Latest news with #Bleakholt
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Animal lovers brave long, wet night in sleepout for great cause
A group of animal lovers raised funds by getting their heads down. Nicola Boyle, 30, Laura Ashton, 35, Dawn Wood, 35, and her 10-year-old daughter Charlie-Mai, took on a 12-hour sleepout for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield. By setting up camp outside Bury's Tesco store on Friday, May 23, they raised more than £1,100 for the charity. Nicola, who has her own dog -walking business, Walkies with Nic, said: 'The idea came after seeing a number of animals brought into the sanctuary as strays. "These animals have most likely come from a once-loving home and find themselves on the streets through no fault of their own, scared, vulnerable, cold, and wet.' She said Bleakholt was the chosen charity because of the hard work it puts into rehabilitating animals and rehoming them. She added: 'The staff and the public were very supportive. "We had people making donations on the night, including a police officer. Everyone was amazing.' So committed was the group, that they braved adverse conditions despite only having sleeping bags to protect them from the elements. 'Although it was warm, we were faced with some awful rain from about midnight right through to 6am,' said Nicola. 'Thankfully we had shelter, however not all animals that get dumped have that luxury and often find themselves abandoned with nothing.' To make a donation to Nicola's fundraising, visit
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bury star to take part in Manchester race TODAY alongside famous fiancé
A radio presenter and former soap star from Bury is set to run in a popular Manchester race this weekend alongside her fiancé – and they've already raised more than £13,000 for charity. Gemma Atkinson, 40, will be taking part in a 10k run this Sunday, May 18, while her fiancé Gorka Márquez, 34 is taking on the half marathon at the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run in the city centre. The pair met while on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and have two children together. Gemma is the president of Edenfield animal sanctuary Bleakholt and is using the event to fundraise for the renovation and extension of the cattery as part of 'Project Purr' which launched in March this year. The current cattery at Bleakholt can house around 70 cats but they have 'hundreds more' on the waiting list in need of help. Gemma Atkinson (Image: Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary) Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts. The renovation, which is hoped to begin later this year, will transform the existing buildings, allowing the sanctuary to house at least another 100 cats while improving the welfare of the cats they look after. Together, Gemma and Gorka have raised an incredible £13,116 ahead of the run. Gemma said: "I am so proud that myself and Gorka have raised more than £13,000 for Bleakholt's Project Purrfect. "It means so much to us that we can play our part in ensuring Bleakholt help more stray, abandoned and neglected cats. "The run will be a test for both of us - but we are looking forward to it!" Bleakholt manager Karen Weed said: "We are so thankful to Gemma and Gorka for fundraising for 'Project Purrfect.' 'More cats than ever are being abandoned and neglected and the £300,000 renovation and extension of our cattery can make a difference. 'They have raised an amazing amount, which will all go into helping the cats in the area have a better life. READ NEXT: Crews back in town for second day of filming major TV drama READ NEXT: Man who set up dog walking business while grieving his parents shortlisted for award 'Everyone at Bleakholt wishes them good luck in the day!" The animal charity rehomed more than 500 cats last year but is facing a crisis due to 'unprecedented levels' of unwanted, abandoned, pregnant, stray and unwell cats in the area. To find out more about the appeal or to make a donation, you can visit the Bleakholt website.
