Latest news with #Elsie


ITV News
27-05-2025
- ITV News
Liverpool response shows police have learnt from Southport
While the focus today is rightly on the lives changed by Monday's horrific scenes in Liverpool, there are also signs that Merseyside Police is itself transformed since the last time it dealt with an incident on this scale. Three words indicate a step change in the force's communications: 'white British man'. It took them less than two hours to inform us of the suspect's profile last night. Contrast that with the vacuum of information following the Southport murders last July, and it's clear the police have learnt from the past. I was in Southport a few hours after three little girls - Elsie, Alice and Bebe - were killed and saw for myself how disinformation filled the void left by police communications. Online, outright lies spread about the attacker. Mainly that he was a Muslim asylum seeker who had arrived via a small boat. He wasn't and he hadn't. So determined were the advocates of that disinformation that still to this day some people believe and perpetuate those conspiracies. By the time Merseyside Police released the full information about Axel Rudakubana - including that he was from Britain - it was too late to put the falsehoods back in the box. This is something the inspectorate HMICFRS subsequently criticised police for, recently concluding that 'the police service needs to better appreciate that fast-moving events require it to respond with an accurate counter-narrative". So this time, Merseyside Police acted quickly. I noticed that within minutes last night theories were once again circulating on social media, where irresponsible accounts deliberately stoked a particular narrative. This time, before it could take hold, the Merseyside Police statement landed shortly before 8pm, stating that the suspect was male, white and British. But quickly criticism turned to whether or not the police were too quick to outline the man's profile. In future, will police always be expected to state the ethnicity and nationality of a suspect? What if that information inflames rather than eases tensions, or feeds a false narrative rather than dispelling it? And if police don't routinely release this information, in future cases people will ask why not. There has been great praise today of the police officers - and other emergency services - who responded at the scene of the incident. But the back office staff who decide what information to release must feel they cannot win.


Style Blueprint
21-05-2025
- Style Blueprint
Chattanooga Choo Choo's Hotel Chalet is My Favorite Solocation Spot
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit During a recent solocation to Chattanooga, TN, I finally checked a long-standing item off my travel bucket list: a stay at The Hotel Chalet. Nestled in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga, this boutique gem at Chattanooga Choo Choo offers a lodging experience that's anything but ordinary. Pin Pin Part of the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo campus, The Hotel Chalet blends rich railroad history with chic design. Perhaps the most buzzed-about feature? The refurbished train carriage rooms, which offer guests the chance to sleep in a luxe railcar. While I didn't book a train room this time, my Chalet King room didn't disappoint. Styled with jewel-toned mid-century modern decor, the space felt instantly calming, perfect for a solo retreat. Pin Pin On site is Elsie's Daughter, a moody, elegant restaurant where I was lucky to snag a seat at the bar on a busy Saturday night (SB Tip: Be sure to make your reservations in advance!). The restaurant's name is a charming nod to history: Donn Barber (the architect behind Terminal Station) and his wife Elsie had a daughter named Elsie, who later named her daughter Elsie. Hence, Elsie's Daughter. Pin The restaurant leans into Barber's Beaux Arts aesthetic while serving up French-Belgian fare with an Appalachian twist. It felt more like dining in a well-appointed living room than a bustling eatery — warm lighting, layered textures, and rich flavors made for an unforgettable meal. Pin I happened to visit during an unseasonably warm March weekend and loved seeing guests take advantage of the Alpine pool. Surrounded by lush greenery and tucked away from the hum of downtown, it's a chic little oasis that adds a touch of European resort energy to the Southern setting. Pin Whether you're in town for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, The Hotel Chalet manages to make even a quick getaway feel intentional and elevated. This charming spot is well worth the hype — and a return visit. For another boutique stay, check out The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, NC! Cheers to your next solocation! ********** Subscribe to StyleBlueprint for more travel inspiration! About the Author Kate Feinberg Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.

