North Lincolnshire couple Steve and Gill Ayling have dedicated their lives to beating an ‘undercover killer’ that lurks undetected and then takes the lives of more than a dozen young people every week.
They’d never heard of Young Sudden Cardiac Death until it claimed the life of their son Nathan five years ago, who, like 80% other sufferers, had shown no symptoms but was nevertheless found dead in bed at the age of just 31.
Nathan Ayling
What’s more, a dedicated screening programme could save the lives of 90% of those who die from Young Sudden Cardiac Death.
And now spearheading a group called The Beat Goes On they are determined to do everything they can to save other parents from the grief they suffered. They’re doing that by fierce campaigning to get Government to implement a national screening programme, and in the meantime investing a whopping £13,600 a year to provide private screening for 200 people aged between 14 and 35.
That money buys the services of a mobile cardiac screening unit and its staff who set up shop at Hope House Community Hub in Scunthorpe for two days each year. The unit has three pods, so three people can be tested every ten minutes, and all get to see a cardiologist.
The service is offered through a charity called Cardiac Risk in the Young, or CRY for short. That brings together people like Gill and Steve throughout the country who have the same shared vision.
The results of the screening can be remarkable, says Steve. “A perfect example is Georgia, a 24-year-old mum of two with no symptoms who came for screening and was found to have four holes in her heart. They were corrected by surgeons in Leeds. It’s fair to say the screening has meant she’ll have a longer life with her children, and that’s priceless.”
The money to pay for the screening has been raised through their own efforts, and donations like the £250 given by Freemasons of Scunthorpe’s St Lawrence Lodge.
Said Gill: “The people in the village of Scawby have been marvellous supporters. We started off with car booting and bake sales, and then marathon running and safari suppers, but we needed to do so much more. That’s why donations from people like the St Lawrence Lodge Freemasons are so important.”
Their next fundraising drive will be to work with companies keen to find good causes to support their Corporate Social Responsibilities.
The couple have taken their campaign to Parliament, where they have met Government Ministers and MPs in their push for a national screening programme.
Says Gill: “Why should grieving parents have to pay to save young lives? If 12 young people were dying each week in a specific type of car, the Government would do something urgently about it.”
How to get your test in North Lincolnshire
This year’s testing arranged exclusively by The Beat Goes On is on July 16th and 17th.
To book a test search Facebook for The Beat Goes On 31
Cllr Naomi Tweddle has been formally appointed as the new Leader of City of Lincoln Council at its Annual General Meeting.
She has been Labour councillor for Minster ward in the city since 2016, and the Executive Member for Inclusive Economic Growth for the past year. Prior to this, she was Chair of the council’s Planning Committee.
Her appointment to the position follows Cllr Ric Metcalfe’s decision to step down after 42 years serving as a city councillor, during which he was council leader for a total of 21 years.
Cllr Tweddle was born and raised in Lincoln, growing up on the Ermine estate, and still lives in the city with her young family. She attended St Peter and St Pauls school prior to going to the University of Leicester and currently works as Head of the Case Unit for the UNISON in the East Midlands.
Also at the AGM, Cllr Donald Nannestad was appointed to remain in his role as the council’s Deputy Leader, working alongside Cllr Tweddle to deliver the council’s priorities under its Vision 2025, and Cllr Joshua Wells stepped up into the vacant role of Executive Member for Inclusive Economic Growth.
BBC TV presenter Peter Levy is alongside a children’s author and an Armed Forces Champion to receive honorary awards from Bishop Grosseteste University next week.
Two awardees are set to receive Honorary Doctorates for their outstanding contributions to academic achievement, social, economic, or cultural life.
Three Distinguished Honorary Fellowships and one Honorary Fellowship will be awarded at the ceremonies. Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the University and public life, while Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the University extending beyond normal responsibilities.
Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees is BBC presenter Peter Levy, whose career in broadcasting spans 49 years. He has presented BBC Look North for Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire since 2002 and received the Lord Mayor of Hull’s Civic Crown Award for his charity work.
