Thousands of runners all over the UK are joining together for a special parkrun this weekend to celebrate 75 years of the NHS and us those of living here in Manchester, it’s happening just down the road at Heaton Park.
Official parkrun events happen all over the country every weekend but on this occasion, North Manchester healthcare provider, Connect Health, are urging those of all different levels of fitness to gather together and pay tribute to our beloved NHS on the week of its 75th anniversary.
As the largest provider of integrated community musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services in Britain, Connect Health knows all too well the importance of keeping fit, so events like parkrun are a great way to get people involved in raising awareness and, most importantly, moving.
So, tthe organisation have teamed up with the organisation to host 11 different events nationwide and not just one but two runs right here in Manchester on 8 and 9 July: the usual adults 5k on Saturday followed by the junior parkrun on Sunday. What better time to get involved than to thank our incredible NHS?
This weekend, parkruns around the country will be marking the NHS’s 75th birthday, and you’re invited! 💙
The only thing to remember about parkrun and this event especially is that, like free healthcare in the UK, it’s available to absolutely everyone no matter their age, fitness level, disability or physical limitations. For anyone who is slightly hesitant, they’ve also put together a number of helpful tips ahead of the day.
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As head clinician and Connect Health lead Mike Carpenter said in a statement ahead of the wonderful community event, “parkrun is all about participation and getting moving – whatever your level of fitness. Many people will be walking the course, so you definitely don’t need to be able to run.
“It’s all about togetherness, being more active and celebrating 75 years of our NHS. From countless studies and our own work in the local community, we know the positive impact that even very gentle movement can have on physical and mental health… why not bring your friends, your family members, your colleagues or just head down on your own and be part of something very special.”
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If you’re new to parkrun UK, you can register HERE and, hopefully, we’ll see a few of you there! Even if not, this isn’t the only worthwhile run happening this summer — how cool does this look?
A Greater Manchester town could be set to get a train station for the first time in 60 years
Emily Sergeant
It’s been a whopping six decades, but the residents of one local town could soon be able to hop on a train out of there.
That’s because a planning application for a brand-new £32 million station in Golborne – which would connect the Greater Manchester town, in the Wigan borough, to the rail network for the first time in more than 60 years – has been submitted to Wigan Council, meaning connectivity is finally one step closer to becoming reality.
In case you didn’t know, Golborne currently has no direct bus, train, or tram services to Manchester, and Leigh is the biggest town in England without a rail station, while the wider area is the largest and most-populous area in Greater Manchester not connected to the rail network.
The milestone aims to boost access to jobs and opportunities for people in the town and the wider Wigan borough.
NEWS: Greater Manchester on track with plan for first new rail station in over 20 years. 🚉
✅ 90%+ public consultation support for Golborne station in Wigan ✅ Planning application in to @WiganCouncil ✅ Local area improvements and walking and cycling links
According to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the Golborne station scheme forms part of a wider ambition to bring eight commuter lines into the Bee Network by 2028 – of which “significant investment” has been put into.
The application includes plans for a new accessible two-platform rail station, including step-free access throughout with a footbridge across the tracks and lifts to both platforms, a new hourly service between Wigan and Manchester Victoria, and onwards to Stalybridge, an improved town centre car park, and also new walking and cycling links to the town centre.
The submitting of the proposals comes after nearly 3,000 people had their say on the station earlier this year, with more than 90% of respondents supporting the plans.
A CGI of what the proposed new Golborne station could look like, if plans are approved / Credit: TfGM
If the plans are approved by Wigan Council, work on the site should begin in 2026, according to TfGM, with the new station scheduled to open in 2027.
Mayor Andy Burnham called the submitting of the proposals a “transformative step” for the region.
“It has taken a huge effort to get us to this point,” he explained. “But we have finally reached a major milestone on the journey to reconnect Golborne to the rail network for the first time in over 60 years.
“The proposal is based on extremely sound evidence and huge progress has been made with a planning application being submitted and overwhelming support from local residents.”
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Police issue statement after remains of young baby found in Salford field
Daisy Jackson
Police have issued a statement after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Salford yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the scene near Ashtons Field after a dog walker made the shocking discovery.
The baby – who is being called Baby A – has not yet been identified and police are now investigating ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood held a press conference near the scene on Ravenscraig Road last night.
He said: “Tragically, today, we have found what we believe to be the remains of a young baby on Ravenscraig Road, near Ashtons Field in Little Hulton.
“We have a scene in place, and you will likely see an increased presence of officers in the local area while we carry out enquiries to understand the circumstances.
“At this stage, we are following several lines of enquiry, and we are working with local partner agencies to understand who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died. We are now calling this baby, Baby A.
“All of this is extremely sensitive, and this investigation needs to be handled with the utmost care it deserves, and it is going to take time.
GMP press conference after remains of baby found in Salford
“We know that this news will devastate our communities, and while we do not have all the answers to these questions yet, I want to reassure residents that we will do all we can to find out what has happened here. The most important thing for us right now is to find answers for this baby and I would urge anyone who has any information at all to get in touch with us.
“Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Danny Jones -
7th July 2023 
