An elderly woman from Bury has died from hypothermia after telling her GP she couldn’t afford to turn the heating on.
An inquest at Rochdale Coroner’s Court this week has heard that 87-year-old Barbara Bolton was admitted to Fairfield Hospital with hypothermia and a chest infection on 11 December last year after telling her GP that she could not afford to turn her heating on at her home on Dawson Street in Bury, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Ms Bolton – who was a mother and a widow, and had previously worked as a pharmacy assistant – tragically died on 5 January after her family made the decision to place her on end of life care.
Explaining Ms Bolton’s situation, Police Coroner’s Officer, Jane Scullion, told the hearing: “Barbara was admitted to hospital on December 11, 2022, with hypothermia, and a chest infection.
“She was referred to hospital by her GP who said this was related to her not being able to afford her heating and during that time she continued to deteriorate.
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“After a discussion she was placed on end of life care and passed away.”
Dawson Street in Bury, where 87-year-old Barbara Bolton lived / Credit: Google Maps
Requesting statements from the doctor and asking for a medical cause of death to be provided, Assistant Coroner for Manchester North, Julie Mitchell, adjourned the inquest and said Ms Bolton’s death was “particularly accelerated” by hypothermia.
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“Her death was particularly accelerated by hypothermia and there is a possibility of self neglect due to the lack of heating so her death has been referred to the coroner,” Ms Mitchell said.
Hypothermia is what happens when your body temperature drops below 35°C, and is usually caused by staying out in the cold for too long or not wearing enough clothes in cold weather, but according to the NHS, the condition can also be caused by living in a cold house – with older people living alone particularly at risk.
Following the inquest, Ms Bolton’s told the MEN: “We were in contact with her every day and saw her and spoke to her.
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“We have to deal with the sad loss now and it’s very hard for me and my family.”
A full inquest to explore the circumstances leading to Ms Bolton’s death will take place at Rochdale Coroner’s Court later this year.
Featured Image – Google Maps
Bury
Last-minute tickets up for grabs for Greater Manchester’s spooky steam train rides this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
One of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events returns this weekend, and there’s still tickets up for grabs.
East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) eerie ghost trains are a spooky season tradition at this point.
The heritage railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains always prove to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for “loads of spooktacular fun” once the scariest time of year rolls around, and 2024 is expected to be no different – especially as there’s set to be “fresh twists and new surprises” to celebrate ‘Year of the Pumpkin’.
While some little Mancs are already on October half term, and with the rest set to break up from school this Friday, the spooky steam train rides will be happening from 24-26 October this year, with special trains running on Halloween itself (31 October).
Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR
Got the guts for the ride of a lifetime?
In this year’s event, the railway will be transformed with elaborate decorations and eerie lighting, and visitors are encouraged to ensure that “no ghouls fly under the radar”.
Those brave enough at lending Zombie Bob and the ‘Monster Squad’ a helping hand at banishing ghosts and ghouls will be whisked away on a haunted steam engine through the atmospheric Greater Manchester countryside.
You’ll first start off the experience with a pumpkin-themed haunted house walkthrough over the ghoulishly-decorated footbridge at Bury Bolton Street Station, all before you hop on a 60-minute spooky steam train ride to the Irwell Vale and back.
As you take in the autumn sights and delights of the local countryside out the historic steam train’s windows, there’ll be lots of spooky entertainment and music along the way, and, as it always is each year, screaming and singalongs are to be expected too – and encouraged – as this is all part of the experience.
Families are also encouraged to “show off your spookiest fancy dress” on the day, and if you make it to the end, then a goody bag for every child “full of tricks and treats” awaits.
The Halloween Ghost Trains return tomorrow (24 October), and with multiple journeys happening each day, there’s still a handful of tickets left to get your hands starting from just £14 per person, so you’ll want to snap them up quick.
Elbow announce HUGE gig at Castlefield Bowl in Manchester next year
Thomas Melia
Legendary Greater Manchester rock band Elbow are returning to Manchester city centre next year for a huge outdoor summer gig.
It may be over half a year away but the concert calendar is looking pretty packed and with this new tour announcement – let’s hope there’s some elbow room for… Elbow. (Sorry)
Elbow are a Bury-formed English rock band who dropped their debut in 2001 and soared from height to even bigger height ever since.
Following their introduction into the music industry, the band have accolades and achievements like no other, even writing the song for the London 2012 Olympics titled ‘First Steps’.
This year also saw the rock five-piece score their fourth number one album on the UK charts with their latest album Audio Vertigo.
Their biggest hit ‘One Day Like This’ is a household classic and one that will never be forgotten, as the crowds at their shows know how to sing every single word as loud as they possibly can.
UK fans of the band can follow Elbow round the country as the Manchester dates follows the announcement of more shows including York, Warwick, Tynemouth and more.
Within these cities, the tour is taking place in some phenomenal locations including castles, nature reserves and our stunning city centre.
Guy Garvey said: “We are returning to venues we’ve really loved for summer ‘25 and also visiting some towns and cities that we haven’t been to for a while. There’s nothing like settling in for the evening with old friends.”
Manchester is set to be a very special gig, not only is this the closest date to their hometown in Bury, they’ll also be bringing out guests The Slow Readers Club too.
The special guests are also from Manchester too seeing great success with their indie rock bangers which have been compared to the likes of The Killers.
Elbow are set to play to the crowds of Manchester at Castlefield Bowl on 2 July 2025 with tickets going on sale Friday 18 October HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
25th January 2023 
