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Hyde woman sentenced to jail for manslaughter of Rees Howarth

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A 28-year-old woman has been sentenced to prison following the death of Rees Howarth in Tameside.

Katie Yeomans, of Thorsby Avenue, Hyde, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on November 1 and on Wednesday (November 8) she was sentenced to five years and three months in prison for manslaughter on the grounds of loss of control.

The attack

On Sunday, April 23, at around 2.55pm, police were called to reports of a domestic disturbance at a house on Thorsby Avenue in Hyde.

When emergency services arrived they found a man had been stabbed and despite medical assistance, he was pronounced dead.

The police investigation established that Yeomans and Rees had been out with friends in Oldham the night before the horrific attack. The couple went back to Yeoman’s home where they carried on drinking into the afternoon.

At around 2:25pm, mobile phone evidence showed Yeomans attempt to contact the emergency services for one second before hanging up.

She then called a family member who arrived in a taxi and saw Rees covered in blood, in the hallway. They contacted another family member who rang the emergency services.

Police and paramedics attended the scene where they found Rees had been stabbed in the chest.

Tribute

Duncan Thorpe of GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit said: “Whatever sentence is imposed it will not be enough and it will sadly not bring Rees back. Of course, my thoughts are with Rees family and his loved ones, no parent, child, or friend should have their loved one taken away by someone else in this manner.”

In a tribute dedicated to Rees, his loved ones said that Rees was an ‘active and outgoing man, who was funny and loving. He had a heart of gold and was caring and kind-hearted.

He was a larger-than-life character who will be sadly missed by all who loved him’ and have expressed that their family and loved ones have privacy while they continue to grieve for their loss.

Two teens arrested following damage to Rochdale Cenotaph

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The two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of causing racially aggravated criminal damage and remain in police custody for questioning.

The arrests relate to an incident at the Cenotaph which took place on Tuesday.

Deeply upsetting

Detective chief inspector Stuart Round said: “The Cenotaph means a lot to the community in Rochdale and the recent incidents have been deeply upsetting, particularly at a time when we should be honouring the memory of war veterans.

“I want to assure the public that Greater Manchester Police is taking the incidents very seriously and we have been working with partners to carry out swift arrests. I hope the latest action reassures our communities and sends a message that criminal damage towards war memorials will not be tolerated.

“We are still appealing for information about these events and ask that reports be made by contacting 101 quoting  incident 1294 of 07/11/23. Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Editorial credit: Alastair Wallace / Shutterstock.com

Our guide to the best new alcohol gifts for Christmas

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We all love to unwrap a pair of new PJs, a bar of Toblerone and some jazzy socks on December 25.

But sometimes, a bottle of booze just does the trick. So welcome to our slightly funkier suggestions for alcohol gifts for Christmas.

And even if you don’t plan to gift alcohol, it’s great to have a fine stock in your Christmas locker, ready for Santa. Oh, and your other guests of course.

Pod Pea Vodka

Manchester-based Pod Pea Vodka is the perfect gift for spirit lovers looking for something unique this Christmas. And if you’re not sure you read that right in the first place, you did. 

Bottle Peas 1 This is the first British vodka made from 100% British peas and yep, even tastes like peas. It’s super silky, with citrus notes, very fresh and with a subtle savoury note for spicing up that Christmas drinks cabinet. So whether you want to sip it or create your own Sex on the Pea-ch cocktail, the choice is yours.

Other than being Northern, the other great thing about this versatile drink is that steam heat is used during production resulting in a lower release of CO² emissions AND for every bottle sold in December, Pod Pea Vodka will donate £1 to Eat Well, a charity that supports people in poverty, providing up to 1,000 meals every week to those in need. 

Buy from: Master of Malt, Selfridges, Amazon, from £37.45

Blood Monkey Irish Craft Gin

Yeah, yeah, everyone’s a gin drinker these days. It’s definitely getting more pretentious but Blood Monkey is here to cut the bull when everyone else is full of it.

