Some of the most vulnerable refugees to have fled the conflict in Ukraine are now receiving lifesaving cancer care at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH).
It comes after 21 Ukrainian children were evacuated to England at the weekend.
Following their arrival in the country on Sunday night, each of the children have now all received health assessments by NHS staff and have been triaged to seven hospitals throughout the UK to get the clinical support to meet their specific needs – and one of those hospitals is the specialist children’s site on Oxford Road.
Following an urgent plea from Polish officials, a team of NHS doctors, nurses, and technicians travelled to Poland at the weekend to provide medical support to the children on their journey out of the war-torn region.
“We feel privileged to be able to care for these children and offer support to their families at such a difficult time,” said Dr Rachael Barber, medical director of the RMCH.
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“There has been a determination among our staff to try to help in any way we can.
21 Ukrainian children will receive lifesaving cancer treatment through the NHS in England.
This is part of the government’s wider humanitarian response to the Ukraine conflict with more than 650,000 medical items already delivered. #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 13, 2022
“We have supported the UK’s national equipment and medical supplies assistance to Ukraine, and we will now be using our clinical expertise to ensure that these children get the care they need.”
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NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard added: “Today is a lifeline for children in the most vulnerable circumstances imaginable.
“Anyone who has experienced cancer knows it is an ordeal for friends and relatives too, so I’m proud that not only have NHS staff been able to put their world-class skill to work to save the lives of these young people, but that in doing so, my colleagues in the health service are providing hope to our new patients’ families.”
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21 Ukrainian children were evacuated to England at the weekend for lifesaving cancer care / Credit: DEC (via Twitter)
“These brave children have overcome unimaginable adversity to make it to England after being forced out of their home country by the Russian invasion,” added Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
“I thank the doctors, nurses and technicians who travelled to Poland to evacuate them, and the Polish government for their support as these children are now in the safest of hands with NHS staff providing world-class cancer treatment, doing everything they can to support them over the coming days and weeks.”
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and will remain at the forefront of the humanitarian response,” he concluded.
Featured Image – RMCH
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
16th March 2022 
