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Police appeal as woman, 63, dies after colliding with HGV while crossing road in Rochdale

Such a tragic incident.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 2nd February 2024

Police have issued a public appeal after a woman crossing a road in Rochdale has died following a collision with a HGV.

The tragic incident occurred at around 12:20pm yesterday (Thursday 1 February 2024).

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says officers were called to reports that a HGV had collided with a woman who was crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing point on Spotland Road in Rochdale, just before the junction with High Street.

Emergency services attended the scene as soon as possible, but sadly, despite their best efforts, it was confirmed that 63-year-old female pedestrian had sadly passed away.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving at the scene, GMP has confirmed.

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He remains in police custody for questioning.

With an investigation now currently underway, GMP has issued a public appeal for information and is urgently calling on witnesses, or anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward and assist with enquiries.

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GMP says the investigation is still very much in the “early stages”, so at this point, any information at all could be of assistance.

Appealing to the public following the tragic incident yesterday, PC Philip Drummond, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Tragically a woman has died after the incident, and my thoughts are with her family and friends at this devastating time.

Spotland Road, near the junction with High Street, in Rochdale town centre / Credit: GMP

“We’re already following up on a number of lines of enquiry, and would urge anyone with information to come forward to assist us. We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or may have dash-cam or CCTV footage.

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“The investigation is in the early stages so any information, no matter how big or small, could really help us piece together what happened.”

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Anyone with any information is asked to either contact GMP on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 1373 of 1/2/24, or call 101, or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP

News

2024 Manchester Marathon raises £29 million for local economy and over £3.7m for charity

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Marathon raises millions for city economy and local charity

Just under a fortnight on from the 2024 Manchester Marathon and the numbers are finally, with the annual race generating nearly £30 million for the local economy and raising over £3.7m for charity.

This year’s Adidas Manchester Marathon saw record numbers of runners and spectators as over 30,000 took part in the popular race, up by roughly 6,000 from 2023, and more than 125k turned up to line the streets of Greater Manchester.

As a result, these huge crowds spent upwards of £29.2 million at business around the city centre and around the 10 boroughs last weekend, serving as one of the most significant contributions to the local economy on the annual calendar.

Not only was this an approximately £8m increase on last year’s tally but, most importantly, a sizeable chunk of that went straight into both regional and national charities.

The 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon was a spectacular day for the city and its economy.

Beyond the boost to local vendors, the hospitality sector and retail businesses, over £3.7 million were allocated to charities such as Alzheimer’s Charity, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and The Christie. 

Over £32,000 was also raised for the Trafford Active Fund, with £1 from every paid entry to the Adidas Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half donated directly to the initiative that benefits local sports clubs and organisations through Trafford Council.

Better still, with City of Trees selected as the chosen ‘Green Runner’ charity, the eco-friendly drive saw roughly 7% of participants opt out of receiving either a finisher t-shirt, medal or both.

The money saved in production goes towards maintaining woodlands and wildlife across Greater Manchester.

Fundraising from the Manchester Marathon is one of it’s biggest upshots.

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This year’s Manchester Marathon also helped produce some of the highest number of passengers on public transport in the city’s history, with a over 175,000 journeys made on Metrolink alone – the highest number of journeys ever recorded on a single day.

This was a 20% increase on 2023’s race day (145k), spotlighting how the event continues to be more environmentally conscious as years go by.

With the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon confirmed to be taking place on Sunday, 27 April next year – and over 12,000 places already sold – the city can already look forward to reaping the economic and social benefits of hosting one of Europe’s largest, flattest, friendliest and most-loved marathons. 

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Adidas Manchester Marathon/The Manc Group

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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester firefighter surprise proposal recruit passing out parade

We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.

Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.

The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.

Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…

Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.

As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.

You already know the rest.

Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.

You just love to see it.

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Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.

If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.

All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

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