Your Local Independent 200

October/November 2025 Page 17 AD SALES 01204 478812 TWO amateur cyclists are getting ready to pedal round Anglesey in 24 hours in a bid to raise more than £1,000 for The Christe Charity. Nick Richardson, entrepreneur in residence at Bolton’s University of Greater Manchester, is under- taking the challenged with Mark Armstrong, a colleague in the mar- ket research business he founded. They have teamed up to cycle the island’s 200km of coastline, in 24 hours, to raise funds for the Chris- tie Charity, a pioneering cancer charity that is a cause that is close to their hearts. The duo will face steep climbs, as well as the unpredictable Welsh weather, in a two-wheeled test of endurance. Mark said: “It’s still a blur how we came up with this idea, but now we have said we are going to do it, I am looking forward to the challenge and raising some money for Chris- tie a pioneering cancer charity. I just hope the wind is blowing in our direction!” The Christie is a specialist cancer centre in Manchester and has more than 120 years expertise in cancer care, research and education. It is the largest provider of radi- otherapy in the NHS and is home to the largest chemotherapy unit in the UK, treating 60,000 patients each year. Island ride for the Christie ACROSS 1 Minor Biblical prophet (5) 4 Used for treating malaria (7) 8 Small house (5) 9 Something unpleasant to look at (7) 10 Notice (7) 11 Map within a map (5) 12 Temperature measuring instrument (11) 17 Racecourse (5) 19 Human air intake? (7) 21 Warrior of feudal Japan (7) 22 Visible vapour (5) 23 Setback (7) 24 Very steep (5) DOWN 1 Barrack (6) 2 Seventh day (7) 3 Invalidate (5) 4 Form (13) 5 List (7) 6 Golf clubs (5) 7 Builds (6) 13 Ramshackle building (3,4) 14 Body part pierced for rings (7) 15 Roman general (6) 16 Unpowered aircraft (6) 18 Ship of the desert (5) 20 Draws into the mouth (5) Answers on page 30. QUICK CROSSWORD DERIAN House Chil- dren’s Hospice has appointed Caroline Tay- lor, its former director of income and engage- ment, as its new deputy chief executive. Caroline, who has been part of the Chorley hospice’s leadership team for seven years, has played a pivotal role in raising the charity’s profile and income. Her appointment to dep- uty chief executive has been strongly supported by the board of trustees, who are committed to investing in her continued development as part of the charity’s long- term succession planning. Caroline said: “It is an honour and a privilege to step into the role of deputy chief executive at Derian House Children’s Hospice – a cause that I support with all my heart. “I have seen first-hand the extraordinary difference that we make to babies, children, young people and their fami- lies during the most difficult of times. I am inspired every single day by the resilience of the families we support, and by the dedication of Derian’s staff and volunteers who are a shining light during dark times. “I will work with the lead- ership team to build on the strong foundations we have, to ensure we continue to grow and innovate. We want to expand our services and it is my ambition for us to reach every family who needs us, so that every child whose life is too short – and their family – can make the most of every precious moment.” The appointment comes as Derian House continues to expand its services to reach more families than ever before. “The charity has also launched recruitment for a new role – director of chil- dren and families’ services – to strengthen its non-clinical support, including family support, counselling, play, youth work, wellbeing, and bereavement services. Chief executive Karen Edwards said: “Caroline has been instrumental in the growth of our charity and we are delighted to see her step into the role of deputy chief executive. “Her leadership, vision and passion for our cause have already made a huge impact, and I know she will continue to drive us forward in this exciting new chapter. “The creation of a director of children and families role demonstrates our contin- ued commitment to putting families at the very heart of everything we do. Together, these appointments will help us to grow our services and ensure that no child or family faces life’s hardest moments alone.” Caroline, 46, lives in Leyland with her husband, two children and dog. She New chapter for Derian Growth plans: Caroline Taylor and Karen Edwards Safety message: One of the new signs installed in Bolton town centre (Photo credit: Bolton Council) New signs to tackle roadside begging Pedal power: Nick and Mark joined Derian House in 2018 as communications and marketing manager after a career in journalism and communications. She has risen through the ranks as the charity has invested in her development. One of the charity’s strate- gic aims is to nurture and develop staff. Derian House cares for more than 400 babies, chil- dren and young people with life-limiting conditions across the NorthWest, and supports their families in making pre- cious memories together. NEW signs have been installed in Bolton town centre aimed at tackling roadside begging. The signs, which state, ‘Road- side begging puts lives at risk. Give instead to local chari- ties who help those in need’ have been placed in key loca- tions where begging is a long- term issue. The first of the signs have been erected at the junction of Topp Way and Kay Street. Bolton Council, which has installed them, says that roadside begging “compro- mises the safety of motorists and pedestrians”. In a statement it said: “Most people who beg in Bolton are not homeless and help is available for those who need it and choose to accept it.” Hamid Khurram, the council’s executive member for highways, said: “Roadside begging can be distracting for drivers and puts people at risk of road accidents. “Giving money to people who are begging does not address underlying issues like addiction or poor mental health. “A better way to help is to give to charities that provide a wide range of long-term support to move people away from begging and living on the streets. “Hope for Change is a local charity that aims to help those struggling with issues that often lead to begging, such as drug and alcohol addiction, unemploy- ment and poor mental health.” People can donate to Hope for Change via branded collection boxes in local shops and busi- nesses displaying a Hope for Change logo. They also donate to Urban Outreach and mark their donation ‘Hope for Change’.