News
Sir Captain Tom’s family announce new ‘100 challenge’
People are being invited people to take part in a fundraiser on what would have been the national hero's 101st birthday.
The family of Sir Captain Tom Moore – the centenarian who raised millions for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden – are inviting people to take part in their own fundraising challenge on what would be the army veteran’s 101st birthday.
Captain Sir Tom became a symbol of hope and endeavour during the height of the pandemic after challenging himself to complete a century of laps around his garden before he turned 100-years-old.
His efforts raised a staggering £32 million for the health service.
The national treasure passed away with coronavirus on February 2 – triggering a flood of tributes from across the world.
April 30 would have been Sir Captain Tom’s 101st birthday – and his family are encouraging people to create their own campaign around the number 100 to raise funds for good causes.
The family have said this could include the Captain Tom Foundation – which was set up to combat loneliness, champion education and equality, and support the NHS – or any other charity.
All challenges would take place over the early May bank holiday weekend.
Sir Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, stated: “I really hope people see this [100 challenge] for what it is, which is an absolute chance to bring joy, put money back into charities and support the Captain Tom Foundation, which after all is the legacy of hope that he’s left us.”
She added: “We want people to go crazy and create their own 100 – a challenge around the number 100.
“Because he was 100 and he was so proud to be 100.
“We thought of whether it should be 101, but it’s definitely 100 because that year he lived being 100 was the best year of his life, almost certainly.”
Some of the potential ideas for fundraising challenges include walking 100 steps, scoring 100 goals, baking 100 cakes or writing a 100-word poem.
“My father loved the beach so he would have said 100 sandcastles or jump 100 waves,” said Ms Ingram-Moore.
“Captain Tom was very proud to be able to leave behind the growing legacy of his foundation and the Captain Tom 100 feels like the perfect way to celebrate the hope and joy we know he inspired in so many.”
“He would have loved the idea that everyone could get involved and that together we would ensure that ‘tomorrow will be a good day’.
More information on the 100 Challenge is available here.
Feature image: colindargue
News
Stockport man jailed for life after kidnapping and sexually assaulting teenage girl
Emily Sergeant
A Stockport man has been sentenced to life in prison after kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl on her way home from the library.
Paul Sharpe has been sentenced to life imprisonment with an eight-year minimum term in prison after being convicted of a number of offences when subjected a teenage girl to what police called a ‘terrifying ordeal’ that lasted several hours back in May 2026.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that the victim had been studying at Sale Library before beginning her journey home with friends at around 5:50pm and contacting her parents at 6:10pm to let them know she was on her way.
Twenty minutes later, she spoke to her boyfriend on the phone and said she was approximately five minutes away from home, but that her phone battery was about to die.
This was the last contact received from the victim that evening.
While walking along Bradgate Road in Altrincham, the victim noticed a grey Ford parked nearby and a man wearing a high-visibility jacket pressing doorbells in the area.
As she walked past, Sharpe approached her from behind, placed her in a headlock and threatened to stab her if she did not get into his vehicle.
Concerned that their daughter had not returned home, the victim’s family contacted police at 9:22pm to report her missing, and officers immediately launched an investigation to locate her.
Over the next several hours, the victim was subjected to and placed in a number of terrifying situations.
Sharpe drove the victim to several locations across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, before police located and arrested him at around 3:40am on 19 May 2026.
Following his arrested, 56-year-old Sharpe was convicted of kidnap, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, threats with a bladed article, and administering a noxious substance with intent to injure, annoy or aggrieve.
“This was a terrifying ordeal for a young girl who was simply making her way home,” explained Detective Inspector Karl Perry, from GMP’s Criminal Investigation Department.
“Sharpe targeted a vulnerable victim, subjected her to hours of fear and intimidation, and went on to sexually assault her.
Read more:
“The victim has shown immense courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings. Through her bravery and actions, she no doubt made it harder for Sharpe to carry out whatever acts he had planned.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Major pop star crowns humble rice and three cafe as ‘Jewel of Manchester’ ahead of sold-out gig
Thomas Melia
A beloved city centre takeaway has been given the title of ‘Jewel of Manchester’ by chart-topping UK singer Sam Smith.
Known for hits like ‘Stay With Me’, ‘I’m Not The Only One’ and more recently ‘Unholy’, UK pop-ballad act Sam Smith also likes to drop a food review every once in a while.
Currently on the road with a run of shows in Manchester and London for their ‘To Be Free’ live shows, Sam Smith is stopping off at some of our city’s much-loved spots.
On their food-reviewing account titled ‘Sam Served’, where they adopt the aptly-fitting nickname ‘Ham Smith’, Sam has visited restaurants across the globe – and most recently turned their attention to Manchester’s own This & That.
Smith decided to pop in and grab a cheeky rice and three from long-standing backstreet food business This & That, and it certainly went down a treat.
After sampling their amazing selection of meat, vegetable and vegan curries, the musician crowned this family-run Indian takeaway a ‘Jewel of Manchester’.
The hitmaker described this Northern Quarter Indian eatery as ‘Everything food should be’ and definitely enjoyed all the curries on offer ‘leaving belly and heart full’.
This & That prides itself on affordable and comforting food with its ‘Rice and Three Curries’ starting from just £6 – not bad for a city centre foodie spot.
Sam has racked up an impressive 490k followers via their ‘Sam Served’ profile, with famous faces like Lily Allen, Denise Welch and CMAT all wanting to know the superstar’s foodie thoughts.
After enjoying a curry or three, Sam Smith also made sure to feed their soul to by venturing down to Afflecks and getting lost in the music at Mars Tapes.
Recognised as one of the UK’s only cassette and tape shops, Mars Tapes lets you flick through their crates of physical media and even preview tracks before you buy with its dedicated listening areas.
It’s safe to say that Smith has ‘Latched’ onto Manchester’s independent business scene and we’re here for it.
Read more:
The London-born artist has just released their latest album Hazel Eyes and is currently amid a UK residency tour with two dates in Manchester’s Albert Hall and eight shows set for London Coliseum.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE
Featured Image: @samserved (via Instagram)
The Manc -
6th April 2021 
