Eric Martyn

Alder hey patient five-year-old lincoln from st helens is all set for santa dash treat  

Alder Hey patient Lincoln is aged five and has undergone open-heart surgeries at the world-class children’s hospital in Liverpool. His infectious enthusiasm and positivity has made him shine – and he has been chosen to represent the charity at this year’s Liverpool Santa Dash. Young Lincoln will be guest of honour on the day with his family Mum Tanya, Dad Mathew, and brothers Deacon, Mac, and Jaxon. He will be taking part in the 1K Mini Dash – supported by Alder Hey mascot ‘Oli the elephant’ who will be taking part in the main dash.

Talking about Lincoln’s experiences with Alder Hey, his mum Tanya said: “Lincoln has a complex Congenital Heart Defect and Heterotaxy Syndrome RAI and has been under Alder Hey’s care from day one. We’ve had an amazing experience with Alder Hey, especially the cardiac team and ward staff who have looked after Lincoln during his numerous stays and appointments so far. We can’t thank them enough for the time they have given us with him, with hopefully many more to come. He is just the happiest boy and is always smiling. He’s also very cheeky, loving, and caring, with an amazing personality. He is finally in a good place – and even gets excited when he knows he’s coming to Alder Hey again.”

Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s aim is to deliver a fun-filled and positive experience for families, often at the toughest times, by raising money for innovative projects and creative activities. Thanks to generous donations, the charity has proudly pioneered life-saving treatments and provided comfort for young patients and their families.

The festive spectacular takes place on Sunday 3 December 2023 – starting at 9.30am at Pier Head Liverpool and is highly regarded as the city’s official kick-start to Christmas.

Santa Dash participants or supporters can fundraise or make a donation on the Alder Hey Liverpool Santa Dash official giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/santadashah23

 

 

 

 

 

Vidivet limited receives six-figure fund:ai investment

fund:AI (managed by River Capital) have made a six-figure investment into leading pet health-tech platform company Vidivet Limited.

Based in Liverpool, Vidivet, has been named one of the UK’s Top 10 most exciting early-stage technology companies by Tech Nation and provides online vet triage services to pet owners all over the UK 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

VidiVet was founded in March 2020 by experienced vet Ben Sweeney and the Liverpool-based business now employs a team of 60, including a global team of vets who work remotely.

The app is redefining telehealth and providing enhanced operational efficiency and profitability to veterinary practices across the UK. The company is growing rapidly, with a number of new B2B clients including entry into the lucrative pet insurance ecosystem.

fund:AI will support the business with not just capital but also AI expertise, as the business embarks on a computer vision, IOT and deep learning journey that is designed to enhance the vet service and to further improve customer satisfaction levels.

The investment was led by David Walters of River Capital and was supported by Daniel Hayhurst of Brabners LLP and Mike McMahon of Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Vidivet CEO, Ben Sweeney, (pictured top) commented: “Raising investment can be hard and many founders inevitably find it difficult to select the right partner to pursue their vision. From early meetings with the team at River Capital, it was clear that they not only understood what we have now but also where we are going – which is of course critical. We live in a time where people are excited but also fearful of AI, so it is lovely to be able to share our journey with pet owners and to utilise AI and machine learning to fuel our learnings and evolution as a company.”

fund:AI Investment Director, David Walters, (pictured below) commented: “We are delighted to support Ben and the team and are impressed with the work in building out a highly sophisticated technology platform and a strong client list.  Ben is a great guy to work with too, his energy is infectious and he is genuinely open to our expert operational support. Growth in the sector is strong and we look forward to supporting Vidivet to further diversify their B2B customer base.  Health-tech is an area that will benefit greatly through AI innovation and we see a real opportunity for the company to go on a high growth journey over the coming years supported by deep learning projects with specialist veterinary health innovation facilities and pharmaceutical partners.”

