A rugby fan and former player from Bolton has set himself the incredible challenge of running six half-marathons in just over six months for the 2024 Six Nations in an effort to raise money for The ChristieNHS Foundation Trustand his late father.
Thomas Relph, a 37-year-old who previously represented local side Bolton RUFC, is taking his love of the gentleman’s game and the annual Six Nations tournament one step further by putting in nearly 80 miles between March and October on behalf of the local cancer research and treatment hospital.
Relph and his dad Mark, who he sadly lost to cancer in July last year, always shared a deep love affair with the game since Tom was a little kid, travelling all around the world to watch rugby along with his brother Oliver.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Thomas said wanted to do something to honour his dad’s memory in a unique and inspiring way, as he explained: “After he died, I felt I needed to do something for The Christie as they cared for my dad so much… I felt I owed them, as they made it possible for my dad to meet his grandson and spend some quality time with him.
Tom, Oli and their dad MarkThe Christie is world renowned Credit: Supplied/TECU Consulting UK (via Flickr)
Explaining that he wanted to carry out some fundraising ever since his dad was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in January 2021, he said that “COVID-19 and a new-born son meant time soon got away from [him]” and his dad tragically passed aged 66 following a stroke and cardiac arrests.
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Having already signed up to do a charity run in Cardiff with some of his mates, Tom thought, “Why not go beyond this and make it a proper challenge and do something that I know my dad would be proud of and in places that would mean something to him and me.”
With that in mind, he has now gone from doing 13.1 miles with a group of friends to now signing up for half-marathons in France, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, as well as one final homecoming run at the Manchester Half-Marathon to round off a whopping 126.5 kilometres.
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In true Six Nations fashion as well, he went on to add, “Hopefully I’ll be enjoying a pint of Guinness after each race as a tribute to my dad.” You’re going to smash it Tom and we’ll be cheersing one up to your dad as well, don’t you worry.
His playing days back in Bolton might be behind him, but Thomas is taking his training seriously ahead of his first half-marathon in Paris on Sunday, 3 March and we can’t wait to welcome him home for the city centre run here in Manchester on Sunday, 13 October.
He’ll also have brother Oli joining him for the Manc run and as well as arranging a celebration in the city afterwards to toast their victory and their dad’s memory, they’re also hoping to raise over £6,000 (there’s a theme here) for the charity, having already surpassed £4.3k. Amazing.
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Thomas signed off by saying: “The Christie is a truly exceptional facility that provided my dad with the care and support needed to initially beat cancer and later during its unfortunate return. My Dad’s sister Deborah was also treated there and they gave her some extra time to enable her to see me get married.
“She unfortunately died from a brain tumour a few years ago but was always a part of our lives growing up as a doting Auntie. So, The Christie really means a lot to our family and, hopefully, I can raise as much money as possible to support the cause.”
You can donate to Thomas’ JustGiving HERE and do your bit to help spur him whilst donating to the worthiest of causes. And if you’re still looking for where to watch the Six Nations in Manchester this year, don’t worry, you’re in the right place.
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester – Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured Image – Robert Cuts (via Flickr)
News
Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgement' in awarding Manchester City's winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision. pic.twitter.com/ZF76Qwz4Ib
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
Danny Jones -
1st February 2024 