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This one is much more smoky than a traditional gin and very distinctive – a perfect warming tonic for darker nights. It starts off with a pang of lime but almost has a gunpowder feel to it with some pangs of caramel thrown in for good measure.

Bold and versatile, and lovely with a decent tonic but we say it’s best straight up without a cucumber in sight. Blood Monkey Irish Craft Gin is definitely a great gift for December 25. 

Buy from: Master of Malt  £37.50

Sea Change wine

What better gift to give than one that keeps giving? Sea Change is an award-winning ethically sourced, eco-friendly wine that directly supports global ocean conservation projects. Christmas Day Pack1

If you look carefully at the beautifully-illustrated labels you’ll spy the plastic hidden inside the creatures, illustrating the dangers of pollution.

And this year, the brand is offering up an array of special Christmas packs perfect as a gift or to accompany celebrations. With a wine for every taste, you could opt for the Merlot, crammed with summer berries and hints of green pepper for a full-bodied flavour that is easy to sup. We recommend the Christmas Day Pack featuring Sauvignon Blanc, Prosecco and Malbec.

Buy from: seachangewine.com, prices from £13.49

Bladnoch Whisky

If you need a gift for someone who’s a fan of a great single malt, consider Bladnoch Whisky – The Tasting Pack. In this pack, you’ll find the best of the Lowlands with three x 200ml bottles of the Samsara, Vinaya and Liora whiskies.

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Distillery favourite Samsara is a full-bodied and fragrant blend of malts matured in ex Bourbon and ex Californian red wine casks. Matured in a unique combination of 1st fill Bourbon and 1st fill Sherry casks, expect notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate for the Vinaya. And the Liora is golden yellow with aroma of oak and marshmallow, with a woody taste but sweet initially.

It’s a limited edition set and a fantastic way to sample a taste of three different single malts at incredible value.

Buy from: Bladnoch Distillery, £80 

Personalised Champagne

Champagne Neveux-Rousseau is located in Jonquery, an area recognised for the quality of its Pinot Meunier, in the heart of the Marne Valley. Now a seventh generation family business, the purest traditions have been respected to ensure that your Champagne gift is produced to the highest standards.

champagne

This refreshing and lively Champagne, which has apple and lemon notes, comes with the added bonus of being vegan friendly and Say It With Champers can even offer a personalised Champagne label for that special someone. You can also upgrade to the Premium champagne.

Buy from: sayitwithchampers.co.uk, from £42.99

Salford Rum

The Salford Rum Company has launched this fruity number in time for the holiday season and it’s reminiscent of the northern childhood classic, hot Vimto.

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A strictly limited edition, fusing locally-sourced blackcurrants with Salford’s celebrated and well-honed rum, the gorgeous new bottle is a must have for fans of the brand. So however you like to drink it – although in this case, can we suggest warmed in a winter cocktail… you’ll want to make sure if you’re not buying it as a gift, that’s it on your own list.

Buy from: salfordrum.com, £40

Long-Term Employment: Is Institutionalisation a Concern?

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Could prolonged tenure with a single organisation harm an individual’s prospects of finding new employment? While longevity can signify loyalty and consistent performance, some employers may perceive candidates who have spent more than a decade with one employer as ‘institutionalised’.

In an era of rapid technological advancements and economic fluctuations, businesses seek employees who can thrive in swiftly changing environments. Some employers believe they mitigate hiring risks by identifying candidates with diverse work experiences. This perspective can inadvertently lead to bias against those who have remained loyal to a single employer for many years.

Fiona McDonald, Business Operations Manager for Walmsley Wilkinson Executive Recruitment, comments, “Employers are seeking to achieve an agile and flexible workforce with people who already have a track record of achieving success in varied environments. Whilst they do not want to employ habitual job-hoppers, many organisations are also reluctant to hire those who have been with their current employer for a long time. Businesses who approach hiring with negative perceptions of candidates who have stayed with one organisation for ten or twenty years, can miss out on some exceptional talent. In a long successful career with one employer, an individual can achieve promotions, role content changes, experience a variety of leadership teams, business growth, acquisitions, integrations, transformations, new products, services and technology. That hardly reflects being ‘institutionalised’.”

