Manchester student Luke O’Connor, who was stabbed to death in Fallowfield when his killer reacted “violently and unpredictably” to a joke, is to be honoured with a posthumous award by his university.
The 19-year-old, who was an undergraduate student in his second year of a Business Management degree at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) before he lost his life at the hands of fellow student, Shiloh Pottinger, is to be remembered and honoured by the university at their upcoming graduation ceremonies this summer.
20-year-old Pottinger, a student at the BIMM Institute, was found to have stabbed O’Connor eight times with a “mafia stiletto” knife in Fallowfield during the early hours of the morning on Wednesday 26 October 2022.
Manchester Crown Court heard this week how “gentle giant” O’Connor had been travelling home from a party when he came across and was stabbed multiple times by Pottinger.
Shiloh Pottinger has been sentenced to 15 years in jail for manslaughter / Credit: GMP
Pottinger was said to have reacted “violently and unpredictably” to a joking remark made about his skateboard, before attacking and leaving O’Connor lying in the street on Wilmslow Road – where he later died despite the best CPR efforts from emergency services that were flagged down by members of the public.
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Pottinger was sentenced to 15 years in jail for manslaughter this week (Monday 19 June), and will serve at least 10 years of that sentence before he can be considered for release.
Following Pottinger’s sentencing this week, Luke’s mother Carolyn appeared in a harrowing video message and spoke about the devastation the O’Connor family faces in the wake of the death of their youngest son, claiming Pottinger’s sentence “in no way compares to our life sentence”.
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Carolyn insisted that her son will not have died in vain – and it appears MMU wants to help with that.
Any students affected can contact our Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing Service via email at [email protected] or telephone on 0161 247 3493.
Paying tribute to their former student, an MMU spokesman described O’Connor as a “bright, talented and much-loved” member of the university community, the BBC reports.
“His death was a terrible shock to everyone,” they added.
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“Our professionally trained counselling team has continued to offer support to any students and staff who are affected”.
The University says it has told the O’Connor family that they will honour Luke and intend to “recognise his work and contribution to the university” with a posthumous award at one of the upcoming graduation ceremonies next month.
The O’Connors have been invited to the ceremony to receive the award on Luke’s behalf.
Featured Image – GMP
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Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
21st June 2023 
