With the festive season edging closer, Hits Radio has officially launched 2020’s Mission Christmas appeal and is inviting locals to buy one extra gift to help thousands of disadvantaged children in Greater Manchester.
Mission Christmas – the largest Christmas toy appeal in the UK – is an annual campaign run by Cash for Kids, supported by Bauer Radio’s regional stations – including Hits Radio Manchester – and has collectively raised over £20.9 million in 2019 through gifts and donations, which were distributed to more than one million disadvantaged children across the UK.
42,420 recipients of which were in the Greater Manchester area.
And in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Christmas is going to be tougher than ever this year for those in need.
The Trussell Trust has predicted that at least 670,000 extra people will become destitute in the last three months of the year, which is a level of poverty that leaves them unable to meet basic food, shelter or clothing needs, and with the increase in unemployment and reduction in working hours for many families, Christmas is simply a luxury they cannot afford.
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Some families are even having to make difficult decisions this Christmas between food/heating, and gifts.
This year’s Mission Christmas campaign aims to beat last year’s fundraising total and make sure as many children from Greater Manchester can be supported as possible, so in order to make this safe for everyone, Hits Radio and Cash for Kids has carried out an extensive review and risk assessment to enable members of the public to deliver a gifts whilst keeping staff, volunteers and beneficiaries safe.
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This means that there will be significantly reduced drop-off points, and reduced volunteers in Mission HQ’s across the country to accommodate necessary social distancing.
Speaking on the Mission Christmas 2020 campaign, Fleur East – Presenter at Hits Radio – said: “This year is going to be particularly tough for many families across the UK. Mission Christmas is a brilliant way for people to act in the true spirit of the season and give a little something to lift the spirits of disadvantaged young people who really do deserve it.
“Last year our listeners really demonstrated their generosity and it was truly amazing what we achieved.
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“This year, there have been so many examples of the community pulling together to support everyone and I know that it will be even better than ever before.”
Hits Radio / Cash for KidsHits Radio / Cash for Kids
Taking part in the Mission Christmas appeal this year is simple.
All you need to do is buy one extra gift before 18th December and hand it in to one of the Mission Christmas collection points, or alternatively, you can text ‘HITS’ to 70910 to donate £10 and Hits Radio / Cash for Kids will buy a gift on your behalf.
Donations can be made at any branch of Wickes, selected B&M stores, and a small selection of essential retailers who can continue to operate safely within the current lockdown restrictions.
For further details – including information on how to get involved, gift ideas for different age groups, and how to make a donation – visit the Hits Radio Manchester website here.
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Role Model at O2 Apollo, Manchester – a night where everyone wanted to be Sally | Review
Clementine Hall
The O2 Apollo was a sea of cowboy hats and gingham for Role Model’s return to Manchesteron his No Place Like Tour.
If you don’t know who Role Model is, then you’re probably not a 20-something year old girl addicted to TikTok and strawberry matcha like me – and that’s absolutely fine, but Role Model, aka Tucker Pillsbury, is more than just a social star with a couple of viral hits.
His steep incline to stardom, especially through his latest album Kansas Anymore released last summer, and the follow-up deluxe Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye), earlier this year, has recently seen him perform on SNL with Charli XCX, as well as this week featuring in People’s Magazine Sexiest Man Alive 2025 edition in the centrefold spot, no less.
So it’s safe to say, he really is the man of the moment.
Role Model on stage at O2 Apollo Manchester in November 2025 / Image: The Manc Group
The all-American heartthrob wasted no time getting into his catalogue of hits, kicking things off with ‘Writing’s On The Wall’, before transitioning smoothly into ‘Look At That Woman’ and ‘Scumbag’, all taken from his 2024 album.
Guitar firmly in hand, Role Model shimmied across the stage effortlessly as a sea of adoring fans sang every single word back without fail.
The highlights from the show are never-ending, like taking a seat and singing the beautiful ‘Something, Somehow, Someday’ from a leather notebook – which he tells us is “my favourite song I’ve ever written, and I’m going to read it to you like a story”.
His vocals are identical to the studio recordings, and the energy in the room was just how you wanted it to be, especially during the iconic bridge in ‘Some Protector’.
Presuming you’re not familiar with the Role Model lore? Well, allow me to fill you in.
Each night during the undeniable smash-hit, ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’, Tucker brings out a special guest to be that night’s so-called ‘Sally’ and dance on stage with him.
On the European tour so far, London were treated to Lewis Capaldi and Niall Horan back to back, so it’s safe to say we were waiting with baited breath to be introduced to our very-own Sally.
Although we didn’t get anyone famous (we were hoping he’d go super meta and get Sally from Corrie, but alas), what did get was arguably better. A lovely, smiling fan who held Tucker’s hand and had the absolute time of her life for that one-minute where all eyes were on her – this is what it’s truly all about, at the end of the day.
If anyone in that crowd went home without feeling a bit in love with Role Model, then I’d be very surprised.
His effortless charisma oozed throughout the performance, and we can’t wait to welcome him back in Manchester again.
Maybe next time, I’ll be Sally.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Jamie Carragher fires back at journalist after being turned away from Etihad away end
Danny Jones
Jamie Carragher has fired back at a tabloid journalist after he reported on the ex-footballer being turned away from the Borussia Dortmund away end during their meeting against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this week.
The former Liverpool and England player was reporting on the Champions League match as part of his usual ‘Golazo’ duties for the US on Wednesday, 5 November, and was hoping to join in with travelling fans during the game.
Carragher became part of the ‘yellow wall’ last year during their UCL fixture against Chelsea, being adopted as a Dortmund supporter for the day, but was not granted the same privilege upon arriving at the Etihad this time around.
Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan wrote a piece explaining how the working presenter was turned away due to safety concerns raised by security at Man City, but the 47-year-old has now given his own retort.
Just trying to have a good time with the Dortmund fans Mike, it was no problem it wasn’t allowed. Next time message me & I’ll tell you all you need to know, rather than Simon at Man City giving you a story. Probably explains why you’re so sympathetic around the 115 charges.
As you can see, the retired defender turned Sky Sports and CBS pundit was less than pleased with the piece, clarifying that there was “no problem” over the decision, asking instead why he didn’t contact him directly for a comment.
In addition to seemingly naming names, he also couldn’t resist the urge as a rival Red to take a jab at City’s ever-looming FFP breaches, suggesting that the outlet has been somewhat biased in its coverage of the ongoing saga.
However, Keegan didn’t let the spat pass without his own right of reply.
Reacting directly underneath the response, the sports writer added: “I already knew the facts, Jamie, but you clearly don’t.
“Next time you’re covering a game at City, you should probably apologise to Simon for wrongly accusing him of being the source on the story.”
Either way, this is as far as Carragher got on his way to the ground:
While it is still unclear as to who exactly ‘Carra’ and Keegan are referring to in their exchange, many have speculated that it could be Simon Pearce: a non-executive director at the club and part of the CFG (City Football Group) board; he has been tied to the ongoing allegations of financial deception.
Onto the action pitchside, not only did scoring machine Erling Haaland come back to haunt his former team once again, but the Blues ran, maybe not riot, but much closer to their vintage best, with Stockport’s very own bagging a brace and Rayan Cherki scoring his first UCL goal under Pep Guardiola.
Emily Sergeant -
24th November 2020 
