Southport people running London Marathon

THIS year the London Marathon has many locals from the Southport area due to run in it for a variety of courses. These are a 2 more of of Southport's residents who will be running this year....

Celeb Cunningham is:-  19, and he is taking on the 26.2 mile challenge this April to raise funds for the Duchenne Family Support Group.

His Mum Vicki Cunningham said:- "Caleb is running the London Marathon to raise funds for a Duchenne charity that has helped us over the years. It's heartwarming how Caleb protects Noah and how he will go above and beyond. He's a local lad, doing something really positive."

Caleb Cunningham said:- "I'm running the London Marathon, on:- 27 April 2025. I have taken on this challenge to raise vital funds for an amazing charity, DFSG, Duchenne Family Support Group. My brother, Noah who is 20, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is a life-shortening muscle-wasting disease which affects every single muscle in his body. Noah cannot walk, use his arms, he has cardiomyopathy, osteoporosis, tracheostomy, is ventilator reliant, is peg fed, and has gut and bowel dysmotility. He loves history and politics, and is currently studying ancient and modern history at A-level. He is the coach at Southport FC Foundation powerchair football team and we watch Everton together. I've grown up watching my brother deteriorate, but we've always had fun together with my other 2 brothers and Mum. Duchenne Family Support Group has played a part in helping us to make fun memories, that's why I wanted to help them to raise funds to help other families like ours. I'm running because Noah can't! If you can donate a small amount I'd really appreciate your support. Thank you!"

As Caleb Cunningham is fundraising for Duchenne Family Support Group, you can donate now on:- JustGiving.Com.

Southport entrepreneur Matt Byrom is running his 1st London Marathon for Alzheimer's Society in honour of his mother-in-law Rose Tapper.

Speaking to Matt on this cold March morning after having been out at 5am to do a 12 mile run, it is clear to him that he is keen to take on this challenge due to experiencing 1st hand the devastation of dementia within the family.

Matt Byrom said:- "Alzheimer's Society is a charity that means a great deal to me personally. Over the past 9 years, I've seen the devastating impact that dementia can have on a family. My mother-in-law, Rose, was diagnosed with dementia only a few years after she retired from her job as a nurse in 2010; a career she gave so much to and mostly in Southport where she was proud to be a recovery nurse. It's heartbreaking to see how the disease has gradually taken her memories, her independence, and a part of who she is. Rose was fearless, assertive and a fabulous homemaker. She should be spending these years enjoying her retirement, travelling, and living life to the fullest but instead, dementia has slowly taken that freedom and joy away from her. Rose is still only 74. She's active and physically well; She still enjoys going out and singing in the local memories are made choir, walking, and staying active; but her memory fades faster than we ever imagined. Conversations are forgotten almost as soon as they happen, familiar faces often feel unfamiliar, and the confident, sharp woman we all love now often feels confused, scared and unsure."

Matt is inspired by his mother-in-law to run the London Marathon this April. He said:- "In 2024, we had to make the incredibly difficult decision to move Rose into a Care Home. Taking her out of her own home; the place she felt most safe and comfortable; it was heartbreaking. Every step of this journey brings more painful decisions, more change, and more grief. Dementia is an incredibly cruel disease; not just for the person living with it, but for everyone who loves them. There's a deep sense of helplessness, and a grief that starts long before any final goodbye."

Matt is keen to raise awareness and the funds will help with research and support services. "Any donation, big or small, will mean the world to me and my family; and will help Alzheimer's Society continue their vital work. I'll be running this London Marathon with Rose at the forefront of my mind but also for those who are or have been affected by dementia. Thank you so much for your support."

You can donate on:- JustGiving.Com.

Liverpool Commits to Tackling Gambling Harm

A campaign has been launched to tackle gambling related harm, following a new study that revealed nearly ⅓ of adults living in Liverpool gamble annually, with 12% at risk of experiencing harm.

Liverpool City Council and Liverpool John Moores University are leading a cross-sector initiative to address the growing issue of gambling-related harms.

Gambling is often portrayed as a harmless activity, but for many, it can lead to serious consequences, including financial hardship, relationship breakdowns, poor mental and physical health, and in some cases, involvement in crime.

Addressing these harms is a priority, yet the understanding of who is most at risk, and the underlying drivers, has been limited by significant gaps in research and evidence.

In response, Liverpool City Council commissioned a landmark study to address this under-researched issue. This important work was undertaken in collaboration with academic experts at Liverpool John Moores University.

Drawing on data from several sources, including the invaluable Merseyside Violence and Community Safety (MerVCom) survey and insights from local residents, this research provides critical insights into the prevalence and impact of gambling harms across Liverpool. It helps to identify those most at risk and the key factors contributing to harm.

The findings are striking:-

• Nearly 30% of adults in Liverpool reported gambling in the past year.
  

• Almost 12% are experiencing gambling-related harm, nearly double the national average for England.
  

• Approximately 25,000 adults in Liverpool have experienced household gambling as an adverse childhood experience.

Building on this study, Liverpool has launched an ongoing engagement process aimed at bringing together key stakeholders to co-develop a robust action plan to tackle gambling harm in the City. This includes:- a series of workshops and collaborative discussions focused on generating practical, evidence-informed strategies for change.

A recent workshop, led by Liverpool Public Health and hosted by LJMU, marked a major step forward. The event brought together experts and community voices, with contributions from organisations including the NHS, Merseyside Police, Gambling with Lives, and Beacon. The strong attendance and engagement on the day underlined the City's commitment to confronting this issue head-on.

The development of an evidence based action plan to reduce harm caused by gambling is now being prioritised, through sharing best practice, further workshops, and a commitment to collaboration and partnership working.

To read the full report, please click on here.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, said:- "Gambling harm often goes unnoticed, yet its impact on individuals, families, and communities can be devastating. Too many people suffer in silence, facing financial hardship and serious mental health challenges. The research, carried out in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, is a vital step in identifying those most at risk and ensuring they receive the right support. We are committed to continuing this work alongside our partners, taking proactive action to prevent harm and provide help where it's needed most."

Professor Matt Ashton Director of Public Health said:- "This initiative reflects Liverpool's dedication to protecting residents from the adverse effects of gambling, fostering a healthier and more resilient community. Stakeholders from various sectors will work together to refine strategies, implement policies, and ensure sustainable interventions that address gambling-related harms effectively. By combining research, public engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, the City is taking proactive steps towards mitigating the impact of gambling-related harms and promoting public well being."