 

About the River Capital EIS AI Fund ‘fund:AI’

fund:AI is the North’s first dedicated AI fund and was launched in November 2022 and managed from River Capital’s Liverpool head office. The fund is designed to support the North’s most promising AI and data companies.   fund:AI is an evergreen fund deploying investments of up to £2m into EIS qualifying companies predominately in the North of the UK. Drawing on AI operational expertise the fund is managed by Artificial Intelligence and Data industry experts and investors.

 

 

Norris green benefiting from ‘entrepreneur in residence’ business clinic

Norris Green residents are benefitting from a groundbreaking business support programme which was first launched in 2015 through Liverpool Central Library’s Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC). 

Successfully launched last Monday, 23rd September, the Entrepreneur in Residence Business Clinic will be held at Lifestyles Ellergreen, Norris Green each Monday and delivers free, confidential advice and help to hundreds of people wanting to start, grow or secure their business.

A team of big-hearted professionals, led by Gary Millar FJMU, former Lord Mayor of Liverpool, aim to deliver a high impact service and are able to give people top quality business advice through these clinics. Supported by almost 40 specialist volunteer mentors, Gary and his team have provided support to thousands of entrepreneurs since opening within Liverpool Central Library in 2015, combining together to help people in accessing specialist expertise, from trademarks and patents through to marketing, finance and a whole range of other business areas. They genuinely care about our business community and turn up, listen, advise and follow up, giving hours of their valuable time for nothing .

At the first clinic last Monday, Gary was joined by fellow volunteers, lawyer Francis McEntegart of MC Legal and finance and banking expert Gary Beggs of Pomegranate, were on hand to answer questions from anyone who dropped into Lifestyles Ellergreen wanting advice on protecting their ideas, accessing finance or general help on starting or growing a business.

 

BIPC’s business engagement and marketing manager Geraldine Fuller said: “The Entrepreneur in Residence clinics have been a huge success and played a critical role in supporting over 2,000 businesses over the last three years. People come to us from all walks of life and we help anyone – from an individual with an idea needing to be protected, to a larger business needing patent advice or access to market research. There is a huge demand for our services from start-ups through to established businesses. Gary has as always given up his time completely free of charge and his infectious passion and energy has meant he’s enlisted the support of a brilliant team of people who share his drive and commitment to supporting our local businesses.  Thanks to Gary and the volunteers we are now also able to deliver this world class service in Norris Green.

Gary said: “Please pop into see us each Monday. Between us we have loads of useful experience, masses of helpful connections and a passion for paying it forward. It’s free of charge, impartial, independent and no one is getting paid to help you. We genuinely want to give Norris Green and areas further afield the very best opportunities. We are also really good listeners, and we look forward to helping you explore your business ideas and issues. We know from the work we’ve been doing over many years that we can help you make a real difference. With this new opening in Norris Green, I’m pleased to see that the BIPCs are again helping spread the access to business guidance and help turn your concepts into commercial reality.

Kop this! hotel anfield makes a dream come true for german football fan

My Planet Liverpool is delighted to relate this wonderful story of how adopted Scouser and Co-Owner of Happy Days Group & Hotel Anfield, Peter Schriewersmann, worked with his team to help to fulfil a German lady’s dream of visiting Anfield for a Liverpool FC home game.

Dagmar Noé is crazy about football. She is a Hamburg SV fanatic who all her life has watched her local team play home and away. She had watched a programme on German television featuring Hotel Anfield, which is situated at 23 Anfield Road, in the shadow of the LFC stadium. Dagma then sent the hotel a letter telling of her dream of being able to make a trip to Liverpool and watch a Liverpool FC game at Anfield.

Peter says. “Here at Hotel Anfield we wanted to help Dagma achieve her dream. Apart from her home address, Dagma’s letter contained no other contact details and so we wrote back to her, and over time we continued to exchange with her via letter, in the ‘old school’ way. “Then, last Saturday, the 23rd September 2023, we were delighted to help Dagmar, who had travelled to Liverpool with her nephew Felix, get to fulfil her dream,  being able to experience the special Anfield atmosphere and the added bonus of seeing LFC beat West Ham 3-1.

