Latest news with #Walkden
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Salford dad 'overwhelmed' by response to autistic son's sensory coat
A dad who designed a sensory coat to help his neurodiverse son has said he has been "overwhelmed" by the public Rudd, 47, from Walkden, created the coat for his son Charlie, 13, who was diagnosed with autism when he was Rudd said Charlie struggles with labels on clothing and certain materials and refused to go outside or to school without a coat, which made everyday an "absolute nightmare".His mum Amanda, 45, said Charlie is now happier and able to go out, safe in the knowledge "he has everything he needs to support him". The sensory coat is aimed at children between the ages of five and 13, and is weighted to increase attention span and reduce hyperactivity. It also has high-vis stripes to enhance safety in public spaces, while each pocket in the jacket is filled with a sensory fidget toy that can be used by the wearer when feeling particularly anxious. 'Just excited' John said the response to the jacket online has been "amazing, and overwhelming", while a video of their story shared on social media has been watched by thousands of couple said there had also been a surge in demand for the coat which John is selling online. Speaking about the response, Amanda said: "It's been weird to process that the coat is there and online and then seeing it on the TV."I have had people come up to me and say, 'is that you that did the coat on the telly?'"It still feels like this is happening to somebody else, I feel like an outsider looking in."We cannot keep up with the response… we are just excited." 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
25-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Popular teenage footballer dies suddenly, aged 19
Tributes have been paid to a popular and 'extremely talented' teenage footballer who has died suddenly. Warrington Town FC have confirmed the sudden passing of 19 year-old Vini Desouza. He was born in Brazil and grew up in Portugal before moving to Walkden in Salford 10 years ago. He joined the club in 2019 and was a 'prominent part' of their youth set-up. "Scorer of the most spectacular goals, Vini was a well respected, much-loved member of the club, and his ability earned him a place training with the first team despite his young age" the club, who play in the sixth tier National League North, said in a statement. READ MORE: Jailed gangster 'Fruitykeks' ran £1m criminal operation from INSIDE Strangeways READ MORE: Woman arrested after man, 84, dragged into garden and attacked by XL bully as cops shoot animal 19 times "He played for the first team last season in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Cheadle Town, and trained regularly with the first team, appearing in numerous pre-season friendlies over the past couple of seasons" they added. On Sunday, less than 24 hours after they found out about his shock death, his teammates in the club's Under-21 side bravely went ahead with their game away at Macclesfield and won 4-1, dedicating the victory to him. Teammate Sam Gill said: 'Vini was a well-loved and much valued player in our team. He grew into his character as his time at Warrington went on, and all of the lads had so much respect for him.'He was an extremely talented footballer with so much ability, had a major impact coming in with us and consequently earning his space for training and playing matches with the first team.'Vini is someone who will be missed dearly, both on the pitch and more importantly his character in the changing rooms and outside of football. We will all miss him, and we send our condolences to his family at this difficult time.' The club has launched a fundraising campaign in order to raise money for funeral costs for his heartbroken family. A JustGiving page has been set up whilst a bucket collection will also take place at tonight's home match against Scarborough Athletic.
