
I walked the Pennine Way to help other children
I am nine years old and this Easter, I walked the entire Pennine Way – that's 268 miles from England to Scotland – in just 15 days (Walking the Pennine Way put everything into perspective for me, including my right to be here, 20 April). I did it to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, because I want to help other children who are unwell and need support. I wanted to use my legs and my strength to help children who can't do the same right now.
I thought about them every day – through the rain, wind, aching feet and long climbs. The idea came from my dad, who walked the Pennine Way when he was 18. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and show that children can do big things. I filmed short updates every day for my YouTube channel, Layros14, and raised more than £2,700 through my JustGiving page. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the way, and I'd love for my journey to inspire other young people to take on their own adventures – and to realise that small steps can lead to big change. Thank you to everyone who supported me, donated and cheered me on. Layla RosowskyCambridge
The Kinder trespass is indeed something to commemorate. Let's not forget that it wasn't just Manchester ramblers, people came from Sheffield too. And the Ramblers Association itself was opposed to illegal action, much of the organising was done by members of the Young Communist League. Ask a Boltonian (I'm not one), but they may point out an earlier trespass on Winter Hill. Better known now for its telly transmitters. Yes, the countryside should be for everyone. And public transport. Both of these are vital.Mary WrightManchester
Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Molly-Mae confesses to secret Tommy reunion struggle as duo enjoy staycation
Molly-Mae Hague has admitted there are certain parts of her newfound relationship with boxer and Love Island partner Tommy Fury that she is struggling to deal with Reality TV star Molly-Mae Hague has admitted there are parts of her rekindled romance with Tommy Fury that she is still struggling with. The former Love Island pair stunned fans last year when they announced their shock split after five years together. However, the parents of Bambi have decided to give love another go and went public recently after keeping their reunion under wraps. Since announcing they are back together, the family of three have enjoyed several sweet trips, including a staycation in the Cotswolds this weekend. But the Maebe founder has admitted it's not all smooth sailing. Speaking to her fans in her latest vlog update on YouTube, Molly-Mae confessed it has felt strange adjusting back to having their relationship in the open. She candidly discussed how she struggled on the family's recent trip to Disneyland Paris. She told the camera: "Disneyland was just like… I don't want to say not enjoyable, because we had a lovely time. Disneyland was just, we went at the wrong time.' Molly-Mae explained how the trio went to the park with loved ones during the school holidays. However, duo to their status, she revealed the family was constantly being filmed and photos being taken. Despite trying to play down the situation, she said she noticed a number of people snapping them without permission. And it was that which was the hardest part of the trip as they had their young daughter in tow, Molly admitted. She went on: "At Disneyland, when I was with Bambi, it's quite hard to navigate that. When you have a toddler, you're out with your partner, and there's already a little bit of a new thing that you're back out together, and you're trying to navigate that, and then you can see people looking and staring and filming." Molly-Mae added: "It was my birthday as well, and it was just like… kind of tricky to figure out if we were having boundaries, or there weren't any boundaries." She admitted the incident has meant she won't be rushing back to enjoy a family trip out in the open anytime soon. Despite saying "we should have known better," Molly said their newfound relationship's attention means they will "feel it more now". "It's just a bit like new territory," she said. "Because for people it's a bit like taboo, I don't know, but if people see us out, it's like 'oh, like let's film!' I don't know – I just think I maybe felt it a bit more this time." Over the weekend, Molly also shared a number of sweet snaps from their more intimate time away together in the Cotswolds. Posting to Instagram, Molly said: "This look is giving mum who's had approx 3 seconds to get ready." She then posted a photo taken at Aynhoe Park, a 17th-century country estate located at the boundaries of Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire - just next to the Cotswolds - and wrote "Restoration Hardware place is my heaven. Interior spam incoming." The mum-of-one continued to upload a series of images of the venue's luxurious interior, including two adorable photos of Bambi carrying a little pram while walking around the rooms. She also posted pictures of her favourite bedrooms and explained how her daughter put her baby doll to bed in every room of the building.


