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Sister pays tribute to A6 fatal accident victim Harjit Singh Thaliwal

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The sister of road accident victim Harjit Singh Thaliwal has paid tribute to her brother as "one in a million".

Manpreet Thaliwal said she and her family are struggling to come to terms with losing Harjit after he died in crash on the A6 at Mountsorrel on Saturday evening.

Manpreet, 25, from Quorn, known to her family and friends as Mamps, said: "None of us can believe what has happened.

"Harjit was one in million he truly was. He was a real gentleman and would do anything for anyone.

"He was my lovely, protective older brother who looked after me from the day I was born.

"We went through school together at Brookside Primary School, Manor High School and Beauchamp College in Oadby and he always made sure I was OK.

"He has always been at my side and I just can't accept he is not going to be there any more."

Manpreet said her brother was driving the £45,000 black BMW X6 he had just picked up that day from the garage when the accident happened.

She said: "Harjit was so proud of that car.

"We had gone to the garage to look at it a week before and he just said: 'I have to have that.'

"He worked hard - seven days a week and did not drink or go out. He liked his cars and that was his reward to himself for his hard work.

"Harjit was so good to me that if I wanted a car he would go out and get me it. He was so generous and a real inspiration to everyone who knew him."

Manpreet said she and her brother set up a beauty business - Blush Beauty Box at a shop in Ashby Square in Loughborough.

She said they had also set up an online beauty business Nail Polish Direct selling nail polish and accessories and Harjit had set up his own clothing and accessories venture Hunt or Dye.

Manpreet said: "He was a very hard worker. he worked every day and sometimes a lot more than 12 hours a day.

"He was totally committed to making all the businesses a success so the family could benefit."

Manpreet said she, her brother and father Balwant Singh Thaliwal, 48, and her mother Paramjit Kaur Thaliwal, 48, lived together in Quorn after moving from Oadby eight weeks ago.

She said: "We were a really tight unit. We lived together. We worked together.

"We relied on each other, supported each other, we were always there for each other but Harjit was the driving force."

The family decided they could not carry on trading while they grieved for Harjit.

A message posted on the Blush Beauty Box website raeds: "Due to a tragic loss within the family, Blush Beauty Box will remain closed.

"We will not be taking any orders until further notice."

Shocked friends have posted tributes and messages on Manpreet's Facebook page.

She said: "We have had a lot of support from family and friends but it still feels unreal.

"I still expect Harjit to be there in the morning when I wake up and we will go to work together. I don't know I am going to carry on without him."

Police said that a VW Scirocco was involved in the fatal crash at about 7.20pm.

Both cars were travelling away from Loughborough and towards Leicester when the crash happened, about 800 yards south of the Rothley/Mountsorrel exit.

The driver of the VW was discharged after treatment at the Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), in Nottingham.

One of the passengers in the vehicle was also discharged after treatment. The other is in a stable condition at QMC.

A 27-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for anyone who has information about the incident to contact them on 101.

Sister pays tribute to A6 fatal accident victim Harjit Singh Thaliwal


Leicester motorcyclist dies after colliding with tractor on the A52 in Lincolnshire

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A motorcyclist from Leicester died after he collided with a tractor on a country road. The 30-year-old rider, whose name has not been released, died at the scene of the crash on the A52 in Donington, near Spalding, Lincolnshire yesterday. Emergency Services were called to scene shortly after 4pm after the man's Ducati motor cycle collided with a green Claas tractor. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene. The tractor driver was not injured, Lincolnshire Police said. The force said road was closed for some hours after the collision while its investigators examined the scene. Officers have urged witnesses to contact them.

Leicester motorcyclist dies after colliding with tractor on the A52 in Lincolnshire

Woman who 'woke' during surgery: 'I thought I was dying, I couldn't breathe'

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A woman thought she was dying when she woke up in the middle of surgery at Leicester Royal Infirmary earlier this year.

Angela Padfield, from Oadby, suffered every patient's nightmare during what should have been a simple keyhole procedure in January.