The very happy duo enjoyed the hospitality provided by the hotel and also met a few interesting people during their trip, including the man known as the ‘voice’ of Sky Sports Germany, Tony Tomic (pictured below with Dagma and Peter Schriewersmann (on right, with microphone) and she and Felix were especially delighted to meet LFC legend Steve McMahon (pictured above with Dagma and Felix).

Peter adds, “This is why, at Hotel Anfield, we do what we do. We simply love to bring happiness and enjoyment to others!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.anfieldhotel.com

23 Anfield Rd, Anfield, Liverpool L4 OTE   – Phone: 0800 689 1267

 

Builder book project launches planet pack 24 project

Award-winning Liverpool author draws on her own childhood to tackle inequalities in education with the launch of this year’s Builder Book Project.

One of the most exciting children’s authors in the UK today, and child mental health campaigner, Natalie Reeves Billing (kneeling at front of main pic) has launched her latest social value project, which aims to ensure every child has equal access to quality and engaging educational and creative resources – giving all children a fair start in life.

Split Perspectivz CIC’s Builder Book UK project is a yearly event, set up four years ago by Natalie and fellow Merseyside children’s author, Jude Lennon, (pictured below left) to deliver thousands of boxes, packs, workshops and events to local children, families, schools and community centres across the Liverpool City Region. This year’s initiative, named Planet Pack 24, was launched by BAFTA and multi-award winning TV personality and LCR cycling and walking commissioner, Simon O’Brien, (far right of picture below ) at an event at the Novotel Liverpool on , September 18, which focussed on the United Nations Global Goals, a framework for a healthier world and better future for everyone.

The carbon zero packs have been produced in collaboration with local creatives, volunteers, and service providers, and contain fun, educational resources, activities and a new picture book written by Natalie and Jude, which will be delivered to over 10,000 economically disadvantaged households across the Liverpool City Region and Deeside in March 2024.

Planet Pack 24 will also address a number of issues raised in the Annual Literacy Survey, a report of over 71,000 children and young people across the country that found the enjoyment of writing was at its lowest level since records began in 2010, and that writing significantly supports children’s well-being.

Speaking about Planet Pack 24 and the importance of the Builder Book UK project, Natalie said: “A mother myself, I’m committed to supporting children during their formative years. I am one of the lucky ones, but I’ve seen only too often how vital the right start in life can be to health, happiness and prosperity. Education shouldn’t be a choice between heating our homes and teaching our children. As a community, we should find a way to raise, encourage, and support our youth, by working together. It is in everyone’s interests to create a kinder, fairer world, but this can only be achieved through the medium of education – giving youngsters the tools they need to succeed and thrive from an early age – and helping children keep that joyous outlook towards discovery as they enter a new world that welcomes them with open arms, no matter their background. This year’s eco theme focuses on the United Nations Global Goals, a framework for a healthier world and better future for everyone.”

 

For more information about Natalie Reeves Billing, visit her website, and social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Photographs by Paul Greenwood and Dave Henshaw

September 2023

Clampdown heavily on breeders to discourage future breeds emerging says leading liverpool vet and dog behaviourist

Should specific breeds of dogs be banned or the people who breed and buy them?

That is the debate circling in the media right now after the PM’s comments about banning American XL Bully Dogs.

An acclaimed Liverpool veterinary surgeon Dr Paul Boland along with business colleague and dog trainer/behaviourist, Justine Shone have now joined the debate calling for severe consequences for breeders to discourage future new breeds from emerging.

Dr Paul Boland has been a Veterinary Surgeon for more than 30 years, and is an expert in canine reproduction, a breeder and champion show judge of Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

He said: “We believe that the proposed ban on American XL Bully dogs by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is a knee jerk reaction from someone who does not understand the problem of dangerous dogs and is using this for political advantage.

