Latest news with #BoltonHospice
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Plenty of community-spirit at this popular local pub
A "community spirited" pub has been nominated for an award. The Lamb Hotel in Astley Bridge is one of the 10 finalists of The Bolton News Best Pub award. The public house, which sits in a prominent position on the junction of Blackburn Road and Old Road, is described as a friendly, community pub. It has both pool and darts teams, as well as live music and karaoke on the weekends. The Lamb Hotel (Image: Public) Landlady, Martine Longworth, said: "It's a family and kid friendly, community pub. We do a lot for the community, raising money for charities. "It is community spirited and homely, we have a lot of locals. "We have our regulars in the afternoon, and then we have other regulars in the afternoon, it's brilliant. "We have pool competitions, a pool team on Mondays, as well as ladies darts on Wednesdays and mens darts on Thursdays." Chris and Sam, locals who skydived for Bolton Hospice (Image: Public)Read more: Who remembers the Lamb Hotel in Astley Bridge looking like this? Read more: All change in this part of town - but pub goes from strength to strength 'Read more: '100 per cent recommend for decent pub grub/evening night out' - village pub The pub has been around since the 1940s, when it used to be surrounded by mills and chimneys. Martine added: "On Fridays and Saturdays we have entertainment, we have artists or karaoke. Pool team (Image: Public) "At the end of August we will have a charity event for Bolton Hospice. Two of our regulars jumped out of a plane to raise money, so we wanted to carry it on to help raise that bit extra." (Image: nq) Speaking about how it felt when she found out the pub was in the 10 finalists, Martine said: "It was quite a happy day. "We didn't even know, and for us to have got the top 10 alone is really nice. "Thank you to everyone who did nominate us. Hopefully we can take it all the way!" To vote, pick up your copy of the newspaper today.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Charities praise ‘incredible boost' as Peter Kay and Sara Cox reunite for fundraiser
One of the charities set to benefit from a sold-out Q&A event involving two of Bolton's stars says the "incredible boost" could not come at a better time. Comedy icon Peter Kay is set to appear in two very special sold-out live events, In Conversation with Sara Cox at Salford's prestigious Lowry Lyric Theatre on Sunday, September 14. Tickets for the event sold out in record time last weekend. The Boltonians will sit down to reflect on Peter's remarkable life and career, including the release of his much-anticipated new memoir, 'Peter Kay's Diary", due to be released later this year. As part of the conversation, they will also share and discuss the songs that have shaped Peter's journey – from growing up in Bolton to becoming one of the UK's most beloved entertainers. Proceeds from the events will go towards Bolton Hospice and Crescent Food Bank Bolton, which both provide vital care services across the borough. READ MORE: Mad-chester legend has people partying into the early hours in Bolton Concert in aid of cancer charities to take place at Bolton Parish Church A spokesperson for Crescent Food Bank said: 'We are immensely grateful that profits from the upcoming event featuring Peter Kay in conversation with Sara Cox at The Lowry will support our ongoing work in Bolton. 'In 2024 alone, Crescent Food Bank has provided over 169,365 meals a dramatic 24 per cent increase from the previous year, as we continue to work closely with our welfare partners and many schools across the borough to support the most vulnerable families. 'This reflects the growing crisis within our community, and once again, we are seeing a substantial rise in demand for our services. 'Thanks to the generosity of Peter, Sara and everyone attending, these donations will enable us to provide fresh produce, essential food items, and hygiene products to those in crisis across Bolton. 'We work closely with the charity Fareshare in Manchester to redistribute excess fresh produce, preventing it from going to landfill. 'This incredible boost couldn't come at a better time as we prepare for a busy autumn. "We sincerely thank Peter Kay, Sara Cox and everyone involved for making a meaningful difference to vulnerable families across Bolton.' Peter began his career in 1996 and made his name on TV shows such as Phoenix Nights, That Peter Kay Thing and Max and Paddy's Road To Nowhere. His current tour is still going with extra dates having been added on several occasions due to demand. It started in 2022 and has dates scheduled until next year. A Bolton Hospice spokesperson said: 'We were thrilled that Peter Kay announced two very special live events, 'In Conversation with Sara Cox', with all profits to be donated to Bolton Hospice and Crescent Foodbank Bolton. 'Tickets sold out so quickly, it's fantastic that such a popular event is raising funds to help us be there for families when they need it most.'