A new report, led by they Royal College of Anaesthetists and Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland, shows that becoming conscious during surgery happens at a rate of one in every 19,000 operations.

Researchers are calling for a checklist to be used at the start of operations and introduction of a national structure for looking after patients who have had the experience.

Angela, 37, knew something had gone wrong with her operation as she came to and could feel herself being rushed down a corridor and could hear the panic it the voices of people around her.

She said: "I couldn't move, I couldn't open my eyes and worst of all I couldn't breathe, because this had been taken over by the doctors but I was aware of things going on around me.

"Not being able to breathe makes you feel you are dying and I couldn't tell anyone."

Angela added: "I could feel the trolley being rushed down a corridor and I could hear the panic in people's voices.

"I knew something had gone wrong but I wasn't sure what."

The next thing she knew was beginning to wake up in the recovery room.

She said: "As soon as I could I pulled the tube out my mouth, partly to attract attention, and I needed to know what had gone wrong.

"I also wanted my husband, we have only been married for a year."

It was then that Angela discovered that an artery had been nicked during the operation and there was concern at the time about the seriousness.

She said: "The consultant and the anaesthetist were horrified to hear that I had been awake.

"The anaesthetist said it had only happened once before very early in his career.

"They were both extremely sorry."

Angela added: "I think what happened was that I was given enough anaesthetic for the procedure but not for the extra time of the complication.

"But for me the procedure was to see if I could have children and was told I couldn't.

"I cried myself to sleep. This had all happened for nothing."

Professor Wang, Professor of clinical psychology at the University of Leicester, an author of the new study, said: "We must understand the significance of 'awake paralysis' and how this can lead to longer-term psychological impacts."

He added: "It is important that the anaesthetist meet with any patient reporting memory of awareness at the earliest opportunity, and that the anaesthetist obtain a detailed account of what is recalled in order to understand what has happened.

"Their approach should be empathic and compassionate.

"Such patients should be monitored for psychological reactions and followed up for a minimum of two weeks. Persistent adverse reactions should trigger referral to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist with experience 

Woman who 'woke' during surgery: 'I thought I was dying, I couldn't breathe'

Leicester MP Keith Vaz welcomes inquest into death of royal hoax call nurse after 21-month wait

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Leicester MP Keith Vaz said he is pleased that the inquest into the death of a nurse who apparently killed herself following a prank call is finally taking place after a 21-month wait.

Jacintha Saldanha was found dead in her quarters at London's King Edward VII Hospital on December 7, 2012 days after two Australian DJs rang the hospital posing as the Queen and Prince Charles and asked for information about its patient, the Duchess of Cambridge.

The inquest will be held tomorrow and this Friday at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Keith Vaz said: "This inquest will finally take place after a wait of over a 21 months. It is has been a long road for the family and I deeply admire the patience, humility and dignity they have shown throughout this traumatic time. It is right that they finally gain closure.

"Jacintha's family were delighted to hear the news, announced this week, that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her second child, and want to pass on their heartfelt congratulations to the couple."

Leicester MP Keith Vaz welcomes inquest into death of royal hoax call nurse after 21-month wait

Video: Massive crash ends Radical European Masters race at Spa

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A serious crash brought an early finish to the latest round of Radical European Masters action at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend, meaning Leicester-based Marks Electrical Racing missed out on championship points despite decent drives from its three cars.

Swiss driver Marcello Marateotto hurtled into the tyre barrier at Eau Rouge corner on lap five of the first scheduled race in Belgium after his rear tyre exploded.

The race was red-flagged and did not restart as the tyre barrier required repairs.

Despite the high-speed accident, Marateotto was unscathed, and was only taken to hospital as a precaution, checking out shortly after.

Following concerns over safety, a meeting of team managers, drivers, Dunlop and Radical, decided Sunday's second race would be cancelled and no championship points would be awarded for race one, which was cut to just six laps.

This was disappointing for Marks Electrical, whose drivers were in respectable positions.

Tony Wells started on pole after he and James Littlejohn had gone quickest in qualifying, but after his rear wheel was clipped on the first bend, Wells found himself in third place.

