The “heartbroken” family of a man who’s ashes were stolen from a house in Bury are appealing for information alongside police.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has explained that, back on Tuesday 19 September, officers were called out to reports of a burglary at a woman’s home on Brandlesholme Road in Bury, and it’s believed that a number of power tools were stolen from the garage.
Not only that though, as in what is a truly upsetting incident, the ashes of the woman’s husband were also stolen.
Given the distressing nature of the theft – especially after the couple had been married for nearly 50 years before the man sadly passed away earlier this year – GMP has now launched an investigation, and is following a number of lines of enquiry at the moment.
In the meantime though, the family of the man have issued a joint appeal with police to the public for further information.
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#APPEAL | Family appeal for information after husband's ashes stolen from their house.
On Tuesday (19/9/23) GMP were called to reports of a burglary on Brandlesholme Rd, Bury. A number of power tools were stolen from the garage, but also a man's ashes. https://t.co/3xyFZogVnRpic.twitter.com/cXwrvsO3Hj
“Earlier this year, I lost my husband Nigel to pancreatic cancer after being married for nearly 50 years,” the family’s public appeal begins, “Nigel’s death has completely devastated our family, and to say we are heartbroken would be an understatement.
“On Tuesday 19 September 2023, I discovered that the garage at the rear of our home had been broken into and a number of power tools had been stolen from inside.
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“Also stolen from inside the garage, from the wooden workbench, were Nigel’s ashes. Nigel’s ashes were in a mint green coloured box, inside a burgundy coloured tote bag.
“Nigel spent the majority of his time in the garage, as he was a passionate handyman who would turn his hands to absolutely anything and loved spending time at his workbench. When we received Nigel’s ashes, we decided as a family that we would place them on his wooden workbench in the garage, as this is where he loved to be, and where he was his happiest.
“One of Nigel’s last wishes was that he wanted to have his ashes scattered at Woodbank Cricket Club. A place which held a special place in his heart, he loved spending time here, but as a family, we decided that we would wait until the cricket season was over to scatter Nigel’s ashes.
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“And now the season is over, we cannot fulfil his wishes as someone has stolen them from us.”
GMP issues appeal after a man’s ashes are stolen from a house in Bury / Credit: GMP
The family’s appeal continues: “I am appealing to the local community and the people of Bury, and I ask that anyone with any knowledge of this crime come forward with information.
“There must be someone who knows or has any information about this.
“I am not interested in the return of the power tools, all I want is for my husband’s ashes to be returned to us, so as a family we can fulfil his last wish and lay him to rest.
“I have already lost my husband, and now I have lost him for a second time.”
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Anyone with any information is asked to call GMP on 0161 856 8222 quoting log 2738 of 19/09/23, or alternatively contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Swinton women’s Lionesses rebrand is officially off the ground
Danny Jones
Following an initial announcement late last year, local rugby club Swinton Lions’ women’s team has finally and fully rebranded as Manchester Swinton Lionesses.
The Salford-founded rugby league club, whose men’s team competes in the RFL Championship, has a long and rich competitive history, as well as a fervent male and female following in the area.
As one of the most important and well-established outfits in women’s rugby, Swinton Lions have not only officially relaunched as the Lionesses from 2026 onwards, but are looking to re-establish themselves as their own entity and a competitive powerhouse capable of competing at the top level.
In case you hadn’t heard about the rebrand up until now, you can get a closer look at changes not only to the name but the club crest and more.
As you can see, not only is the shift towards Manchester rather than just strictly Swinton a concerted effort to broaden the supporter base across all 10 boroughs, but there are some key tweaks to the new Lionesses badge.
Changing the design of the lion logo itself – as well as citing 2020 as a key date in this rebirth (i.e. the short-lived push to be renamed the ‘Manchester Lions’), which is more than half a decade in the making – they’re heading into the new year with both a new name and a slightly new look.
Just as reported by the likes of sports journalist Johnny Davidson back in November, however, the title and insignia have been a long time coming.
As per a press release by the club at the time, besides new kits and some key admin, “This evolution is about more than a new name or logo; it’s about creating a platform for women and girls across Greater Manchester to be inspired, to belong, and to believe they can achieve greatness in our sport.”
They insist that the aim is to be a “progressive club that’s proud of its history but unafraid to innovate”, also looking to attract new investors and commercial partners – such as Superfly Sports Flags, which will now appear on the likes of players’ shorts and boot bags, as well as around Heywood Road.
'The Swinton Lionesses today proudly announced the launch of their new identity – the Manchester Swinton Lionesses – marking an exciting new chapter not only for women’s rugby league but for the evolution and ambition of one of the sport’s most historic clubs.
Women’s captain Sammi Simpson went on to state: “We’re so proud of what this team has achieved in such a short time, and this next step feels like a natural evolution.
“Wearing ‘Manchester Swinton Lionesses’ on our shirts will remind us of where we’ve come from — and how far we can go together. We want to inspire the next generation of players, supporters, and families to be part of something special.”
Even Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed his excitement, adding: “Manchester is a city built on sport, strength, and community — and the Manchester Swinton Lionesses embody all of that.
“This new identity is a powerful statement about where women’s rugby league is heading and the role Greater Manchester will play in shaping that future.”
As any rugby fan will know, this isn’t the only rebirth of a local sporting institution currently taking place over in Salford.
New landmark chickenpox vaccine begins UK rollout to protect thousands of children
Emily Sergeant
A new landmark chickenpox vaccine is beginning its rollout across the UK in a bid to help protect hundreds of thousands of children.
Chickenpox is a common infection in children that spreads easily.
It is usually mild but it can lead to serious complications which need hospitalisation, including chest infections and fits. The latest Government data indicates that half of children will contract chickenpox by the age of four, and 90% by the age of 10.
Currently, children who catch chickenpox are typically advised to stay off school until all spots have formed a scab – which is usually five days after the spots appear.
But now, this new vaccine will mean children can miss fewer days in nursery or school, and reduce time parents need to take off work to care for them.
Hundreds of thousands of young children are now being offered the chickenpox protection as part of routine NHS childhood vaccinations.
The combined vaccine adds chickenpox protection to the existing measles, mumps and rubella schedule.
Surprisingly, it’s estimated that around £24 million is lost in income and productivity every year in the UK due to childhood chickenpox, so not only will the new vaccine rollout save money this way, but it is also expected to save the NHS a whopping £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.
The new vaccine comes following a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations – with a combined MMRV vaccine replacing the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella).
From now on, GP practices on the NHS will start to offer children the combined MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age.
Dr Claire Fuller, who is the National Medical Director for NHS England, called the rollout a ‘hugely positive moment’ for children and their families.
“From now, the combined vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox will be available at children’s routine vaccination appointments to keep children healthier and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses,” commented Dr Fuller.
“The new vaccine will also help the health service move its focus from sickness to prevention, and keep more children safe and in school.”
Featured Image – Jonny McCullagh (via Wikimedia Commons)
Emily Sergeant -
23rd October 2023 
