Latest news with #Children'sWard
Leader Live
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Act of kindness brings joy on Easter weekend
In a heart warming gesture of compassion and community spirit, Gareth Williams, founder of ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) and the John Walker and Oliver Parks Foundation, visited the Children's Ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. He showed up armed with dozens of Easter eggs and activity books to bring a little sparkle and hope to the faces of poorly children spending Easter in hospital. (Image: Rob Galloway) Each egg and book was given with the hope that it would provide a memory to treasure during tough times. Gareth also presented the nurses and unsung heroes of the Children's Ward with beautiful flowers, a heartfelt thank-you card, and £100 out of his own pocket towards an afternoon or evening out. Gareth with Claire Jones from Card Factory (Image: Rob Galloway) A small but powerful gesture to say, 'We see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.' However, none of this almost didn't happen. Just days before the big visit, Gareth's own vehicle broke down, putting the entire Easter delivery in jeopardy. But Sam Jones at Enterprise Rentals Wrexham stepped in and saved the day. Hearing Gareth's story, Sam immediately reached out and provided a van at a discounted rate, allowing him to get everything to the hospital in time for Easter Sunday. Gareth with Sam Jones at Enterprise (Image: Rob Galloway) 'Without Sam and Enterprise Wrexham, none of this would have been possible,' Gareth said. 'I was in a real bind, and they absolutely saved Easter for those children. I can't thank them enough. I would highly recommend them to anyone!' Gareth also sends a massive thank you to the local businesses and community members who supported the mission, including; Enterprise Wrexham (special thanks to Sam), Marks & Spencer, Boots, Tesco and Card Factory. Founded in January 2023, ARK: The John Walker and Oliver Park Foundation was created following a period of profound loss for Gareth, who lost his best friend John to sarcoma in 2015. MOST READ In 2022, tragedy struck again when John's 27-year-old son Harrison passed away. Their deaths inspired Gareth to act, and has conducted acts of kindness in their memory ever since. "The goal was clear", he said. "To transform grief into action and offer hope, healing, and human connection to others in need. "It's about helping the community amongst communities – those who often fall between the cracks." The foundation also works closely with the NHS and other frontline services to ensure people get the care and compassion they deserve, especially when they're at their most vulnerable. "At its heart, ARK is about rebuilding trust and compassion in a world that often feels fractured. It's a reminder that sometimes, the smallest acts – a conversation, a smile, a helping hand – can make the biggest difference."
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Coronation Street fans say 'they could never' as Leanne Battersby 'past' resurfaces
Coronation Street fans have been sharing their thoughts on Leanne Battersby as a clip resurfaced of her earlier days in Weatherfield. As fans of the ITV soap know, Leannee was brought up by her father Les Battersby and stepmother Janice, alongside Toyah Habeebb and the Battersbys moved into No.5 Coronation Street in 1997. Following a drug addiction, Leanne moved away in 2000 to escape from gangster Jez Quigley but returned in 2004. The character was absent from the Street from July 2006 to March 2007 when actress Jane Danson went on maternity leave but has been back on the cobbles ever since. READ MORE: This Morning star confirms they've quit ITV show after 33 years as Holly Willoughby reaches out READ MORE: GMB producers forced to step in as Kate Garraway is told to 'move on' Jane has played Leanne from the very beginning, but the actress first started out in children's TV with drama Children's Ward and then CBBC sitcom Out of Tune. She joined Corrie in 1997 and was just 18 when she arrived on the show. And fans have been sharing a clip of Jane during her earlier days of playing Leanne, before life's trials and tribulations made her into the adult she is today. In the clip, Leanne can be seen singing the Spice Girls' hit track, Wannabe, while working in the factory, Underworld, alongside her mum, Janice, and the likes of Sally Metcalfe, then Webster, Ida Clough, played by Helene Palmer. Leanne Battersby dancing and singing along to Spice Girls''Wannabe' in Coronation Street (1997) — UK Girl Group Archive (@GGARCHIVEUK) March 13, 2025 Sharing the clip on X, formerly known as Twitter, @GGARCHIVEUK said: "Leanne Battersby dancing and singing along to Spice Girls''Wannabe' in Coronation Street (1997)." And Corrie fans have been quick to respond. @agf1052 said: "They could never make me hate you Leanne Battersby #Corrie." @ihearthorror_ commented: "his leanne wouldn't have fallen for cult stuff, need her back #Corrie." @LisasCrisps wrote: "I've run out of ways to say how much I love her!" @bosdovja92 added: "The way they took this flame-haired, feisty working-class girl and made her into bland, permanently-p**sed-off business woman should be studied
