Why I want to run for Anthony By Claire Bynoe
Jay Reid, 26, is running in memory of Anthony Walker
A good friend of murdered teenager Anthony Walker is running the Liverpool Half Marathon this March. Jay Reid, 26, from Liverpool, is preparing for the run that takes place on March 23rd where he will be one of the 8,000 people expected to take part. The Liverpool fan was friends with Anthony since they attended nursery together at the age of three and remained friends throughout their teenage years. Jay said: “Anthony was a friend any person would wish for, on every level. I don’t think there was a person that knew Anthony that didn’t know him as a friend and a great lad. He had time for everyone, no matter what was going on, he was the guy with a calm head, a huge heart and open arms.” Anthony was killed in 2005 when he was just 18 years old by a racially motivated attack in Huyton. His family set up the foundation in his name shortly after to promote racial harmony through combination of education, sport and arts events. Jay added: “For a while now I have wanted to make a contribution to the foundation, but I wanted to do so in my own unique way. Since me and Anthony both held a keen interest in sport and participated together for many years, I felt that doing a sport-
Anthony, 18, was murdered in a racially motivated attack ing event was the most suitable way of making a contribution.” Operations Manager from the Anthony Walker Foundation, John Au, said: “We are delighted that Jay is doing the run because what happened to Anthony can never be forgotten. Anthony was an 18-yearold who was murdered because the colour of his skin.” Jay is hoping that by taking part in the 13-mile-run that it will remind people of the foundation and the work it does for the community. John said: “The foundation
is very valuable. Gee Walker, Anthony’s mother, said that she never wanted a mother to go through the experience she went through when she lost Anthony. The foundation is all about doing a huge amount of educational work so that young people can accept that we live in a diverse community.” He added: “Raising funds for the foundation is pivotal in keeping Anthony’s legacy alive.” Jay is hoping to complete the race in less than two hours, and has set a target of running it in one hour and 45 minutes.
Jennifer’s marathon efforts for charity By Jess MacDonald Five-time marathon runner Jennifer Brady from Liverpool will be completing her sixth 26-mile-run in just five weeks’ time, when she runs the London Marathon on the 13th April. Running the event with her two friends, together they aim to raise more than £5500 for their chosen charity, Breast Cancer Care. Also racing at the event last year, Jennifer raised over £2200 for the Retail Trust charity. Jennifer told Liverpool Life: ‘It’s such an amazing cause and close to so many people’s hearts, it affects so many people. Running a marathon is a fantastic experience especially doing the London Marathon as it’s the best atmosphere in the world and the support from everyone is amazing.’ ‘Everybody’s doing it for a different reason and to raise money, the training is so hard but
so so worth it.’ Starting her training from up to 16 weeks before, Jennifer is completing over 60 miles a week running six days. Also having bag packing mornings at local Liverpool supermarkets, so far the girls have raised £1,200. Jennifer said: ‘People are just so kind and supportive of the charity. It takes up a lot of time to complete this and we have to put the miles in, but it pays off. “You just have to stay focussed and believe you can do it.’ Jennifer’s cause Breast Cancer Care, wants to reach every person affected by breast cancer and ensure they receive the best treatment, information and support they need. To help Jennifer raise money, please visit her page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JenniferBrady
Jennifer Brady aims to raise £5500 for Breast Cancer Care
Life-saving help for little scamps Continued from page 1
THANKS: Miracle baby Thomas
Rian was diagnosed in October 2012 with severe spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which means he had suffered extensive damaged to his brain and would suffer from stiffness in all of his limbs, making them difficult to use. He would also find it difficult to speak and would suffer from moderate to severe learning difficulties. However, following consultations with his neurologist he has now been diagnosed with Diplrgia and hemiplegia cerebral palsy, meaning his condition is not quite as severe.