This would be Wells' finishing position, with team-mates Christian Kronegard in fifth and Jaap Bartels in sixth.

Championship leader Tristan Viidas led the race when it was brought to an end.

Video: Massive crash ends Radical European Masters race at Spa

It's a girl! X Factor winner Sam Bailey gives birth to third child

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X Factor winner Sam Bailey has given birth to a baby girl.

The 37-year-old singer revealed on Twitter today, that she and husband Craig Pearson welcomed the new-born into the world at 10.41am this morning.

The tweet said: "Sam Bailey gave birth to her third child, a beautiful baby girl, at 10.41am this morning. Both Mother and baby are doing well. Team Sam x"

The couple, of Leicester Forest East, already have two other children - a daughter called Brooke and a son called Tommy.

Craig took to Facebook to spread the news.

He said: "I am over the moon and Sam, you did brilliant and I love you so much.

"Thanks for making me the happiest and proudest dad in the world."

Sam's mum, Jackie Bailey, said she was "over the moon" to hear she had another grand-daughter.

She said she panicked when she received a phone call from Sam late last night, to tell her that her waters had broken.

"I had already gone to bed when Sam rung me - and when I heard her waters had broken, I thought, this is it," said Jackie, who lives in Kent.

"I didn't sleep very well at all after that.

"I was up all night worrying."

It was a relief, said Jackie, when she received an "emotional" phone call from Craig this morning.

"I was over the moon when Craig called me," she said.

"Craig told me he had cut the baby's cord - he was very, very emotional and I think, still a bit in shock."

Jackie said that Sam, who had a completely natural birth, is doing "really well".

"I'm so proud of Sam, I really am," she added.

"It's such lovely, wonderful news."

Jackie will be visiting Sam at the end of the month, to lend her a hand when Craig goes back to work.

She said: "I can't wait to meet the new baby."

Sam, who has previously admitted the new-born was unplanned, climbed to the top of the charts after releasing her debut single and gained the Christmas No.1 title last year after winning X Factor.

The former prison officer will be kicking off her first UK solo tour in January next year, with her first gig being in Leicester.

What do you think Sam and Craig are going to call their new-born daughter? Let us know by commenting on this story or tweeting us: @leicester_merc

It's a girl! X Factor winner Sam Bailey gives birth to third child

Two 1,000-year-old skeletons holding hands found by archaeologists in Leicestershire

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Two centuries old skeletons holding hands have been uncovered at a 'lost' chapel during an archaeological dig in Leicestershire.

The remains, of a man and a woman, were found at the Chapel of St Morrell, in Hallaton.

The chapel, an ancient place of pilgrimage, lies directly beneath the starting line of the traditional bottle kicking race held annually in the village.

Tiles from a Roman building, found underneath the chapel, are another discovery at the site which has excited archaeologists.

The dig, by Hallaton Fieldwork Group volunteers, has been taking place for two weeks a year for the past four years.

The two skeletons were discovered there this week. However, as a condition of the licence for the dig to take place, no photographs of the skeletons can be taken.

Leading the project is professional archaeologist Vicky Score, of the University of Leicester, who works on the project during her annual holidays.

She said carbon-dating on nine skeletons uncovered since the dig began had revealed them to be 14th century, and it is believed the pair holding hands are of a similar age. The nine skeletons have been removed to the university for further investigation.

Vicky said some of them had stones on top of their bodies.

"This was a tradition popular in Eastern Europe with the idea of keeping the dead down," she said.

Vicky said the earliest mention of the chapel in Hallaton was in a will in 1532.

"What makes the discovery of the Medieval chapel doubly exciting is to find the remains of a previous Roman building underneath the chapel," she said.

"It shows this ground has been used as a special sort of place by people for at least 2,000 years.

"It also seems to tie in with the fact that this is where the ancient bottle kicking contest starts."

The discovery of the chapel was made by the group after keen local historian John Morrison carried out some painstaking research.

He said: "Antiquarians over the ages have referred to a chapel somewhere in Hallaton. It was a case of piecing evidence together and then getting in geo-physicists to take images of the land from above to locate the spot for our dig."

