The North West Air Ambulance is appealing for help after the pandemic put a stop to its fundraising efforts.
The North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) service is entirely dependent on donations and has lost more than 20% of its income in the past year alone.
Since the first national lockdown, it is estimated the NWAA has lost £71,000 each month.
The care provided by the NWAA has become increasingly specialised across the past two decades, including even giving blood transfusions.
The charity serves eight million people in its three helicopters across the region. Now, it has launched an appeal to ensure the worst case scenario – where the life-saving fleet is grounded – is avoided.
Director of Income and Engagement at NWAA Charity, Sarah Naismith, said any donations would allow the charity to continue its crucial work.
She said: “Covid-19 has disrupted everyone’s lives, it’s threatened to grind down our friends in the NHS, and it’s placed financial and operational strain on our charity.
“The crew have continued their lifesaving work every day, supporting the NHS and working side by side with the ambulance service.
“However, the disruption to our fundraising revenues is significant and we don’t take sharing this news lightly. Without funding, we may not be able to continue to make a critical difference to patients like Jake.
“For 21 years, we have always been blown away by the generosity of our supporters, and we wouldn’t be here without them.
“With our work at greater risk than ever before, any donations will allow us to continue to reach and treat patients in need, and give them the best chance of survival. Help us help people across the North West.”
The latest appeal is backed by former patient Jake Cowen from Oldham, who says he owes the charity his life.
Following a fall cleaning windows with his father in Warrington in 2020, Jake suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest.
His condition was so bad, NWAA crews worked closely with the North West Ambulance Service to stabilise his condition. He was treated on route to Warrington General Hospital.
Jake’s family believe that without this care, he might not have survived.
Jake said: “I don’t remember much from the day, but from the impression it’s left on my mum and dad, I was clearly on the brink. We are all so grateful for NWAA and the ambulance service, especially as I’m now fit, well and back working with dad.
“Without the crew, I might not have survived. I owe them my life, and I urge others to support the charity right now, so that they can be there for those in need.”
For more information on the NWAA charity or to donate, click here.
The brand new Stockport transport interchange is now open for passengers.
Passengers can now use the interchange to catch buses to and from Stockport, and make use of the Bee Network.
The stops at Heaton Lane bus station are now closed, and passengers who previously caught a bus from here can now use the new interchange.
The interchange is part of an exciting £1 billion investment into the town to make it an even better place in which to live, work, play and connect.
Key design aspects of the new development include a fully accessible under cover passenger concourse with a seating area, cycle storage facilities, travel information on screens and a travel shop.
Other facilities include fully accessible toilets with baby changing and Changing Places facilities.
The modern interchange holds 18 bus stands, with capacity to accommodate 164 bus departures per hour to allow for future growth in bus services.
It also holds a unique and lush green space on the roof, which is a welcomed addition for everyone to enjoy .
The rooftop park has been delivered, in collaboration with the Environmental Agency and features a ‘blue-roof’ drainage system that will capture and store rainwater to allow control run-off into drainage outfall and watercourses mitigating any flood risk.
Visitors can use the eye-catching spiral cycle and walking ramp, which connects to the new park as it spans across the Mersey Frontage, Trans Pennine Trail and the River Mersey.
Stair and lift links between the new park, interchange and Trans Pennine Trail to make it accessible for all.
And on top of all that, 196 new, high-quality residential new, high-quality residential apartments off Daw Ban (126 two-bedroom, 70 one-bedroom) tower above this stunning rooftop park and Stockport’s contemporary transport hub – with views spanning across the town.
A body has sadly been found near Barton Swing Bridge in the search for a man who went missing from Eccles last week, police say.
Andrew Heys, from Eccles, was last captured on Ring Cam walking along Barton Lane in the direction of Barton Road at 3.43am on Tuesday, March 12th.
Andrew had been described as ‘vulnerable’ and requiring regular medication.
The body was recovered from the Barton Bridge area of Salford, following a search of the surrounding areas on Saturday, March 16th.
Although a formal identification is yet to take place, Andrew’s family have been informed of the update and are currently being supported by specialist officers through this distressing time.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is currently being prepared for the coroner.
Detective Inspector Mike Sharples, from GMP Salford, said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Andrew’s family and friends at this time.
“Officers and specialist resources have been working around the clock and through the night to find Andrew since he was first reported missing to us, and I would like to thank members of the public who shared our appeals and assisted with our investigation.
“Our priority now is to make sure we can do everything possible to support the family and get the necessary answers for his loved ones, but I would ask that the family are given privacy during this time.”
Container street food village brand STACK has confirmed its expansion with a brand new opening coming to Wigan.
The group will take over the former Debenhams unit in the town centre’s Grand Arcade.
The proposed development will see the site capable of holding up to 2,000 people and offering a wide range of music and entertainment as well as bars and street food vendors.
Plans will see a new frontage created on Concert Square, with STACK making a welcome addition to the leisure venues at the Grands Arcade – also home to games and activity centre Gamer X – and boosting Wigan’s night time economy.
Announcing the expansion, Neill Winch, STACK Managing Director, said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing STACK to Wigan.
“The Grand Arcade is a stunning location with a rich history, and we believe that STACK will be a perfect fit for its vibrant atmosphere and growing community.
“We are committed to creating a space that not only entertains but also fosters a sense of belonging and community, and we can’t wait to welcome Wigan residents and visitors through our doors.”
STACK first opened in Newcastle in August 2018 and was a huge success attracting over 3 million visitors in its first four years. It currently also operates sites in Seaburn, Sunderland.
STACK is also set to open sites in Manchester, Lincoln, Northampton, Durham, Carlisle, and Bishop Auckland, with two more planned in Newcastle.
The opening date for STACK Wigan will be confirmed once planning permission is secured.