Latest news with #TheNorthernEcho
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Georgia O'Connor: The life of County Durham's boxing superstar who was taken too soon
Tributes have been paid to County Durham's brightest boxing star Georgia O'Connor - who has this week tragically died following a brave battle with cancer. Kayleigh Fraser takes a look back at how a young athlete who dared to dream took gold for her country and made a distinctive mark in the boxing world. "My hope is to one day fight at the Olympics for Great Britain", confessed hopeful 12-year-old Georgia O'Connor during an interview with The Northern Echo in 2012. Just two years after taking up boxing, she was already tipped to be a future Olympian. Stood in the ring at West Durham Boxing Academy, the pre-teen from Waterhouses, who was looking to take part in her first fight - as she and her coaches was pushing for more female representation in boxing. Georgia O'Connor pictured in 2012. But, this was not the first time we had heard of this budding young athlete who would just years later join Team GB, take commonwealth gold. Her journey was still just beginning. John O'Connor, Georgia's father, started her boxing - sparring with pads in the garage of their home - when she was just five. "The way society is going, I thought she ought to be able to look after herself and it snowballed from there," says John, who had three fights as an amateur boxer. "She still has her dolls but she'd rather be out training three or four times a week, or out on the streets with the other kids. She's a little national treasure." Georgia O'Connor in 2007. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) By 2007, Georgia was nicknamed the Little Battleaxe - in a sport a little different to boxing. In fact, Georgia was making a name for herself in Chungdokwan, a full-contact Olympic sport affiliated to the British Taekwondo Council. At that point, she had won all but four of her 28 fights. "For a kid that age she's amazing," said Graham Thompson, one of her instructors. "You meet her and she's a bonny little girl who's really nice and polite but believe me she can be pretty mean." In 2008, Georgia won the Most promising new talent accolade at The Northern Echo's Local Heroes awards. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) In 2008, Georgia won the "Most promising new talent" accolade at The Northern Echo's Local Heroes awards - and by 2009, she had won her second successive British taekwondo championship. At the British championships in Manchester, 2009, her gold medal in the pee-wee class - 11 and under - was presented by Sarah Stephenson, who won taekwondo bronze in the Beijing Olympics. In 2010, Georgia, who was very quickly climbing the ranks, took home a third title. But, this is where she took a different path. Her love for sport remained, but little did she know, her journey into boxing would see her soar to new heights she only could have dreamed of. Georgia O'Connor pictured in 2016. Having won the National Championships in 2015, she was invited for a trial with England Boxing and won a place on the national elite junior squad, based in Sheffield. In 2016, she defended her National Championship title, became Junior 70kg National champion, and was promoted to England Boxing's Excel Talent Squad, as one of only six females on the team. She then became a silver medallist at the Junior and Youth European Championships in Turkey, and by 2017 was preparing to represent Team GB at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas. Georgia O'Connor pictured with her gold medal in 2017. Thanks to her hard work, dedication and pride for boxing, she took gold at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and silver at the 2017 Youth World Championships. By 2021, Georgia had turned pro - and ended up winning all three of her fights in the ring, but in 2024, her life changed forever. At just 24, in October 2024, she was handed her biggest fight yet - she was diagnosed with cancer branded "incurable" by doctors. Georgia receiving treatment in hospital. (Image: VICKI WILLIAMS) To help fund alternative treatment not on the NHS, a GoFundMe page was set up by Georgia's mum Vicki Williams in February who wrote her "beautiful and brave" daughter is a "fighter". Thousands was raised thanks to the fundraiser. Vicki wrote: "Our beautiful, brave, and determined daughter, Georgia, has just been given the fight of her life. At only 24, she has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. But Georgia does not accept this. "If you know Georgia, you know she is a fighter—always has been, always will be. As a boxer, she has spent many years pushing herself beyond limits, proving that strength isn't just physical—it's in the heart, in the mind, in the refusal to give up. This is just another fight, and she is determined to win." In an emotional message to her thousands of followers on Instagram in February, she vowed "to kick the absolute sh*t out of this cancer". Georgia O'Connor in hospital. (Image: VICKI WILLIAMS) "Then, I will do everything in my power to go on to help as many people as I can who have been in this same awful position where your entire life is at stake, before you've even had a chance to live it. I promise that," she added. "She wants to use this battle not just to save her own life but to inspire others, to raise awareness, and to show the world that 'incurable' does not mean impossible." In the months that followed, branded a "rollercoaster", Georgia went through treatment, was diagnosed with sepsis and married the "love of her life" Adriano on May 9. Just under two weeks later, on May 22, she passed away - and her death has brought on tributes from across the sport world and from family and friends. Georgia's former club, Brandon Boxing Club, have also issued an emotional tribute. They wrote: "Everyone at the club is absolutely gutted to hear the sad news that Georgia has lost her battle. "Social media is flooded with tributes to an extremely talented and popular young lady who touched so many lives. "Our thoughts are with John, Vicky and all her family, R.I.P Georgia." Recommended: Brandon Boxing Club held event for Georgia O'Connor Champion Durham boxer, 24, diagnosed with rare cancer North-East glory in national boxing finals Fellow boxer Joe Laws took to social media and said she was the "strongest person he knew". He wrote: "Heartbroken G, I love you man bro. Strongest person I know, always put a smile on my face. "Listen life is short kids - rest easy Georgia you beautiful soul."