According to market research provider Censuswide, the average longest employment tenure in the UK exceeds a decade, with London clocking in at just seven years. Conversely, over 1 in 10 people in the UK have never stayed with the same employer for more than a year.

Not surprisingly, age influences tenure, with younger individuals changing roles more frequently than previous generations. Tech companies boast the shortest average tenure, while the public sector boasts the highest. The days of ‘hire to retire’ are dwindling, and the concept of ‘psychological contracts’ from previous years, where employees dedicated their lives to their employers, is fading away.

Fiona further adds, “Assuming that someone lacks drive, prefers to stay within their comfort zone and is unable to adapt to change, just because they have stayed long term with one organisation, is a flawed judgement. A candidate’s suitability and motivations should be explored through structured interviewing and not through preconceptions. Businesses that are successful in hiring the best talent, embrace diversity, have an open attitude and are keen to understand the reasons behind a candidate’s past tenure.”

If an employee has spent a considerable time with an organisation, they must be prepared to showcase the tangible benefits to a future employer, such as enhanced skills, experience, training, exposure to technology, increased responsibilities, promotions, and adapting to changing company dynamics. To demonstrate adaptability and versatility, they may need to illustrate that, regardless of their tenure, they have continuously acquired knowledge, can provide fresh perspectives, adapt to (and introduce) new technologies, and bring creativity, resilience, new ideas, and energy to their next employer.

So, before you dismiss a candidate from the interview roster due to their long tenure with one company, it might be worth reconsidering – a second look at their credentials could lead to your business discovering a hidden gem.

Walmsley Wilkinson, owned by partners Linda Walmsley and Taryn Wilkinson, offers professional solutions for executive and management recruitment needs. They support various organisations, including large corporations, family-owned entities, private equity, and the third sector, in identifying and securing the best leadership talent across the UK and internationally.

Global Organisations Unite as CREST Community Supporters to Bolster Cybersecurity Trust

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CREST, the international not-for-profit membership body representing the global cybersecurity industry, proudly announces the addition of its first nine Community Supporters to its roster. This development comes in the wake of the CREST Community Supporter initiative’s launch in July. This initiative provides organizations that share a common goal of elevating standards within the global cybersecurity industry with a tangible means to support CREST in its mission to enhance capability, capacity, consistency, and collaboration.

Nick Benson, CREST CEO, expressed his excitement, stating, “I am thrilled to welcome our first nine Community Supporters. To meet the vast array of challenges facing the world of cyber, we must join forces and be serious about open and effective collaboration. Developing relationships and formalising them through our supporter initiative is key to our mission and each of these fantastic organisations will play an important role in helping us build a globally resilient cyber security industry.

Benson added, “By combining the strengths of the cyber security service providers that make up the CREST membership with our new Community Supporters, the whole cyber ecosystem can be brought together to solve the most pressing and complex problems of the day.”

The nine CREST Community Supporters that are joining the initiative are:

  1. Center for Internet Security (CIS): A community-driven nonprofit organisation responsible for the globally recognised best practices known as the CIS Controls® and CIS Benchmarks™, designed to secure IT systems and data. CREST collaborates with CIS to deliver the CIS Controls Accreditation.
  2. Cloud Security Alliance: A global non-profit organisation dedicated to defining and promoting best practices to ensure a secure cloud computing environment.
  3. Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA): A non-profit organisation working to enhance cybersecurity across the global digital ecosystem by facilitating near real-time, high-quality cyber threat information sharing.
  4. Global Anti Scam Alliance (GASA): An organisation committed to safeguarding consumers worldwide from scams by raising awareness, providing practical tools, and fostering knowledge sharing.
  5. Global Cyber Alliance: An international non-profit organisation dedicated to eradicating cyber risk and improving the connected world.
  6. Global Resilience Federation: A nonprofit organisation that creates and manages threat information sharing communities, serving as a hub and integrator for support, analysis, and cross-sector intelligence exchange among information sharing and analysis centers (ISACs), organisations (ISAOs), and computer emergency readiness/response teams (CERTs).
  7. ISC2: A world-leading member organisation for cybersecurity professionals, driven by a vision of a safe and secure cyber world.
  8. Stott & May Consulting: Specialists in technology and neurodiversity consulting services. CREST is currently collaborating with them on an innovative neurodiversity training program.
  9. The Security Institute: Established in 1999, this organisation strives to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professional competence within the security industry.

The CREST Community Supporter initiative was introduced to foster collaboration with organisations and bodies that share CREST’s core values and mission of raising cybersecurity standards worldwide.

CREST Community Supporters share CREST’s vision and are committed to tangibly supporting the cybersecurity industry. The initiative offers three supporter levels – Silver, Gold, and Platinum – each providing a wide range of benefits, including closer collaboration with CREST, promotional support, event discounts, CREST exam vouchers, and more.

For those interested in learning more about the benefits of the CREST Community Supporter program, please visit www.crest-approved.org/about-us/crest-community-supporters/ or contact [email protected].

A Bold Stadium Escapade: Close Call for Couple’s Intimate Moment Outside NFL Football Stadium

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Kaylee Killion, a renowned model known for her captivating bikini snapshots and boasting an impressive Instagram following of 450,000 (@kaylee_killi0n), recently found herself in the spotlight due to an adrenaline-pumping escapade that nearly resulted in a public embarrassment. In a surprising twist of events, Kaylee and her boyfriend, Cody Nelson, both known for their daring content, had a heart-pounding encounter that almost exposed their bold rendezvous outside an NFL football stadium.

This thrilling episode unfolded at Stake Farm Stadium during a lackluster Arizona Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Bengals NFL game on Sunday, October 8th. With the Cardinals enduring a losing streak and the game failing to capture their interest, Kaylee had a mischievous idea to inject some excitement into their day. The couple decided to spice up their stadium visit by engaging in a romantic encounter within the privacy of their car, discreetly parked in the stadium parking lot.

As Kaylee herself confesses, “I am far more daring than Cody, so it was my idea. The Cardinals were losing, and I was feeling daring. We have had intimate moments in all sorts of unconventional and exciting places, so the stadium parking lot seemed like the perfect place to check off our list.”

Their tryst in the backseat of their Ford Bronco soon took an audacious turn when an unexpected security guard appeared in a golf cart, leaving the couple breathless. Remarkably, they managed to evade being caught in the act.

Reflecting on the daring moment, Kaylee says, “We must’ve only been at it for about 10 minutes because it was so risky, with police and security guards around. The intimacy was electrifying, and the thrill of potential exposure added an extra layer of excitement. We only moved here two months ago after traveling around Europe in an RV for a while, but we quickly adopted the Cardinals as our team.”

The couple’s bold adventures span the globe, with intimate moments in various unconventional settings, including hikes, airport bathrooms, and bars. Kaylee shares, “We’ve explored our passion wherever you can think of, but the stadium parking lot is as close as we’ve come to getting caught. There’s always a risk when we engage in these escapades in public, but that’s what we love about it. We’re definitely going to continue embracing intimate moments in daring situations, as we find it incredibly thrilling.”

The pair has also shared intriguing TikTok videos chronicling their eventful day, garnering thousands of views. They tantalisingly hint at a “part 2” of their adventure, leaving their fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

One viewer exclaimed, “Wait, what happened?!!” while another asked, “What, why?” Anticipation is building as fans remain on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the couple’s thrilling secrets.

