A young schoolgirl from Bolton has been praised for her “swift actions” after finding her mum unconscious at home.
Monjola Popoola, who was just six-years-old at the time of the distressing incident, was understandably shocked and confused to find her mum, Bunmi, lying on the floor unconscious of the floor of their home, but managed to not panic too much and “calmly” call 999 instead.
When the call handlers took her call, the now seven-year-old stayed calm and talked them through the situation and what had happened.
The youngster was then able to provide information to guide emergency services to her house.
Emergency services then raced to the address and managed to gain entry within around 10 minutes, and then got straight to work administering first aid.
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Thanks to her bravery and calmness throughout the whole situation, Monjola has been recognised and honoured with a Bravery Award by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and was presented with the framed accolade by two local police officers during her school assembly in front of all her classmates.
“Monjola could not wake up her mum up when she fell ill,” GMP Neighbourhood Sergeant Zach Keneally explained.
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“But she didn’t panic and remained calm, calling 999 and providing the call handler with her postcode and door number, allowing GMP, NWAS and GMFRS to find the address and get medical help for her mother.
“She remained extremely calm on the phone to the call handler, and was able to let emergency services into her address, all while looking after her two younger siblings.”
Monjola’s mum, Bunmi, has now made a full recovery and has also joined in with heaping praise on her “amazing” daughter, adding: “I was really sick and had a high temperature, similar to when I had COVID, and lost consciousness [but] I am very proud of Monjola.
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“She is amazing and I don’t know what would have happened if she hadn’t called 999.”
As well as praising her young daughter, Bunmi has also taken the time the thank the emergency services “who were also amazing”.
Featured Image – GMP
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
Emily Sergeant -
5th July 2023 
