UK News

Great North Run will still go ahead in ‘fitting tribute’ to Queen, bosses confirm

The Great North Run is expected to raise an estimated £25 million pounds for charity this weekend

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 9th September 2022

Following much speculation last night, bosses have confirmed that this weekend’s Great North Run will still go ahead.

Describing the event as a ‘fitting tribute’ to Queen Elizabeth II. organisers confirmed that the main run, which is known for being the biggest half marathon event in the world, would continue as planned.

The decision was made this morning following a meeting between council leaders, organisers, broadcasters and others involved in staging the huge event, which is expected to raise millions of pounds for charities.

However, they also said that some elements would be more subdued out of respect to the Royal Family as they moved to cancel the Great North 5K, originally due to take place on Friday evening, and the Junior and Mini Great North Run.

Sir Brendan Foster, Founder of the Great North Run, said: “We have considered the staging of the Great North Run on Sunday, and are confident that we can continue in a way that will remain respectful of the Queen and the Royal Family and mindful of the mood of intense sadness which is being felt across the country.

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“There will be an appropriate tribute made and whilst we want runners to enjoy the day we will be encouraging everyone to be aware of the very sad and very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place.

“We would encourage runners to communicate their respect for the Queen in any way they feel appropriate, and look forward to welcoming runners from all over the UK and the world to the North East this weekend.

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Read more: Rail and postal workers postpone strike action in ‘mark of respect’ for Queen

“We will endeavour to ensure the event runs smoothly but we will do so ever mindful that the nation has lost someone whose death is a defining moment for all of us, and who will be in our hearts and minds not just today and tomorrow, but long into the future.”

Feature image – Public Domain images / Commons Wikimedia

 

UK News

Family of 21-year-old Lewis Durham pay tribute to ‘fun-loving character’ tragically killed in traffic collision

Danny Jones Danny Jones Lewis Durham tributes Wigan death

The family of 21-year-old Lewis Durham who was tragically killed in a traffic collision last week have paid tribute to the “fun-loving character” and young man who had “the world at his feet”.

Lewis Durham and two other people were involved in the crash on 13 April, which saw the young man and another male on the back of his bike collide with a car on Ormskirk Road in Wigan around 7:15pm.

Durham, from the town of Workington in West Cumbria, was sadly declared dead at the scene and his 56-year-old passenger, who was also thrown from the bike, unfortunately passed away from his injuries after being rushed to hospital.

The driver of the vehicle, a 41-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury following the incident. He has since been released on bail.

Writing in their emotional tribute via Greater Manchester Police, the Durham family wrote: “It is with great sadness that Lewis has been so tragically taken away from us. He sadly passed away in a road traffic accident in Wigan on Saturday 13th April.

“The youngest in our family with the world at his feet. He’s left a huge hole in our family, our hearts are absolutely broken. He was always a happy, fun-loving character, who had everything going for him in life, loved by everyone and had the best of friends. A loving son, grandson, and little brother.

“We’d like to thank the emergency services and people who assisted him at the scene who comforted him in maybe his last moments. We’ll cherish every memory we have of you, Lewis.

“We’re all beyond proud of you and will miss and love you forever. You’re now the brightest star in the sky Lewis. Love you forever and always Mam, Dad, Grandma, Granda, Nana, and your two big sisters.”

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Our thoughts are with Lewis’ loved ones during this difficult time. A GoFundMe has now been set up by his best mate Leo McMullen to help “raise some money to give to charity and mark his memory”. It has already surpassed its £3k target, with over £11,000 raised across 600+ donations.

You can donate HERE.

It’s been an emotional couple of weeks for the Wigan community also, as locals and the rugby league world at large united in mourning the loss of 21-year-old Gabriel Holt earlier this month.

Rest in peace.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Greater Manchester Police/DPP Law (via Flickr)

UK News

Former Rochdale and Man United academy product Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for the third time

Danny Jones Danny Jones Footballer Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for the third time

In a gut-wrenching bit of news, former Rochdale AFC player and Manchester United academy product Joe Thompson has sadly been diagnosed with cancer for the third time.

Sharing the heartbreaking update on Friday, 12 April, Thompson, who previously represented the likes of Bury FC, Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, the 35-year-old has revealed that the recurring Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has now spread to his lungs.

The ex-Dale midfielder also secured loan spells at Wrexham and Southport around a decade ago, but the cancer diagnosis tragically derailed his time at both clubs.

He ultimately decided to call time on his footballing career back in 2019 and after having twice recovered from the disease, he is now facing his third battle against cancer. Giving a moving interview with BBC Sport Manchester, he said explaining it to his kids has been the hardest part.

Joe Thompson speaks candidly about his third cancer diagnosis.

The father of two also sat down with his old club Man United, who came through the academy ranks alongside the likes of Tom Cleverley, Danny Drinkwater and more, confessing, “I don’t think you could walk this road alone”.

Thompson went on to say: “It’s far from ideal but I know that the support is here from the club. My family are imperative in my life and they are constantly helping me at the moment.

“I feel like once I have voiced it and got it off my chest, I don’t feel as suffocated as I felt. Obviously, bringing it to the football audience I am hoping that the support will be there as it has been not once, but twice before.”

He also stressed the importance of raising awareness, especially given this is his third stroke of misfortune, adding: “There are constant reminders and from the support you get, there are positive stories, so I feel morally obliged to be one of those that do that.”

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The Thompson family have now set up a fundraising page, the description of which calls his story one of “resilience and hope”. We think that’s putting it lightly.

Reflecting on how his illness has already overshadowed his time as a father far too much, he explained that he is working with oncologists and scientists and “self-funding research to uncover the root cause of my recurring illness.”

With that in mind, the GoFundMe is as much about cancer research as a whole as it is. Having barely been up for a few hours, nearly 500 people have already donated, putting a huge £35,000+ dent in their total target of £250k. You can donate HERE.

Keep on fighting, Joe – you’ve got this.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — GoFundMe/Manchester United/Rochdale FC

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