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?
Beloved local comedian Justin Moorhouse pays touching tribute to son Barney
Daisy Jackson
Justin Moorhouse has shared a touching tribute to his son, after announcing over the weekend that Barney had passed away.
The much-loved Tameside comedian wrote that the family are ‘besides themselves with grief’, before later sharing some of his favourite memories of his son, who was in his 20s.
Justin Moorhouse, who starred in Phoenix Nights and just recently performed at the Manchester Opera House on his ‘The Greatest Performance of My Life’ tour, described his son as ‘the sweetest, kindest soul’.
He wrote that Barney ‘just went to sleep and didn’t wake up’.
Following the heartbreaking news, Justin shared three of his fondest memories with his son, including a Flaming Lips gig in Leeds, Bleachers at the O2 Ritz in Manchester, and a trip to the US.
He wrote: “Some of my favourite memories of Barney are music gigs. I am so lucky to have enjoyed loads of stuff he did and obviously hates loads too!
“Luckily, he didn’t think I was too awkward to hang out with at gigs… How lucky I’ve been to have him.”
On Saturday, Justin Moorhouse shared: “It is with the heaviest of hearts I have to tell you our beautiful boy Barney has passed away. Me, his mum and step mum, his sister, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and his gorgeous friends are besides ourselves with grief.
“I am consoling myself as much as I can knowing that he loved us all and knew we loved him.
“He was so happy, content and excited about the future. The sweetest, kindest soul.
“He just went to sleep and didn’t wake up.
“I can’t imagine how the next days and weeks will unfold but I know we are able to cope – love always helps.
“I am him and he is me. Sleep tight Barney. Dad x
“Appreciate your kindness and sensitivity towards the family at this time.”
Government officially approves Eton’s plan to ‘remove barriers’ and open new FREE college in Oldham
Emily Sergeant
Eton’s plans to open a new free college in Oldham will officially go ahead following Government approval this week.
In case you need bringing up to speed a bit, plans for three new post-16 colleges – with the other two being in Dudley and Middlesborough – that are designed to help give young people who’ve done well in their GCSEs the opportunity to achieve the A-Levels they need to go to Oxbridge and other elite universities across the world were first announced back in March 2022, and then given the green light in August 2023.
Eton has partnered with Star Academies – which is said to be the highest-performing state school trust in the country – for the new colleges.
The colleges will aim to recruit ‘dynamic young people from deprived communities’, including in Oldham, and provide them with a ‘rigorous and rounded education’ that supports their ambitions to achieve places at ‘the very best universities’.
Oldham Council has welcomed the news that the new college – set to be named Eton Star Oldham – will go ahead, after the Government confirmed the conclusion of its national review into the proposals.
The decision means that Oldham will become one of the first places in the country to offer this new education model that combines high standards with strong partnerships and expanded opportunities for local young people.
The Government has officially approved Eton’s plan to open a new free college in Oldham / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Approval means pupils from every background will soon have access to the ‘very best’ opportunities.
Cllr Arooj Shah, who is the Leader of Oldham Coucil, said this is ‘great news’ for Oldham, adding: “Eton Star Oldham will give our young people access to life-changing opportunities, no matter their background or where they start in life.
“We have been clear throughout that this must be a college shaped with our young people, our parents and our communities.
“Now that the Government has confirmed it will go ahead, we will work closely with Eton College and Star Academies to make sure this delivers for Oldham’s children and opens doors for generations to come.”
Danny Jones -
7th July 2023 