Press and Journal
15 hours ago
- Press and Journal
Catriona and Richard's incredible home makeover near Aboyne
Who: Catriona Elson and her husband Richard, who have just acquired the Braemar Gallery. They share their home with their dogs Percy and Dolly. Their children Georgie and Robert grew up there but have since flown the nest. What: A traditional four-bedroom period property with a two-bedroom cottage located within the garden grounds. Where: A quiet spot in Birse on the edge of Aboyne just a short walk to the Boat Inn and the village. . 'We purchased the property on a cold, February day 24 years ago. Richard and I were visiting a family home in Aboyne and saw the 'for sale' sign. We fell in love with South Manse straight away as Richard loved the land while for me, the house was somewhere I wanted to bring up my children. For us, we both had a wonderful feeling about the property especially as it was well loved by the previous owner. At the time, we were moving up from the Henley on Thames area. Everyone thought we were completely mad as we bought the house before we had sold our own in Oxfordshire. But I had family in Peterhead and Aberdeen and Richard, who was originally from West Berkshire, loved Scotland and Aberdeenshire so that was it. It was a crazy time but we sold our house in Oxfordshire and made the move to Aberdeenshire. Arriving at the South Manse in early Spring was a joy and my lovely friends Steve and Shar helped move us in. In terms of history, the property was previously owned by a retired vet and before that Miss Wishart who was the last minister's daughter who was apparently quite a character. The house is such a happy place and we have had children playing and laughing in the gardens since they were babies. With all of the land the kids ran around making camps, climbing trees and enjoyed Easter egg hunts in the woods. We also kept lots of animals including hens. They were the best especially one called Rose who came into the kitchen to lay her daily egg. The property also enjoys beautiful views overlooking Morven and down the Dee Valley while the river and village can be seen from the upstairs windows. Set in three acres of land, South Manse is the main house. Inside, there are four bedrooms, three receptions rooms and a kitchen. Built around 1837, the property was a Manse for the Church until the 1980s. In terms of interiors, they have been updated with the help of Leonie Bosher, my friend who is an interior designer. With my love of antiques, art and interior design the South Manse and Coo Hoose were a dream to decorate. We wanted to create a family space which was homely but with formal spaces with high ceilings in the sitting room and dining room. I adore wallpapers so many rooms have fun twists on more traditional styles. Some of my favourite designer wallpaper brands are Cole and Son, Barneby Gates and House of Hackney. In terms of paint, we used Farrow & Ball. Some of the shades we used included 'mizzle' for the front door, 'green smoke' for the hall and 'pigeon' in the kitchen. For the woodwork, we used 'strong white' which has a tiny touch of grey so it's a lovely soft white. In the bedrooms and bathroom we used 'cornforth' and 'skimming stone'. For all the bathrooms and kitchen, we used beautiful handmade tiles from a company called Fired Earth. In the country kitchen we used handmade Bastide French solid oak with complementing black lava polished work surfaces which works well with the cream Aga range cooker. Thirteen years ago, we decided to convert the steading/barn which was in danger of falling down. We transformed it into a two-bedroom annex where friends and family could stay. After a time we started running the property as The Coo Hoose, a very successful self-catering business. It was designed by Andrew Keir, a local architect and friend, who did an outstanding job as he managed to convert the property into a wonderful quiet spot full of light and warmth. Interior designer Leonie Bosher also helped with all the interiors and with the finishing touches. Now it's a wonderful open plan living area for guests to enjoy. Life now takes us to Braemar where we've decided to put down roots. We have also just acquired the Braemar Gallery and with my background in art, antiques, design and retail, that will help enormously. I have huge shoes to fill as the present owners have done an amazing job creating a wonderful business for us to inherit and take forward. As a collaborator, Leonie Bosher will also be bring her unique inspiration to the business. She has worked on many UK and international properties- both residential and hotels – and was a finalist in the prestigious SBID Awards, for her work on The Draycott development in London. So 24 years after moving to South Manse and the Coo Hoose, it's time to hand the house over to the next lucky person who can enjoy taking the house to the next level. Whoever lives here will absolutely love it. It's been a joy to live here as we have lovely neighbours and a garden full of wildlife with plenty of space for children to play. Our children have sadly left the nest and I have just recovered from Breast Cancer so it's time to make a change. We have exciting times ahead.' South Manse and Coo Hoose, Birse, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, is on the market for offers over £950,000. To arrange a viewing, check out the website And if you enjoyed this story, you may also like: Couple turn Tomatin home into dream house after amazing makeover French couple put their historic Braemar home on the market for £395,000


Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'most beautiful seaside town' is unsung spot with 'overlooked' beach
Weymouth in Dorset has been named as an "unsung beach town" despite its stunning beach and range of activities on offer, making it a great place to visit this summer As the summer season approaches, many are eager to unwind on a beautiful beach, and the good news is that you don't have to venture far in the UK to find an incredible destination. Weymouth in Dorset, England has previously been hailed by the Guardian as an "unsung beach town" - a hidden gem that's often overshadowed by its more popular neighbouring resorts. The publication claimed: "While its wide, sheltered beach is consistently voted among the nation's favourites, the town itself is often overlooked in favour of its trendier seaside neighbours". Despite not being the trendiest of spots, Weymouth is a haven for beach enthusiasts, boasting crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and proximity to the breathtaking white cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site. Visitors to Weymouth beach can enjoy an array of activities, from traditional Punch and Judy shows and donkey rides to adrenaline-pumping water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding, reports the Express. The beach also features a historic promenade, offering stunning coastal views, as well as a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it easy to indulge in a plate of fish and chips after a day soaking up the sun. Throughout August, a funfair will be setting up shop at Weymouth Beach, bringing with it an array of amusement rides, sideshows, and a dazzling firework display. Adjacent to the promenade, you'll find the stunning Greenhill Gardens, boasting spectacular coastal views, vibrant floral displays and a quaint cafe for those seeking a tranquil spot to soak up the sun. Weymouth beach offers something for everyone, but the town is also renowned for its historic harbour. Dating back to the 13th century, it's famed as the original entry point of the Black Death into Britain. The harbour isn't just a must-visit for history buffs; it's also visually striking, surrounded by colourful Victorian buildings and boats. It's an ideal spot for snapping photos or enjoying lunch while taking in the picturesque views. History enthusiasts and fans of stunning vistas should also consider a trip to Nothe Fort in Weymouth. This well-preserved 18th-century fort houses a museum, a nuclear shelter, and a network of underground tunnels. Offering breathtaking views of Weymouth Bay, the fort also hosts guided tours and special events throughout the year, including ghost hunts, making it a fantastic place to visit. Nature lovers will also be drawn to Weymouth's Radipole Lake Nature Reserve. Nestled in the heart of the town, this wildlife sanctuary features nature trails where visitors can spot a variety of bird species, otters, and more. Additionally, the serene Bennetts Water Gardens offers a Japanese-style garden boasting an impressive collection of water lilies scattered across numerous ponds, lakes and streams within the grounds. Visitors can embark on a guided boat tour through the gardens, explore the museum, and even indulge in afternoon tea at a cafe with picturesque views of the gardens for a truly scenic lunch. Regardless of your holiday preferences, Weymouth has something to offer everyone. Despite not being as well-known as other neighbouring towns, it boasts an incredibly beautiful beach, making it an ideal destination for a summer visit.