A handful of UK radio stations are to join in with a minute’s silence this morning as a mark of respect in memory of Brianna Ghey.
Brianna Ghey, a transgender girl from Birchwood in Warrington, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3:13pm on Saturday 11 February, and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services a short while later.
She was just 16 years old.
Her heartbroken family described their “much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister” in a tribute issued shortly after her passing as a “larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her” – adding that she was “beautiful, witty, and hilarious.”
“Brianna was strong, fearless, and one of a kind,” her family said in tribute.
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Detectives from Cheshire Police confirmed earlier this week that a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl have been charged with murder.
Over the past couple of days, a series of candlelit vigils organised by action groups, and members and allies of LGBTQ+ communities, have been held in Brianna’s memory in several major cities across the UK and Ireland – including here in Manchester city centre.
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UK radio stations to fall silent this morning in memory of Brianna Ghey / Credit: Cheshire Police
Now, a handful of LGBTQ+ radio broadcasters across the UK are to join forces at 11am this morning (Friday 17 February) to lead a one-minute silence as a mark of respect.
They will fall silent to commemorate her life, and stand against hate and violence towards trans people.
Stations including Gaydio, Hits Radio Pride, Pride Radio, Gorgeous Radio, Glitterbeam Radio, Trans Radio UK, and Juice 1038 will be joining to simultaneously broadcast a package introduced by prominent trans broadcaster, Steph Hirst, followed by a one-minute silence.
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In the feature, Hirst will reflect on the discrimination and violence that trans people face, before commemorating and remembering the life of Brianna.
This morning at 11am, we join forces with all other LGBTQ+ radio stations in the UK to lead a 1 minute silence to remember the life of trans teenager Brianna Ghey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OGUJgkGxal
Gaydio’s Network Content Manager, Kriss Herbert-Noble, who has coordinated the broadcast across all seven UK LGBTQ+ broadcasters, said they “felt it important” to work across the LGBTQ+ radio sector so that they could show as a community “we stand together against hate”.
“Trans people face daily challenges, and our role is to stand up and highlight these stories and voices,” he added.
“This event in particular has reverberated across the community and it’s right we take a stand and remember the life of a bright, young trans person.”
Featured Image – GoFundMe
News
Tribute paid to man ‘loved by so many’ stabbed to death in Levenshulme
Daisy Jackson
The brother of a man stabbed to death in Levenshulme has paid a heartbreaking tribute to him.
Zherko Rasul Osman was just 24 years old when he was fatally wounded in an incident on Chapel Street on Saturday evening.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services personnel, Zherko sadly died at the scene.
Now, his brother has paid tribute to him, saying he was ‘someone who was loved by so many’.
The touching tribute reads: “My brother was a kind, friendly and loving person who never looked for trouble or wanted to harm anyone.
“He was loved and respected by his friends, his mates and the neighbours in the community where he lived. He had a good heart and would always be remembered for the warmth and happiness he brought to those around him.
“His life was taken so suddenly and for no reason, leaving a pain and emptiness that words cannot describe. We are heartbroken that someone who was loved by so many is no longer here. He deserved to live his life and make memories with the people he loved.
“He will never be forgotten. His smile, his kindness and the memories we shared with him will stay in our hearts forever. We love you, and we will miss you every single day.”
Zherko Rasul Osman suffered serious stab wounds on Chapel Street in Levenshulme at around 7.06pm on Saturday 15 August.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody for questioning. A 27-year-old man who had also been arrested on suspicion of murder remains on bail pending further enquiries.
Officers continue to make progress as the investigation continues. It is believed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.
Police are urging anyone who may have information to please report it through the dedicated online portal HERE.
Anyone in the Chapel Street area around the time of this incident, or who has mobile phone, CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage can contact police on 0161 856 9008 quoting the log number 2983 of 15/08/2026.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Government launches £442m drive to get rough sleepers off streets before Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a £442m drive to get rough sleepers off the streets before Christmas.
Learning from ‘innovative’ approaches put into place during the pandemic, the Government has announced that new accommodation will be rolled out across England this winter, as well as offering practical help with housing, health, and other needs to support people to build a more stable life for themselves in the future.
The new commitment to offer everyone a route off the streets this Christmas, along with boosted funding, reflect the Andy Burnham‘s national drive to make ‘real change’ and get everyone playing their part in ending rough sleeping.
Not only will these plans change the lives of rough sleepers, but it’s also said they will have huge benefits for the country as a whole.
Research from homelessness charity Crisis suggests that by preventing 40,000 people from becoming homeless for a year, taxpayers could save around £370 million.
The Government has launched a £442m drive to get rough sleepers off the streets before Christmas / Credit: Number 10 Press Office | Jon Tyson (via Unsplash)
As well provisions to get people off the streets, and the intensive ‘wraparound’ support, the newly allocated funding will also help local areas deliver more than 1,000 ‘settled’ homes over the next three years, it has been confirmed.
Areas facing the greatest pressures will receive the largest share of support.
Working alongside councils, Mayors will play a leading role in driving local action to end rough sleeping, and will be tasked with making decisions that are right for their communities to deliver help where it’s needed most.
The Prime Minister says he ‘won’t accept’ rough sleeping any longer. He commented: “No one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station, but we’ve seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it.
“That’s why my first instruction as Prime Minister was to end rough sleeping, and it’s why today we’re getting started with a national drive to get everyone in for Christmas. We did it in the pandemic, we can do it again. But it needs all of us.
Emily Sergeant -
17th February 2023 
