Latest news with #Walkers
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
'My son was murdered with an ice pick by sick racists - here's why I forgive them'
The then-18-year-old A-level student Anthony Walker was brutally murdered in an unprovoked racially motivated attack. Twenty years on, his mum speaks of the pride she feels in him Twenty years after Anthony Walker was murdered in a racist attack, his mum still smiles at a photo of him in his school uniform - cheeky grin and all. 'He hated that picture,' Dr Gee Walker says with a laugh. 'He said it made his cheeks look chubby. He'd always try to take it down. I told him, 'I paid for that picture, it's staying up.'' It is two decades since the 18-year-old with ambitions to become a lawyer was ambushed in a Merseyside park, his life brutally cut short in an horrific unprovoked assault with an ice pick. In the intervening years the teenager who 'epitomised kindness' has been synonymous with the fight against racism through the work of the Anthony Walker Foundation. In an ever-changing world, a new generation is at risk of not knowing his story and yet Anthony's legacy - and the work of the foundation - is more important than ever, with referrals to the organisation's hate crime unit sky-rocketing by 300% in the wake of the racially charged Southport riots last summer. 'Each anniversary brings something different,' says 70-year-old Gee. 'It's a nightmare that always comes up. It's not something you can ever get away from. 'Up until the night he was killed he was thinking of others, because he could have just run away. But if he did that, the others would have been vulnerable and he would never have done that, he would never have left them.' Sitting in a side room at the Anthony Walker Foundation's office in Liverpool, Gee's wrist is adorned with bracelets branded with the foundation's name, while a pendant stamped with a picture of her son's smiling face hangs from her neck. 'He was the son every mother would love to have. He was always a good friend to the underdog. He was sort of drawn to the vulnerable,' she remembers. 'He was the man of the house. He had five women in the house so he was the peacemaker. But by God did everyone respect him. If his sisters dared come home late, he'd be sitting up waiting. He'd say, 'what time do you call this? Do not disrespect this house,'' she laughs. Alongside his passion for basketball, he was also determined to become a lawyer. 'He was a born lawyer. He was democratic and would present his case in a mindful, respectful way. It's such a shame he missed out on his life goals, his purpose in life,' says his mum. As Gee's rock at home, in addition to carrying out chores he got a job at McDonald's, sneaking banknotes into his mum's pockets and handbag from his pay packet. 'When he got his job he got me diamond earrings and a bracelet, fake of course,' Gee recalls. 'They've turned green now, but I've still got them. He said to me, 'This is planting the seed, I'm going to get you the real thing.' That's a dream that will never be fulfilled.' The Walkers had settled in Huyton in Knowsley, just outside Liverpool, one of only two Black families in the area. Racism was an everyday part of life for the family. 'I remember I was coming out of the Post Office and a child less than five years old was calling me names,' Gee, originally from Coventry, remembers. 'I was just thinking, you're a child. How can that come out of your mouth?' One day, while pushing a pram, a gang of lads blocked her path and abused her. 'They expected me to run away, but I walked straight through them. I said, 'I live here, I'm taking my kids to school and by the way, I'm not afraid of you. If you see any of my children, remember they're mine, so don't mess with them. You don't own this area.' I taught my children to walk with our heads held high.' At around 11pm on July 29, 2005, Anthony had been babysitting his nephew along with his girlfriend, Louise, and cousin Marcus. The two boys were walking her to the bus stop when a 17-year-old Michael Barton hurled racist abuse in their direction. Anthony led the group away, anxious to avoid confrontation, but Barton called his 20-year-old cousin, Paul Taylor. The pair drove to the entrance of McGoldrick Park and set an ambush. Louise and Marcus managed to escape, but Anthony was cornered, with Taylor driving an ice axe into his head with such ferocity it embedded 6cm into his skull. 'I got a call and was told to get to the hospital,' Gee says. 'There was like a Hansel and Gretel trail of blood through the hospital. I only found out later it was Anthony's. The weapon was still in his head. The doctor told me it was bad. I said, 'you don't know my son. I have everybody praying. My son's going to be okay.'' Anthony was taken to The Walton Centre, the nearby specialist neurology hospital. 'I will always remember the nurse,' Gee recalls. 'I never got to meet her again. She knew I was a person of faith. She took my hands and prayed with me.' The doctors told Gee they had managed to remove the weapon, but there was little more they could do. Anthony died in the early hours of July 30 surrounded by his family. The sickening murder made front page news. In December 2005 Barton and Taylor, respectively the brother and cousin of footballer Joey Barton, were handed life sentences for the murder. Presiding judge Lord Justice Leveson said the cousins had perpetrated a 'racist attack of a type poisonous to any civilised society'. Despite all this, Gee forgave her son's killers. 'Anthony stood for goodness, kindness, love, forgiveness and strength. We can't hate because there was no hate in him. We had to emulate what he stood for.' In the days, weeks and years after Anthony's murder, the people of Liverpool rallied around. 