Bill Esterson MP and Formby Councillor Carol Richards visit Woodlands School Council

BILL Esterson MP met some budding politicians when he visited a meeting of the School Council at Woodlands Primary School ,in Formby. Mr Esterson, MP for Sefton Central, along with new Labour Councillor for Harington Ward Carol Richards, met with the young pupils to discuss life in politics, and to congratulate staff on a recent Ofsted report which rated the School Good. Members of the School Council, who had visited Parliament the day before, asked Mr Esterson and Cllr Richards about their work, and the things they found interesting and challenging.

Mr Esterson said:- "Thank you so much to the Woodlands Head Teacher Mr Williams for inviting Carol and me to come to take a look around the School and to meet the School Council. It had been a while since I had visited so it was great to see some familiar faces and congratulate them on their recent good Ofsted report. The children were very keen to talk to Carol and me about my work in Parliament and Carol's work on the borough and parish Councils. I hope we have inspired them to keep up their interest in local and national politics."

Cllr Richards, who is also a Governor at the School, said:- "It was an excellent Ofsted report which is testament to the hard work of Mr Williams, the senior leadership team and all the staff and governors. The School Council had visited Parliament the day before our visit. They had a wonderful day and were very excited to ask Bill questions about being an MP. They asked me some really great questions about Formby and the environment. No doubt there are a few political leaders of the future among this group."
 

Former Brookside star urges people to take part in bike ride for dementia research

AN actress and fitness instructor from Merseyside whose dad died with a rare form of dementia is inviting people to join her on a fundraising cycle ride supporting pioneering research. Paula Muldoon has organised the 64 mile Braveheart Cycle, from Waterloo to Preston and back, on Saturday 30 July to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK. The 52 year old, who played Diana Corkhill in Brookside, has been a supporter of the UK's leading dementia research charity since 2011 and has raised more than £50,000 through her annual Braveheart Cycle rides and exercise marathons. This is the 1st time she has held the Braveheart Cycle since 2018 after she took a break in 2019 and then was not able to hold the event for the last 2 years due to the Pandemic.

Paula, who is a personal trainer and nutritionist, was inspired to support dementia research as her father, Michael, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) aged just 53 and died in 2012 aged 64. FTD is thought to account for fewer than1 in 20 of dementia cases. While most people associate dementia with memory loss, people living with FTD usually have changes in their behaviour and personality. Paula said:- "After a 3 year break I'm delighted to be able to host another Braveheart Cycle in memory of my dad. My dad was so courageous as little by little dementia stole his pioneering spirit, precious memories and independence at such a young age. I'm so proud to be able to continue his legacy by supporting dementia research. I know the money I and other people raise will help scientists find the treatments so urgently needed for future generations."

Cyclist will meet at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre in Waterloo at 8am, and set off at:- 8.15am. The ride will end at the Nags Head in Thornton. The ride is estimated to take around 7 hours. All participants will be expected to have a road worthy bike, with a spare inner tube in case of punctures. The enrolment cost is £50 and covers the cost of lunch provided by The Fox Cub in Preston. All remaining money will go to the charity. Cyclists are also encouraged to get sponsorship for the event and aim for a minimum of £100. Paula added:- "The event is open to anyone who would like a fun but challenging day out, while at the same time raising some money for a good cause. It's such a great experience to be able to do something worthwhile, while improving your health. We go at the speed of the slowest cyclist and leave no1 behind. Past rides have been incredible and have created memories for life as well as forging new friendships."

Simon McDermott, Alzheimer's Research UK's Regional Fundraising Officer for the North West, said:- "We're so grateful to Paula for her support of Alzheimer's Research UK. Dementia affects a significant proportion of the population; 1 in 3 people over 65 in the UK will die with some form of the condition. Fantastic fundraising efforts like this will help us to make life changing research breakthroughs for people with dementia."

To sign up for the cycle ride or for more information, email Paula at:- Paula@Corefit.Org.UK.  To sponsor Paula go to:- JustGiving.com.  For further information about Alzheimer's Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising for the charity, call:- 03001115555 or visit:- AlzheimersResearchUK.Org.