”
Northern blocks access to dating apps and websites on-board trains
Emily Sergeant
Access to dating apps and websites is now blocked on-board trains travelling across the north, it has been revealed.
Northern says there’s “good reason” for taking this decision.
This is because the WiFi provided by the train operator on-board its services travelling across the north of England is delivered under the ‘Friendly WiFi’ scheme, which blocks access to certain categories of content – including those associated with dating.
Websites and apps related to video streaming, gambling, alcohol, adult content, pornography, and nudity are also blocked.
Northern has blocked access to dating apps and websites on-board its trains / Credit: Northern
The company says ‘Friendly WiFi’ – which it has been signed up to since 2017 – ensures its on-board internet service meets “minimum filtering standards” given the fact that children could be present around passengers at all times.
The decision to ban dating apps and websites comes after Northern also urged passengers to stop viewing content that’s “not suitable for work” on its trains and stations in Greater Manchester and beyond, and pleaded for them to “wait until you get home” instead.
Content that Northern considers ‘NSFW’ can range from inappropriate jokes and bad language, right through to offensive topics and explicit material.
The train operator has explained the “good reason” for its decision / Credit: Northern
Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Rice, said access to “safe and reliable” internet is part of passengers’ expectations.
“Whilst some dating websites and users will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear, particularly children, isn’t viewed on our trains,” Mr Rice explained.
“It’s simply about ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth for all our customers to use while they’re on the go.
Danny Jones -
8th March 2023 