'They helped me find my purpose. I think if Anthony happened anywhere else, his death would probably be a statistic. I'm an honorary Scouser. During my bad times, they came and saved me. This is my home. They are my people.' It was this support, coupled with her will to ensure her son left a legacy even in death, that led Gee to establish the Anthony Walker Foundation in 2006. The foundation is largely split into two teams - one to support victims of hate crime, and a second to provide educational opportunities for schools and workplaces to promote equity and inclusion. The loss of Anthony still weighs heavily on Gee, particularly when she sees headlines of other parents struggling to deal with the deaths of their own children. 'There's no getting away from it for me,' she says. 'I know what grief, pain and loss feels like. I've lost my sister, brother, mother, family, nothing comes close to losing my son. It's the worst pain you can ever imagine.' What keeps her going? 'The new generation. I see the kids I've spoken to in schools are coming back to volunteer and make a difference. But it's not happening fast enough - we should have passed racism by now.' Gee's endless campaigning has led to a string of accolades including an MBE, an honorary doctorate from the University of Liverpool and a Pride of Britain award. But the recognition is tinged with sadness, she says, as she wonders what Anthony might have accomplished had he been allowed to live. 'I just can't bear to think about it, because this young man was just 18 and left such a legacy. He's still impacting life now. 'His legacy transcends. Everything is in Anthony's name. I'm doing this for you, son. It's for my boy.'
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
England's hero Lionesses to ‘rake in £80m' after Euro 2025 triumph as two top stars tipped for I'm a Celeb and Strictly
Grant Rollings, Feature Writer Published: Invalid Date, THEY battled their way to Euros glory in a dramatic penalty shootout - and now England's brilliant Lionesses are set to strike it rich off the pitch. Following their history-making victory against Spain, the likes of captain Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly are now the nation's most in-demand stars, with the talented squad tipped to enjoy a deserved £80million windfall this year in money-spinning brand and TV deals. 12 Brand and culture expert Nick Ede thinks that success on the football field for England's women means they could be even more in demand than the men off it. Super sub Kelly, who coolly slotted home the crucial penalty in Sunday night's European championship final, has already said she'd love to appear on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. While winger Lauren James and Williamson are now in the same league as Lionel Messi, having starred in a Walkers crisps advert with the Argentinian superstar. Fashion brands, sportswear companies and glossy magazines are all desperate to be associated with the glamorous team who love to party. Nick tells The Sun: 'In many ways the Lionesses should be in more demand than the men, because they are winners. They have won the Euros twice. 'Their currency is going to be much much higher now. 'The advantage they have over the men is that they have an appeal across the genders. Men like them and women want to be them. 'They could make between £50million and £80million." But as with the men's footballers, not all of the first team will become TV stars like Gary Lineker or commercial powerhouses like David Beckham. Nick says: 'Collectively as Lionesses they can be making a lot of money, this is their time to shine. 'They could be the next Alex Scott, who is now a bona fide presenter on the One Show, or Jill Scott who was on I'm a Celebrity. But with every team you only get a few stand out stars.' Here we look at which Lionesses will be the big winners off the pitch. Chloe Kelly 12 With her hop and skip run-up penalty technique and iconic goal celebrations, Chloe knows how to make an impression. The 27-year-old forward, who scored the winner in the 2023 final for England, always plays with a smile on her face. And she wants to bring that bubbly attitude to television as well by following former England midfielder Jill Scott onto ITV's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Chloe said: "I don't think I would do well like Jill. I think Jill is so bubbly and the challenges just didn't phase her. But I think I'd enjoy it - probably more so.'' The Arsenal player is already worth an estimated £2.5million, having signed a £1.5million deal with Land Rover. Nick says: 'I am sure Strictly Come Dancing and all the major reality shows will be eyeing Chloe. Out of all of them she seems to be the most famous.' She has modelled for Calvin Klein and worn Prada and Versace for photoshoots. Chloe has overcome adversity this year, having been frozen out of the Manchester City first team following an injury. She said her 'mental well-being' had suffered due to a 'character assassination' and switched to Arsenal on loan. Leah Williamson The England captain is believed to be the highest earning Lioness, having raked in £4million so far. The defender is being compared to the men's 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. Fashion house Gucci took note of her glamorous appearance, making Leah a brand ambassador, while Calvin Klein asked the star to model their underwear. The 28-year-old Arsenal legend has also struck deals with Walkers crisps, Nike, Pepsi and Aston Martin. But she is a self-confessed 'introvert' who spent much of her free time at tournaments sleeping rather than socialising. That means it is unlikely we'll be seeing Leah on reality TV. Nick says: 'The big bucks are in longevity, getting a regular presenting show.' Lucy Bronze The veteran defender revealed that she played the whole of this summer's Euros with a leg fracture. That keep calm and carry on spirit is sure to make her a hit on challenge TV shows. Nick says: 'The injured leg story will push her to the forefront. Her heroics will propel her to get more jobs and more success. 