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
We're looking for the best chippy in County Durham and we need your help
One of The Northern Echo's most popular reader competitions of last year is returning for 2025. The Northern Echo's Best Chippy award launches again today and we're looking for help from our readers to find out who takes the crown in Darlington and County Durham. Last year, we were inundated with voting slips from across the region as fans were desperate to share their love for their favourite takeaway treat. Highly popular Cockerton Fisheries, on Woodland Road, clinched the title in 2024, with owner Sam Todd saying she was 'delighted' at the news. The chippy, which has been in Sam's family for more than 30 years, is a staple in Cockerton Village with the restaurant often going 'above and beyond' for their customers. "It's all down to hard work and looking after our customers. And the staff are amazing. We go out of our way for our customers. "We have lots of regulars and have a delivery service for elderly people. Since Covid, I have carried on with that. On a Saturday, I have 20 to 30 people that I deliver to and take the food into their house - they just love it. "It's all about looking after and doing that extra for our customers - as well as having the best fish and chips." Nominations open today (May 19), with readers encouraged to vote for their favourite online. Once nominations close, votes will be counted, and a shortlist of the top ten will be released. We'll then release features on each of the nominees, alongside voting slips where you can vote for your favourite. Once the votes have been totted up, we'll reveal the winner and a special feature will be published online and in print. You can submit your nominations here, or find the QR code in the paper. Nominations close Sunday, May 25.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sports journalist faces questions and inspires pupils at Darlington school
ONE of the region's most experienced sports journalist has inspired pupils during a question-and-answer session at a North East school. Scott Wilson, Chief Sports Writer at The Northern Echo for more than 20 years, was guest of honour at Polam Hall School, in Darlington, answering questions about his career. The visit came the morning after Scott had covered Sunderland's last-gasp victory over Coventry to secure a place in The Championship play-off final against Sheffield United at Wembley. Scott, a former pupil at Wolsingham School, talked about how he turned his passion for sport into a fulfilling career which has taken him around the world. His highlights included covering the London Olympics, England in two successive European Championships finals, The Lionesses victory in the Euros in 2022, and Newcastle United's recent triumph in the Carabao Cup at Wembley. Asked to name the most famous person he has ever interviewed, Scott cited Nelson Mandela when he was working as a news journalist early in his career. As a sports journalist, he nominated David Beckham. Recommended reading: Police boss calls for tougher drug drive laws after Range Rover owner walked free Former school building in County Durham village set to be knocked down Darlington hair salon forced to pay ex-staff member £2k after docking pay Scott also talked about career paths in journalism, the qualities needed in the profession, and the rapidly changing face of the industry during the digital age. Craig Wilkinson, Head of Sport and Technology at Polam Hall School, said: 'We can't thank Scott enough for coming in, especially after such a busy night covering Sunderland getting to Wembley! I have no doubt that our pupils went away feeling inspired.' Scott said: 'I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Polam Hall. There were some really great questions, so I wouldn't be surprised if there were some future journalists in the audience.'
