Latest news with #ChrisDavies


BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
'Life will never be the same' after grandad dies in Trafford crash
The family of a man who died in a motorbike crash have paid tribute to a "deeply loved husband, father and grandad" who was "kind and thoughtful".Chris Davies, 54, died after a crash involving the motorbike he was riding and a car in the Partington area of Trafford at about 09:30 BST on 14 May, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said."He was a kind and thoughtful man who was always there to support and better the lives of his family, and who would help anybody," his family said in a statement issued by police.A man in his 70s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has since been bailed. Greater Manchester Police said a Peugeot 107 was travelling along Moss Lane when it was in collision with a motorbike travelling along Warburton Davies, who was from Partington, died at the scene."Chris was a huge and influential part of our lives," his family said in their tribute. "He loved his family dearly and idolised his grandchildren and we are devastated that he has been taken from us so young and in such tragic circumstances.""He did many amazing things in his life and would be proud to look back on the impact he made with everyone he met, just as we are so very proud of him," they added."His cheerful attitude and bright smile will be missed forever, and our lives will never be the same without him. "We have been left with broken hearts but lots of precious memories that we will cherish."Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'How my pet hamster led me to my future wife'
When Chris Davies's daughter first begged him for a hamster, he wasn't exactly thrilled. But eight-year-old Lily, after hours of research, managed to convince her dad they were not just "starter pets" and to welcome one into their home. The NHS nurse bought Popcorn, a hamster he said he knew there was "something different" about from the beginning. But nothing could have prepared Chris for the "surreal" impact the rodent would have on his life, eventually leading him to the woman he will soon marry. Not long after bringing Popcorn home, Chris' life took an expected turn as he had a "sudden" break-up. "I was broken after," he said. Yet during those lonely times, it was Popcorn who offered him unexpected support. "I thought I'd just be more open-minded and see what this animal was about." Chris was surprised to find that Popcorn behaved more like a loyal puppy than a rodent. "He was following me like a dog," he said. "I got him on the sofa with me, and he fell asleep on my chest. I couldn't believe it." For Chris, who struggles with anxiety, Popcorn soon became a source of calm and connection. "It was just a really beautiful thing. It was mindfulness. "Being a nurse in the NHS, some days are quite hard and it's really stressful, but Popcorn would just calm me down." Lily and other family members began encouraging Chris to post videos of Popcorn's behaviour online. "I was kind of anxious at first," Chris said. "How many blokes do you see lying on a sofa with a hamster?" But almost as soon as Chris began posting videos of Popcorn on TikTok, they took off. More than140,000 fans were charmed by Popcorn's unusual personality, his affection and his bond with Chris and Lily. He became, as Chris lovingly described him, their "micro-dog". What followed was a bizarre set of events no one could have been predicted, Chris said. As Popcorn gained popularity online, Chris and Lily wrote a book together about the impact that the little critter had on their family, which was then published in May 2024. Then one evening, Chris then received a comment from a fellow Cardiffian, Carrie, telling him his content was "cute". The pair got chatting, soon discovering mutual passions, a shared love for animals and even the same profession. "We were living only a mile apart, but we'd never bumped into each other," Chris said. "It was crazy." Chris and Carrie met in person a few months later and when Carrie held Popcorn, Chris said, it was like a something "clicked into place". The family, which has now grown to include Carrie and her children as well, sadly lost Popcorn in the summer of 2023. But fast forward to today and Chris and Carrie are engaged, set to marry this December. Their wedding cake will even feature a small tribute to Popcorn, with his name written at the bottom. "Without him it wouldn't have happened, you know. He was cupid, in a way." Chris said. Though Popcorn has been gone for a few years now, his impact remains immeasurable. For Chris, he was more than just a pet. "There's never be another Popcorn," he said. "He was just a one-off."