Hannah Gold, another recipient of an Honorary Doctorate, is celebrated for her contributions to children’s literature. The award-winning author is known for her Sunday Time’s best-seller The Last Bear, as well as The Lost Whale, Finding Bear, and her new book, Turtle Moon. Hannah’s books have sold over 230,000 copies in the UK alone and have been translated into 27 languages.
Receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Alex Baxter, whose service in the Royal Navy inspired his current roles as Chairman for the Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee for Yorkshire and the Humber, and Armed Forces Champion for North East Lincolnshire Council among others. He is Managing Director of Joint Services Major Events Team delivering all aspects of civil/military engagement and the Armed Forces Community Covenant on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council. As Chair of Franklin Sixth Form College, he volunteers much of his time to the post-16 education sector and to raising the aspirations of students and their onward progression at universities including BGU.
Educationalist, historian, and academic Judith Jones will also receive a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the University and public life. With a passionate interest in the history of Lincolnshire, the city of Lincoln, and its Cathedral; Judith has inspired students as a history teacher at various schools in Lincolnshire. Judith’s previous student – historian and BGU Chancellor Tracy Borman said: “It is no exaggeration to say that I owe my career to her. She brought history to life in a way that I have never experienced before or since.”
For over ten years Judith acted as a voluntary judge for the Sandford Award, which is administered jointly by Bishop Grosseteste University and the Heritage Education Trust.
Also receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Paul Deane, Principal and Chief Executive of Grantham College, and a founding director of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology. The Lincolnshire Institute of Technology is an example of successful collaboration between the FE and HE sectors, and Paul’s work has fostered excellent collaborations with both Bishop Grosseteste University and the University of Lincoln as well as other Further Education providers in supporting the needs of people and the economy in the region.
Richard Hallsworth is set to receive an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his dedicated service to the University, as a trustee and member of Council for BGU over eight years. Now the Managing Partner of Lincoln based accountants Nicholsons, he previously worked as part of the Business Improvement Group in Market Rasen to deliver high street regeneration through the government backed Portas Pilot Scheme.
Bishop Grosseteste University Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: “As we approach this year’s graduation ceremonies, I am delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s Honorary Doctorates and Honorary Fellowships. We recognise these individuals for their enrichment of academic, social, economic, or cultural spheres, embodying the spirit of our institution.
“Their contributions inspire us and serve as beacons of achievement for our entire community, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and welcoming them into the esteemed ranks of our honorary awardees.”
The awards will be presented during graduation celebrations on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th July at Lincoln’s Cathedral. Awardees were nominated by current BGU students, staff, and University Council members.
Grimsby town centre and Scunthorpe High Street are amongst ten struggling high streets chosen to take part in a new government pilot – the High Street Accelerators programme – to create partnerships leading to long-term regeneration plans.
They’re each to be given £237,000 to help communities partner with local authorities and businesses to address some of the biggest challenges facing their high streets – building on wider action to tackle empty shops, anti-social behaviour and a lack of visitors.
They can also apply for a share of up to £5 million to improve their high streets’ green spaces and create more pleasant environments for residents to meet and socialise.
This £7 million will be spent over the next two years and the impact will be evaluated to inform future government policy and support for left-behind high streets, building on larger interventions like the £1.1 billion Long-Term Plan for Towns.
Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said: ”It has been a tough few years for our high streets following the pandemic and the changes we’ve seen in consumer behaviour.
“We know that local people know what’s best for their area, and we’re keen to understand the benefits that High Street Accelerators could bring working with local businesses and their communities.
“These Accelerators will complement other interventions like High Street Rental Auctions, empowering local people to tackle vacancy and other issues on their high streets.”
Plans are underway to bring It’s A Knockout to the county in aid of the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
Gather a team to take part in the action-packed day, which will be held on Sunday 30 June at Sleaford Town Football Club.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Fundraiser, Gary Burr, said: “It will be a fun action-packed day to raise money for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. This is a great chance to get together with friends, families, and work colleagues to have some fun while raising money for your local hospitals charity.”
Participants must be aged 16 and over. The charity is looking for teams of 10 people. There is a £20 entry fee per person and each team is asked to raise £800 minimum sponsorship.
