A young boy from Bolton has taken to social media to make an emotional plea asking others to stop abusing his Dad’s disability.
10-year-old Lucca Warwick and his father Dean Warwick often spend time riding their specially-adapted hand cycle bike together, but now Lucca has posted an emotional video urging people to leave them both alone after his Dad has experienced a recent rise in disability-related abuse.
Dean has limited mobility due to his conditions – which include Spina Bifida and Snapping Hip Syndrome – and often relies on sticks to walk short distances, wheelchairs, and his hand cycle bike.
The father-of-two has seen the abuse directed toward his disability increase since the start of lockdown.
A recent incident involving a van swerving straight towards him has left Dean without the confidence to ride alongside his son and has brought him to the decision to sell his bike.
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After finding out his Dad’s intention to sell his hand cycle bike, Lucca posted a video of him addressing the situation to video-sharing platform TikTok in an effort to end the abuse, show support and raise awareness for spinal disabilities.
The short video was also re-posted by Lucca’s mother onto Facebook last week.
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She stated that Dean is receiving disability-related abuse “on a daily basis at the moment” and crucially emphasised that “the pain isn’t just on the person you’re abusing because they’re disabled, but their children feel it as well when they witness it happening”.
Speaking to the Bolton News about Lucca’s plea, Dean Warwick said: “He did it off his own back and you could see the pain in his eyes. I was out riding with him through Little Lever when this guy in a van just decided to swerve towards me, before driving away laughing.”
“It was really scary for him, he was behind me so for him it looked like someone was trying to run his dad over. He can’t understand why people would be like that, I’m not his disabled dad, I’m his dad, it hurts him to see things like this and it’s going to affect him in a big way.”
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“For him to take to his own TikTok it must be playing on his mind.”
On the topic of the rise in abusive comments, Dean added that: “It’s the first time I’ve ever experienced discrimination like that, I see it every day but not from a place of hatred like this.”
“Since we’ve been in lockdown, people have been more vindictive.”
“I’ve had two lads who walked past me whilst I was on my bike who said ‘can you not use a normal bike you effing mong’, and when I was coming out of a shop the other day a guy asked me if I was alright, which I thought was a genuine question, before he started swearing and told me I didn’t look it.”
“Once I’m in that bike I’m defenceless, and sometimes it’s not worth speaking up against the comments in case it makes things worse.”
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“There’s a massive ignorance, and it’s really bad at the moment, it’s coming from all different walks of life, not just teens but fully grown adults, you’d think they’d know better. I probably won’t sell the bike now, but I’ve got to find the confidence to get back out there.”
“I don’t think the abuse will ever go away, but it’s just about making sure people are more educated.”
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Bayern Munich reportedly set to target Phil Foden in the summer transfer window
Danny Jones
European giants Bayern Munich are said to be interested in homegrown Manchester City star, and are interested in signing him this coming transfer window.
And if you believe some of the reports circulating around the Stockport-born footballer, he could very well be looking to leave the Etihad in the summer.
Foden seems to have somewhat fallen out of favour at Man City of late, having been benched in four of the last five games, with his overall minutes having been on a gradual slump over recent months; as a result, some sources are suggesting it’s prompted a potential move away.
As per TEAMtalk, the Bundesliga side is hoping to target the City youth product and England international ahead of next season, with former teammate turned Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany very keen on acquiring his services.
Man City have stepped up efforts to secure Phil Foden's future with talks held during the international break and confidence is now growing that a new deal will be finalised before the end of the season, amid Bayern Munich interest, @TEAMtalk can reveal.https://t.co/ScBP5a3a08
Whether or not having a club and Premier League legend in charge would serve as a sweetener for the attacking midfielder or not, who knows?
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, while the gifted playmaker is said to be “frustrated” with the current situation at Man City, the club are believed to have “stepped up efforts to secure the long-term future of Phil Foden, with fresh talks held during the international break”
Having still managed to chip in with 15 goal contributions so far this campaign – two-thirds of those involvements being goals – the hope is that they can tie him down to a new deal long before the end of the season.
There’s no question about his natural talent and versatility across the forward line; it’s just whether or not he’s happy with his game time under Pep Guardiola, which admittedly has often fluctuated ever since he broke into the first team.
Pep has never made a secret of his love for Phil, either; he’s just not afraid to mix things up and try different things given the squad depth at his disposal and other teams in the division becoming increasingly competitive.
It’s also worth noting that many expect him to be in Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineups for the Three Lions at this year’s World Cup.
At present, Foden’s contract is set to expire at the end of the next term (2026/27), but it’s rumoured that he could soon commit to staying until 2030 on paper.
Now 25, the once up-and-coming youngster/’rising star’ is now a fully-fledged senior professional and serial winner.
With many years still ahead of him, you could argue that this is the perfect time to take on a new challenge, or equally, stay with his beloved Blues and extend their modern dynasty as one of the more experienced and decorated members of the dressing room.
As for whether Kompany can convince him to swap his familiar surroundings for a fresh chapter in Germany, or whether or not another big Champions League-level outfit monitoring the situation could come sniffing, only time will tell.
For now, let’s just hope he has an incredible few weeks over in North America this June and July.
Inside the £1.3m Bolton gatehouse considered a ‘remarkable’ piece of local history
Emily Sergeant
A magnificent Grade II-listed gatehouse in an affluent area of Bolton has gone on the market, and it’s your chance to own a piece of local history.
You will need a small matter of £1.3 million before you’re able to call it yours, though.
Now, as we always say before we write about these stunning homes, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have this kind of money just sitting in bank accounts right now… but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is Lostock Hall Gatehouse – a breathtaking Grade II-listed residence that’s believed to date back to the late sixteenth century.
Tucked away in ‘complete seclusion’ in the sought-after Bolton area of Lostock – which is known and loved by families thanks to its varied housing options, excellent local schools, convenient transport links, and proximity to amenities including Middlebrook Retail Park – this extraordinary five-bedroom link detached property is described as being ‘rich’ in heritage and architectural significance.
The home has been thoughtfully enhanced over time to introduce refined features for modern life, all while preserving plenty of original features.
Set behind imposing electric gates and nestled on a plot of just under three quarters of an acre, Lostock Hall Gatehouse is divided into two detached buildings, which estate agents say offers ‘unparalleled’ versatility for multi-generational living, business use, leisure space, or even guest accommodation.
This is the impressive Lostock Hall Gatehouse in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The main residence is packed with bags of character – think an original stone frontage, charming mullion windows, feature fireplaces, exposed beams, expansive rooms, and so much more.
Some of the other stand-out features in the main house include two impressive reception rooms, a beautifully presented country-style kitchen, and five large bedrooms arranged over two floors.
A short walk from the main residence stands a substantial two-storey detached building, which is in need of some refurbishment for sure, but estate agents say it presents exceptional potential and flexibility for a wide variety of uses.
It’s currently on the market for £1.3 million / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Just as you’d expect, the outside of the Lostock Hall Gatehouse is almost an impressive as the inside, as it boasts manicured lawns and gardens stretching beautifully across the plot and designed to be enjoyed in every season.
The large private driveway also provides off-road parking for several vehicles.
This property is currently on the market with the Bolton branch of local estate agency chain, Miller Metcalfe, for £1.3 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy at the Rightmove link here.
The Manc -
23rd July 2020 
