A Manchester mum who lost her young son in a tragic accident has been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of support by the local community in her bid to create a lasting legacy for him.
When Max Rimmer-Chambers sadly died in May 2017 at aged four after a fireplace surround fell on him, his passing completely ripped through the whole local Openshaw community and saw hundreds of people attend his funeral and donate money to his grieving family.
And it was these kind donations that inspired his family to give back.
Now, his mum Kerrie Rimmer, 44, has launched a campaign where she is aiming to raise more than £200,000 to build an ambitious community bike track in his memory.
As the young boy was “full of fun and adventure”, had a “cheeky charm”, and was known to have an “obsession of all things with wheels”, the campaign for the cycle track – which is called Max Trax – will commemorate Kerry’s “outgoing and bubbly” son, who she said was her “absolute world”.
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“He loved nothing more than riding bikes, scooters, and anything that zoomed around Delamere Park beside his house,” Max’s family said.
Max Trax will create a lasting legacy for the four-year-old who had “an obsession of all things wheels” / Credit: Max Trax
Built in the heart of the Openshaw community at that very same park beside his house, Max Trax will be a place for young people and families to come to have fun and be active, learn something new, and explore the outdoors.
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The campaign may started small but, but after support from Manchester City Council and the charity Step Up MCR, the family decided to expand it.
The plans for the proposed project will feature a new cycle track for all ages, educational programmes, and even a community centre, while a disused building within the park could also be transformed into a “community hub” that will run workshops to teach new skills and provide meals for struggling families.
A ‘repair shop’ will offer to recycle old bikes to donate to children from low-income families, alongside educational workshops to teach children new skills to further their hobbies or even future careers.
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The plans for the proposed project will feature a new cycle track for all ages, educational programmes, and more / Credit: Max Trax
Ms Rimmer said her son would “absolutely love” the campaign.
Cllr Donna Ludford – councillor for Clayton and Openshaw – told ITV Granada that the bike track will have a “massive impact on the community”, adding: “For young people, it’s somewhere to go, an activity [and] if this didn’t happen, I’d be really upset as I think it’s something that everybody can get involved in it.”
A Crowdfunder set up for the campaign has already seen donations reach the £71,000 and counting, and you can contribute here.
You can also support and find out more about the Max Trax campaign here.
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 50% 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.”
Emily Sergeant -
24th January 2022 
