One of Manchester’s best-known charities made history last night, with what was the first – and probably the last – firewalk on St Peter’s Square.
It’s been in the works for quite some time now, with the “brave souls” who signed-up being put through their paces to train for the occasion, but We Love MCR Charity‘s unique Manchester Firewalk Challengefinally happened in the heart of the city centre yesterday.
50 fearless firewalkers raised over £15,500 and counting for the iconic Mancunian charity by walking over 700-degree hot coals.
Against a backdrop of Manchester’s Central Library and with a massive crowd cheering them on, each of the participants conquered their fears and completed what they previously thought was impossible.
Alongside those keen fundraisers who rose to the challenge for a very worthy cause, some familiar faces also braved the coals – including Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Donna Ludford, and influencer and TV personality Rosie Williams, who took part as an Ambassador for the Charity.
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The Lord Mayor of Manchester and Chair of Trustees for the Charity Councillor Tommy Judge also got to oversee the drama of the night, and give the walkers a much-needed pep talk.
The brave walkers then undertook training from 30+ year firewalking veterans Time4Change.
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The Manchester Firewalk Challengefinally happened in the heart of the city centre yesterday / Credit: We Love MCR Charity50 fearless firewalkers raised over £15,500 and counting / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
“This was our first fundraising event in two years, and what a way to return,” said Ged Carter, Head of We Love MCR Charity.
“Congratulations to all walkers for showing incredible confidence on the coals, and exemplary fundraising by raising over £15,000 which will go directly to our work supporting Manchester’s fantastic communities and ambitious young people.”
We Love MCR Charity said that fundraising events like this are vital for its ongoing mission of supporting the city, especially after it distributed nearly £1 million last year through its COVID-19 Community Response Fund to over 300 community groups and charities, and touched the lives of over 50,000 Mancunians.
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“That was an incredible buzz,” said Rosie Williams, We Love MCR Charity’s Ambassador.
“I overcame my fears to do something which sounds impossible, for a brilliant cause [and] I can’t wait to hear what We Love MCR’s next challenge will be in 2022.”
“This was our first fundraising event in two years, and what a way to return.” / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
We Love MCR Charity’s is currently supporting the people of this amazing city both through the Stronger Communities Fund– which awards grants to Manchester groups looking to improve community wellbeing – and also through its unique Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund, which was launched this year to overcome financial barriers to success faced by young Mancunians.
Find more about fundraising for We Love MCR Charity in 2021 here.
Featured Image – We Love MCR Charity
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You can now stay at Shrek’s Swamp on Airbnb — yes, really
Danny Jones
Are you a Dreamworks fan or perhaps an onion/ogre enthusiast? Well, you can now book to stay at Shrek’s Swamp in a land far, far away… and it’s completely free!
‘What are you doing in my swamp?!’ is something that Shrek may roar at you as you lay your weary head in his humble abode this autumn but now, thanks to Airbnb, you’re actually welcome to stay there.
So, if you’re thinking of treating yourself to a getaway, forget the romantic vistas of Rome, say nay to the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and revel in the mud-laden, moss-covered surroundings of Shrek’s very own swamp instead.
For those looking to live out their swampiest childhood fairytale dreams, Airbnb is giving you the opportunity to escape to the Scottish Highlands and embrace your ogre-like tendencies.
Credit: Airbnb
Bookings for this special stay open on Friday, 13 October at 6pm and, if you’re lucky, up to three of you will be picked to enjoy a two-night swamp stay at absolutely no cost to yourselves from 27-29 October. A nice pre-Halloween treat.
You’ll need to make sure you have a good rating on Airbnb to stand a chance of being chosen and, if you are, you can expect the following:
To relax in the ambience of ‘earwax candlelight’
Kick your feet up with a parfait (everybody likes a parfait!)
Swap stories around the fire until late in the night
Enjoy a stack of freshly made waffles in the morning
And, of course, enjoy the ultimate privacy of Shrek’s trusted outhouse (you know the one)
The Airbnb website also states: “To honour good childhood memories that last a lifetime, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to HopScotch Children’s Charity, which provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips.”
Guests must also note that the shower and toilet facilities are located 20 metres away from the swamp and that those chosen to stay must make their own travel arrangements to and from Scotland.
Might we suggest a fairytale-style horse and carriage shaped like an onion? No reason…
To find out more and to place your booking on 13 October, visit the Shrek Swamp listing on Airbnb.
A radio station playing only Christmas tunes 24/7 is back on air in the UK
Emily Sergeant
It’s that time of year again… a radio station playing only Christmas tunes 24/7 is now back on the airwaves in the UK.
Too early to say the ‘C word’? Never mind, you’ve already clicked on this article.
Autumn may have only just started, and we may still have all the fun of Halloween and Bonfire Night to get stuck into first, but for some people, the festive feels are already in the air – but whether or not you’re in the camp of it being too early to talk about Christmas at this point, it’ll soon be pretty tricky to escape from.
Especially not when a radio station that’s dedicated to playing non-stop Christmas bangers has just relaunched in the UK.
You heard that right – Christmas songs, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
For that person in your life who just LOVES Christmas… Heart Xmas is back! 🎄
With only 94 days to go until the big day, we’ve pressed play on our favourite festive station ☃️
If you’re the type that’s got Mariah blasting in September, and like to start the day with Slade baring out loud, then you should be absolutely made up to hear that Heart Radio has revealed its much-loved festive station, Heart Xmas, is now back up and running.
With just over three months to go until the big day, Heart Xmas has switched-on earlier than ever before this year, and is now live to listen to on DAB digital radio and online via Global Player.
Mariah Carey, Michael Buble, The Pogues, Wham!, Wizzard, Slade, and Shakin Stevens are just some of the artists with those classic Christmas hits you can expect to hear in the run-up to December, as Heart says its dedicated Christmas station promises to bring listeners “the ultimate festive soundtrack at all hours of the day”.
A radio station playing only Christmas tunes 24/7 is back on air in the UK / Credit: Vevo
Done denying the festive season’s just round the corner?
If you’re on board and fancy getting into the Christmas spirit, then you can now tune into the Heart Xmas radio on your DAB digital radio, Global Player, or via the Heart website.
Emily Sergeant -
14th October 2021 
