Jack Grealish has surprised a young visually impaired fan by sending him a signed shirt and a personalised letter written in braille.
It’s fair to say that the Birmingham-born footballer has had quite the eventful week.
After playing an important part in winning the Champions League to help Manchester City complete the historic treble, the 27-year-old went on to properly let his hair down and celebrate in style at the team’s trophy parade, with his entertaining antics being shared all across social media, all before reporting for international duty with England only a few days later.
But even with his busy schedule, Grealish is known for always making time for his fans – as 10-year-old Ralph Mullineaux was lucky enough to find out last week.
The budding para footballer from Cornwall – who is severely visually impaired, and has recently starred in a TV advert for charity Guide Dogs – calls the Manchester City and England winger his “hero”, and admits that he even regularly wears his hair scraped back in a hairband like Grealish so that he can “be just like him”.
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As Ralph’s mum Georgina explained in a social media post, the youngster “really loves how Grealish understands disability”, especially as the footballer often “celebrates” and shares how much of an inspiration his younger sister, Hollie – who has cerebral palsy – is to him.
Jack Grealish with his younger sister Hollie, who has cerebral palsy / Credit: Jack Grealish (via Instagram)
Grealish is notably an ambassador for the Special Olympics, as well as being a long-time supporter of the Saving Lives and Children in Need charities.
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In a bid to let the footballer know how much of a role model he is to him and other young fans everywhere, Ralph decided to send a letter to Grealish written braille – and to his surprise, Grealish sent a personalised letter back, along with a signed Manchester City shirt.
The brilliant moment Ralph received the letter and shirt was caught on camera and shared to Instagram.
“Thank you so much to man of the moment who’s sent Ralph a signed shirt and a personalised letter,” Ralph’s mum Georgina wrote on Instagram.
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“Grealish is Ralph’s hero. Ralph wears his hair like Jack so he can be just like him… Ralph sent Jack a letter in Braille telling him how much of an amazing role model he is. As Ralph has a visual impairment, he really loves how Grealish understands disability and celebrates his sister who has cerebral palsy.
“Ralph was beyond thrilled to get a reply from his favourite footballer, and for it to be in braille, is just so special.
“It’s so nice to see how inclusive and kind Jack and Manchester City can be.”
It seems that the signed shirt and personalised letter from Grealish is just one of a handful of amazing things to have happened to Ralph already in 2023, as Georgina revealed that the 10-year-old has also been accepted onto the England Para Football VI Pathway programme, as well as becoming the star of a TV advert for Guide Dogs – which is a charity that has “helped him so much”.
After all his achievements so far this year, Ralph’s mum has admitted she is “so proud of him”.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK
Emily Sergeant
The UK’s most challenging driving locations have been revealed, according to new data… and isn’t good news for Manchester.
No matter whether you’re a new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, some roads can test even the most confident of motorists.
From congestion and poor road conditions, to limited parking and higher incident rates, it’s fair to say that some areas make driving more stressful.
But which parts of the UK are the hardest to drive in?
Well, in a bid to answer that question, MoneySuperMarket has analysed a whole host of data – such as road infrastructure, road safety, road conditions, vehicle crime concerns, and insurance-related trends – for 58 UK cities, boroughs, and local authorities to create a drivability score and discover the locations that drivers find most stressful.
Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK / Credit: Manchester City Council | pxfuel
Manchester, unfortunately, claimed third place on the list of top 10 most challenging locations for drivers – with an overall drivability score of 25 out of 100.
Other northern cities and towns like Leeds, Preston, Blackpool, Bradford, Wakefield, and Oldham have founded themselves in the top 10 too, meaning the North West is sadly the most-represented area.
Top 10 Most Challenging Locations For Drivers
Croydon
Derby
Manchester
Leeds
Preston
Birmingham
Blackpool
Bradford
Wakefield
Oldham
The findings also reflect some of the concerns drivers experience on the road, with more than a third of motorists (34%) saying they have avoided driving because they were travelling in an unfamiliar area, while almost a third (32%) have chosen not to drive due to heavy traffic or congestion.
Dealing with impatient or aggressive drivers was the most commonly cited source of stress, with almost two-thirds of motorists (65%) saying they find situations such as tailgating and beeping stressful.
“Driving is part of everyday life for millions of people, but our research shows just how much stress and uncertainty it can bring,” commented Alicia Hempsted, who is a Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket.
“Particularly in areas where there are more incidents recorded, car-related thefts are more common, or where there is heavier traffic or less familiar roads.”