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Friends and family gather to remember 'a character who lived his life to the full'
A Bolton man in remission from cancer will be taking part in a poignant 10-mile walk today (Saturday, June 14) in memory of a friend who died from the disease a year ago. Bryan Griffith and 54 other family members, friends and supporters of Nicky Fulop will gather near Bury Hospice to walk the 10-miles to Bolton Hospice. They will be raising money in memory of Nicky, also from Bolton, who died last July from kidney cancer. The self-employed joiner spent just three weeks in Bolton Hospice but, explained Katrina Brandwood his partner of 28 years, 'They were the best weeks of his life.' Nicky, described as 'a character who lived his life to the full', became ill originally in 2022 and began treatment in 2023. The father and grandfather, who was previously fit, continued working five days a week until the illness made this impossible and always remained positive about his future. He died on July 27 aged 65. While Nicky was having chemotherapy, his friend Bryan would take him for treatment. READ MORE: Bolton Hospice officially opens new Little Lever shop The Bolton News and Bolton Hospice - the importance of our partnership How patients are helping shape treatment at Royal Bolton Hospital Then Bryan himself was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a group of blood cancers, and began his own treatment. 'I think Nicky was more worried about Bryan's illness than he was about his own,' stated Katrina. Bryan, who used to have a cleaning business, often worked for Nicky. 'He was the best boss,' said Bryan, 'It wasn't really like going to work because we had fun.' Bryan had raised money for the hospice over many years and understood both its importance and the work of the Hospice. For Nicky and Katrina, his going into the Hospice was an eye-opener. 'It really is an amazing place,' said Katrina. 'It looks after its patients so well but also all the family. It cares for them all.' Bryan was treated for his cancer at the Royal Bolton Hospital where 'amazing' staff helped him towards remission last October. In order to maintain his fitness levels, he began walking on his own each day. However, he was advised for safety reasons to inform other people before going out alone so he decided to join a walking group last November. Since then, he has been going out regularly with Bolton Walking and Outdoor Appreciation Society. This new structure and friendship encouraged him to organize the fundraising walk which has already raised £1,280 for the Hospice. Greater Manchester Transport is letting them have a bus from Bolton Hospice to take the walkers to Bury – 'and I'd like to give them a special thank-you,' added Bryan. 'Hospices are going through a really tough time at the moment. They urgently need funds and do a great job. What would we do without them?' To find out more about the fundraising walk email bryan_bclean@ and to support the event go their JustGiving page at
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Firefighters dance to success in Bolton Hospice Strictly Learn to Dance event
Bolton Hospice's annual "Strictly Learn to Dance" event has once again proven to be a resounding success, with participants dazzling the audience and judges with their newfound dancing skills, all while raising vital funds for the hospice. The sparkling event, which took place at the Bolton Wanderers' Stadium Hotel on Saturday, March 29, saw 17 couples take to the dance floor after 12 weeks of intensive training at A Touch of Class Dance Studio. Mayoress Karen Holdsworth (left), Mayor of Bolton Andy Morgan (centre) and Chair of Bolton Hospice Judith Bromley (right) were special guests at the glamorous event. (Image: Bolton Hospice) Not only did the dancing duos put their nerves aside to perform in front of a live audience, they also braved this year's panel of judges. This year the panel included esteemed professional ballroom and Latin dancers and experienced adjudicators Alan Newman, David Brankley and Marie Sanham, and Newsquest's regional editor for the North West and Bolton News editor, Richard Duggan. From back row left: David Brankley, Alan Newman, Richard Duggan and Marie Sanham. Front row: Phil Ashcroft, Mayoress Karen Holdsworth, Mayor Andy Morgan, Judith Bromley and Andrew Dickson. (Image: Bolton Hospice) Also in attendance was Bolton mayor Cllr Andy Morgan, mayoress Karen Holdsworth, deputy CEO of Bolton Hospice Alice Atkinson, chair of Bolton Hospice Judith Bromley and Bolton FM hosts Phil Ashcroft and Andrew Dickson. The winners of the evening, Phil Hindsley and Ruby Abbott, who are both firefighters at Bolton Central, impressed the judging panel with their Argentine tango and received full marks from all four judges and scored the highest of the evening. Phil Hindsley and Ruby Abbott were crowned the winners of the event, scoring full marks from all four judges. (Image: Phil Hindsley) The pair were crowned Quick Step Champions 2025, Argentine Tango Champions 2025 and Overall Strictly Champions 2025. Phil and Ruby's Argentine Tango routine scored full marks. (Image: Phil Hindsley) The two have raised more than £1,700 for the hospice and even put on a number of events to boost funds, such as a charity car wash at Bolton Central Fire Station. READ MORE: Speaking to The Bolton News, Phil said: 'Me and Ruby are thrilled to have won the event, we managed to get a clean sweep of 10s for our dance. Phil (left), The Principal, Teresa Croasdale of A Touch of Class Dance Studio (centre) and Ruby Abbott (left). (Image: Bolton Hospice) 'We are both made up and thrilled with the result. We have been blown away by the support we received from the crowd and all our friends, family and colleagues who came to cheer us on. "We're extremely proud, especially after we put in so many hours practicing. Phil and Ruby received perfect tens across the board from all four judges. (Image: Phil Hindsley) 'It has been the best experience ever! We have loved every minute of it and will be carrying on dancing!'