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Veteran rowers to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on the River Wear in Durham
Veteran club rowers will make a splash on the River Wear to help mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, next month. As a precursor to its annual city regatta, Durham Amateur Rowing Club is to bring together eight octogenarian members in one boat to commemorate the landmark anniversary since the end of the Second World War, in Europe. The still active octet will take to the river in an eights' boat at the regular club session, to be given a special 1940s' theme, on Thursday, May 8. Club official Colin Lawson said all of the eight 80-plus-year-olds remain regular rowers. (Image: Durham ARC) 'We felt it appropriate to enjoy an outing on the river in an eight composed of members eligible to row in Masters J (for ages 80 to 84) and Masters K (ages 85 to 89) categories. 'After the regular Thursday morning session, there will be a special 1940s' themed menu of homemade corned beef and potato hash, followed by bread and butter pudding, available from the café at the clubhouse.' Food and drink from the regular menu will also be available. Mr Lawson said everyone was welcome to the event to mark the Allies' acceptance of the German surrender in 1945, in what promises to be a busy week for the club, leading up to Durham City Regatta, over the weekend of May 10 and 11. (Image: Durham ARC) The club's own rowing festival is the first of the regattas held in Durham in the season. It is a two-day event which usually sees around 250 entries on the Saturday, with a more 'relaxed' feel to the Sunday programme. Racing on the first day is from a stakeboat start over the same 700m short course used by the event's 'big sister', The Durham Regatta, itself, which is held a month later over the second weekend in June. (Image: The Northern Echo) Mr Lawson said the city regatta is particularly popular with the local university/college crews as it gives them a chance to race competitively without the complex logistics of having to arrange long distance travel, as experienced with many other events on the rowing calendar. But there is, nonetheless, said to be particularly keen competition as eager rowers fight out long-standing rivalries between some of Durham's historic university colleges. Read next ... more Durham City news from The Northern Echo, by Crews can now apply to take part in next month's Durham Regatta Pictures of rowing on the River Wear at the 190th Durham Regatta Gallery: Races on the River Wear at the 191st Durham Regatta The Sunday is said to be slightly more 'sedate' with events taking place over a shorter 500 metre sprint course. Entries are still being taken up to the closing date of Thursday May 1, at 10pm. Further details are available via on the club's website.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
Heartbroken family 'may never know why' loved one was 'stabbed' to death in Australia
The family of a man who was 'stabbed' to death in Australia has admitted that 'we may never know why he died' after complications in their fight for justice. Royce Mallett, 30, from Haswell, County Durham, was the alleged victim of a knife attack in a motel car park in Albury, New South Wales, Australia, on July 8 last year. Despite the best efforts of emergency services at the scene, the 30-year-old died at Albury Base Hospital hours later. Royce and Caitlin had two children together. A daughter, Rose, and son, Roman (Image: UGC) Speaking to The Northern Echo, Royce's mum, Felicity Mallett, has admitted that "a void has been left in all our lives" after the death of her son. "We are all struggling - it happened all of a sudden - it's tough to think that he's gone, even all of these months later," she said. Royce, who had moved over to Australia months before to provide for his partner Caitlin and two children, Rose and Roman, was with his friend, Carl Fisher, when the 'stabbing' took place. David Summers-Smith, 28, of no fixed address, was arrested nearby and later charged with murder. Royce and Caitlin had two children together. A daughter, Rose, and son, Roman (Image: UGC) He hasn't yet entered any pleas, but the charge against Summers-Smith has been downgraded to one of manslaughter. Now, it has emerged from Australia that Summers-Smith could use the 'insanity defence' as part of his case. On Monday (April 14), a mention hearing into the death of Mr Mallet was held at Crook Coroner's Court, County Durham. At the hearing, it was said that the courts in Australia were waiting for a psychiatrist's report to be carried out before resuming legal proceedings. Senior coroner of Darlington and Durham, Jeremy Chipperfield, said that "nothing can happen until a decision is made through legal proceedings over in Australia". Mr Chipperfield also noted that a decision about the 'insanity defence' will be made by August 19 in Australia, by which point, they might be able to progress the inquest. Now, Royce's