Latest news with #Vicki
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Heroic mum who ran into house fire to rescue son, 2, issues sad update on pets
Vicki Keightley was at home with son Percy and their two dogs when she suddenly noticed smoke in the garden - and then a 'wall of orange flames' near the conservatory A young mum heroically ran into a burning building to save her son following a catastrophic house fire, that claimed the lives of their two family dogs. Connor Keightley, 29, was at a friend's house playing video games when he received the dreaded call from his wife Vicki, 28, who was at home with their two year old son Percy. Vicki first realised something was amiss when their two dogs, Daisy and Layla, started barking downstairs in their Farnworth, Bolton home. Upon looking outside and spotting smoke in the garden, she descended the stairs only to be met with a 'wall of orange flames' near the conservatory. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment. Despite her best efforts, Vicki, a midwife, was unable to rescue the two beloved dogs due to the intense heat and thick smoke. According to Connor, Vicki had to make the difficult decision to return upstairs to save their son, who was taking a nap at the time. With a 'massive plume of black smoke' rapidly filling their home, Vicki acted swiftly to ensure her child's safety, reports the Manchester Evening News. "I'm so grateful for Vicki getting Percy out," Connor expressed. "There have been moments where we've been lying together on the hotel bed, thinking 'we've got each other, we've got everything'." As several bystanders gathered outside the couple's home without calling the fire brigade, one 'hero' neighbour named Jordan sprang into action to assist. Vicki phoned the fire brigade while Jordan attempted to rescue the dogs, but the intense blaze prevented him from entering the house. Connor recounted the chilling moment he received the news: "I got a call that nobody wants," he said. "Vicki said 'there's been a massive fire, I've got Percy out, but that's it'." Upon returning, Connor was met with fire engines lining his street after the 'incredible' fire service swiftly responded to the emergency, and police were also present due to the building's exploding windows which had 'sounded like gunshots'. The fire claimed the lives of Daisy and Layla, whose barking to alert Vicki proved to be their heroic 'final job'. Connor expressed: "Vicki can't stop blaming herself for losing the dogs, but at the end of the day she got herself and our son out, and that's everything." He shared the family's grief, saying: "They were really good girls. Vicki says she is grateful for her boys, but mourning her girls." Connor revealed the devastating loss of belongings worth tens of thousands of pounds, including their young son's cherished early possessions. Since the fire last Wednesday (July 30), the couple have made daily visits to their home to salvage what they can, yet some irreplaceable items have been 'atomised' by the ferocity of the fire, according to Connor. In the wake of the disaster, Connor and Vicki have found solace in their 'smiley' son Percy's resilience, with the little one finding happiness in the few toys he has left. Connor said: "Percy has been amazing. He's been such a source of strength. "He's lost all his toys, he's just got a bag of whatever we could get from Tesco and Asda, but as far as he's concerned he's on holiday, to see the joy he can find has been amazing." To help the family rebuild their lives, friend Lucianna Harrison has initiated a GoFundMe campaign. On the fundraising page, Lucianna penned: "These people deserve all the love and support they can get at the moment... These are some of the best people I know. "They have always been there for me when I've been through some of the worst times in my life. Please help me to return the favour and help them get through this." The campaign has already amassed over £3,765, with the family expressing immense gratitude for every contribution made. "It will make all the difference," Connor said. "Nothing is going to set everything right, nothing is going to replace the things that are irreplaceable, nothing is going to get rid of the memories of that horrible the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE"But it is going to soften the blow and mean that at least we can give Percy somewhere comfortable to live and do all that we can to make sure our boy is happy - that is what's important to us." A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service stated: "At 4.45pm on Wednesday, July 30, four fire engines from Farnworth, Bolton Central and Bolton North were called to a house fire on Highfield Drive in Farnworth. The fire affected the conservatory, kitchen and roof space of the house. "Crews used breathing apparatus and two hose reels to extinguish it, and one person was able to escape prior to crews arriving. Sadly, two dogs were found dead inside the property. Fire crews were in attendance for approximately two-and-a-half hours."
Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Development Bank Backs Captains' Training and Mentorship Platform From Top Sporting Leaders
Ria Burrage-Male, Captains Clubhouse; Chris Stork, Development Bank of Wales; Vicki Sutton, Captains Clubhouse Two Welsh elite sportswomen have launched a new business to support and upskill sports captains across the UK and beyond. The pair has been backed by a £20,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales. Captains Clubhouse is a world-first global platform dedicated to growing and supporting sports teams' captains, vice-captains and aspiring captains at every level, from amateur clubs to international professionals. Founders Ria Burrage-Male and Vicki Sutton have years of experience in the sports sector, including serving as team captains themselves, along with backgrounds in leadership, mentoring and consulting. Ria is founder of KIBO Group and owner of Aberdare Feet podiatry. She is also a trustee of Cymru Women's Sport and former CEO of Hockey Wales, while Vicki is a member of the Welsh Rugby Union's (WRU) Woman's Rugby Committee, and a former CEO of Wales Netball and Cardiff Dragons Netball. Through the Captains Clubhouse platform, the duo will connect members to a global community of sporting peers, and offer captaincy tools, training and support networks to boost their performance on and off the field, court or pitch. It also offers guidance on team dynamics, decision-making, emotional intelligence and more, as well as exclusive recorded interviews with veteran captains. The £20,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales will allow Vicki and Ria to invest in content creation and marketing for Captains Clubhouse. Vicki Sutton said: 'This is the only platform of its kind that we know of. We couldn't find anything that was similarly global or pan-sport, going from grass roots sporting right up to the elite.' The duo realised the potential of the Captains Clubhouse platform after trialling it with 25 sporting professionals as part of a pilot. Vicki said: 'We had a lot of people on the pilot, and they said they couldn't believe no-one had thought of something like it before. We realised it would be an exciting opportunity – but we also recognised people wouldn't know they needed it until we started it.' She added: 'Both Ria and I have spent money and time ourselves to get the business to a good starting position, but we knew we needed more support to take it further. The Development Bank was the perfect solution to what we needed. We're both quite determined and like getting stuff done quickly. It suited ours needs brilliantly.' Chris Stork, Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: 'Ria and Vicki are doing fantastic work in an area which is largely untapped. The services they provide bring together sporting captains to provide them with catered support and training, improving themselves and the teams they lead.' The Development Bank offers micro loans from £1,000 to £100,000, with fixed interest rates for the duration of a loan, flexible terms and fast-track applications available. For more information, visit Development Bank of Wales – Micro Loans
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
‘My pro-Palestine colleague refused a task on ethical grounds – can I make her do it?'
Do you have a legal question to put to Gary? Email askalawyer@ or use the form at the bottom of the page. Dear Gary, I manage a team of content creators. One of my colleagues has recently returned from sabbatical. We have not worked together before. I asked her to film an interview with a visiting VIP, but she refused, citing personal objections to his stance on Gaza when he held public office. I understand she may have family in the region, and her line manager believes the request was emotionally taxing. However, I think she was being unreasonable and should have done the task as instructed. My predecessor may have allowed this sort of opt-out. Who is in the right? – Vicki, by email Dear Vicki, It's quite understandable that, as a team leader and manager, you expect professional responsibilities to be carried out regardless of personal political beliefs. Employees are, after all, hired to do a job. And unless there is a lawful reason why they cannot perform a task, refusing a reasonable instruction could be viewed as a disciplinary matter. However, in this case, before you upset the apple cart and potentially get yourself in difficulties because your team member ends up complaining about you and your conduct towards her, you do need to consider if there is a lawful reason for refusal of the task you have asked to be performed. While the law, regrettably, does not always provide the kind of moral clarity we might wish for when workplace duties collide with personal conscience, it does give a framework which focuses on specific responsibilities set out in an employment contract. These responsibilities do not operate in a vacuum and are tempered by the concept overarching employment law – that actions on each side should be reasonable and consistent, as well as whether an employer has made appropriate accommodations. So first, go back to and check the employment contract in place for this team member and, in particular, see if there are any specific exclusions from a general duty to carry out all tasks asked of the employees. It is unlikely there are, but best to check. Subject to any exclusions in the contract, from an employment law perspective, you, as her manager, are within your rights to assign her tasks that fall within the scope of her role. That is unless there is a