A fundraiser that was set up for the family of Star & Garter landlord Andy Martin has smashed through its target, just days after his sudden death.
Andy was a familiar face to most of us in Manchester thanks to his incredible work at the iconic pub, The Star & Garter, in the city centre.
He helped to launch careers of countless new bands, artists and DJs, hosting some of the city’s best music nights over the decades he worked there.
The pub, which also starred in hit series Brassic and It’s A Sin, is widely considered to be one of Manchester’s best venues.
And as its landlord, Andy ran the Star & Garter with the philosophy that ‘a good night at the pub was worth much more than money’.
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His business, the tribute page said, was about ‘making people happy’.
Andy died on Friday 29 March just days after he was admitted to hospital with a suspected stroke, at the age of just 52.
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A mural of Ian Curtis on the side of the Star & Garter in Manchester – its landlord Andy Martin has recently died. Credit: The Manc Group
He had been suffering with an ear infection, which had developed into sepsis and caused encephalitis and meningitis. Andy had been left with ‘unrecoverable swelling on the brain’ and tragically died four days later.
A JustGiving page has now been set up to raise enough money to cover the cost of his funeral and to support his wife Helen and his two young daughters Jasmine, 5, and Georgina, 3.
And with such an outpouring of support from the well-known figure, the £7,000 target has already been exceeded by more than £1,000 thanks to the generous donations of hundreds of people.
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Andy’s wife Helen first shared the news of his death on Friday afternoon, posting on The Star & Garter’s Facebook page: “I’m devastated to be sharing the news that our licensee Andy Martin died today after a very short illness.
“He leaves behind Jasmine (5) and Georgina (3). We are all obviously in bits and I know that so many of you will feel this loss too.
“He was a wonderful dad, husband, brother, son and friend and this has left an unfillable hole in all our lives. Helen (Andy’s wife) x.”
A statement shared alongside the JustGiving page added: “This is not an easy ask; the brutal shock of this tragedy has left Andy’s wife and family bereft, heavy with grief and in the unfortunate position of having to ask for not just emotional understanding but financial support at this difficult time.
“If Andy’s life enriched yours in any way, please contribute to his funeral. Anything you can give, big or small would be gratefully received.
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“Please share this link so that it can reach the thousands of people that knew of the star that was Andy, and allow the world to return the love and joy that he gave to so many at his pub.”
Paying tribute to him, it also said: “Andy was extremely well loved and his influence was wide-reaching. There are many bands he helped to catapult, many artists, DJs and club nights where he was pivotal to their success.
“He was a wonderful husband, doting dad, beloved uncle, cherished son and loyal friend.
“He fought tooth and nail to keep the Star and Garter open, endlessly debating and ultimately winning the battle with the Goliath that is Network Rail. Having kept the pub open, he kept the prices low so that everyone could enjoy their night there, no matter their budget.
“Andy always felt a person feeling they’d had a good night at the pub was worth much more than money: his passion, his business, was the business of making people happy.
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“Andy was also a great storyteller with a fireside warmth and brutally funny cheek that could catch you unawares. His sharp one liners and outlook on situations meant a conversation with him would undoubtedly end in tears of laughter.
“He was a fundamentally good person with depth, quietly keeping an eye on many and reaching out to check they were okay. He had a Half Man Half Biscuit lyric for every situation, and no doubt he’d claim this one as ‘National Shite Day’.”
Andy died just over a year after the death of the Star & Garter’s well-loved bouncer Ian ‘Strawboss’ Garner.
You can donate to the JustGiving page for the Star & Garter’s Andy Martin here.
Firefighters to now wear cameras after Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations
Emily Sergeant
Firefighters in Greater Manchester are to now start using body-worn cameras following recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has says the Inquiry ‘highlighted the importance’ of capturing clear information and recording decision-making during major incidents, particularly when multiple emergency services are required to respond to ‘complex and fast-moving’ situations, as was, of course, the case with the Manchester Arena attack back in 2017.