It will affect his legs and one side of his body; but it will not be as difficult for him to use his limbs. He may not suffer from learning difficulties and he has the ability to make sounds and is able to eat. Kerry believes this all may have been a result of being part of the study. Kerry added: “The study must have had something to do with it, with the improvements he has made. It could have been a lot more difficult for him. I believe the study has helped him.” Thomas had to have a life-saving operation, to have a Tracheostomy, where a tube
was inserted into the windpipe, making it possible for him to breathe. Now surgeons have rebuilt his windpipe, he is in the process of having that removed and he has no further health problems. The twins will continue to take part in the SCAMP research as they get older and their progress will be reviewed to help others. Kerry said: “I am delighted and proud that the boys took part in the study. “To know that it will help other premature babies and their families in the future, it’s fantastic.”
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MARKET ON THE MOVE
By Aimee Jones
City planners have given the go-ahead to move the famous ‘Greatie’ market from Great Homer Street to Dryden Street. The market is moving as part of the £150m ‘Project Jennifer’ regeneration scheme, which is being led by regeneration specialists St. Modwen, and will rejuvenate the area to bring in much needed investment. The market is making the short journey around the corner onto Dryden Street to make way for a Sainsburys on Great Homer Street. The move has been met with much opposition, as the market will be temporarily held in a warehouse. A report which was put before the planning committee stated that the move would “not fully comply” with national or even local planning policies, however, planning permission was granted today on a temporary basis. The Council is proposing a further planning application after four years, in order to make the move permanent. Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: “I’m pleased that these plans have been approved, because I strongly believe that this scheme is the right one to build a successful future for the market.” The Dryden Street scheme will provide space for 78 indoor stalls, 178 outdoor stalls, 163 car parking spaces. The plans also include the demolition of existing buildings, surface works and parking areas for customers and traders vans. The market scheme is set to cost £2.2m, including the associated highway works. Work on the relocation will begin immediately.
TRIBUTES TO UNION BOSS BOB
Rail union leader Bob Crow died this morning at the age of 52. Tributes have been pouring in over Twitter from Liverpool MPs. Maria Eagle, MP for Liverpool Garston and Halewood, tweeted: “Very sad to hear about #BobCrow. He fought hard for his members and succeeded. 52 is way too young. Condolences to family, friends and RMT #RIP.” Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South, tweeted: “Being from railway family, deeply grateful to fighters for rail safety. Bob Crow lead that fight for many years. My thoughts with his family.” Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey, tweeted: “Really shocking news about Bob Crow. Condolences to his friends in the trade union and Labour movement and his family, RIP #TUC.” Bob Crow was the leader of the Rail Maritime and Transport union. He was known as a confrontational leader but tireless. His older brother, Richard, has described him as a “loveable little rogue.” Whilst leader of the union, members increased a considerable amount from 20,000 to 80,000. Speaking at rallies most weekend, he was always in demand and a dedicated leader.
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LJMU GAA TEAM WIN
Cameron Brannagan at Anfield, home to his childhood team of Liverpool
LJMU Gaelic football © twitter
The Liverpool John Moores Gaelic football team is “ecstatic” to officially be the most successful team in British University Gaelic Athletic Association history. The LJMU GAA have won their 9th British Championship after beating Liverpool Hope university by 3 points on Sunday. The proud team tweeted about their achievement on Sunday saying “We are now the most successful team in British University GAA history and we didn’t even break sweat.” Captain of the team Kevin Cunningham will finish University this year and is pleased to end his season at the head of the team on such a positive note. He said: “We felt unbelievable. We all put so much work in and now we’ve been rewarded, it’s paid off to really stick together. The whole team is ecstatic.
Picture © Mark Brannagan
Reds starlet close to realising dream
by Jessica MacDonald
Spotted by Liverpool at the tender age of six, talented footballer Cameron Brannagan continues to play for his much loved club. With scouts from Manchester City, United and Liverpool academies watching a game for his local team, Cadishead Football Club, Cameron and his family decided that Liverpool was the right team. Still sure it was the best move, the Manchester boy tells Liverpool Life: ‘I’m glad I chose Liverpool because the coaching
is great here and I think it’s better than any other club. “I also enjoy it, as a kid then and I still do now, the way the team plays and how much the club means to them and their fans.” Cameron grew within the club and now plays for the under 21’s team on a three year pro-contract. The midfielder has clearly displayed his gift in his position, helping his teammates as well as creating opportunities for himself within games.
