Lauren Hirst

A life-size statue commemorating drag performer James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, is planned for the junction of Victoria Street and Stanley Street in Liverpool's Pride Quarter. House of The Vivienne CIC, founded by Williams's family, released AI-generated images of the proposed tribute after securing initial funding from Liverpool Business Improvement District. Williams, the first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, died aged 32 in January 2025 after struggling with ketamine addiction. His sister Chanel Williams said the statue would preserve his memory and remind people experiencing addiction that they are not alone, while project leader John Hyland framed it as both recognition of Williams's contribution and a call for greater investment in the LGBTQ+ district.

Specialist cleaners from Fylde Coast Cleaners Ltd abseil about 380ft to clean Blackpool Tower’s SkyWalk, working with safety ropes while managing demanding conditions. Workers describe pride in maintaining an iconic local landmark, drawing on family traditions and enjoying panoramic views despite the physical challenges.

A six-year-old girl from Wirral created a rhyming illustrated book to help understand her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis, a project that has supported her family emotionally and is now being sold publicly after unexpected interest. The story has improved communication about her feelings, and professionals note the importance of open, age-appropriate conversations with children when a parent faces serious illness.

A public exhibition in Blackpool displays 150 pairs of blue shoes to represent victims believed to have taken their own lives following domestic abuse, inspired by the case of 23-year-old Kiena Dawes. Campaigners, including families and advocacy groups, call for the creation of a new offence of domestic abuse–related suicide and for coercive behaviour to be included under dangerous offender guidelines. Police and officials highlight gaps in current law and emphasise the need for improved recognition and accountability. Families of victims urge legal reform to secure justice and prevent further deaths.

A father and daughter who both required complex heart surgery were treated by the same surgeon, Dr Ram Dhannapuneni, at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. The family’s experience highlights Alder Hey’s 75-year history as a leading centre for paediatric cardiac surgery, which has treated thousands of young patients with increasingly successful outcomes. Dhannapuneni, head of cardiac surgery, has performed thousands of procedures and emphasises the region’s pioneering role in advancing children’s heart care.

A double amputee from Manchester, Michael Hopkinson, modeled for adaptive fashion brand Recondition to encourage others to feel proud of their prosthetics. Models with diverse disabilities, including Maya Wijayasiri and Aaliyah Rice, participated in the show at Aviva Studios, promoting inclusivity and confidence. Founder Ellie Brown created Recondition after experiencing mobility challenges and aims to make fashion more accessible through adaptive clothing. The event emphasized representation and reducing stigma around visible disabilities.

One-third of Blackpool’s rough sleepers come from outside the area, with many drawn by positive childhood memories and hopes of improving their circumstances. The Salvation Army reports a rise in new arrivals, while local homeless individuals face similar challenges. Accessing support requires a local connection, leaving some unable to receive council assistance and caught in a cycle of relocation. Blackpool Council maintains that support for non-locals typically focuses on reconnecting them with areas where they already have networks. Official counts list 11 rough sleepers, though charities believe the actual number is higher.

A woman in Cheshire was targeted by former partner Asad Hussain, who created a fake Tinder profile using her identity to lure men to her home, with some told she wanted violent encounters. Police identified Hussain through doorbell footage and linked him to multiple phones used to conceal his identity. At least 18 men visited the home, and the victim and her daughter were placed at risk. Hussain was convicted of stalking, assault and failing to provide device passcodes, receiving an eight‑year prison sentence after detectives traced his movements and uncovered his attempts to avoid detection.

A man from Greater Manchester was jailed for eight years after creating a fake Tinder profile in his ex‑partner’s name and sending men to her Cheshire home, including some told she wanted a “rape fantasy.” Police traced Asad Hussain through doorbell footage, his white Audi R8, and movements of multiple phones he used to conceal his identity. At least 18 men arrived at the victim’s address, with some attempting to enter the house. Officers said Hussain’s controlling behaviour escalated into stalking and assault before the digital impersonation began, and warned that cyber‑enabled offenders leave detectable trails.