AIR Unveils Revolutionary VAULT System in the UK to Combat Shoplifting and Elevate Shopping Experience

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Automation in Retail (AIR), a global leader in automated retail technology, is thrilled to announce the launch of its cutting-edge autonomous merchandising system, VAULT, in the United Kingdom.

Designed from the ground up to tackle shoplifting with unparalleled scalability, this state-of-the-art solution seamlessly combines profit protection with an enhanced shopping journey, marking a significant advancement in the realm of retail automation.

Each VAULT merchandising system, equipped with integrated self-checkout capabilities, is meticulously engineered to outperform traditional shelving systems. It can dispense nearly every product found in grocery stores, high street health & beauty stores, and pharmacies. VAULT not only significantly reduces losses due to theft and operational inefficiencies but also harnesses consumer data, streamlines inventory management, optimises supply chain operations, and elevates overall customer satisfaction.

Key features of the VAULT merchandising system include:

  • Unparalleled Theft Deterrence: Precisely engineered to robustly eliminate shoplifting, particularly for high-value items, safeguarding both inventory and profits.
  • Biometric Verification: Leveraging top-tier biometric technologies to ensure the legal dispensing of age-restricted items like alcohol, tobacco, and vapes, without the need for employee verification or intervention.
  • Inclusive Accessibility: Ensures that consumers with mobile impairments and those requiring mobility aids can shop with ease.
  • Ergonomic Retrieval: Products are delivered within seconds at waist height for effortless collection.
  • Swift Robotic Collection: VAULT’s integrated robotic arm ensures rapid product retrieval, enhancing the customer experience while maintaining product security.
  • Informed Purchases: The touchscreen order system allows for a seamless self-checkout experience, provides allergen information pre-purchase, and enables multiple purchases with a hassle-free contactless payment.
  • Labour Efficiency: Automation minimises reliance on manpower, resulting in substantial cost savings and improved employee safety by reducing theft-related incidents.
  • Elimination of Everyday Problems: Such as in-store product consumption, damaged/contaminated products, product tampering, reaching for ‘fresher’ items at the back, and messy shelves.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Captures valuable data throughout the retail journey, offering insights into consumer behavior, demand patterns, and operational performance, empowering retailers to make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability.
  • Revenue Streams: Retailers can explore new revenue streams beyond product sales alone, thanks to an innovative AI-powered marketing platform that offers monetisation opportunities through interactive touchscreens.
  • Profit Protection: Beyond its technological marvel, each VAULT system represents a strategic shift towards safeguarding profits, emphasising a “spend to save” philosophy.
  • Customisable and Scalable: Guarantees maximum utilisation of retail space and comes in multiple customisable colorways.
  • Contemporary Design: Prioritises both function and form, enhancing the shopping ambiance with considered aesthetics.
  • Structural Reliability: Constructed with high-quality robust materials to ensure longevity and minimal maintenance.

“We are thrilled to introduce our VAULT solution to the global market,” said Joe Jackson, Global Client Relations Lead at AIR.

“As retailers continue to navigate an ever-changing and challenging landscape, our commitment remains unwavering—to provide state-of-the-art technology that not only simplifies operations, protects profits and employees, but also elevates the customer experience. VAULT is a testament to our dedication to innovation and our belief in the transformative power of automation.”

For more information about AIR and its comprehensive suite of autonomous retail solutions, please visit www.automationinretail.com.

Link Digital and ClickPatrol Forge Alliance to Shield UK Businesses from Click Fraud

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Link Digital, a prominent digital marketing agency in the United Kingdom, is delighted to announce its strategic partnership with ClickPatrol, an advanced click fraud prevention tool. This collaborative effort aims to provide robust solutions to safeguard UK businesses from the escalating threat of click fraud, which accounts for up to 25% of global PPC traffic.