His sportsmanship and skillset has obviously been standing out, as Cameron also appeared on the bench for the first team in an FA Cup game against Oldham at Anfield stadium. “It was an amazing feeling, the stadium was packed and I got to run out on the field with Stevie G, I can’t even explain it but it was the best feeling ever.” Now also playing with the England under 18’s, recently playing an international friendly game against Croatia. “I went to an England under
18s training camp too which was very good and I played with some great players. The coaches were really good too and now I’m hoping to push my career even further.” With aims to make it on to Liverpool’s first team, Cameron added: ‘I hope to stay with Liverpool; I think it will help me improve my game and make me better as a footballer. “Playing for this team has helped me grow from a boy to a man, it really has been a great opportunity.”
NAME’S UP: Cameron’s shirt
Merseyside’s weekend football roundup By Bill Evans
Wembley Stadium © Flickr
COADY OFF TO WEMBLEY
On-loan Liverpool youngster Connor Coady has helped Sheffield United book a trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final. The 21-year old joined the Championship club last summer on a loan deal which was extended until the end of the season after a string of impressive performances. Coady was part of the side that knocked out Charlton Athletic at the weekend in a 2-0 victory to book a semi-final place. The Liverpool midfielder was also on the score sheet in the Blades Fifth Round victory over Nottingham Forest. Sheffield United will face Premier League side Hull City at Wembley on the weekend of 12th/13th April.
Tranmere kick of the week’s Merseyside fixtures with a vital away match at Brentford. The league one team are fighting to avoid relegation and are in for a tough match against a Brentford team that could move into 2nd place with a win. With only twelve games left
the League one table is wide open, and even bottom club Notts County are only 4 points adrift of safety. Nott’s County visit Prenton Park on Saturday making this week vital for Tranmere in their hope for survival. Liverpool are away at Man Utd in the first premier league clash at old Trafford since Moyes took charge. Liverpool will be looking to maintain their
2nd place position while Man Utd have left it too late to get a European place. They cannot afford to drop any more points if they have any chance of getting into the top four. The Reds have been in good form recently and optimism is growing that they have just as good of a chance as anyone in the title race. The form and fitness of Gerrard, Suarez and
Sturridge as well as a string of great performances by Sterling and Henderson will give Brendan Rodgers some real confidence in the build up to the derby. Everton will look to put their FA Cup thrashing at The Emirates behind them on Saturday when they host strugglers Cardiff. One positive to come from their FA Cup defeat was
the participation of Lukaku who played the full ninety minutes and scored Everton’s only goal. It’s an important game for both teams. A win for Everton would continue their pressure on Tottenham in 5th place but a loss could see them drift 8 points away from European football whereas a win for Cardiff could lift them out of the relegation zone.
Rovers play for Joe By Jack Horrocks Tranmere Rovers FC fan group Totally Tranmere have organised a charity football match to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research in support of their #Grow4Joe campaign. On Saturday 10th May Cammell Laird Football Club will play host to a Totally Tranmere XI Vs 7Waves FC. Paul Harper, presenter of the Total Tranmere podcast who has helped arrange the charity event, told Liverpool Life: “This year we are hosting our 3rd annual charity football match in support of #Grow4Joe and Leukaemia
& Lymphoma Research. We are Tranmere supporters and the news of Joe Thompson’s illness came as a “big shock.” Earlier this year, the Tranmere winger was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma and the campaign has had huge support from fans and players across the country after the news was announced. Joe, himself, along with a number of Tranmere players, started #Grow4Joe where players, staff and supporters are growing their hair or facial hair to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. Past charity games have been a great success and have seen almost £5,000 raised for the charity.
Paul said: “We are wishing him a speedy and full recovery but we also wanted to help raise awareness as well as funds for a charity associated with his illness. “We spoke to Joe and said we would like to get on board and fundraise for the cause through our charity event and he was happy for us to do so.” The match will be followed by a function in the Social Club where there will be a live singer, comedian, and an auction of sporting memorabilia. A number of former Tranmere players are lined up to play in the charity match. The line-up will include Kenny Irons and Simon Haworth.
Tranmere players Max Power and Joe Thompson