There are many references to Saint Morrell in France. He was the 4th Bishop of Anjou in the year 430.

John said: "We think he was brought over in the year 1170 with the Anjou people, when that area of France became united under Henry II - the first of the Plantagenets."

Further historical documents provide evidence that the rector of Hallaton sent his second in command on a pilgrimage visit to Walsingham, and hence to the chapel of St Morrell.

The author of a note dating from 1622 writes that within living memory, 'multitudes came to Hallaton chapel to be cured'.

The field and area near Hare Pie Bank, as the ridge is called, was called Stowe - an old English word for a religious meeting place.

The famous 'Hallaton hoard' of medieval Anglo-Saxon coins was discovered 13 years ago about 500 metres from the site, along the same ridge.

On the strength of that find, which uncovered treasure dating back to 43AD, the group received lottery funding which has enabled the present dig to take place for two weeks a year for the past four years.

Each year, when the two weeks are up, the site is filled in again so the annual bottle-kicking contest, held every Easter Monday, can take place.

As the dig continues, it could provide the solution to a puzzle that has left archaeologists scratching their heads.

"We are missing about 500 years between the Roman and Medieval period," said Vicky.

"We don't know what happened here during that time."

The research will continue thanks to fund-raising events held by the team in the area.

Two 1,000-year-old skeletons holding hands found by archaeologists in Leicestershire

Police search for chain snatch victim after suspect is arrested

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Police are searching for an elderly woman who they believe was robbed for her gold necklace but left before officers arrived. Police were called to the scene of the attack at midday yesterday after a witness saw a man push the Asian woman to the ground, take her chain and run away. Previously, officers had urged people to dial 999 as soon as possible if they are robbed or witness an attack. A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the robbery, which happened in Meynell Road, off Uppingham Road. Pc Lisa Ridley said: "We have so far been unable to locate this victim. "We currently have an ongoing issue with chain snatches in parts of Leicester which we are trying to tackle. "We would urge her to contact us urgently so we can take a full statement from her about what happened and pursue the crime against her." The 20-year-old has been released on police bail while officers continue their investigation. Contact Pc Ridley on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Police search for chain snatch victim after suspect is arrested


Rob Tanner's Blog: What Leicester City side would you pick for Stoke?

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Last week's transfer deadline day was quite an experience.

In the past Leicester City have done little or no business on deadline day, operating well below the radar.

Now they are in the Premier League, the media spotlight was certainly shining more intensely on them and the fact that manager Nigel Pearson had said City would be trying to bring in two more players before the deadline intensified the interest.

Sky's Rob Dorsett, who was a frequent visitor on press days at Belvoir Drive last season, swapped his usual deadline-day haunt at Stoke to camp outside the training ground, accompanied by a boy band of young City fans.

Luckily, he didn't get the treatment some of his counterparts did at various other clubs.

Rob did his best to ramp up the excitement; "It's all going on at Leicester City," he cried. And there certainly was plenty of activity but most of it was being done from within the building.

Jermain Defoe was the big name linked to City on the final day and the club did try to bring in the England striker but Toronto had no intention of doing business so that fell by the wayside.

Bit City did make two signings - Manchester United duo Nick Powell on loan and Tom Lawrence on a four-year contract.

Those deals were certainly eclipsed elsewhere as the Premier League transfer spend passed £835million but City capped off what has been a very productive summer of transfer dealings.

Powell and Lawrence may not have been the big, high profile names City fans may have wanted to see come into the club but they had already broken their transfer record on Leonardo Ulloa and pulled off a coup in Esteban Cambiasso.

Marc Albrighton, Matt Upson and Ben Hamer were also recruited to strengthen the squad and heading into this Saturday's trip to Stoke City Pearson now has more selection options than at any time during his tenure.

Last season's all-conquering City side remained incredibly consistent. There was the odd change, like Liam Moore and Marcin Wasilewski at centre back, or any duo from Lloyd Dyer, Riyad Mahrez and Anthony Knockaert on the flanks, but by and large you knew going into any game roughly what City side would be taking the field.

