A Wigan man has trekked a whopping 232 miles all the way to Downing Street to hand-deliver a petition that’s appealing to “regulate” online animal sales.
And he did it all in the name of his beloved puppy who passed away – Reggie.
Richard Ackers – who lives in the Wigan village of Abram – decided that he wanted to contribute towards urging the UK government to change the law on the unregulated sales of domestic animals following the devastating death of his Fox Red Labrador puppy.
Richard said that while he had bought the puppy “in good faith”, he was unaware that it had actually been bred in an illegal puppy farm, and Reggie sadly died just days after Richard took him home and welcomed him into the family.
The cause of Reggie’s death was later confirmed as Canine Parvovirus – a disease with a high mortality rate in unvaccinated pups.
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Reggie’s death triggered the launch of the campaign – Justice For Reggie.
This is Reggie. He found his family through a reputable website. The family met Reggie – everything seemed fine. Hours later, Reggie was ill. Days later, Reggie was dead 💔 Puppy farmed. Online sales should be regulated. Agree? #reggieslaw#RETWEEEThttps://t.co/sFM6d2LW2gpic.twitter.com/3SobBIYnyf
— JusticeforReggie (@JusticeforRegg1) June 8, 2021
The campaign has not only gained a significant following and outpouring of support from members of the public on social media, who were touched by Richards’s story and may likely have experienced something similar, but it has also since won backing from MPs, the Home Office, various celebrities, and rescue organisations such as the RSPCA, along with help from volunteers across England and Wales.
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The petition for the proposed law – which is known as ‘Reggie’s Law’ – has also gained close to 110,000 signatures in just over twelve weeks, and will soon be up for debate in Parliament.
But not content with the petition being sent off online, and in a bid to really get his message heard, Richard decided to take matters into his own hands and walk all the way to the doorstep at Number 10 to hand-deliver the petition.
Richard set off on his journey last Wednesday 1 December, and reached Downing Street on Tuesday at around 1:30pm.
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Speaking on his incredible achievement, Richard said: “I am totally blown away with the amount of support I’ve received so far in such a short space of time, if I can get the laws around animal sales looked at and strengthened then I will have achieved my one true goal of getting justice for Reggie.”
The issue is set to be debated in parliament on Monday 13 December, and you can find out more information and donate to Richard’s chosen charities on his JustGiving page here.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
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.
Emily Sergeant -
9th December 2021 
