A month ago, newspapers reported that a single mum allegedly made the heart-breaking decision to end the life of her 10 year old learning-disabled son. Afterwards, according to press reports, she “covered him in a duvet and lay his body down next to his toys in the master bedroom”, then…

We all have fond memories of our first days at school, the sweets that dominated our youth, and some of our fashion faux pas – whatever happened to that purple and green shell suit? But the one constant for most children was their trusted teddy. Whether you woke up with…

September is an key month in helping children and young people to adjust as they go back to school for the first time in over five months. However the school environment and routine that was reassuring and familiar to them earlier this year has changed dramatically as a result of the…

When a loved one passes away, it’s extremely tempting to contact your nearest funeral director and have them take charge of almost everything. Obituary notices, flowers, the funeral celebrant, the venue, care of the body, and burial or cremation arrangements. However, it can be far better to do some of…

After 35 long days on the road, Army Major Chris Brannigan, 40, finally completed his agonising 700 mile trek from Land’s End to Edinburgh (via London) barefoot this week (August 12), with an emotional reunion with his family. The dedicated dad took on the challenge to…

The government has introduced new funding for local authorities to ease pressure on public transport as children return in September Thousands of students will be supported with new dedicated school and college transport to get them to school or college in the autumn term, the Education Secretary said today. Delivering on the…

It’s August - last month for me now seems to be a little bit of a blur. It went so fast and I couldn’t really remember what was going on as I was on a course of radiotherapy and a high dose of medication after my operation. Last month…

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is issuing advice to reassure owners around coronavirus transmission and dogs following recent media coverage. There remains no confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) being transmitted from dogs to people. The main source of infection is human-to-human transmission. However, just like human hands, it…

“When the pain and exhaustion gets too much and I want to give up, I just remember why I’m doing this - to give my little girl the future she deserves. It keeps me going.” - Chris Brannigan, Army Major and eight-year-old Hasti’s dad Army Major Chris Brannigan, 40, is…

Currently showing on Channel 5, Our Yorkshire Farm has returned for its 3rd TV series. The programme follows the Owen family at Ravenseat farm set up in the Yorkshire Dales at Swaledale. Clive Owen, his wife Amanda and their 9 children have proved to be extremely popular with the viewing…

Hello Everyone! How are we all doing? Hasn’t the past 3 months been one whirlwind during lockdown? But it’s given me the chance to catch up on a few projects. Lockdown has also given me the chance to reflect on how far me and my brands have grown over…

A shocking report was released this week spelling out the scale of deaths of people with disabilities from Covid-19 in the UK: 22,500 in less than three months, from 38,000 in total. In other words, around 60% of deaths in that time were of disabled people. And, in fact, the…

Making decisions when you are in the midst of life changing events isn’t easy - especially when there is so much other upheaval going on with the current pandemic. Physically separating is one thing - but when is the best time to divide your assets? Questions around your financial settlement…

It’s never easy to deal with the death of a loved one. Whenever and however it happens, a host of tasks and duties crop up that can overwhelm even the most organised and level-headed family member. One of the questions you might be asking if a loved one has passed away…

A North East-based print company, has launched a ‘When We Were Apart Yearbook’ in order to help school children share and hold onto the precious memories of the lockdown. This year, many students will have to go without their end-of-year celebrations or graduation ceremonies. What’s more, in light of recent announcements,…

Dear Editor Across England, non-essential shops are due to reopen on 15 June. It is expected that, as with shops that have remained open throughout lockdown, visual markers will be used to signify the correct distance from others, one-way systems and designated queuing areas. With social distancing now part of everyday life…

Leisure centres closed due to coronavirus may never re-open unless government brings forward a financial rescue package to save the sector, a new survey reveals today. The District Councils’ Network, which represent authorities responsible for providing leisure services, is forecasting a financial hit to leisure centres of around £305 million this…

As a speaker on ‘Honour based abuse’ and a champion for IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Service) in Craven, I myself have witnessed and experienced abuse and understand the struggles a victim may face. I was recently speaking to a few women about the impact lockdown has had on many vulnerable individuals…

Plans by the government to reform laws to enable partners who have lived together for at least two years to claim bereavement damages is a undoubtedly a positive development. The proposal follows a Court of Appeal decision in 2017 that the current law - which does not entitle an unmarried partner…

Schools, colleges and nurseries across England remain on track to open to more children from 1 June, the Prime Minister confirmed today (24 May 2020). Primary schools will welcome back children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, while nurseries and other early years providers will begin welcoming back children of…