. In the rock and roll category, father and daughter dancing duo, Nathan and Kiki were crowned the winners of the evening. Nathan and Kiki came first in the Rock and Roll category for their routine. (Image: Bolton Hospice) The pair decided to sign up for the challenge to give them more quality time together. Kiki is finishing her GCSEs and has a passion for dance, although it's been a new experience learning ballroom dancing. The pair were cheered on by family and friends as they did their Rock and Roll routine. (Image: Bolton Hospice) Nathan said: "We absolutely loved every minute and it was an absolute honour to take part for such an amazing cause. "To have the chance to take part with my daughter was such a special memory we will cherish forever and when we won the Rock and Roll section it was the icing on the cake! I still can't quite believe it!" Kiki added: "It was a very fun experience and I would love to do it again." So far this year's Strictly Learn to Dance participants have raised more than £30,000 from their own fundraising – an incredible amount, a testament to the dancers' dedication and determination – with more funds raised on the night still to be counted and announced. The mayor of Bolton, Cllr Andy Morgan, who is also a trustee of the hospice, said: 'The dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved was truly inspiring. Phil Hindsley (left), Ruby Abbott (centre) and Mayor of Bolton Cllr Andy Morgan (right). (Image: Phil Hindsley) 'Events like this not only raise vital funds to support the care Bolton Hospice provides but also brings the community together in such a positive way. 'It's heart-warming to see so many showcasing their talent and commitment to a cause that means so much to Bolton. 'Well done to all the participants and their support for making this event such a success! 'Bolton is a better place because of you all!'. The fantastic event gave dancers a chance to showcase their talents. (Image: Bolton Hospice) Louise Gray, events fundraiser at the hospice, said: 'On behalf of everyone at the hospice, I'd like to extend a huge thank you to our participants, guests, volunteers, Bolton FM, the wonderful Touch of Class Dance studio, our guest judges who did a fantastic job & event sponsor, Stateside Foods, who made the evening possible! 'We couldn't have done it without you, thank you so much for your support!' The hospice relies heavily on the generosity of the community to continue providing specialist care and support for local people with life-limiting illnesses, and their families. The Strictly Learn to Dance event is a key fundraising activity, and its success is a testament to the incredible support the hospice receives from the Bolton community. Those who wish to get involved next year can register their interest as a dancer with the hospice's fundraising team at fundraising@
BBC News
21-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
North-west of England hospices plea for funding changes
Leaders of eight hospices in Greater Manchester have met MPs in Westminster to call for changes to the way they are said costs had gone up by a third and they had to rely on fundraising from their local communities to provide the extra money Leigh Vallance, chief executive of Bolton Hospice, appealed to the government to "respect the value" of their work and "make a better contribution".The Department of Health and Social Care said it had recently announced the largest investment in hospices in a generation and it was working to make sure the sector was sustainable. Hospices receive between 17 and 30% of their funding from the NHS, depending on their size. The national average is 30%."The rest is raised by local people fundraising jumping out of airplanes and shaving their heads," said Dr Vallance, speaking on behalf of the Greater Manchester Hospices said the sector faced challenges from the increased cost of living, fuel energy hikes, a rise in national insurance and the minimum wage. "My local community raises more than £4m every single year and the NHS contribution is a little over £1m," she said. 'Part of the solution' Hospices provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care for patients as well as pre and post bereavement support for loved ones."It takes a lot of the stress and strain away from patients who are dying," Dr Vallance told BBC Radio December, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced Hospices in England were to receive £100m of government funding over two years to improve end-of-life care and another £26m was going to hospices for children, a continuation of money previously given through a Department of Health and Social Care said it was working to make sure the sector was sustainable and it was determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals into the community through its Plan For Vallance welcomed the grant but said the government should work with hospices if it wanted to realise its goal of moving patients into the community."We're embedded in our communities and we can bring so much more to the table if they fund us properly," she said."We're part of the solution, we're an investment we're not a cost." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