“This is a very emotional and complex subject, but let’s concentrate on the breeding, buying, and training of so-called dangerous dogs. Look at the facts. Some breeds can become more aggressive towards other dogs and people due to bad breeding, plus, genetics plays a big part too. Dogs also need to be socialised properly.

“Many of the ‘new’ breeds of dogs that have been imported and are now bred in the UK are a mixture of breeds and not pedigree dogs and subsequently, are not registered with the Kennel Club. Identifying a specific “breed” of dog is also becoming problematic too, almost impossible!

“In our many years of owning, treating, and training dogs we have come across many aggressive, dangerous dogs. The problem is that a small aggressive dog can bite your hand, but a much larger dog can kill a child or person.

“We believe that the fundamental problem is that too many people are breeding dogs for profit, symbolism, and protection. They do not care about the dogs. The other problem is the people who buy these types of dogs. They usually have no idea of how to train them, they generally buy them to breed for profit and for ego.

“For us, the issue is not about banning so called breeds when they are in many cases mongrels but to stop the breeding of them in the first place. There needs to be a debate on the breeding, selling, and purchasing of dogs in this country. This includes so called dangerous breeds but also, breeds that often have many health problems. That is a sad fact. I’m in favour of the law courts handing down heavy punishments to all those irresponsible.

Justine Shone, a highly experienced dog trainer and behaviourist who runs holistic and advisory pet care company, JP’s Natural Pet Supplements with Dr Paul Boland said:

“We need to look at the back street breeders, and irresponsible owners before blaming the breed of dog and start by holding people accountable for their dogs…there must be severe punishment.

“Unfortunately for this breed, significant numbers of people use the American XL Bully as a dangerous weapon. Given its potential harm, which would carry a prison sentence if it were another form of weapon. I am in favour of specific and regulated licenses for all powerful dogs. Owners should also have to take a test under the supervision of an experienced dog trainer to show their competence.

“Banning dogs will not change anything. Back street breeds will just breed another type of bull breed or another type of dog, the cycle will continue to go on and on. The law and the media headlines should be about controlling who owns these dogs, and backstreet breeders, and not about the breed of dogs. ends

www.jpsnaturalpetsuplements.com

 

Alfie’s squad open to new recruits as pilot scheme kicks off

Children aged seven to 17 who are bereaved by suicide are being invited to join the next intake of ‘Alfie’s Squad’, a safe space to make friends, explore new activities and find solace in the company of peers who share similar experiences.

The first welcome meeting of the pilot group for Alfie’s Squad took place last month, after five years of hard work and determination, with weekly sessions being delivered at The People’s Place, in partnership with Everton in the Community.

The 8-week programme includes a wide range of activities such as sports, quiz nights, art sessions and exciting trips. Led by fully qualified staff from Everton in the Community, the hour-long sessions are split into two age groups with one focused on children of junior school age (7-11) and a secondary school group (12-17).

With the pilot programme now underway at The People’s Place, referrals are already being taken for a new cohort of Alfie’s Squad, with the next programme expected to start on Thursday 2nd November 2023.

The idea for Alfie’s Squad came in 2017, after 8-year-old Alfie Fitzsimmons (pictured above) lost his dad to suicide. Motivated by his own experience, he wrote to Everton Football Club to ask if they would help him to fundraise for those less fortunate than him. Alfie worked with his mum, Allison Furlong (below), to establish a much-needed peer support group for children who, like himself, had been bereaved by suicide. After Alfie lost his dad, Allison found that dedicated support for children suffering from this kind of bereavement was not available anywhere in the UK. Not to be thwarted, a determined Alfie set about developing the idea himself and he has raised more than £30,000 to fund it.

Speaking of the first sessions, Allison said: “Alfie was a 9-year-old little boy when he presented his plans to Everton in the Community. Over the past 5 years, it would have been easier for him to just get on with his own life, but he was determined to make his plans a reality as he was so worried about all the other bereaved children who had nowhere to turn to. Last month, at the grand old age of 14, his years of planning and fundraising were rewarded with the launch of our pilot group for children and their families. I nearly burst with pride when the parents were thanking Alfie for getting the group started. He still doesn’t really get what all the fuss is about, and he told me afterwards that nobody needs to thank him. He is just doing what needs to be done. I am so proud of him, and we are both determined to help as many young people as possible.”

