Iceland is giving away free roast dinners all week to help people in need as Random Acts of Kindness Day approaches on Friday.
The budget supermarket chain has partnered with The Food Warehouse and Aunt Bessie’s to give away free roast dinners to customers, both in-store and online, from Monday 13 to Friday 17 February – and kicked off its week of generosity right here in Manchester.
Lucky customers at an Iceland store in Prestwich, Greater Manchester were some of the first to be randomly selected to win the bundle.
Chelsea Burgess, 30 years old, said: “It’s nice to know that people were looking out for us today. It was totally unexpected, we only popped out for a few bits!”.
June Burrows, 52 years old, said: “It was such a nice surprise! This’ll make a lovely meal for me and the kids – I can’t wait!”.
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Jamilah Choudhary, 57 years old, said: “This’ll put a smile on all my family’s faces today – thank you, Iceland!”
Jack Ford, 29 years old, said: “I just popped out for my lunch, so this has been such an amazing surprise. It’s brought a smile to my face today.”
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Kevin and Cara Crowther, 39 years old, said: “We’re absolutely made up that we were selected for such a lovely prize. Thank you, Iceland!”
Customers who go to purchase the £12.00 Aunt Bessie’s roast bundle at either the tills or online checkout could be randomly selected to get it for free.
Stores all over the country have been given permission to give away roasts at random to local customers, with staff using their knowledge of people coming into the store to decide who needs it most.
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All customers need to do is head to the checkout with the Aunt Bessie’s deal bundle, which includes one tender meat joint and three sides or desserts, to be in with the chance of getting it for free.
Customers who purchase the Aunt Bessie’s deal online this week are also in with a chance of a freebie, and will find out on Random Acts of Kindness Day if they are receiving the money back as a refund.
An Iceland Spokesperson said: “Random Acts of Kindness Day is such a great way to celebrate our communities, but we want to extend our ‘random roasts of kindness’ for a little longer than one day.
“We are proud of the fantastic store staff who really know our customers best; it makes sense to leave the giveaways to them. We hope this puts a smile across a lot of faces.”
The initiative has been put in place after research revealed that over half (53%) of Brits plan on either reducing the number of hot dinners they eat or cutting them out completely due to the cost of living.
TV nutritionist, Dale Pinnock, recently partnered with Iceland as part of the supermarket’s mission to Save Hot Dinners, revealing the science behind eating a hot meal and the importance they have to everyday lives.
Research has revealed that over 46% of Brits said they were planning on cutting out one to three hot meals for a week.
Dale said: “Hot dinners are fundamental to a healthier life for a number of key reasons. For example, many nutrients become much more available to the body once cooked, whereas cold food slows digestion down which can cause gut-related problems and can have a negative impact on your immune system during colder months.
“Very cold foods can send shock waves throughout the nervous system so during colder months our bodies prefer the food we eat to be warm, which is a great way to elevate core body temperature and keep warm.”
Police appeal after teenage pedestrian is left in ‘critical condition’ following serious collision in Wigan
Emily Sergeant
A police appeal has been issued after a teenage girl was hit by a car and has been left in a critical condition.
Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for information following a collision in Wigan at around 6:05pm yesterday (30 December 2025), which involved a 16-year-old female pedestrian and a car.
A pedestrian, the female aged 16, was crossing Darlington Street in Wigan when a Seat Arona travelling west down Darlington Street collided with her.
The girl was taken to hospital and is currently a critical condition.
#APPEAL | We are appealing for information following a collision between a pedestrian and a car on Darlington Street, #Wigan at around 6.05pm on 30 December 2025
A 16-year-old girl was crossing the street when a Seat Arona travelling west down Darlington Street collided with her pic.twitter.com/FLTysE6LEh
The driver of the Seat Arona remained at the scene and no arrests have been made at this time, which is why police are appealing to the public for information
Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are asking for anyone with information to please come forward, and this includes anyone who saw the female prior to the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or who has dashcam footage of the incident.
Can you help? Anyone with any information is urged to contact police directly on 0161 856 4741, or via the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2598 of 30/12/2025.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Manchester Storm pays tribute to ‘cherished member’ of club family
Danny Jones
Local ice hockey side Manchester Storm and its supporters are paying tribute to team physiotherapist Cherry Woodhams, who has sadly died over the festive period.
Having become a recognisable face around the club and around the Storm Shelter at Planet Ice Altrincham, plenty of fans are now honouring and sharing stories about her.
Confirming the news on social media last weekend, MCR Storm wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
The Sale-based physio tragically passed away following a brave battle with cancer; there has been an outpouring of love and support following the announcement.
We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Through her skill, care, and unwavering dedication, she supported muscle recovery, reduced stress, and helped prevent injury – always ensuring our players were ready to perform at their best. More than her expertise, Cherry’s warmth is what made her so special.
“She was trusted, respected, and deeply loved by all who had the privilege of working with her. Our thoughts are with Cherry’s family, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are grateful for the time we shared with her and for the lasting impact she leaves on our club and our hearts. Rest peacefully, Cherry. You will always be part of the Storm family.”
Storm supporters and ice hockey heads, in general, have been sending thoughts to the club, along with her friends and family.
As well as fellow British side Guilford Flames sending their condolences, others, such as the fitness and sports rehabilitation centre she worked with, commented: “The most wonderful person… we will miss her immensely in Apex Gym.”
Former Storm player Callum Fryer added, “Cherry helped me out tremendously while I was playing for the Storm. So sad to hear of her passing. Rest in Peace, Cherry.”
Even people who “had the pleasure of playing on the ice with her” themselves in the past took the time to pay their respects to the “lovely soul.”
We have no doubt those in and around the club will find a way to honour her properly at their next home game against Sheffield Steelers on New Year’s Day (5:30pm, 1 Jan 2026).
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Manchester Storm family, as well as all those who knew and loved Cherry. RIP.
Georgina Pellant -
14th February 2023 
