{THIS} {ISSUE}

P6 - Our Milo

P12 - Roachford

P18 - 10cc’s Graham Gouldman

P24 - Si Beckwith - Bricks

P30 - NERD Fest 2023

P44 - Cineworld Round-Up

P56 - Peter’s Book Tales - Margaret Hedley & Elaine Palmer

P68 - THE K’s live at NX

P72 - Playhouse Whitley Bay

P78 - Sir Steve Redgrave

P82 - Northern Threads

P86 - Graham Brabbs Crusade-Con

P94 - Victoria ‘Vicky’ Wales - Local Hero

P98 - Tyne Theatre & Opera House Round-Up

Some of you may know 10 year old Milo and his family’s fundraising efforts with Our Milo. If you don’t then have a look at his facebook page or his website http:// www.missionmilo.co.uk

Milo has a disease so rare that fewer than 10 cases exist in the whole world. He spent Christmas and the new year in hospital at the RVI, where it was revealed that sadly the hospital can no longer help Milo any further, so when he was finally allowed home at the beginning of the year, it was for the very last time, he will no longer be admitted to the hospital, which means his last days are now a reality - a trauma that no parent should ever face.

This news really is heart-breaking, but it has seen the North East come together to help and support this incredible family, as we want them to be able to make lasting memories together as no one really knows how long Milo has left. It could be a day, a week, a year, no one knows, but one thing we do know, Milo is a real life superhero who continues to defy the odds and prove the medical experts wrong time and time again.

So local people and businesses all rallied round to donate prizes to our Mega Raffle, which goes to show that yet again, the people of the North East really are an amazing lot. We had some incredible prizes donated from Comic Con North East, Rexys Reviews, SAFC, NUFC, Playhouse Whitley Bay, STK Fitness, Millennium

Martial Arts & Fitness, Kuei-Ling

Martial Arts Morpeth and South

Shields, Shots North East, Nerd Arcade Nerd Fest, Blue EyedDevils Comics, Bede’s Helping Hands

Food Bank, NAAFI Break South

Tyneside, Kate Hargrave - Artist,

Bookmarx Bookshop, Bleading Marvelous, Going Potty with Sam, The Beehive Inn, The Alt Flower and Cake Company and more, helping us to raise over £1500 in two weeks. If that wasn’t enough, Kerry from our friends at the Geek Asylum has convinced Monopoly events to donate another incredible prize, passes to Comic Con North East and photos with every single guest, not only is this prize worth several hundred pounds but it really is a once in a life time opportunity, so please visit the Our Milo facebook page to get tickets and help us raise even more money for Milo and his family.

A big thank you goes to Bede’s Helping Hands who arranged the Santa visit and donated a further £250, NAAFI Break South Tyneside whose veterans donated £110, North East Legion UK and Mini Pony Hire who all gave their time to visit Milo for his special

Christmas Day.

All the money will go towards helping Stephen and Laura create memories with Milo and his brothers Felix and Fox and their daughter Mia as well as taking the pressure off them with bills and even funeral costs, something which no family should ever face. But it doesn’t stop there, as each week you will find Stephen at Tynemouth Market where he sells the unique origami characters and various handmade items that the family have all made in their spare time. All of that money goes to Mission Milo which is the families’ dream of creating a holiday place where families with disabled children can go to - where they have access and everything needed so they can enjoy a short break; something we all take for granted. So please pop along to Tynemouth Market on a Sunday or you can order via facebook or the website. This will be Milo’s legacy, some- thing to help other families in a similar position, which shows you how selfless Stephen and Laura really are. If anyone can help or support them in any way, please please don’t hesitate, get in touch with them direct or through us here at NE.