The mother of a little boy who sadly died after a collision with a tractor on a farm in Bury over the weekend has paid an emotional tribute to him.
Three-year-old Albie Speakman suffered fatal injuries following the incident off of Bentley Hall Road in the Tottington area of Bury on the afternoon of Saturday 16 July, and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that enquiries from Bury CID, alongside colleagues at the Health and Safety Executive, are still ongoing.
Albie’s mother Leah has now paid an emotional tribute to her “sunshine boy” following his devastating death.
“Albie was an incredibly loving, affectionate and caring boy who just wanted everyone to be happy.
“He was so sensitive and wanted everyone to be ok, especially the people that he loved.
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“He loved to play, whether it be with his family or friends at nursery, he would always look for little round things wherever he went, stones, polystyrene balls, bouncy balls, beads – I’m not sure why but he just loved anything round, he would just hold onto them.”
Albie Speakman with his mother Leah / Credit: GMP
Her tribute continued: “His favourite memories are at Cleethorpes beach, with his bucket and spade and his ball. His happiest days were on that beach, we were so free and didn’t have any cares in the world. It was just me and Albie and nothing else mattered. Whenever I’d ask him what he wanted to do, he’d want to go on holiday to the beach again; that’s how I know he was truly happy there.
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“We all love Albie so much more than we can ever put into words – especially his Nan and his ‘Nanny-Nanny’, as he would always call her.
“I will miss absolutely everything about Albie, his voice, his smile, the smell of his skin and the feel of his little hands on my face when he would say ‘I love you mummy girl’.
“I’ll especially miss going on adventures with him, anywhere and everywhere we could have fun, nothing will ever fill the whole that he has left in our hearts, we are broken beyond repair.
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“I always call him my little sunshine boy because he has brought so much light into my life and he is my little ray of sunshine, and I don’t want his life to end here, I need to carry on living for him and take him with me wherever I go.
“We still have so many more memories to make, Albie.
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.
Details around the Sale-based physio’s death remain private, but there has nevertheless 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.
Train ticket prices slashed by more than 50% as huge rail sale returns across UK
Emily Sergeant
The Great British Rail Sale is returning in the new year, and train ticket prices will be slashed by up to 50% or more.
Millions of discounted train tickets for half term activities, weekend getaways, and even commuting will be up for grabs next week, as the week-long rail sale – which is set to run from 6 to 12 January 2026 – will give passengers the chance to save well over 50% on many advance and off-peak tickets.
The reduced fares can be used to travel on thousands of popular routes between 13 January and 25 March 2026.
Nearly all train operators are taking part, with routes spanning the entire country.
For example, those who may be planning a quick getaway abroad over the next couple of months will be able to save quite a few pennies, as journeys from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport will cost just £1.20, down from £2.90.
You can get up to 50% off train tickets next week / Credit: Northern | Transpennine Express
This is the fourth year of the Great British Rail Sale, with last year’s sale selling more than one million tickets and saving passengers around £8 per journey, as well as generating £9 million in ticket sale revenue for the industry.
“The Rail Sale is back,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. “And that means further discounts for passengers as we freeze rail fares for the first time in three decades to help ease the cost of living.
“We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so whether you’re planning a half term getaway, or visiting friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions.”
This year’s sale comes as the Government aims to ‘ease the cost of living’ for hard-working people by freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years.
If you weren’t aware, the Government is also in the process of bringing in major reform to Britain’s rail services by establishing Great British Railways (GBR) – which is the new, nationalised organisation to run the railway uniting together 17 different organisations under a single directing mind.
Emily Sergeant -
18th July 2022 