compelling reason not to, which is grounded in principles of employment law. For instance, no matter what an employment contract may say, it is a principle of employment law that certain 'protected characteristics' are respected. These are set out in the Equality Act 2010. If your colleague has family affected by events in Gaza - which your question indicates is the case – she could argue that being forced into such an assignment without sensitivity to her personal circumstances could amount to indirect discrimination, particularly if her ethnicity, religion, or belief system are relevant factors. That said, objection to the political views or past actions of a public figure does not, in and of itself, constitute a legal exemption from carrying out professional duties. Unless (as I have said) her contract explicitly allows for such opt-outs. Or unless the task could reasonably be viewed as causing serious emotional distress. Such distress and detriment to her health may be evidenced by a medical note or report. Without such a note or report, this is a judgement call on you, but one where you would be well-advised to tread carefully. You suspect your team member's previous manager may have set a precedent. While you are not necessarily bound by what has gone before, consistency is attractive in the world of employment law and HR, and departing from it abruptly could still raise HR eyebrows if it causes unnecessary conflict. If you believe your team member's refusal sets a problematic tone for team discipline and role clarity, you might consider a mediated conversation involving HR to draw clear boundaries going forward. This could cover both what is expected and how exceptions will be handled. In a wider context, you have identified what's at the heart of this issue – namely, a possible workplace culture of selectively opting out of assignments on moral or emotional grounds. While some sensitivity in management is always advisable, particularly if someone has direct ties to a dreadful conflict, it does not follow that every objection creates a veto. Again, subject to what it says in the employment contract, employment law does not grant a blanket right to avoid tasks because they are emotionally uncomfortable or politically disagreeable. Also, past indulgence by a previous manager does not create an entitlement. If anything, it may have bred unhelpful habits that now require correcting for the sake of team cohesion and fairness. You are within your rights to clarify expectations going forward that professional duties must be fulfilled unless a formal exemption is agreed in advance. Again, the best forum for this conversation is most likely a mediation with HR involved. In summary, unless the team member can demonstrate that carrying out this work would cause a genuine detriment to their health or well-being (for example, backed by a medical note or HR intervention), or unless a protected characteristic is being engaged in a discriminatory way (which would need to be clearly established), then refusing a legitimate instruction could be considered a disciplinary matter. From what you have said in your question, no one is unequivocally 'right' here, but balance, compassion and clear communication are your best legal and managerial safeguards. And your instinct to uphold a consistent standard certainly is legally sound, as well as essential to managing a team effectively. However, you need to manage this situation to protect yourself as well, and involving HR to document the situation and set clear parameters for future conduct would be prudent both for the team member's understanding and your own protection as a manager.
ITV News
24-07-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Mum with terminal cancer cured thanks to miracle liver transplant trial
ITV Granada Reports journalist Sam Taylor sat down with a mum after a miracle liver transplant trial saved her life. A mum who told her doctor she was going to be a "medical miracle" is now cancer-free after becoming only the second person to have a liver transplant to treat advanced bowel cancer. Vicki Steyert, from Wigan, was diagnosed with the incurable cancer just weeks after giving birth to her second child. She was told treatment would only extend her life, rather than save it, but during her chemotherapy Vicki was given the news she would be eligible for a new clinical trial that could potentially cure her. 'I was only 33 and a mum to a newborn and a four-year-old, so even though I had suspected that something was wrong, to be given that news was devastating,' she said. After two transplants she finally received the news she was waiting for, and now in remission says she is looking forward to the future. "Two people had to lose their lives to save me this time. Although a lot of people do sign up for it, there is a huge shortage," she added. "The transplant meant my original prognosis was out the window. We're reaching milestones that I wasn't sure I was ever going to reach at the time. "So four years ago I wondered whether I'd see Charlie start school. And he starts Reception this September. "Now I am cancer free, I can make plans a bit further into the future. Our next hope at the moment is that we want to buy a campervan and have some adventures as a family together." Vicki first discovered her cancer when she noticed her bowel habits had changed and there was blood in her poo. She had blood and stool samples taken, which didn't show anything was was also experiencing frequent urinary tract infections, which continued after giving birth to Charlie, who is now three. She had a scan of her