Click fraud has emerged as a pervasive concern in digital marketing, inflicting significant financial losses on businesses of all sizes. It entails fraudulent clicks on pay-per-click (PPC) advertisements across search engines and social networks, depleting ad budgets and eroding the ROI of online advertising campaigns. Moreover, this deceptive traffic generates false positives and conversions, posing challenges to audience profiling. Recognising the imperative need for proactive protection, Link Digital has solidified its existing partnership with ClickPatrol.

This strategic alliance will unite Link Digital’s expertise in digital marketing with ClickPatrol’s advanced click fraud detection and prevention technology. Link Digital has earned acclaim for delivering comprehensive digital marketing services, and its collaboration with ClickPatrol will fortify its capacity to provide holistic online advertising services that effectively mitigate click fraud risks. Furthermore, this partnership will introduce unique functionalities and product offerings.

Mark Smith, Managing Director of Link Digital, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with ClickPatrol in our ongoing commitment to support UK business. Click fraud has become a significant concern for us as a business and this partnership allows us to extend the relationship, we have built with the Click Patrol team.”

ClickPatrol’s click fraud prevention tool harnesses advanced machine learning algorithms and real-time monitoring to identify and block suspicious activity. By integrating this technology into Link Digital’s suite of services, they will empower their clients with the tools to minimise wasted ad spend, maximise ROI, and ultimately elevate their success in online advertising.

Ardan Bousche, CEO of ClickPatrol, commented, “We are proud to join forces with Link Digital, a reputable digital marketing agency that shares our dedication to helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape,” remarked Ardan Bousche, CEO of ClickPatrol. “Our expertise in click fraud prevention combined with Link Digital’s proficiency in digital marketing creates a formidable partnership that will empower SMEs to succeed in their online advertising endeavours.”

The collaboration between Link Digital and ClickPatrol arrives at a pivotal juncture when businesses must exercise heightened vigilance in safeguarding their digital advertising investments. As click fraud continues to evolve and adapt, this partnership will furnish UK businesses with a robust and adaptable defense mechanism.

Investing in Women Launches Pioneering Gender Diversity Consultancy Service

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Investing in Women, the UK’s leading job board dedicated to flexible and part-time positions, is delighted to introduce its groundbreaking consultancy service aimed at enhancing gender diversity within workplaces. This innovative service has been designed to assist progressive employers in attracting, retaining, and advancing female talent, thereby cultivating a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

The Investing in Women Consultancy service provides a range of tailored solutions, including diversity audits, policy guidance, and customised strategies crucial for businesses looking to enhance their gender diversity metrics. With a profound understanding of the challenges women encounter in the workplace, the consultancy seeks to offer actionable insights and practical tools for companies to establish a genuinely inclusive culture.

Elizabeth Willetts, the founder of Investing in Women, affirms, “Our mission goes beyond helping women find flexible work; it’s about reshaping the workforce to be more inclusive and diverse. With our consultancy service, we’re excited to partner with businesses to break down barriers and build a stronger, more diverse future.”

The consultancy service is a natural extension of the job board’s commitment to empowering women in their careers. It reflects a growing recognition of the value of diversity in driving innovation, enhancing decision-making, and bolstering financial performance.

Investing in Women’s consultancy services are now available to businesses throughout the UK. For more information, please visit Investing in Women’s Consultancy Services.

Investing in Women is a UK-based job board and consultancy service that advocates for flexible working, part-time roles, and gender diversity in the workplace. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves a fulfilling career without compromising family time or personal interests, Investing in Women collaborates with the UK’s most forward-thinking employers to offer a wide range of professional opportunities.

Patient raises cash to thank NHS staff who helped her walk again

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Bethany Lee is taking part in a sponsored walk to raise cash for the doctors and nurses
who got her back on her feet following a horrific car crash.

The 25-year-old from Radcliffe broke both her femurs and had extensive internal injuries when the car she was in was hit from behind by a van.

Bethany’s dad – photographer Peter Lee – died in the crash, while she endured months of hospital treatment and surgeries, even spending Christmas and her 21st birthday in hospital.

