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Page 12 April 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 T: 01204 303939 • 0800 3896 795 W: www.boltonsunblindcentre.co.uk AND WIGAN I N D C E N T R E nsunblindcentre.co.uk • Free phone: 0800 389675 • Awnings • Rollers s • Romans • Verticals ntation shutters • Velux • Rollers • Venetians • Romans • Vertical • Plantation Shutters We are a family run business that has been Established Over 50 Years and 90% of people who use us are recommended By You. We offer a FREE measuring and fitting service with a no obligation quote and a FIVE YEAR GUARANTEE. BOLTON AND WIGAN S U N B L I N D C E N T R E W: www.boltonsunblindcentre.co.uk T: 01942 254011 • Free phone: 0800 389675 • Velux • Awnings • Rollers • Venetians • Romans • Verticals • Plantation shutters MAYOR David Chadwick thanked the medics who saved his life during a visit to the Royal BoltonHospital. The borough’s first citizen had a lengthy stay in its Critical Care Unit at the end of 2024. And following his life-saving care he chose Our Bolton NHS Charity as one of his may- oral charities. Councillor Chadwick toured the hospital to see first-hand the schemes being funded by the charity that are making a difference to the lives of patients and families. And after returning to the Critical Care Unit for the first time since his treatment, he said: “It was great to see all the dedicated and passionate staff who looked after me so well, and to gain an understanding of the money needed across mul- tiple departments. “I hope to be able to raise as much as possible for the hospital to be able to thank them for the exceptional care they provided me when they saved my life.” The trust’s chief executive, Fiona Noden, and non-execu- tive director, Seth Crofts, joined the tour across the hospital to share valuable insight into how money raised by the charity can be used to fund vital equipment and improve the comfort and experience patients and their families receive. The tour included a visit to the children’s and orthopaedic ward where Cllr Chadwick was able to meet with frontline col- leagues and understand more about how services have benefit- ted from charity funding. The charity schemes the mayor visited included the hos- pital’s scheme to feed parents who find themselves staying in hospital while their children are being cared for. He also saw a sensory wall in the orthopaedics waiting room installed to calm and entertain young patients while they wait for an appointment. Sarah Skinner, charity man- ager for Our Bolton NHS Char- ity, said: “It was a pleasure to be able to welcome the Mayor of Bolton to Royal Bolton Hospital and to showcase what we have been able to fund so far. “The generosity and kindness of people who fundraise for our charity enable to us make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, their fami- lies and our wider communities.” HORWICH will not to take part in the race to be crowned the UK’s first Town of Culture. The town council has decided not to put together a bid for the initial competition but it will look at opportunities in the future. The government has created a national competition which will see the winning location awarded £3million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, with two runners-up receiving £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid. The competition has attracted interests from towns across the country, including Chorley. A list of the towns shortlisted is expected to be announced later in the spring. Announcing the competition, Wigan MP and government cul- ture secretary Lisa Nandy said: “There is so much for us to be proud of in the towns we’re from – from the rich, local history to unique festivals and celebrations. “They have shaped our national story for decades. Now it’s time they take centre stage and showcase the unique stories they have to tell. “We have seen the transforma- tive power of culture through the UK City of Culture competition. I want to make sure that towns have the same opportunity to make a real difference to their local community and show the world exactly why their town is so special.” She added: “Great culture is not confined to our largest metropoli- tan centres; it is everywhere, rooted in communities across the country. But for too long that talent and con- tribution have gone unrecognised. “Everybody deserves the chance to share their pride in the place they call home and to have access to quality art, music, dance and drama wherever they live.” The UK Town of Culture com- petition builds on the success of UK City of Culture, which has delivered transformative benefits for its four winners. Tour: Mayor David Chadwick meets sta! during his hospital tour (Photo credit: Royal Bolton Hospital) Mayor’s thanks to his life-savers Town decides against culture bid