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Daily Mirror
27-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Headteacher spots pupil stealing from school, but explanation is heartbreaking
Headteacher Razia Shah said a pupil had been stealing basic supplies such as pens, a glue stick and a highlighter - and she was heartbroken to find out the reason A headteacher spotted a pupil stealing some basic items from school - and was heartbroken to find out why. Razia Shah said a highlighter, some pens and a glue stick had gone missing from St Augustine's CE Primary School in Monsall, North Manchester, but staff initially thought little of it. However, when they discovered who was taking them and why, they were saddened. The headteacher revealed the pupil loved to draw but had nothing they could use at home - including colouring pens and paper. After talking to the child, Razia supplied them with a pencil case to allow them to draw at home and be creative. The school is located in one of Manchester's most deprived neighbourhoods and staff say they regularly see children with very little in the lunchboxes, wearing broken shoes and old clothes. But Razia said the school is benefiting from the help of the INEOS Forgotten 40 Project, a charitable initiative hoping to improve the lives of children growing up in some of the poorest parts of the UK, which provides them funding. The name Forgotten 40 refers to the estimated number of children living in poverty in the UK alone, predicted to be growing towards 40%, Manchester Evening News reports. Thanks to the project, headteachers of 100 primary schools serving some of the UK's most deprived communities are given flexible funding "to meet the wellbeing and needs of children growing up in particularly challenging circumstances." To date, the project has helped over 25,000 children across the UK. St Augustine's has been receiving the funding for the past five years and it has made a significant different, the headteacher said. She explained: "If children need uniform we have uniform. Quite often we'll have soles coming off trainers and with the recent rain we replaced two pairs of school shoes for kids whose feet were getting soaked. "If a pupil comes in and their trousers are ripped or their tights are ripped, no questions are asked, someone will say 'just try these on' and nobody needs to know, it's all done discreetly. There's no stigma attached to anything here and our parents know that." Razia said the school has 65% pupil premium, making children eligible for free school meals, but it's not only those on benefits that are in need of support, highlighting that there are also some poor parents "who are one-in, one-out at home with their shifts just to make ends meet and doing everything they possibly can." In addition to basic items children need, the school also provides everyone with a free breakfast, free fruit during the break and free milk with lunch. They also arrange an annual cinema trip, theatre, farm visits and visits to London, Razia, who is a mum-of-three said. "We try to give them as many trips and first-hand experiences as possible," she explained. "As a headteacher we are gifted this money from INEOS to use on our community, no strings attached, to do whatever our community needs. "My parents love their children and want to give their children the best, but life is hard and they can't always afford not only the luxuries but the basics, so we want to help them as much as we can. The hire of a coach alone can be £400 and with the funding it means we never have to worry about whether our parents can afford that." Every year the school takes 40 children on a residential trip to the Lake District, giving them "an amazing experience" to remember, says Razia. While funding for St Augustine's has been confirmed for the next three years, Razia is already dreading what will happen when it ends. "It makes such a difference having the autonomy with this money," she said. "It means if I need to I can help someone top up their electricity, I can pay for things they need, I can think outside the box. We know our communities well and the children who need support. We wear so many hats now - social worker, health carer - we do so many things. "I just wish these next three years would never end because we've been able to make such a difference and that's what we all come into the job for." The INEOS Forgotten 40 Project began in 2020 when INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe read reports of growing childhood poverty and looked to do something pivotal to increase opportunities for all children. Funding goes directly to schools, with no middleman, and minimal admin is required by headteachers.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Family's double tragedy as second teenager killed five years after shooting
A family has faced a second tragedy five years after a talented young boxer was gunned down on the streets of Bury. Brandon Porter Kershaw died following reports of collision between a car and a pedestrian in the town on Monday (May 19). Emergency services rushed to the scene on Porritt Street shortly after 8pm, where they found the 19-year-old with serious injuries in the road. READ MORE: Bury murder: Man, 19, killed after being hit by car in 'targeted attack' named and pictured READ MORE: Parents issued urgent warning after school pupil is 'threatened with knife' in park Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the man sadly died. A man, aged 38, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning. In a heartbreaking tribute to the young dad, his family said: 'We are all truly shocked and heartbroken by the sudden loss of Brandon. He was a gentle, kind-hearted young man whose warmth and social nature touched everyone around him. 'Brandon was taken far too soon, and his passing has left a deep void in all our lives. In a statement issued overnight Greater Manchester Police described the incident as a "targeted" attack. The Manchester Evening News understands Brandon was related to talented boxer, Cole Kershaw, who died, aged 18, after being shot in Bury in August 2020. The teenager was shot dead as he tried to run away following a car chase through the streets of Bury on the evening of August 12, 2020. Not the intended target, Cole had been caught in the crossfire of a bitter feud between his best friend and another man, Kamran Mohammed. Mohammed, Mohammed Izaarh Khan Khayam Ali Khurshid were in a silver BMW which pursued a Ford Mondeo containing the young boxer and others. As Cole and his friends fled the car in an attempt to escape, Mohammed fired three shots from a .22 calibre pistol, the third of which struck Cole in the chest, fatally wounding him. Mohammed, Khan and Khurshid were handed life sentences for his murder in May 2021 after a five-week trial. F In August last year Khurshid's two sisters were sentenced for trying to help their brother escape justice following the killing. Farah Khan, 28 and Husna Khan, 29, hid their sibling Khayam Ali Khurshid in a hotel in the days afterwards. They then drove him to Kent, and on the Eurotunnel over to Europe, where they twice booked him one-way tickets to Pakistan. Their plan was only foiled as Khurshid didn't have proof of a negative Covid test. Following Brandon's death on Monday, a cordon remains in place at the scene while the suspect is in custody for questioning. St Paul's CE Primary School, on Porritt Street, has been closed today (May 20) with the cordon surrounding the building Anyone with information about the incident is being urged to come forward to GMP. In a statement issued overnight, Detective Superintendent Wesley Knights said: 'Firstly, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. 'This is a truly tragic incident which has seen a young man lose his life, I would like to reassure the public that this is a targeted attack and there is no wider threat to the community. 'Local officers will remain in the area making enquiries, as well as an increased number of highly visible patrols overnight and into Tuesday. If you have any concerns, please speak to them. 'Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 3460 of 19/05/2025 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.'