Rhyl Journal
18-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Mother of Southport victim praises ‘inspiring' blood donors
Almost 100 people donated blood at the session at St John Stone Church in Southport on Saturday. Seven-year-old Elsie was one of three girls murdered in the Southport mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. Her parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to organise the blood donation event through Elsie's Story, the charity they founded in her memory. Among the NHS Blood and Transplant staff supporting the session were two members of the transport team based at the Liverpool blood centre who responded to the Southport attack. Ms Stancombe said she wanted Elsie's Story to 'create a legacy of love and hope' in her daughter's name. She added: 'Although the outcome for Elsie was tragically different, we know that blood transfusions were crucial for many of those injured that day. 'NHS Blood and Transplant made 10 emergency deliveries of blood to hospitals treating the casualties and that quick response meant the lifesaving blood was available for everyone who needed it. 'For some people here today, giving blood is their way of repaying those whose donations were so vital that day.' Ms Stancombe added: 'We want Southport to be renowned for the warmth and generosity of its amazing community, not for the events of that day. 'Today has been a wonderful example of that. 'The atmosphere was so uplifting and inspiring and we are grateful to all the donors and staff for their support.' Stephen Kuypers and Dave Oxton were among a team of drivers on shift the day of the Southport attacks who made 10 emergency blue-light deliveries of blood supplies in three hours to four hospitals, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Blue lights are only used when a hospital requests blood products they urgently need for a specific patient or incident, NHS Blood and Transplant said. If a patient's blood type is unknown, they can safely be given O negative blood, which makes it vital in emergencies. Mr Kuypers said: 'On that dreadful day last July, I took the phone call from our hospital services team informing us of a major incident and instructing us to prepare for emergency deliveries. 'At the height of the response we were making three blue light deliveries an hour, which is extremely rare. I delivered two urgent orders to Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals. 'Hospital colleagues later told us that the quick response of the Liverpool transport team helped ensure that the patients received the best possible care. 'The was a very rewarding message to receive and it meant a lot to the team who all pulled together and put in extra hours that day to ensure all the deliveries were covered.' NHS Blood and Transplant chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: 'It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Elsie's Story to give blood, and we are thankful to Elsie's brave parents Jenni and Dave for their incredible support. 'Because each donation can help up to three adults or six children, 300 lives or more will be saved and improved in Elsie's memory. 'A constant supply of blood is needed every day to help patients receiving treatment for conditions like cancer, sickle cell or giving birth as well as being prepared for unexpected emergencies and incidents, just like that dreadful day last July.' NHS Blood and Transplant said it was appealing to blood and platelet donors across England to help fill tens of thousands of appointments at town and city donor centres over the coming days and weeks. There are concerns that four bank holidays falling in six weeks could 'push blood supplies to critical levels' as donations often drop over bank holiday weekends. The NHS is appealing for more O negative donations in particular, the blood type needed in emergencies. NHS Blood and Transplant issued an amber alert in July 2024, which remains in place in England, due to a severe shortage of O negative blood triggered by the cyber-attack on London hospitals last year. The attack meant major London hospitals could not cross match blood so the hospitals could only use O negative.


Glasgow Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Mother of Southport victim praises ‘inspiring' blood donors
Almost 100 people donated blood at the session at St John Stone Church in Southport on Saturday. Seven-year-old Elsie was one of three girls murdered in the Southport mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. Her parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to organise the blood donation event through Elsie's Story, the charity they founded in her memory. Among the NHS Blood and Transplant staff supporting the session were two members of the transport team based at the Liverpool blood centre who responded to the Southport attack. Ms Stancombe said she wanted Elsie's Story to 'create a legacy of love and hope' in her daughter's name. She added: 'Although the outcome for Elsie was tragically different, we know that blood transfusions were crucial for many of those injured that day. 'NHS Blood and Transplant made 10 emergency deliveries of blood to hospitals treating the casualties and that quick response meant the lifesaving blood was available for everyone who needed it. 'For some people here today, giving blood is their way of repaying those whose donations were so vital that day.' Ms Stancombe added: 'We want Southport to be renowned for the warmth and generosity of its amazing community, not for the events of that day. 'Today has been a wonderful example of that. 'The atmosphere was so uplifting and inspiring and we are grateful to all the donors and staff for their support.' Stephen Kuypers and Dave Oxton were among a team of drivers on shift the day of the Southport attacks who made 10 emergency blue-light deliveries of blood supplies in three hours to four hospitals, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Blue lights are only used when a hospital requests blood products they urgently need for a specific patient or incident, NHS Blood and Transplant said. If a patient's blood type is unknown, they can safely be given O negative blood, which makes it vital in emergencies. Mr Kuypers said: 'On that dreadful day last July, I took the phone call from our hospital services team informing us of a major incident and instructing us to prepare for emergency deliveries. 'At the height of the response we were making three blue light deliveries an hour, which is extremely rare. I delivered two urgent orders to Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals. 'Hospital colleagues later told us that the quick response of the Liverpool transport team helped ensure that the patients received the best possible care. 'The was a very rewarding message to receive and it meant a lot to the team who all pulled together and put in extra hours that day to ensure all the deliveries were covered.' The blood donation session in Southport (NHS Blood and Transplant/PA) NHS Blood and Transplant chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: 'It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Elsie's Story to give blood, and we are thankful to Elsie's brave parents Jenni and Dave for their incredible support. 'Because each donation can help up to three adults or six children, 300 lives or more will be saved and improved in Elsie's memory. 'A constant supply of blood is needed every day to help patients receiving treatment for conditions like cancer, sickle cell or giving birth as well as being prepared for unexpected emergencies and incidents, just like that dreadful day last July.' NHS Blood and Transplant said it was appealing to blood and platelet donors across England to help fill tens of thousands of appointments at town and city donor centres over the coming days and weeks. There are concerns that four bank holidays falling in six weeks could 'push blood supplies to critical levels' as donations often drop over bank holiday weekends. The NHS is appealing for more O negative donations in particular, the blood type needed in emergencies. NHS Blood and Transplant issued an amber alert in July 2024, which remains in place in England, due to a severe shortage of O negative blood triggered by the cyber-attack on London hospitals last year. The attack meant major London hospitals could not cross match blood so the hospitals could only use O negative.

