An inspirational student with a terminal condition has “triumphed over adversity” by graduating from The University of Manchester this week.
Laura Nuttall, from Barrowford in Lancashire, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme – an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer – after a routine eye test back in 2018, and after she was found to have eight tumours, she was told she only had around 12 months to live.
Laura’s shock diagnosis led to her leaving university in London to concentrate on treatment and ticking items off her bucket list.
She bravely endured a craniotomy to remove the largest tumour, and then started a gruelling programme of radiotherapy and chemotherapy – however, her dedicated family then discovered an innovative new treatment available in Germany, and with the help of donations from friends, family and an online fundraiser, Laura was able to start the immunotherapy.
She had to travel to Cologne every six weeks, but she responded so well to treatment that she was able to restart her studies – this time a little closer to home at The University of Manchester.
Despite having to travel for the gruelling treatment – which was made even more difficult by COVID-19 travel restrictions – and on top of undergoing more surgery in March and December, working as an ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity, and helping out in her community, Laura somehow continued to excel in her studies.
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And earlier this week, she finally graduated.
Laura’s proud family got to see her graduate after she was only given 12 months to live following her diagnosis in 2018 / Credit: University of Manchester
Laura graduated with a 2:1 degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from The University of Manchester, and was able to celebrate with her mum Nicola, sister Grace, and dad Mark proudly watching on.
“Laura was told that she had a life expectancy of around a year and wouldn’t be going back to university at all, so to see her graduate is just incredible,” Laura’s mum Nicola explained.
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“I know how hard she’s had to work to achieve her degree alongside her chemotherapy, surgery and treatment, so this day is a real celebration of her tenacity.
“We really couldn’t be more proud of her.”
In 2018, Laura Nuttall discovered she had Glioblastoma Multiforme – an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer.
Yesterday, she celebrated her graduation at The University of Manchester with her family. Congratulations Laura, what an achievement! pic.twitter.com/IuxjnkMU4g
— The University of Manchester (@OfficialUoM) July 19, 2022
Laura’s tutors at The University of Manchester have praised her dedication.
“I have met very few people with such a determination to live their life to the full,” said Professor Jackie Carter – who met and bonded with Laura as she also has a child with an incurable brain tumour.
“Unlike most of my students who are wondering what to do with their futures, Laura quite literally doesn’t know what hers holds – but she’s getting on with it, and doing it all with a spirit that shines through her every pore when you meet her.”
Speaking on her graduation day, and reflecting on what it took to get to this moment, Laura said: “I don’t think I would have been able to achieve my degree without the help and support provided by The University of Manchester, especially the student welfare officers.
“In my first year, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it to graduation – never mind get a 2:1.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United
Danny Jones
Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.
Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.
The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.
However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.
At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.
Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”
As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.
He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.
The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.
Co-op Live has been named the number one arena in Europe following its debut year
Danny Jones
Despite a rocky opening month or so, Manchester’s Co-op Live made the ultimate instant recovery and has now been named the number one arena not just in the UK but all of Europe.
Manc music venues being best in class? Sounds about right.
Yes, even despite some obstacles, delays and early hiccups, Co-op Live‘s debut year as a live music and indoor entertainment venue has seen it beat out the likes of the long-established and iconic O2 in London to take the top spot.
The inaugural 12 months of the arena have not only seen it welcome all manner of music legends, as well as live sporting events such as the UFC and WWE, but the arena welcomed more visitors than any other venue across the continent during that time.
Names to have graced the industry-leading stage so far include Liam Gallagher, Stevie Nicks and Take That; Peter Kay, Elbow, Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, and so many more.
Commenting on the successful start, Tim Leiweke (CEO and chairman of the Oak View Groupbehind the venue) said: “Our ambition was to bring the world’s best music arena to one of the world’s greatest music cities and we are thrilled with the reaction from fans and artists alike over this past year.
“Co-op Live’s revolutionary acoustics investment has already attracted some of the world’s biggest artists and events to Manchester, with many more to come. And our sustainability commitment will ensure we remain responsible contributors to Manchester and the planet for years to come.
“We believe that amazing venues can transform cities for the better, and Co-op Live has done just that.”
It’s fair to say we’ve had some truly unforgettable nights in there already – and that’s just in the last month alone. Case and point:
With a continued commitment to achieving ‘Net Zero’ status too, the venue’s carbon reduction technologies, solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting, not to mention the recently refreshed CityLink walking in partnership with the Climate Pledge, are all things we can be proud of.
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, went on to add: “We are delighted with the success of Co-op Live’s first year, and to see it taking the top spot off London.
“It shows Manchester is the home of live music in the UK, with Co-op Live bringing so many exclusives from artists like Bruce Springsteen to the city and Oasis playing massive hometown shows this summer – 2025 is going to be one of the biggest ever for our city’s music scene.”
Meanwhile, things are feeling less fortunate at the grassroots end of the spectrum, as the Music Venue Trust is imploring people to get behind a vulnerable Manc music institution.
Emily Sergeant -
21st July 2022 