The introduction of body-worn cameras will support this by providing a real-time record of what crews see, hear, and communicate while attending incidents.
A total of 233 cameras will be rolled out across the service, giving firefighters the ability to record high-definition video and audio while attending incidents.
We’re rolling out body‑worn video cameras across our Service following Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations.
The technology will support operational learning, transparency and real‑time decision‑making – helping our firefighters and officers provide the best possible… pic.twitter.com/aoHezIXWEv
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) April 11, 2026
The devices can also livestream footage in real time, so that senior officers can view incidents as they unfold and provide additional support when it’s needed most.
Frontline officers who attend incidents will be the first to receive the cameras, followed by prevention and protection teams, and then the incident command academy as the rollout continues.
Following a successful pilot trial back in May 2025, when the cameras were tested in real incident conditions, the cameras will now be used at a wide range of incidents – from house fires and road traffic collisions, to larger and more complex emergencies.
Firefighters to now wear cameras after Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations / Credit: GMFRS
Footage will help crews to review how incidents were handled, improve training, and strengthen safety for both firefighters and the public.
“Introducing body worn cameras is a significant step forward for our service,” commented Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Carlos Meakin. “It’s about giving firefighters the tools they need to work safely and effectively at complex or fast-moving incidents, while also helping to protect our crews by providing a clear record of the challenges they face on the frontline.
“The ability to livestream footage and review it afterwards will strengthen how we support crews on the ground, improve training, and enhance how we respond to major emergencies.
“This investment reflects our commitment to learning from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and continuing to strengthen how we respond to incidents across Greater Manchester.”
Featured Image – GMFRS
News
Endangered baby giant otter triplets have been born at Chester Zoo
Emily Sergeant
This calls for celebration, as Chester Zoo has welcomed baby giant otter triplets in what is huge news for the endangered species.
It’s been a really exciting start to 2026 at Chester Zoo, as it was only a couple of days ago we got to see Dotty the baby Kirk’s dik-dik – which is one of the smallest antelopes in the world – take her first steps, and now it’s time to say hello to three new arrivals in the form of giant otter pups.
The trio are the first of their kind to be born at the zoo in several years, and arrive as part of an international conservation effort to boost numbers.
Arriving to first-time parents Bonita and Manu, up until now, the three giant otter pups have remained tucked away in their cosy holt with mum feeding them regularly until they more than tripled in size – but now, they’ve officially entered into the big wide world.
Following their first health check-up with the zoo’s veterinary team, conservationists have revealed the sex of the pups to be two males and a female
Their names are yet to be chosen, so keep your eyes peeled.
Endangered baby giant otter triplets have been born at Chester Zoo / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has described this triple birth as a ‘rare boost’ for one of the world’s most endangered species, as there are thought to be fewer than 5,000 giant otters surviving in the wild right now.
Giant otters are the world’s largest species of otter, with a powerful build, sharp teeth, and a highly social nature. As one of the apex predators in the waterways where they live, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of freshwater ecosystems.
But sadly, experts say the species faces ‘an uncertain future’, with their decline largely driven by deforestation, water pollution, and illegal hunting, leading them to be listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), meaning they face a very-high risk of extinction without urgent conservation action.
“The arrival of these three giant otter pups is a hugely special moment and marks the first time the species has been born here in seven years,” explained Rachael Boatwright, who is the Assistant Team Manager of carnivores at Chester Zoo.
“The pups recently had their very first health check-up at eight weeks old, where they were weighed and had their heart, teeth and overall condition assessed by the zoo’s vets. We’re delighted to confirm that all three are healthy and thriving – and that we have two males and one female pup.
“At eight weeks old, the pups will now start to venture outside alongside parents Bonita and Manu, who will start introducing them to the water and all of the essential skills they’ll need as they grow.”
Daisy Jackson -
1st April 2024 
