Local hero Figen Murray OBE has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree for her tireless work to improve venue safety and security, after her son Martyn Hett was killed in the Manchester Arena attack.
Figen, a former counsellor, has since dedicated her life to counter-terrorism, completing a Master’s degree in the subject and regularly visiting schools, colleges and universities to try and instil kindness and tolerance.
The inspirational figure said that it’s an ‘incredible honour‘ to receive the honorary doctorate from the University of Salford.
She’s had a big year this year, being named on the New Year’s Honours list and appointed OBE at the start of 2022 and then continuing to rally for Martyn’s Law.
She was awarded with the honorary degree for her work to improve venue safety as well as her support for students studying counselling and psychotherapy courses.
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An incredible honour to be given this honorary doctorate. Feel totally humbled. https://t.co/aA4gSlqWdD
Since Martyn’s tragic death, Figen has been educating young people on post-traumatic growth, bereavement and loss.
On receiving her award, Figen said: “It is totally humbling to receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of some of the work I have done over the past few years. I am very overwhelmed and wish to thank Professor Margaret Rowe and the University of Salford for honouring me with it.
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“I have been working tirelessly over the past four years to bring in legislation to keep the general public safe, working with the Home Office, and it is incredible to know that my efforts are being noticed by people outside of government, recognising how essential this legislation is.
“Thank you also to Helen Rose, Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the university, who nominated me.”
Professor Margaret Rowe, Dean of the School of Health and Society at the university, said: “It is wonderful to be able to present this award to Figen today.
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“Her dedication and commitment are truly inspirational, creating awareness of the issues around bereavement, cultural awareness, inclusion and anti-terrorism.
“We hope she will continue to work with us to support our students – the nurses, police officers and counsellors of the future – as they begin their careers.”
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Daisy Jackson -
30th November 2022 