South Wales Argus
18-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Mother of Southport victim praises ‘inspiring' blood donors
Almost 100 people donated blood at the session at St John Stone Church in Southport on Saturday. Seven-year-old Elsie was one of three girls murdered in the Southport mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. Her parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to organise the blood donation event through Elsie's Story, the charity they founded in her memory. Among the NHS Blood and Transplant staff supporting the session were two members of the transport team based at the Liverpool blood centre who responded to the Southport attack. Ms Stancombe said she wanted Elsie's Story to 'create a legacy of love and hope' in her daughter's name. She added: 'Although the outcome for Elsie was tragically different, we know that blood transfusions were crucial for many of those injured that day. 'NHS Blood and Transplant made 10 emergency deliveries of blood to hospitals treating the casualties and that quick response meant the lifesaving blood was available for everyone who needed it. 'For some people here today, giving blood is their way of repaying those whose donations were so vital that day.' Ms Stancombe added: 'We want Southport to be renowned for the warmth and generosity of its amazing community, not for the events of that day. 'Today has been a wonderful example of that. 'The atmosphere was so uplifting and inspiring and we are grateful to all the donors and staff for their support.' Stephen Kuypers and Dave Oxton were among a team of drivers on shift the day of the Southport attacks who made 10 emergency blue-light deliveries of blood supplies in three hours to four hospitals, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Blue lights are only used when a hospital requests blood products they urgently need for a specific patient or incident, NHS Blood and Transplant said. If a patient's blood type is unknown, they can safely be given O negative blood, which makes it vital in emergencies. Mr Kuypers said: 'On that dreadful day last July, I took the phone call from our hospital services team informing us of a major incident and instructing us to prepare for emergency deliveries. 'At the height of the response we were making three blue light deliveries an hour, which is extremely rare. I delivered two urgent orders to Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals. 'Hospital colleagues later told us that the quick response of the Liverpool transport team helped ensure that the patients received the best possible care. 'The was a very rewarding message to receive and it meant a lot to the team who all pulled together and put in extra hours that day to ensure all the deliveries were covered.' The blood donation session in Southport (NHS Blood and Transplant/PA) NHS Blood and Transplant chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: 'It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Elsie's Story to give blood, and we are thankful to Elsie's brave parents Jenni and Dave for their incredible support. 'Because each donation can help up to three adults or six children, 300 lives or more will be saved and improved in Elsie's memory. 'A constant supply of blood is needed every day to help patients receiving treatment for conditions like cancer, sickle cell or giving birth as well as being prepared for unexpected emergencies and incidents, just like that dreadful day last July.' NHS Blood and Transplant said it was appealing to blood and platelet donors across England to help fill tens of thousands of appointments at town and city donor centres over the coming days and weeks. There are concerns that four bank holidays falling in six weeks could 'push blood supplies to critical levels' as donations often drop over bank holiday weekends. The NHS is appealing for more O negative donations in particular, the blood type needed in emergencies. NHS Blood and Transplant issued an amber alert in July 2024, which remains in place in England, due to a severe shortage of O negative blood triggered by the cyber-attack on London hospitals last year. The attack meant major London hospitals could not cross match blood so the hospitals could only use O negative.