Susan Newton

Rafiya Sherin initially attributed persistent dizziness, diarrhoea and fatigue to food poisoning after becoming ill while travelling. Blood tests later revealed dangerously low blood levels and complete bone marrow failure, leading to a diagnosis of severe aplastic anaemia. She now requires regular transfusions and monitoring while awaiting a potentially life-saving stem cell transplant. Because donor matches are linked to ethnic background and ethnic minorities are underrepresented on the UK register, Sherin is working with DKMS UK to encourage more people to register as potential donors.

Residents are opposing proposed parking charges at Lever Park and in the surrounding Rivington area, with a petition attracting nearly 3,000 signatures. United Utilities says the scheme, which has no fixed timetable or agreed fee, would address congestion, unsafe parking and pressure on local infrastructure, with any revenue ring-fenced for new and refurbished car parks, paths, toilets, visitor facilities and heritage restoration. Critics argue charges could deter visitors, harm nearby businesses and conflict with the legal and historic commitment to keep Lever Park freely accessible to the public.