Latest news with #Ramsbottom
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Overgrown woodland transformed to create campsite for local heroes
A campsite near Ramsbottom is offering veterans a safe space to find solace and reconnect with nature. Dearden Wood campsite in Edenfield has cleared an area on its land for veterans looking to get away from it all for a few days. The idea came from army veteran Gary Matthews, 39, who lives in Radcliffe and has previously served in Iraq and Northern Ireland. He said: 'I was speaking to my wife one night about getting some camping gear and going away on my own for a while to help clear my head a bit. 'It was transformative. After that, I got speaking to other veterans in Radcliffe and realised there was a demand for it. 'I started looking at spaces locally and found Dearden Wood.' Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts. The campsite is set on 11 acres of land and after speaking with Gary, the owner agreed to dedicate a small patch to the project. Gary and the owner set to work on the overgrown woodland, creating space for 4 – 5 tents away from the main site to set up Stand Easy Veterans Retreat. He is working closely with several organisations including Bury Veterans Association, Radcliffe Litter Pickers, Two Tubs pub landlady, Donna Haslam, and the Royal British Legion in Radcliffe. Radcliffe First Councillor and veteran Ken Simpson also donated £600 towards to scheme. Gary, who is now a boxing coach in Whitefield, added: 'We did a taster session with two of the lads I served with. It was a good laugh, we had a couple of beers, enjoyed some banter and talked a lot abut the old times. 'They gave me a big squeeze afterwards and shared how good it was to have a break, to get into the wild with like-minded people. 'One of them shared how he hadn't sleep properly for years but slept though the whole night at the campsite. 'It felt brilliant and motivated me to keep pushing on. Most people who have been in the army feel at home in the fields, away from technology and the noise of the world.' READ NEXT: Special 'post box to Heaven' installed to help grieving loved ones READ NEXT: IN PICTURES: New owners revamp popular Bury community pub The veteran site will officially open on Friday, July 25. There will be a 'veterans only' policy on Friday nights, then friends and family can stay on Saturdays. Guests will be able to use the on-site facilities such as bathrooms, showers and a pizza van. It will cost £10 per night for veterans and £15 per night for addition guests. Members of Bury Veterans Association will be able to use to site for free. Anyone who would like to learn more can contact Dearden Wood by emailing deardenwoodcampsite@ or through their Facebook page. Dearden Wood, Gincroft Ln, Edenfield, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 0QY
BBC News
03-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
I feel judged when I use my blue badge, says Crohn's patient
Amy White says she cannot remember a time when she was not struggling with severe pain. The 31-year-old psychotherapist was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when she was 18. As well as coping with the chronic condition and its associated health challenges every day, Amy says she often feels judged by strangers. "I have had lots of people looking at me funny because I'm using a blue badge," says Amy, from Ramsbottom in Greater Manchester."They probably think 'She looks fine - what does she need that for?' but I have it because I'm in a lot of pain or I need urgent access to the toilet." 'Really lonely' Amy, who also has arthritis and uveitis - a rare condition that causes inflammation inside part of the eye - is sharing her experiences as part of a six-part BBC North West Tonight series about invisible disabilities and wants to help others living with conditions which are not immediately obvious."I don't really remember not living in pain," explains Amy."It's definitely difficult, but I think because I've had it from being so young, this is my 'normal'."I think it can feel really lonely. "I've lost a lot of friends because people don't always understand that I can't do something. Crohn's disease is a long-term condition in which part of the gut becomes inflamed. There is currently no describes the ongoing impact it has on her life."I'm in severe pain," she says. "I'm often bent over, crying, nearly fainting when I'm on the toilet. It's exhausting."She says having to disclose her condition to employers "can feel hard - it often feels quite embarrassing even though it shouldn't be an embarrassing thing to talk about". Fellow Crohn's disease patient Danny Warren, from Stockport, has spent the majority of the last six months in says it was "touch and go" as to whether he would a 43-year-old interior designer, was diagnosed with Crohn's when he was 15, having struggled with its symptoms from the age of eight."Some days I physically can't get out of bed," says Danny, who has so far needed nine operations. "You feel like you lose your identity and it's almost like Crohn's takes over."I've currently got a stoma as a result of my last surgery. That's one of the things I struggle with the most in fairness."You go on Instagram and you see people with stomas and them saying 'It's changed my life, I'm not in any pain anymore' and they have names for [their bag]."It makes me really happy that they're in that position but I'd genuinely prefer to be in pain every day and not have it. "I do really struggle with it. I don't want it, don't like it."I can't wait to have more surgery and hopefully get rid of it." Danny says he has faced similar situations to Amy. "You will always get funny looks [when using the disabled toilet]," he explains. "Recently, we were in the Trafford Centre and, as I was coming out, there was a chap with a lady who was in a wheelchair."As I walked out the bathroom, I held the door for the gentleman so he could obviously get his wife or partner or whoever it was through and he just turned around and said 'There is a normal toilet you can use, you know'."Why are Amy and Danny sharing their stories and experiences?Neither wants sympathy. Rather, both want to raise awareness of Crohn's disease and other invisible illnesses and disabilities. Amy and Danny's experiences feature in a special six-part BBC North West Tonight series about invisible disabilities and conditions. You can watch it on BBC One in the Northwest of England and the Isle of Man from 18:30 BST on Thursday 3 July. It will also be available on the BBC iPlayer. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mum diagnosed with skin cancer after family spotted suspicious mole on holiday
