A retired couple from Oldham who have fostered 41 dogs for charity over the past five years are backing an urgent appeal encouraging others to do the same
When dog-lovers Phil and Elizabeth Ashton, from Delph in Oldham, called it a day on their careers to begin their lives of well-earned retirement, the pair decided they wanted to something to help – and so they chose to become foster carers for Dogs Trust back in 2018.
Since then, the couple have gone on to foster 41 dogs for the charity.
“We both absolutely adore dogs,” Elizabeth explained.
“We had one many years ago, but when we were both working, it wasn’t fair to have one, so when we retired, we wanted to do something to help dogs in need and decided fostering was ideal for us.
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“We have looked after Chow Chow puppies, a beautiful German Shepherd with separation anxiety, a 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier and many, many more. It’s the perfect scenario as we get to have a dog, or dogs, in our life but also know we are helping dogs that really need it.
“We can take a break whenever we want but we love it, which is why we’ve looked after so many.”
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We're seeing a huge increase in the number of dogs needing help. 😢 Could you become a foster carer & help a dog get back on their paws? 💛 We'll cover all their costs, if you can help out with the snuggles & a sofa until we find their forever home. 🏡 👉 https://t.co/vp02tzjNREpic.twitter.com/jUvmTV9ceD
Dogs Trust fosterers form part of the ‘Home From Home’ scheme – which was launched in Manchester back in 2016 – and play a huge role in giving the dog welfare charity’s four-legged friends a second chance at a loving life by offering valuable home experience and getting to know “what makes them tick” so they can eventually find their forever home when the time is right.
Fosterers are tasked with feeding-back to the charity on everything from what their dogs’ favourite toys and treats are, to the kinds of walks they enjoy and where they like to sleep.
Since the scheme was launched at Dogs Trust Manchester, more than 900 dogs have been cared for by fosterers across the region.
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Dogs Trust Manchester has issued an urgent appeal for volunteer foster carers / Credit: Dogs Trust Manchester
Currently, the ‘Home From Home’ scheme in Greater Manchester has 41 foster carers.
But with a waiting list of dogs needing to come into Dogs Trust, the charity has now issued an urgent appeal for more fosterers, and is asking local dog lovers across the region to get in touch as soon as possible and welcome a dog into their life temporarily.
Dogs Trust Manchester says it’s facing a record numbers of enquiries, so they’re looking to foster carers to provide a temporary home for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes who “have nowhere else to turn”.
“We are facing a crisis as our kennel space is really stretched, but we need to act now to be there for as many dogs as possible,” admitted Tracey Hill, co-ordinator of the Home from Home fostering scheme at Dogs Trust Manchester.
“Fostering a dog is a great opportunity for dog lovers who are currently unable to have a dog of their own.
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“We cover the essential costs, and you’ll be playing the most important role, giving stability, love and care to a dog in need as you prepare them for life in their forever home.”
Dogs Trust Manchester says it would be particularly keen to hear from people able to foster larger dogs, puppies, or pairs of dogs looking for a home together, so if you would like to apply to become a volunteer foster carer, then head on over to dogstrust.org.uk/foster or call 020 7837 0006.
Featured Image – Dogs Trust Manchester
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2023 
