Harrie was left disabled after a car crashed into her while she was cycling in 2017.
A Salford University researcher who was left permanently disabled after a bike crash is raising money to make cycling more accessible in Manchester.
PHD student Harrie Larrington-Spencer, 30, has set up a Crowdfunder to buy E-Trikes which can be loaned out to those who need it, for three months at a time.
Harrie, who lives in the city centre with her husband Caglar and dog Frida, suffered a brachial plexus injury after a car crashed into her while she was cycling in 2017.
Harrie recently went shopping in York to test out the E-trikes.
Speaking to The Manc, she said: “I was left disabled after a car overtook me and turned left when I was cycling in Manchester a few years ago.
“The muscles in my left hand are no longer fully functioning, and it became impossible to ride a normal bike.”
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Luckily, Harrie could afford to buy a suitable alternative, but this is not the case for everyone.
“Cycling is cheap – unless you’re disabled, and need anything other than a standard two-wheel cycle,” she added.
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“I recently ordered a trike so I can continue to transport my dog Frida safely now she is a massive 5kg and it cost the equivalent of a brand-new small car.
“By being able to provide an e-trike free of charge to disabled people on loan for a number of months, Walk Ride GM will provide an opportunity for people to experience the joy of cycling and to work out whether and how cycling can fit into their lives, without having to make a huge initial investment.”
Harrie recently ordered a trike so she can continue to transport her dog Frida safely.
Harrie set up the fundraiser on behalf of Walk Ride Greater Manchester – a group whose aim is to make walking, cycling and other active travel modes modes the natural choice for journeys across Greater Manchester.
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So far, the Crowdfunder has raised £10,461 from 164 supporters, with matched funding which Harrie secured from M&S.
She added: “I can’t believe how much has been raised so far. I’m amazed by people’s generosity, especially given the pandemic.”
The more money raised, the more E-Trikes can be purchased.
Funds will go towards the cost of trike insurance and maintenance, in addition to the trikes themselves.
Walk Ride Greater Manchester will also ensure that there is a package of support around disabled people who borrow the trike, such as route planning and buddy cycling.
Since then, a number of schemes have been implemented, including in June 2017 when Mobike started a bike-sharing scheme across the city, allowing users to hire bikes via its app.
The service was suspended in 2018, with high levels of vandalism reported.
Meanwhile, Transport for Greater Manchester aspire to “achieve at least a 300 per cent increase in the levels of cycling across the city region by 2025” as part of a cycling strategy.
A new £85m cycling project has been outlined and will bring 55 miles of protected routes and 140 new crossings to roads across Greater Manchester by the end of 2021.
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “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.”
Sam Ormiston -
1st December 2020 