A mother-of-two was diagnosed with skin cancer after her family spotted a suspicious mole on holiday. Fran Ireland, 45, from Ramsbottom, was on a trip to Turkey in 2022 when her partner and two daughters noticed an unusual mole on her upper body. After returning home, she visited her GP and was referred to a dermatologist who performed a full body check. Fran Ireland with her partner Matthew (Image: Supplied) The specialist identified concerns about a second area on her leg, and both moles were removed for testing. A week later, she was told the mole on her leg was a malignant melanoma. Ms Ireland said: "My melanoma diagnosis was a huge shock and a very difficult time. "I'm so glad I saw my GP quickly and was referred to a dermatologist. "My first thought was for my family as I didn't want them to worry." Ms Ireland, a mental health midwife and former sunbed user, is now urging others to avoid sunbeds and enjoy the sun safely. She said: "Awareness of the risks was low when I was younger and I would never dream of using a sunbed now as I know how dangerous they are. "I've changed my entire approach to holidays and sitting outside since my diagnosis. "Now, I make sure I'm covered up and take some time out of the sun in the middle of the day, as well as always being prepared with hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. "I also use fake tan. "It's natural to want to make the most of warmer days, but sun safety doesn't mean missing out, just being careful whether you're at home or abroad." Ms Ireland with her daughter Evie (Image: Supplied) Cancer Research UK estimates that around 87 per cent of UK melanoma cases are preventable and caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds. With around 2,200 people diagnosed each year in the North West, Ms Ireland is determined to help raise awareness. She has joined forces with Cancer Research UK and NIVEA Sun to encourage people to seek shade, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly and generously. After surgery at The Christie just before Christmas to remove additional tissue from her leg, Ms Ireland spent the festive season recuperating. She said: "It could have been a different story but now, thanks to advances in research and treatment, I'm still here and looking forward to enjoying more precious moments with my loved ones this summer." Ms Ireland is now urging others to avoid sunbeds (Image: Supplied) Beth Vincent, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "Today, more than nine in 10 people diagnosed in the North West will survive their melanoma for five years or more. "Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer, compared to never being burnt. "If you notice anything different on your skin like a new mole, a mole that's changed in size, shape, or colour, or any patch of skin that looks out of the ordinary - don't ignore it, speak to your GP." READ MORE: IN PICTURES: Superheroes take over Bury town centre, attracting thousands Chocolatier set to open new 'viral' cafe in Bury town centre Nestle says 'sorry' as it discontinues KitKat described as 'dream snack' NIVEA Sun recommends spending time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, covering up with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five-star UVA protection. Skin cancer is more common in people over 50, but it can affect anyone. Those at higher risk include people with lighter skin, numerous moles or freckles, and a family history of skin cancer. For more advice or to support skin cancer research, visit
The Age
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Lyon makes surprise announcement ahead of second West Indies Test
'It's more about the team environment and making sure I get the opportunity to pass it onto someone who I love and absolutely love the way he goes about things, on and off the field.' The honour will now fall to Alex Carey, who led the rendition in the changerooms at Kensington Oval after Australia's 159-run win last week in Barbados. A day earlier, Lyon invited himself to Carey's room at the team hotel to break the news to the 33-year-old wicketkeeper with 41 Tests to his name since 2021. Lyon had originally planned to hand over the role at the World Test Championship final, but Australia's shock loss to South Africa at Lord's saw those plans shelved. Instead, he wrote Carey — a fellow South Australian — a letter, explaining why he was the man for the job. The rest of the squad found out after the win. Carey had been ready to assume the role during the 2023 Ashes when Lyon injured his calf but Australia did not win another match in the series. 'I feel like Alex is the perfect candidate and I kind of feel I've run my race with it,' Lyon said. 'It's time for someone else to put their touch on it. 'He was pretty taken aback by it … it was cool.' Former Test captain Ian Chappell said in a 2007 interview he learnt Southern Cross from a fellow Australian cricketer, Raymond Patrick Hogan, while playing for Ramsbottom in a minor northern English league 1963. 'When I recited Southern Cross to Rod Marsh, he liked it so much it became the Australian team's victory song,' Chappell said. 