Earlier this year, Allison’s work in helping Alfie to develop and implement the idea was recognised at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards, where she was named Woman of Courage 2023.

If you would like to refer a child into Alfie’s Squad, the process is very simple. All you have to do is fill out the referral form below and a member of the team will contact you within 72 hours to arrange for you and your child to attend a triage session with a counsellor.

The triage is necessary to make sure that Alfie’s Squad is the best way for you to support your child at this point. The form is simple, and the triage process is completed in a sensitive manner. If you would like to refer yourself to our adult group, please contact us (see below) and we will get back to you and  talk you through what to expect and answer any questions you may have.

To find out more about Alfie’s Squad and the referral process, visit: alfiessquad.org/referral/

Easy jet providing great flights from liverpool john lennon airport this winter

easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, are enabling passengers to fly from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to enjoy fantastic destinations such as Dalaman, Alicante and Tenerife, along with fabulous city breaks to the likes of the ever popular Paris and Barcelona. For those of you seeking a relaxing break a little closer to home, then take advantage of easyJet flights to visit Jersey, the Isle of Man and Belfast.

The popular airline also recently announced it will be launching two new routes from the airport this winter, meaning customers have even more choice for their winter holiday and can book early to get the best fares.

On 29th October a new year-round route will launch from Liverpool to Egypt’s scuba-diving hotspot Hurghada, operating twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, enabling customers to have the choice of a week long break or even a long weekend. easyJet is the number one carrier from the UK to Egypt and continues to prove popular with UK holidaymakers looking for winter sun, vast sandy beaches and world-renowned coral reefs.

The popular airline is also launching a new twice-weekly winter route from Liverpool to Lyon on 13th December, operating on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout winter, perfect for a city break to make the most of the Christmas markets, or to head to the Alps and hit the slopes.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, added “We’re delighted to be launching two new routes and holidays from Liverpool to Hurghada and Lyon, providing even more choice for our customers this winter, whether they are looking for a Christmas getaway, hitting the slopes, or chasing the winter sun and we can’t wait to welcome more customers on board.”

Flights from Liverpool on new routes for this winter are now available to book at easyJet.com and via the mobile app.

www.liverpool airport.com

 

 

Liverpool firm mha moore and smalley makes largest ever trainee and apprenticeship intake

Liverpool-based accountancy and business advisory firm MHA Moore and Smalley has welcomed a record number of new trainees and apprentices as part of its 2023 cohort.

The 48 new recruits include university, college and sixth form graduates who will work with MHA Moore and Smalley colleagues across the firm’s seven offices, supporting clients across the region while undertaking professional accounting and tax qualifications funded by the firm. Each of the new members of staff will be mentored by a senior colleague and will receive their own development plan to support their progression within the firm.

The intake of new graduates and apprentices includes 12 new starters who have joined MHA Moore and Smalley’s Liverpool office. Graham Gordon, managing partner, MHA Moore and Smalley, said: “This year’s intake of trainees and apprentices is another record figure for the firm, which is a testament to our continued growth across the North West and nationally as part of the MHA group. Throughout the firm, we are continually striving to create the best possible workplace culture we can, where all members of staff can learn from each other and develop their skills collaboratively. Many of our graduates and trainees from previous years now hold senior positions within the firm and I’m looking forward to seeing this next generation of MHA Moore and Smalley leaders grow and thrive.”

MHA Moore and Smalley is an award-winning firm of chartered accountants and business advisors with offices in Preston, Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool, East Midlands, Kendal and Lancaster. It has 29 partners and employs over 400 staff. The firm is part of MHA, a UK wide network of independent accountants and business advisers with 18 offices nationwide. MHA collectively employs 106 partners, 1,152 staff and has a combined turnover of £142m.