mum has pleaded with the Australian police to get the answers needed about her son's death - but has admitted that "we may never know why he died', due to the situation happening with her son's alleged killer. Royce Mallett was a father of two from County Durham (Image: UGC) "We can't go through the healing process of the court case and the inquest in Australia and the UK until the decision has been made about the psychiatric report," she said. "It may be 2026 until we get any news on the case, and even though I doubt we'll ever know why our Royce was killed. "I'm annoyed - if I carried a knife, stabbed someone and hurt them or killed them, I'd expect to spend my life in prison." Alongside the delays in the inquest and court proceedings, Royce's family are frustrated with "being kept in the dark" by the news of the case in Australia. Mrs Mallett admits that she has lost her temper on numerous occasions about the lack of knowledge of the case, and now wants answers over her son's death. She says her family "aren't coping" with the death, and believes these delays will add to more heartache for all his loved ones. Royce and Caitlin have two children together (Image: UGC) "We have waited long enough, and now to have no conclusion in sight is upsetting," said Felicity. "The family aren't coping with Royce's death at all - it's hit the community and his close loved ones hard." Despite the ongoing delays hitting his family hard, it's Royce's daughter Rose who has been affected by her dad's death the worst. "She doesn't know her dad has died - she was too young to understand, and she thinks that he'll be coming back at any point, it's tragic," added Mrs Mallett. "She has ADHD and thinks her dad has gone away for a while and will be back. "Christmas was tough, she believed her dad would return for Christmas and Boxing Day." Meanwhile, Royce's other child, Roman, doesn't speak, due to his age, and also doesn't know what happened to his dad. Alongside the trauma of dealing with Royce's death, his mum says that her son's girlfriend Caitlin was targeted by online trolls recently, who used images of Royce for their Snapchat and Facebook profiles, which Mrs Mallett calls "sickening". Royce had only been in Australia for a few months before the fatal stabbing (Image: UGC) But, despite the ongoing heartache of the family, who managed to bring Royce's body back to the UK through the Government victim support scheme, and managed to give the 30-year-old a "good send off", his family want to create a legacy for Royce. Felicity is continuing to fundraise to support the purchase of bleed trauma kits, which can help in a situation where a knife has been used. Through this, she wants to provide community centres, pubs, and Royce's former school, Shotton Academy, with the kits, which can help stem the bleeding in an instance where a stabbing or serious injury has taken place. A trust has also been set up in Royce's name, his mum said. "I want justice for Royce, I don't want his death to be for nothing," she added. "I don't think we'll ever know why Royce was killed." Royce and Caitlin (Image: UGC)Mrs Mallett believes that the issue with knife crime is a societal and global one, and says that the availability and ease of getting knives play a "huge factor" in incidents of this kind. She is currently campaigning to petition shops like Amazon, eBay and other online retailers about how easy it is to get a knife, especially for younger people. This comes as The Northern Echo knife crime campaign continues to work with key agencies in the war against knife crime in the North East and further afield. The Northern Echo Knife Crime Taskforce, which was launched in 2023, has worked with the families of Connor Brown, Chris Cave, Gordon Gault, Tomasz Oleszak and Jack Woodley, who are just a handful of those who have lost their lives in the North East over the last decade. It is used as a place to hold open discussions between those impacted by murder, education specialists, and criminal justice professionals to provide 'joined-up thinking'. Royce Mallett (Image: UGC) Many of the measures called for by the task force, including tightening rules around access to knives, knife crime education and tougher sentences, are being considered by the Government. "People are carrying knives because they are readily and easily available," Mrs Mallett added. "Knife crime is common everywhere, both in the UK and abroad. READ MORE: County Durham dad Royce Mallett stabbed to death "People go out to harm others. I think it's more in the news recently because of the Adolescence programme on Netflix, which poses a lot of questions in society. "It gets you emotional because it's so real, and I've watched it so many times now - it hits so close to home - Royce's death was different, but the aftermath of the family is the same. "There needs to be more checks in buying knives in shops and online - there needs to be documents for people to fill in. "It doesn't feel like enough is being done here."