'The first time Rod sang it was after we beat England in 1974 [when Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson made their terrifying debut against England] at the Gabba. We were down in the dressing room having a few beers and he sang it.' Song honours were passed down from Marsh, to Allan Border, to David Boon, to Ian Healy and then to Ricky Ponting. When Ponting became Test captain in 2004, he asked Justin Langer to become Australia's song-master. Langer always spoke about the immense pride of such an honour. In 2007, Langer passed the role onto Hussey, who then gave it to Lyon in early 2013. Hussey told the young off-spinner to bring 'three Coronas to my room' before breaking the news ahead of his farewell Test against Sri Lanka at the SCG. Of the 125 Tests where Lyon led the song, Australia won 69, drew 19 and lost 39. However, Lyon is adamant the handover does not mark the beginning of the end. His numbers remain sharp: he averaged 24.95 with the ball in 2023, 22.69 in 2024, and sits at 25.55 this year. Lyon still dreams of winning Test series in India and England in 2027. Lyon needs 152 wickets to equal Shane Warne's Australian record of 708, but is closing in on Glenn McGrath's tally of 563 after taking match figures of 3-48 in Barbados. 'Warnie's [record] is a long way away and in my eyes he's the greatest ever to play the game,' Lyon said. 'I'm just lucky to be a part of a pretty special cricket team at the moment. We're on our way to becoming a great cricket team. To be part of this bowling attack and play my role is special. That's the reason why I keep playing.' Loading Asked for his top three favourite wins as Australia's song-master, Lyon said: 'I've got an amazing photo at home of a team song that we did at the Adelaide Oval when 'Hughesy' [Phil Hughes] passed away. There's a photo with all the players and staff in a perfect zero [formation] with the four and the eight on the other side (Hughes was Australian Test player No.408). It's a pretty amazing photo. 'My first Test was probably my most nerve-wracking one [when Australia beat England at the Gabba in 2013].
Sydney Morning Herald
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Lyon makes surprise announcement ahead of second West Indies Test
'It's more about the team environment and making sure I get the opportunity to pass it onto someone who I love and absolutely love the way he goes about things, on and off the field.' The honour will now fall to Alex Carey, who led the rendition in the changerooms at Kensington Oval after Australia's 159-run win last week in Barbados. A day earlier, Lyon invited himself to Carey's room at the team hotel to break the news to the 33-year-old wicketkeeper with 41 Tests to his name since 2021. Lyon had originally planned to hand over the role at the World Test Championship final, but Australia's shock loss to South Africa at Lord's saw those plans shelved. Instead, he wrote Carey — a fellow South Australian — a letter, explaining why he was the man for the job. The rest of the squad found out after the win. Carey had been ready to assume the role during the 2023 Ashes when Lyon injured his calf but Australia did not win another match in the series. 'I feel like Alex is the perfect candidate and I kind of feel I've run my race with it,' Lyon said. 'It's time for someone else to put their touch on it. 'He was pretty taken aback by it … it was cool.' Former Test captain Ian Chappell said in a 2007 interview he learnt Southern Cross from a fellow Australian cricketer, Raymond Patrick Hogan, while playing for Ramsbottom in a minor northern English league 1963. 'When I recited Southern Cross to Rod Marsh, he liked it so much it became the Australian team's victory song,' Chappell said. 'The first time Rod sang it was after we beat England in 1974 [when Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson made their terrifying debut against England] at the Gabba. We were down in the dressing room having a few beers and he sang it.' Song honours were passed down from Marsh, to Allan Border, to David Boon, to Ian Healy and then to Ricky Ponting. When Ponting became Test captain in 2004, he asked Justin Langer to become Australia's song-master. Langer always spoke about the immense pride of such an honour. In 2007, Langer passed the role onto Hussey, who then gave it to Lyon in early 2013. Hussey told the young off-spinner to bring 'three Coronas to my room' before breaking the news ahead of his farewell Test against Sri Lanka at the SCG. Of the 125 Tests where Lyon led the song, Australia won 69, drew 19 and lost 39. However, Lyon is adamant the handover does not mark the beginning of the end. His numbers remain sharp: he averaged 24.95 with the ball in 2023, 22.69 in 2024, and sits at 25.55 this year. Lyon still dreams of winning Test series in India and England in 2027. Lyon needs 152 wickets to equal Shane Warne's Australian record of 708, but is closing in on Glenn McGrath's tally of 563 after taking match figures of 3-48 in Barbados. 'Warnie's [record] is a long way away and in my eyes he's the greatest ever to play the game,' Lyon said. 'I'm just lucky to be a part of a pretty special cricket team at the moment. We're on our way to becoming a great cricket team. To be part of this bowling attack and play my role is special. That's the reason why I keep playing.' Loading Asked for his top three favourite wins as Australia's song-master, Lyon said: 'I've got an amazing photo at home of a team song that we did at the Adelaide Oval when 'Hughesy' [Phil Hughes] passed away. There's a photo with all the players and staff in a perfect zero [formation] with the four and the eight on the other side (Hughes was Australian Test player No.408). It's a pretty amazing photo. 'My first Test was probably my most nerve-wracking one [when Australia beat England at the Gabba in 2013].