Kirstie Cartledge is part of the Bowel Cancer Screening Team at Lincoln County Hospital. Kirstie and colleagues have formed a team called the Bowel Screening Babes who will all be dressing up as poo emojis. She said: “What a brilliant way to get everyone together for such a worthy cause. We have got colleagues, friends and family members in our team.
“We will have an extra challenge due to our costumes, we may not be the fastest but we will certainly be having loads of fun. The most important thing is that everyone enjoys the day and we raise lots of funds for our charity so that they can do even more to support patients and staff.”
Gary Burr added: “We’re working with Lincolnshire based We’re a Knockout which is going to bring all of the inflatables for the day. Dress appropriately as you will get wet! Changing facilities are on site.
“Every penny raised will be used to help the charity support United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust patients and staff with those extras that cannot be provided by the NHS. So every participant and every obstacle you overcome really will make a massive difference.
“We’re also looking for stall holders to attend this event, so if you would like to attend with a stand please get in touch: charities.team@ulh.nhs.uk
“It’s guaranteed to be a great day and we can’t wait to share it with you.”
For more information about the charity and to book your place at the It’s A Knockout event, click here.
Image courtesy of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Three benches in Grantham’s parks are being designated as places where a chat with a friendly stranger is welcome.
‘Happy To Chat’ benches have been installed in Wyndham, Queen Elizabeth and Dysart Parks and will provide an opportunity for a quick chat or long conversation with a friendly passer-by.
The South Kesteven District Council initiative aims to tackle social isolation and promote community cohesion by encouraging people to interact with others in a safe, public space.
The benches were officially unveiled by Cllr Gloria Johnson, Chairman of South Kesteven District Council, and Cllr Paul Stokes, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, in a ceremony also attended by volunteers and representatives from South Kesteven District Council.
Cllr Stokes said: “We know how important parks and open spaces can be in encouraging community interactions and so we are delighted the ‘Happy To Chat’ benches will provide yet another opportunity for people to socialise whilst visiting the park.
“The benefits of being able to connect with others are significant but unfortunately some people can go for days, or even weeks, without the simplest of human contact. We’re really hopeful the benches will help to break down that social barrier and allow our communities to connect.”
The benches feature a simple welcoming sign which reads “Sit here if you are happy for someone to stop and say hello,” making them easily identifiable as a ‘Happy To Chat’ bench.
They are located near the Visitor Centre and Model Boating Lake in Wyndham Park, along the river path facing the fishing pond in Queen Elizabeth Park and next to the Bandstand in Dysart Park.
The Council is welcoming everyone to get behind the scheme to encourage community interactions between people of all ages, as well as to strengthen support for those experiencing loneliness.
Image courtesy of South Kesteven District Council
More schools in Lincolnshire will get the chance to boost their child reading programmes with the offer of a potential £1,000 for new books and resources.
Bookmark Reading Charity is building upon its existing support in the county by providing additional ongoing resources to schools. Primary schools across the region are being invited to join Bookmark’s School Network Programme; these schools will receive £1,000 worth of resources across an academic year.
Bookmark Reading Charity is also looking for volunteers to join their network of more than 2,000 readers who help pupils in schools face to face or online by delivering reading sessions with children at risk of falling behind. The charity says its volunteering opportunities gives volunteers a sense of fulfilment and achievement as well as helping to positively impact children’s lives by igniting the joy of reading.
The charity originally launched its Your Story Corner programme in 2022 when it delivered £144,000 worth of books and resources to 72 primary schools in Lincolnshire. This was to ensure all children had access to high quality and diverse books as well as trying to develop rich reading cultures in all primary schools in this area.
The charity is now following up its Your Story Corner offering with an opportunity for eligible schools to become part of its School Network Programme.
Emily Jack, CEO of Bookmark Reading Charity, said: “We believe Bookmark’s School Network Programme is a fantastic way for us to continue supporting the schools we know are most in need of literacy support.
“We also need volunteers across Lincolnshire to continue the momentum of what we are trying to achieve. Reading online or in person for thirty minutes a week really can change a child’s future and have a positive effect on the opportunities available to them throughout their life.”