bladder in May 2021, and the radiographer spotted some abnormalities on her liver by chance. She said: "It was awful, Alex was four at the time and Charlie was six weeks old. The GP rang and said: 'We've got you an appointment for Monday morning and we need to talk about your scan results'. "There was never any hope that it would cure what I had, it was just a case of palliative chemotherapy for as long as it would work. "I actually joked with my oncologist the first time I met her and said: 'Don't worry, I'll be a medical miracle and you'll see me on Granada Reports one day." Vicki added: "The cancer had been there throughout my pregnancy. It's a miracle I had no complications and a healthy baby." Following her diagnosis, Vicki was referred to The Christie's local treatment centre in Wigan and was told that, because of the spread of the cancer, her treatment would be palliative. But, during her chemotherapy and other treatments, liver transplant trials were introduced for certain patients with bowel cancer, and Vicki was eligible to have the operation. She added: " The Christie came back and said potential for a liver transplant is going to come to the NHS in the next couple of years. They said if you stay as you are, you would be an ideal candidate." Vicki's consultant oncologist at The Christie Dr Kalena Marti said: "I remember the first time that I met Vicki and we had the conversation about the disease not being operable. "When she started her journey, I don't think either Vicki or I would have thought that this would be where she is now and I'm delighted that she's doing so well." Vicki had her liver transplant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, but it did not come without complications. Her first transplant failed and she had to have an emergency transplant three days later. Dr Kalena said: "I think this demonstrates that it can be very straight forward in terms of recovery but sometimes patients will face complications and obviously it's not a risk-free procedure." Vicki's procedure makes her only the second person to have the liver transplant as cancer treatment - after a woman from Manchester became the first. Bianca Perea, a trainee lawyer from Manchester, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in November 2021, which had spread to eight segments of her liver and left her with limited treatment options. But after also having the liver transplant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, she now shows no signs of cancer. Want more on the issues affecting the North? Our podcast, From the North answers the questions that matter to our region.
Metro
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Fresh horror for The Six in EastEnders as destructive report set to be filed
Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) threatens to blow The Six's cover in EastEnders next week. 18 months on from Keanu Taylor's (Danny Walters) death, the women are once again fearing that they'll end up behind bars. As viewers of the BBC One soap will recall, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) stabbed Keanu with a meat thermometer to prevent him throttling best mate Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean). Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth), Suki Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal), Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) then helped the ladies to conceal the murder, burying his body under the caff. Eventually, twisted Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) went to his grave with authorities believing that he was the one who committed the crime. But that wasn't before the grizzly truth was revealed to Keanu's grieving sister Bernie (Clair Norris). In the months that followed – now trustee of the Panesar business empire – she swindled the family out of thousands, placing fake invoices for repairs to their GP practice. It wasn't long after Vicki began some accountancy work on Bernie's behalf that her dodgy dealings were exposed. She threatened to tell the Panesars what Bernie was up to, unless she coughed up half of the cash so that she could pay off her debts to sister Sharon and ensure she had a roof over her head. Bernie reluctantly went along with the plan, but then turned the tables by framing Vicki. Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) knew that something suspicious was afoot after threatening Vicki and her partner's son Joel Marshall (Max Murray), and planted spyware in Bernie's laptop. The technology proved what she was up to – but before he could stop her, she fled to Spain. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! In the aftermath, the Panesars have found themselves in financial ruin and Ravi has turned to drug dealing. Vicki has found herself in a similar predicament, and she knows that unless she finds the cash, Sharon will kick her out. More Trending In upcoming scenes, Vicki meets with her aunty Kath' to discuss her problems, and says that she's considering reporting Bernie to the police. Now, as you can imagine, the last thing The Six need is further questioning and Bernie wouldn't hesitate to spill the truth if trouble came her way again. Desperate to find a resolution to their problems, Kathy calls Sharon to convince her to let Vicki stay put. View More » Will she be successful? If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: EastEnders legend will miss co-star's 'bright and positive energy' as she leaves Walford MORE: EastEnders star declares love for co-star as they exit show after years MORE: Who was Belle in EastEnders as Bernie pays tribute?