'She is such a go-getter she'd be great for challenge shows like I'm a Celebrity and SAS: Who Dares Wins.' Lucy, 33, whose middle name is Tough, said: 'I've been in a lot of pain. If that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do.' She earned an estimated £200,000 a year while playing at Spanish giants Barcelona and is worth around £3.5million. The Chelsea player led Sports Direct's Legacy Starts Here TV ads and has endorsed VISA, Spotify, and Rexona. Hannah Hampton Until this summer, the 24-year-old goalkeeper was not a household name. But Hannah's two saves in the penalty shootout against Spain in the Euros final has turned the Chelsea player into a hero of the nation. Many people told Hannah she wouldn't make it as a goalie because she had an eye condition that affects depth perception, but she proved them wrong. Hannah, who has over 300,000 Instagram followers, is yet to appear in any major adverts. That, though, is sure to change. She is likely to eclipse England's former number one Mary Earps, who won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023. Nick says: 'Players like Hannah can be great role models and influence future generations.' Alessia Russo With Spain 1-0 ahead at half time in the final, England needed an equaliser and Alessia was the striker who scored the crucial goal. The tenacious 26-year-old star plays with a smile on her face and that has made her popular with advertisers. Her earnings in 2023, when she won the Euros with England, were believed to be £2million. Alessia has struck lucrative deals with Adidas, Gucci, PlayStation and Beats by Doctor Dre. The outgoing player appeared at the BAFTA TV Awards in May, is a regular at London Fashion Week and has appeared on the cover of magazines. She has a podcast with her England team mate Ella Toone called the Tooney & Russo show. Being an engaging talker is important. Nick says: 'There is a real trend for women being brand ambassadors. In tennis Emma Raducanu showed how much you can earn by being a winner. 'There are speaking opportunities that are lucrative, whether it is corporate or brand.' Lauren James 12 An injury curtailed Lauren's final, but the attacking player scored one of the goals of the tournament in the group stages. The 23-year-old Chelsea forward is eclipsing her brother Reece James, the defender who plays for England. Lauren appeared with Leah in the Walkers crisp advert which was often on TV during the commercial breaks. She has also made an advert for Pepsi, alongside David Beckham, worn Nike clothing and promoted Optimum Nutrition. With nearly 900,000 followers on Instagram she is clearly building up a recognition under the name J10, which is similar to Cristiano Ronaldo's CR7. It is only with off the field deals that Lauren will be able to overtake her brother financially. Lauren earns £350,000 a year at Chelsea, while Reece earns £250,000 a week for the same side. Nick says: 'They need to maximise on their success at the Euros because they are not as well paid as the men.' 12 12 12
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
People are only just realising what Monster Munch shapes actually are
Monster Munch is a popular snack which many associate with their childhood, but it turns out there's a big debate when it comes to what shape they actually are - a foot or a monster A crisp fan is questioning everything they know after being told Monster Munch is actually a different shape than they originally thought. Monster Munch, the corn snack known for its distinctive shape and delicious flavours, including Pickled Onion and Roast Beef, is a classic. But there's long been a debate among snack lovers as to what the actual shape of it is. Some people might think it's very obvious, but the fact is, not everyone agrees. Some people believe Walkers ' Monster Munches are shaped like feet, while others think it's a monster with a head, legs and arms. One Monster Munch fan has come to the realisation they may be a different shape than they originally thought. Filming herself holding up a Monster Much to show the camera, TikTok content creator Tiffany wrote: "POV [point of view] you spent your whole childhood thinking Monster Munch where giant feet, to be told they're actual monsters." Originally holding it in a way which made it look like a foot with four toes, she simply flipped it upside down - and you can clearly see the big head with two arms and two legs. Food content creator @FoodWithASB also saw a similar video from someone else, and simply asked: "What is going on?" He explained that he used to love Monster Munch "so much as a kid", particularly the Pickled Onion flavour. He added: "If you've eaten a Monster Munch before you'll know that you always ate them this way up [with the toes pointing up], it looks like a foot or a claw or something. [...] "Wrong. We were all wrong. It turns out if you turn them upside down they are just a full-on monster. It actually makes so much sense. I don't know why I've never seen that before." This created a huge debate in the comment section, as many had no idea they could be seen as monsters. Others refused to believe it. "They're claws," said one person. Another added: "I refused to believe that my childhood has been ruined." "I thought they were claws," said a third. "I know that but still refuse to believe it," added another. Luckily, Walkers previously put an end to the debate about whether the iconic Monster Munch is the shape of a claw with four fingers, or a monster with two arms and legs. They actually put it to the fans to have a decisive say on the official shape with a poll on social media in 2020. More than 60,000 people had their say, with the 'Claw' shape emerging as the winner. Will Robinson at Walkers Snacks said: "Claw or Monster is a debate that has continued to divide British opinion as much as whether or not you put jam or cream on your scone first, or whether that famous dress was gold or blue. "Therefore we felt it was only right to settle the debate once and for all, through launching our 'Monster' and 'Claw' shaped packs and asking the fans to decide – and now they have spoken. "So moving forwards it won't be open to debate – they are officially 'claw' shaped forever more. Or until our innovation team gets restless, at least."
Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Popular crisps brand brings back iconic flavour which rivals McCoy's classic
A POPULAR crisps brand has brought back a limited-edition flavour that had fans going wild. Seabrook's Loaded Tasty Takeouts Burger crisps in the Sizzlin' Steak Burger Flavour will be landing back on Aldi shelves this week. 1 The Seabrook Loaded Tasty Takeouts Burger crisps in the flavour Sizzlin' Steak Burger Credit: Aldi The flavour was initially released as a limited edition back in April in Aldi's middle aisles. But after disappearing from shelves for a short time, it's now coming back again on Sunday. The packs cost £1.25 for 130g. They are also gluten free and vegan. Foodies spotted the crisps on shelves back in April, with some saying they were "very nice". One person commented: "It seems just when Walkers discontinue their range or flavours, Seabrook just bring out more choice." Popular Instagram reviewer John's Snack Reviews posted a review of the crisps previously, saying they tasted "like a big mac without the gerkin". He added: "It's got that musky chargrill with hints of beef along with the big mac burger flavour." At the time, Seabrook also brought out another flavour called Spicy Mexican Taco. It said both flavours were limited edition so "they won't be around for too long". Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down The Sizzlin' Steak Burger flavour could be a good dupe for McCoy's iconic Flame Grilled Steak crisps. You can get a multipack of six of these for £1.74 at Asda or currently £1.75 at Waitrose. Elsewhere they're £2.35 at Morrisons or Ocado. Reviewers say the McCoy version is "truly a household favourite" and "so delicious and moreish". Seabrook recently brought back another iconic flavour that rivalled a Walkers classic. The crinkle cut Tomato Ketchup crisps are available in Morrisons, where shoppers can pick up packs of six 25g bags for £1.45. The supermarket launched the limited-edition crisps in stores on May 19. They are similar to Walkers' Heinz Tomato Ketchup bags, which were confirmed as re-launched in March after being axed in 2023.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Popular crisps brand brings back iconic flavour which rivals McCoy's classic
A POPULAR crisps brand has brought back a limited-edition flavour that had fans going wild. Seabrook's Loaded Tasty Takeouts Burger crisps in the Sizzlin' Steak Burger Flavour will be landing back on Aldi shelves this week. The flavour was initially released as a limited edition back in April in Aldi's middle aisles. But after disappearing from shelves for a short time, it's now coming back again on Sunday. The packs cost £1.25 for 130g. They are also gluten free and vegan. Foodies spotted the crisps on shelves back in April, with some saying they were "very nice". One person commented: "It seems just when Walkers discontinue their range or flavours, Seabrook just bring out more choice." Popular Instagram reviewer John's Snack Reviews posted a review of the crisps previously, saying they tasted "like a big mac without the gerkin". He added: "It's got that musky chargrill with hints of beef along with the big mac burger flavour." At the time, Seabrook also brought out another flavour called Spicy Mexican Taco. It said both flavours were limited edition so "they won't be around for too long". Wake up to a weed-free lawn for months thanks to Aldi's £10 gadget that pulls them out without bending or kneeling down The Sizzlin' Steak Burger flavour could be a good dupe for McCoy's iconic Flame Grilled Steak crisps. You can get a multipack of six of these for £1.74 at Asda or currently £1.75 at Waitrose. Elsewhere they're £2.35 at Morrisons or Ocado. Reviewers say the McCoy version is "truly a household favourite" and "so delicious and moreish". Seabrook recently brought back another iconic flavour that rivalled a Walkers classic. The crinkle cut Tomato Ketchup crisps are available in Morrisons, where shoppers can pick up packs of six 25g bags for £1.45. The supermarket launched the limited-edition crisps in stores on May 19. They are similar to Walkers' Heinz Tomato Ketchup bags, which were confirmed as re-launched in March after being axed in 2023. Why are products axed or recipes changed? ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders. Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether. They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers. There are several reasons why this could be done. For example, government regulation, like the "sugar tax," forces firms to change their recipes. Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs. They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable. For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018. It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version. Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year. Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks. While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