Available to previous Your Story Corner schools that meet Bookmark’s eligibility criteria, the School Network Programme is here to help schools that need support the most.
This year Bookmark has reached out to 67 schools in Lincolnshire for the School Network programme. This is based on schools’ pupil premium data, child deprivation statistics and results for Key Stage 2 SATs.
Over the last year, firefighters and staff at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have been raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity with the aim of raising at least £80,000 in the charity’s 80th year.
The combined effort from events across the county, has already exceeded this target and raised a total of £88,101 to enhance the quality of life for serving and retired firefighters, fire personnel, and their families.
Cllr Lindsey Cawrey, executive councillor for fire and rescue at the county council, said: “What an amazing achievement for our fire crews who take the time to run events that their communities love and raise money for a great cause. From car washes to ladder climbs, Lincolnshire events raised the most money of any county in England and Wales – a fantastic achievement!
“Thank you to everyone who supported these efforts and for being so generous.”
Station Manager, Lee Marsh, said: “The Fire Fighters Charity does incredible work to support current and ex-firefighters and their families. They support so many people in what can be a very challenging role. Once again, our fundraising in Lincolnshire is something to be very proud of as we have exceeded even our own expectations and this figure could not have been reached without the amazing generosity of the people of Lincolnshire!”
Alford fire station’s ‘Alford to Alford’ motorcycle ride was the individual event that raised the most money which totalled almost £10,000. Many of the fire stations taking part in these events are crewed by On Call firefighters and the service is always looking for new recruits to be part of the team at their local station.
Later this year the charity will announce the total funds raised including from the charity lottery, clothes recycling at fire stations and other regular donations.
A D-Day 80th anniversary event at Saltby airfield on 8 June will turn back the clock to commemorate its wartime role.
RAF Saltby was home to America’s 9th Troop Carrier Command during 1944, flying paratroopers of the US 82nd Airborne Division to Normandy as part of the D-Day invasion of Europe.
The D-Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration at RAF Saltby event, from 10.30 – 3pm, will include a service of commemoration, military re-enactors, an Army field kitchen and talks in the Buckminster Gliding Club clubhouse.
The event is free but tickets for the airfield access and talks must be booked separately via Ticket Tailor.
Senior United States’ military representatives will be attending on a nostalgia visit to an airfield that played a significant role in the Allied war effort, the latest in a series of such visits.
They include the commander of the United States 314th Airlift Wing from Little Rock, Arkansas, the modern day equivalent of the 314th Troop Carrier Wing operating from RAF Saltby in 1944.
Author and Troop Carrier Command world authority, Lt Col Mark Vlahos, is also attending, giving an illustrated talk – RAF Saltby 314th Troop Carrier Group – and offering to sign any of his books for visitors who have previously bought copies.
He will be portraying Colonel Clayton Stiles, the Commander of the 314th Troop Carrier Group stationed at RAF Saltby in WW2, ‘visiting’ for the first time since the war ended.
Another talk from heritage specialist Brian Riley – Airborne Forces of Britain, the United States and Poland – focuses on the unique alliance and presence locally of Allied airborne forces from the United States, Britain and Poland that helped change the course of the war.
Darren Bond’s talk – America’s 82nd Airborne Division – will reveal the division’s history and its association with RAF Saltby and includes a demonstration of battle kit worn by both American and British airborne soldiers.
Cllr Richard Dixon-Warren, SKDC Armed Forces Champion, said: “RAF Saltby played a critical role in the invasion of Europe and we are delighted to help tell the story of the American contribution that helped turn the tide of war.”
For Buckminster Gliding Club, Chairman John Elkington said: “We are extremely proud of the heritage here at the airfield. We have a permanent memorial to allied forces and this event is an opportunity to honour the American troops and aircraft that flew from here on 6 June 1944.”
The commemoration is the latest in a series of US nostalgia visits over the years. The 314th Airlift Wing also gifted £3,000 to help restore the bells at Saltby Church.
The event has been organised by South Kesteven District Council, Saltby Airfield History Group and the Buckminster Gliding Club.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Robert L Parker
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