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News Guardian, Thursday, May 26, 2011
Police hunt hoaxers over false alarms
Fundraiser grateful for support after hitting target ten times over
Thanks a million
TWO youngsters are being sought in connection with hoax calls about supposed emergencies on the coast. Coastguards received a 999 call just before 12.20pm last Wednesday from a teenage girl reporting a person in the water near Whitley Bay purportedly needing help. Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade was called to the scene but, due to the manner of the call and discrepancies in the information provided, rescuers were warned it could be a malicious hoax. As members were carrying out a search between Tynemouth and Whitley Bay, coastguards received another 999 call, this time from a teenage boy, reporting a person in difficulties in the water at the north end of Tynemouth Longsands. The Cullercoats RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched and it carried out a search of Tynemouth Longsands and King Edward’s Bay, but nothing was found. Inspector Pam Bridges, of Wallsend police, said: “We are making inquiries into this incident. “We take all reports of hoax calls extremely seriously as they waste the time of the emergency services that genuine callers rely on to keep them safe.”
By Tegan Chapman tegan.chapman@northeast-press.co.uk
AFTER Mick Knighton died of asbestos-related cancer in 2001, his wife Chris vowed to raise £100,000 in her husband’s name because that was the average amount of compensation paid to mesothelioma sufferers. But now, ten years after setting up the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, she is celebrating having collected ten times the amount she set out to raise. “It’s just amazing that we’ve reached £1m, and the fact this is Mick’s tenth anniversary year makes it even more special,” said Chris, of Wallsend. Mick was diagnosed with mesothelioma after returning from holiday with a chest infection. Chris said: “We were told there was no treatment, no cure and no hope.” Just eight months later, Mick, pictured, died. “Throughout Mick’s illness, we had both become increasingly aware of how little is known about mesothelioma and the vital need for more research into the disease,” said Chris. Mick had been exposed to asbestos while in the Navy. As a gunner, he was issued with anti-inflammable gauntlets and hoods, and the gun turret he
Diver rescued
OLYMPIC gold medal winner Dame Kelly Holmes was in North Tyneside last week to encourage office workers and schoolchildren to get into sport. She spoke to an audience of more than 400 workers at Procter and Gamble’s Cobalt Park site in North Shields before heading on to Wallsend’s Churchill Community College where she gave a motivational talk to staff and pupils. Pupils from the town’s Battle Hill and Stephenson Memorial primary schools
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manned was lined with asbestos. “Many of our donations are given by people who themselves have lost loved ones to the disease, and I’m so grateful for their support,” said Chris. “£1m is fantastic, but it’s what we’ve been able to do with it that’s important.” So far, the charity has funded four major research studies of mesothelioma, and the Rotary Club of Monk-
seaton Centenary this week presented Chris with a community service award for her fundraising efforts. “Our first study was into Alimta, the only licensed chemotherapy drug to help treat the disease,” she said. “Although not a cure, it may bring a better quality of life for longer to some. “The next two studies are looking into treating mesothelioma by
There’s nothing like a dame to inspire youngsters
A diver suffering from decompression following equipment failure was airlifted to hospital from Royal Quays in North Shields on Saturday. He remained conscious during the rescue operation and was expected to make a full recovery.
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Chris Knighton has now collected £1m for mesothelioma research, ten times the amount she set out to raise.
stem cells. Although in the early stages, the results so far have been encouraging. “The latest study is a new approach into starving the mesothelioma cells of the nutrients they need to survive.” The charity has also set up mesothelioma self-help and friendship groups in both North and South Tyneside to give sufferers and their families an opportunity to meet other people in similar circumstances. “My next challenge is to raise enough money to set up the first mesothelioma tissue and blood bank, which will have a major impact on research into the disease,” said Chris. The fund is holding a memorial service on Friday, July 1, at 11am at St Nicholas’s Cathedral in Newcastle. Chris said: “The service is for all who have lost their lives to asbestos-related disease, and mesothelioma in particular, and will be followed by a sponsored dove release in their memory. “The service forms part of Action Mesothelioma Day, an annual event to raise awareness of mesothelioma.” The service will be followed by a seminar at 1.30pm. To book a place at the seminar or make a donation, call (0191) 263 7386 or email c.knighton@mkmrf.org.uk
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were also there to take part in a physical education workshop led by Dame Kelly. Georgia Maughn, 13, a pupil at the Churchill Street college, said: “Dame Kelly has been a real inspiration, and it’s been fantastic to meet her. I’ll never forget it.” Dylan Dugdale, 12, added: “I think of Dame Kelly as a role model because she never gives up and works really hard to be the best she can be.” The school visit was arranged by Procter and Gamble to coincide with
her slot as guest speaker at the office’s annual update meeting. Alex Buckthorp, the company’s site leader and director of finance, said: “As P&G is a worldwide partner of the International Olympics Committee and London 2012 Olympic Games, it was a perfect fit for Dame Kelly to come and speak to our employees, encouraging them to be the best that they can be and exciting us all about our involvement in the Olympics and what it will bring to the region.”
Dame Kelly Holmes at the college and, below, with pupils.
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Three locked up by judge for torturing teenage pal n From Page 1 Ross returned, Miss Crichton questioned him about where he had been and began slapping his face. Mr Crichton then brought out a chair and told Mr Ross to sit on it and remove his clothing. Miss Crichton brought through a kettle and poured boiling water over Mr Ross’s feet and lap. Mr Ross pleaded for them to stop. However, the former trainee nurse proceeded to stub out her cigarette three or four times on the back of his hand. Mr Ross was finally told to get dressed as Wenn punched him in the face, knocking out two of his teeth, but his ordeal wasn’t over. It was then that Mr Crichton appeared with a machete, brandishing it at Mr Ross while Miss Crichton threatened to kill him. They eventually allowed Mr Ross to leave after Mr Crichton gave him his teeth back. In a statement read out in court by Mr Spragg, Mr Ross said he will never forget the ordeal, he has trouble sleeping and constantly worries about the future. Nicholas Lane, defending Mr Crichton, said: “He is ashamed and takes full responsibility. “The cycle of abusing alcohol and the substances he was on that day led to a deterioration of his mental health, which he recognises and is seeking support and assistance for. “He deeply regrets his actions and accepts he has brought it on himself.” Brian Mark, defending Miss Crichton, said: “She is horrified at what happened.” Defending Wenn, Gavin Doig said: “In a way, he was the least involved physically, but caused the most injury. ““He threw a single punch, knocking some teeth out, but he did not take a leading role in the incident.” All three pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. Sentencing them, Recorder Graham Hyland said: “You three subjected this young man to an appalling and degrading attack. It was not far short of torture. “The effect of this awful offence on him was traumatic. “He suffers from a poor sleeping patterns and has nightmares. I can only hope that in time he will recover from this ordeal.” Mr Crichton, 19, was sentenced to three years in a young offenders’ institution. Wenn, 23, of New York Road, Shiremoor, was jailed for three years. Miss Crichton, 24, of The Swallows, Wallsend, was jailed for 15 months.
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