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.
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.
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.
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.
Man who calls himself ‘Kardashian of Cheshire’ pleads guilty to £200k handbag fraud scam
Emily Sergeant
A man who refers to himself as Cheshire’s very-own Kardashian has pleaded guilty to fraud and theft.
Cheshire Police explained how Jack Watkin, formerly of Wilmslow Road, in the affluent Cheshire suburb of Alderley Edge, funded his fantasy Instagram influencer lifestyle by defrauding businesses and individuals to a total value of more than £200,000.
The 26-year-old appeared at Chester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 24 June), where he pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud by false representation.
The court heard how Watkin used the lure of well-known designer handbag brand, Hermes, as a ruse to trick people into giving him the money he needed to afford his extravagant lifestyle, as these sought-after handbags can’t be purchased over the counter, and instead, shoppers must be specially invited to buy one.
This therefore makes Hermes bags a lucrative investment, as the resale value of them can be much higher than the original price.
Jack Watkin has pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud / Credit: Cheshire Police
The victims were told by Watkin that he had the contacts that could give them access to the handbags and that they could split the profits made on resale, so they proceeded to hand over their money in good faith.
But when no bag or sign of any money from the investment opportunity showed itself, they would begin to ask for their money back… and it was at this point they encountered his excuses.
A police investigation was launched after one victim contacted the Metropolitan Police back in 2022 when she became suspicious of Watkin’s continued excuses, and the case was subsequently referred to Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit.
Their enquiries unearthed a string of victims and a ‘breathtaking’ amount of luxury goods and hotel bills, all of which Watkin afforded by ‘swindling’ his six victims.
During the investigation, detectives also found indecent images on his mobile phone, which he has already been found guilty of at a previous hearing.
“Watkin deluded himself that he was a successful rich kid influencer,” explained Detective Constable Gareth Yates, of Cheshire Constabulary ECU.
“But in reality, he was stealing money from wealthy individuals under the guise of ‘business opportunities’ to fund his expensive habit of fast cars, luxury goods, and designer footwear and clothing.
“It was never going to end well, and his downfall was inevitable.
“Eventually his lies caught up with him and he is now facing the consequences of his deceit, and his perversions.”
Watkin has been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced for the fraud and indecent images offences on Wednesday 3 September at Chester Crown Court.
Featured Image – Cheshire Police
News
Kala announces closure after more than half a decade in Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Another hit for the Manchester hospitality sector as city centre cult favourite Kala has announced it has closed with immediate effect.
The Manc bistro, beloved for putting a contemporary slant on British and French classics, was opened by restaurateur Gary Usher back in 2021, receiving plenty of positive press over the years.
Announcing the shutdown on Tuesday evening (24 June), Usher shared an extended statement on social media, explaining the details behind the decision – but there was one, clear, overriding reason.
Confirming the news on Instagram, the chef-owner wrote: “Gary Usher here.. It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the immediate closure of Kala. I’m not really sure how to explain why we’ve closed other than we weren’t busy enough to cover our costs.
“I really really want to blame the economy and the pandemic. I really want to say the rising costs have made it impossible. All those factors haven’t helped, but we are 50% down in trade at Kala, and that is the killer.”
Nevertheless, Kala’s reputation has remained strong throughout, boasting one of the best elevated albeit accessible evening and lunch deals in the city centre, not to mention at very reasonable prices.
Moreover, they were famed for their stunning Sunday dinners, with Sacha Lord dubbing them the best roasts in Manchester he’s had “in ages.”
Usher goes on to add: “It goes without saying our business rates [are] increasing substantially, and the hike in NIC [national insurance] contributions only works against us. This was not planned, but neither was us being this quiet in June. All the Kala team will be paid up to date, our rent & suppliers too.
“If you have a voucher with us, as always, it can be used in the wider group. It was always a dream to have a restaurant on King Street in Manchester. I just wish it had lasted longer than 6 years.
“Thank you to all the team past & present & I’m so sorry to all of you and all the guests that I couldn’t create something with longevity.
“Please come and visit us in Didsbury at Hispi where it will be our pleasure to welcome you. Farewell, King Street. Farewell Kala. Gary.”
We’re back after a busy Sunday lunch service with our Monday lunch options. Don’t forget our great value bistro menu is available all evening too. pic.twitter.com/TtV4grWurK
Kala closing marks yet another local business we’re gutted to see go, as it was only earlier this month that we had to bid goodbye to both Medlock Canteen and Indian street food spot, Rola Wala, which closed on Monday.
Safe to say it’s been a gutting few days for local food and drink.
With that being said, please do support the Elite Group’s remaining restaurants where you can, which include the aforementioned Hispi, The Sticky Walnut in Chester, The White Horse in the Cheshire village of Churton, as well as Wreck in Liverpool.
All we can say is thanks for the memories and the brilliant food.
Danny Jones -
1st February 2024 