But the amazing staff at Manchester Royal Infirmary, who helped Bethany recover and learn to walk again, have now inspired her to raise funds and also switch careers to work in the NHS.

Fundraising walk

Bethany will be taking part in Manchester Foundation Trust Charity’s Lantern Walk – a fundraising walk around Heaton Park taking place on Saturday.

Participants can choose to fundraise for any of the 10 hospitals, clinical services, and local care organisations in the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust family – including Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Bethany said: “I am just so grateful to everyone at Manchester Royal Infirmary for the amazing support they gave me. I was an inpatient for three months and was in both the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Surgical Trauma Unit.

“I can’t thank the staff enough for how much they helped and supported me. It was little things like regular chats, listening to me when I was down, and taking me off the ward in my wheelchair – it was little stuff but it greatly assisted me in my recovery. The days in and out of theatre were tough but were made better by the staff. The staff always pushed me to do my best.

“I dreaded physiotherapy but they helped me to walk again and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.”

 The collision

Bethany and her friends and family had been driving back from a local football game when the crash
occurred.

She spent December 2018 to February 2019 in Manchester Royal Infirmary. At first, she was completely bed-bound and needed staff and her mum to help her with everything.

Bethany said: “Basically everything inside me ruptured – so I had really long surgeries and lots of them. I was always in and out of theatre while they were trying to fix everything.

“I was bed-ridden and couldn’t even sit up on my own – I had to use the bed control to move up and down. I couldn’t do anything for myself. I was 20 years old at the time so that was quite hard.
“I’d never been in hospital in my life, so to then suddenly have three months there with other
people doing everything for me was quite a shock.”

Returning home

When she returned home, she progressed from her wheelchair, to crutches, to walking fully independently again, thanks to her physiotherapy team and lots of support from family and friends.

Bethany and her family even received a Pride of Bury award for everything they did to rebuild their lives following the crash, where she was reunited with the firefighter who cut her out of the car.

Medical staff were so caring during Bethany’s recovery, it prompted her to switch careers and she
now works at Saint Mary’s Hospital – another hospital in the Manchester Foundation Trust Charity
group that people can fundraise for.

She said: “I was doing a course at my local college to go into teaching. But I had a change of heart
when I was in the crash and I realised I wanted to work for the NHS. When I was fully recovered I did a placement at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital working in the Play department. I really enjoyed it but unfortunately shortly after I started, Covid happened, so that cut things short. But it was really nice to see the team and see the people you were helping.

“I quite like my administration work though so I managed to get a job in Saint Mary’s Hospital. I work
in the administration team for the community midwives now. I started in July this year and on my
first payslip there was an advert about the Lantern Walk.

“I thought it would be nice to give something back to the hospital where I’d been treated.”

Lantern Walk

Bethany and sister Jasmine will join hundreds of other people at this year’s Lantern Walk at Heaton
Park. Participants will choose from a 2.5km or 5km route and receive a lantern to carry round the
park. As dusk sets in the park will darken, and the lanterns will be twinkling as walkers cross the
finish line and collect their medals.

Entry is just £5 and everyone taking part can choose which hospital, clinical service or local care
organisation they want to fundraise for in the Manchester Foundation Trust Charity family.

The Charity’s Senior Events Manager Viv Williamson said: “We’re so proud to be bringing Lantern
Walk back for the 7th time.

“People like Bethany really do show why people get involved in events like this – they’re so grateful
to our amazing medical teams who do so much to help people in times of crisis.

“We know times are financially tough for a lot of families now but we think this event is a real
bargain – an afternoon of entertainment for just £5, which includes a medal and a lantern as well as
entertainment. I’d encourage people to sign up now – we can’t wait to see you there.”

To sponsor Bethany and her sister visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bethany-lee-
1695972683302
To sign up to Lantern Walk visit www.mftcharity.org.uk/events