BBC News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Popcorn the hamster led me to meet the love of my life'
When Chris Davies's daughter first begged him for a hamster, he wasn't exactly eight-year-old Lily, after hours of research, managed to convinced her dad they were not just "starter pets" and to welcome one into their home. The NHS nurse bought Popcorn, a hamster he said he knew there was "something different" about from the nothing could have prepared Chris for the "surreal" impact the rodent would have on his life, eventually leading him to the woman he will soon marry. Not long after bringing Popcorn home, Chris' life took an expected turn as he had a "sudden" break-up."I was broken after," he said. Yet during those lonely times, it was Popcorn who offered him unexpected support."I thought I'd just be more open-minded and see what this animal was about."Chris was surprised to find that Popcorn behaved more like a loyal puppy than a rodent."He was following me like a dog," he said. "I got him on the sofa with me, and he fell asleep on my chest. I couldn't believe it." For Chris, who struggles with anxiety, Popcorn soon became a source of calm and connection."It was just a really beautiful thing. It was mindfulness. "Being a nurse in the NHS, some days are quite hard and it's really stressful, but Popcorn would just calm me down."Lily and other family members began encouraging Chris to post videos of Popcorn's behaviour online."I was kind of anxious at first," Chris said. "How many blokes do you see lying on a sofa with a hamster?"But almost as soon as Chris began posting videos of Popcorn on TikTok, they took off. More than140,000 fans were charmed by Popcorn's unusual personality, his affection and his bond with Chris and became, as Chris lovingly described him, their "micro-dog". What followed was a bizarre set of events no one could have been predicted, Chris Popcorn gained popularity online, Chris and Lily wrote a book together about the impact that the little critter had on their family, which was then published in May one evening, Chris then received a comment from a fellow Cardiffian, Carrie, telling him his content was "cute".The pair got chatting, soon discovering mutual passions, a shared love for animals and even the same profession."We were living only a mile apart, but we'd never bumped into each other," Chris said. "It was crazy." Chris and Carrie met in person a few months later and when Carrie held Popcorn, Chris said, it was like a something "clicked into place".The family, which has now grown to include Carrie and her children as well, sadly lost Popcorn in the summer of fast forward to today and Chris and Carrie are engaged, set to marry this wedding cake will even feature a small tribute to Popcorn, with his name written at the bottom. "Without him it wouldn't have happened, you know. He was cupid, in a way." Chris Popcorn has been gone for a few years now, his impact remains Chris, he was more than just a pet. "There's never be another Popcorn," he said. "He was just a one-off."


The Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Tom Brady's Birmingham release FIFTEEN players including former Premier League star just weeks after promotion
BIRMINGHAM CITY have released FIFTEEN players just weeks after the club's promotion to the Championship. Tom Brady's ruthless side acted decisively after breaking the all-time EFL points record with 108 on their way to winning in League One. 2 2 Grant Hanley and Lee Myung-Jae – who both joined the club in January - have been released following the expiration of their contracts. While Luke Harris, Kieran Dowell and Ben Davies have returned to their parent clubs following respective loan spells. Boss Chris Davies has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer. The brutal sword axe saw TEN youngsters axed and hold to find other clubs. Ben Beresford, Junior Dixon, Taylor Dodd, Laiith Fairnie, Harley Hamilton and Josh Home will all leave this summer. Joining them are Femi Olofinjana, Sahid Kamara, Stoyan Pergelov and Oliver Sayer. Meanwhile, long-serving striker Lukas Jutkiewicz has retired from football following nine years and 358 appearances for the Club. Birmingham said: "We thank each player for their efforts during their time at Blues and wishes them every success in their future careers." The club were keen to keep Rangers star Davies on a permanent basis, but a deal with the Scottish side couldn't be met.

The National
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Factor future of Rangers fringe man 'hinges on' this summer
The midfielder has spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Birmingham City. Dowell has excelled at St Andrew's, scoring five goals and assisting as many in 23 appearances. Read more: His performances have helped Birmingham win English League One and resultant promotion back to the Championship. They finished top of the tree in the third tier with 111 points, a record for a single season across the EFL. When he returns to Ibrox this summer, Dowell will still have 12 months remaining on his Rangers deal. Birmingham boss Chris Davies has outlined his desire to sign the 27-year-old permanently, although any move 'hinges on' Rangers' next manager, claims BirminghamLive. Barry Ferguson is currently in temporary charge at Ibrox, although it remains to be seen who Philippe Clement's permanent successor will be. Elsewhere, Lawrence Shankland is reportedly set to be offered a new contract by Heart of Midlothian. The striker's current deal at Tynecastle expires at the end of the season. Shankland has been widely linked with a move to Rangers in recent transfer windows. Now, however, he could stay in Gorgie, with Hearts set to put a new deal on the table, claims the Hearts Standard. The 29-year-old has made 41 appearances for his club this season, scoring nine goals and assisting as many. His tally has in no manner reached the heights it did last campaign.