A handful of firefighters from Greater Manchester have flown out to Turkey to join international rescue efforts after the recent devastating earthquakes.
Rescue teams are still desperately searching for survivors in southern Turkey and northern Syria after two huge earthquakes and several powerful aftershocks hit the region on Monday – with the first 7.8 magnitude quake having near Gaziantep in the early hours of Monday, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor just a few hours later.
More than 8,700 people are now known to have been killed.
As search efforts to find survivors under the rubble have continued for a second freezing-cold night, there are warnings the death toll could continue to surge today.
Several international rescue missions have been set up in the wake of the disaster, and it’s now been revealed that four firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) flew out to the affected area yesterday as part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UK-ISAR).
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Four firefighters from Greater Manchester have joined the UK-ISAR team deployed to help the search and rescue operation in Turkey, following the devastating earthquakes that affected southern areas of the country.
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) February 7, 2023
The UK-ISAR is a volunteer service made up of specialists from 15 fire and rescue services, who are deployed to humanitarian incidents or disasters anywhere in the world.
The brave firefighters from the GMFRS includes Ramsbottom Station Manager Martin Foran, firefighter David Hedgecock from Ashton, and firefighter Steven Pennington from Leigh.
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“Our thoughts go out to the many thousands across Turkey and Syria who have tragically lost loved ones and livelihoods in these earthquakes, and to the emergency responders working to locate and rescue survivors,” commented Assistant Chief Fire Officer Barry Moore.
“We know that those rescue efforts are taking place in challenging winter conditions, compounding what is already a very difficult operation.
Rescue teams are still desperately searching for survivors in southern Turkey and northern Syria / Credit: Oxfam (via Twitter)
“Four of our firefighters have now arrived in Turkey and will rapidly be deployed to assist search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
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“As part of the UK-ISAR team, they are trained in the use of specialist skills and equipment and ready to respond to any humanitarian disaster that takes place anywhere in the world.”
This isn’t the first time GMFRS firefighters have been deployed as part of UK-ISAR.
They were deployed to respond to floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014, the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011, and the earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010.
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
8th February 2023 
