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
Police appeal launched as woman dies after being hit by lorry in Bury
Daisy Jackson
A woman has tragically died after being hit by a lorry in Bury yesterday afternoon.
At around 3.45pm on Tuesday 6 October, emergency services were called to a road traffic collision in Radcliffe.
The collision was between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West.
Tragically, the pedestrian – a woman in her 50s – passed away at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
A large cordon was in place yesterday and road has remained closed this morning.
Officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are now appealing for information.
They said: “At around 3.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 October 2026) we were called to reports of a road traffic collision between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West, Radcliffe.
“Emergency services attended but sadly the pedestrian, a woman in her 50s, passed away at the scene.
“No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information including CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 2299 of 06.10.26. Reports can also be made via our website of the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Greater Manchester’s spooky steam trains are returning this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is right around the corner, and one of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events is returning.
What’s Halloween without East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) eerie ghost trains at this point? Generally selling out each year, the heritage railway’s Halloween Trains always prove to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for some ‘spooktacular fun’ once the scariest time of year rolls around.
And 2026 is expected to be no different… in fact, it’ll be even creepier than normal, because the scream train has had a spooky makeover.
You can expect flickering lights, eerie sounds, creepy surprises, and perhaps a very unwelcome visitor climbing aboard.
Those brave enough at lending 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.
Before you join them though, you’ll need to prove you have what it takes by making it through the Halloween Walkthrough on the footbridge with a fair few jump scares.
Once you reach the platform, you’ll be greeted by Halloween favourites, Vampire Brian and Veronica the Witch, who’ll prepare you for your terrifying train trip with a song, a dance, and probably a scream or two.
Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR
As you take in the autumn sights and delights of the local countryside out the historic steam train’s windows on your journey, there’ll be lots of spooky entertainment and music along the way, and as always, screaming and singalongs are to be expected – and encouraged – as this is all part of the experience.
Families are also encouraged to ‘show off your spookiest fancy dress’ on the day too, and if you make it to the end, then a goody bag for every child ‘full of tricks and treats’ awaits.
Emily Sergeant -
25th January 2023 
