The family of a young woman who died in a crash in Withington have paid a moving tribute to her.
Imogen Higgs was just 22 years old when she passed away following a collision on Mauldeth Road West in south Manchester.
Imogen, known to her family as Immy, has been described as being ‘beautiful inside and out’ in a touching tribute released through GMP.
“The world will be a dark place without her shining light in it,” they said.
The tribute to Imogen also praised all the people who tried to save her life at the scene and in hospital.
ADVERTISEMENT
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving, failing to stop and perverting the course of justice, and an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
They have both been released on bail.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a tribute to Imogen, her family said: “Our darling Immy was cruelly and needlessly taken from us on 31 May.
“We are all devastated and heartbroken. Our family has been destroyed.
“She had graduated with a history degree from the University of Manchester last year and had been working at the University for the last nine months.
ADVERTISEMENT
“She was intelligent, witty, funny, thoughtful, kind and caring. The best daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend anyone could hope for. Beautiful inside and out, she brought sunshine into everyone’s lives.
“The world will be a dark place without her shining light in it.
“We would like to thank the people at the scene who tried to save Immy’s life, including the numerous paramedics and hospital staff.
“She will never be forgotten and is loved, cherished and adored by everyone who knew her.”
Imogen’s family have asked for privacy while they grieve for their loss.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Daisy Jackson -
10th June 2024 