That certainly isn't the case this week.

City have opted for a 4-4-2 in their first three games but the signing of Cambiasso could see City play with an extra man in midfield, with the Argentina international sitting in front of the back four.

Andy King and Dean Hammond have been outstanding in central midfield in the injury absence of Danny Drinkwater and Matty James, but with Drinkwater back to full fitness and Cambiasso available, Pearson certainly has a big decision to make in that department.

The signings of Powell and Lawrence have also boosted City's attacking options, as has the return to fitness of Jamie Vardy.

Powell can play anywhere across the forward line, and as an attacking midfielder, while Lawrence is equally versatile.

Vardy was outstanding playing down the middle last season alongside David Nugent but can also play as a wide striker while City fans have yet to see a lot of Albrighton, whose crossing ability would surely suit Ulloa's game.

Of course Pearson also has Mahrez and Knockaert to add to his attacking options and they certainly add something completely different.

Will Pearson stick with two wide midfield players and two strikers or go for an attacking three at the Britannia Stadium?

It is almost as if Pearson is spoilt for choice.

It all makes the pre-match chat among City fans in the pubs around Stoke a little more interesting on Saturday as they debate which line-up they would pick.

Rob Tanner's Blog: What Leicester City side would you pick for Stoke?

Sainsbury's developing a supermarket trolley designed for children with autism

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Sainsbury's is developing a specially adapted shopping trolley for children with autism.

The new trolley has a five point harness and is being further developed by the supermarket chain before being rolled out across its UK stores.

It also has a larger seat available so older children can use it.

The new trolley was developed after a campaign by Crawley mum Maria Box, whose son Ryan is autistic.

She said: "I now know Ryan is safe and secure, and importantly he is happy.

"He is supported in the seat so if he gets anxious he can't kick out at anyone or hurt himself by hitting his head."

One Leicester mum of an eight-year-old autistic girl welcomed the development.

She said: "It is almost impossible to do the shopping when you have an autistic child in tow.

"My daughter is eight and right up until she was seven we had to use the baby seats but she is getting too big now so we have to leave her at home which isn't fair.

"A trolley with adaptations would be a massive help. I don't currently shop at Sainsbury's but if they bring this in I would consider going to them."

Sainsbury's developing a supermarket trolley designed for children with autism

Council unveils proposals to deal with explosion in its elderly population

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England's smallest county has put together plans to help it cope with an expected 70 per cent rise in its elderly population.

Rutland County Council has set out a series of proposals to help it cope with the extra demand on its services.

The council's People First review, agreed by the council this week, will include possible charges for some activities that are currently free, changes to the way council services are delivered and a full countywide transport review.

The review was launched in January to help the authority deal with reduced council funding, changes brought about by the integration of health and social services and the new Care Act.

The county's elderly population is anticipated to rise by 70 per cent in coming years.

The 'People' Directorate, one of three main departments at the council – providing services for some of the county's most vulnerable residents, accounts for almost half - £13.8m - of all council spending.

Council leader Roger Begy said: "Rutland is by no means immune to the impact of major changes to funding, legislation and the national demographic.

"There's a great deal to be done over the next five years to implement this review and residents will have the opportunity to put forward their views if changes to their service are proposed."

He added: " We need to plan ahead so that any changes are considered and by working together in this way we will ensure we continue to deliver the best possible services to those most in need."

Proposals include providing services that enable people to live at home for longer and reviewing charging for some council services where there is demand and people have the ability to pay.

Other proposals include changes to the way some services are delivered, greater reliance on technology to deliver council services and a rethink about the role of the Children's Centre at Great Casterton.

Council unveils proposals to deal with explosion in its elderly population

Who would you choose to be in the all-time Leicester City FC five-a-side team?

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Who would you choose for an all time Leicester City five-a-side team?

The Leicester Mercury team has come up with our best five line-up - a mixture of genuine class, guile and industry:

Gordon Banks

Frank McLintock

Muzzy Izzet

Keith Weller

Gary Lineker

Gordon Banks – The 1966 World Cup winning England goalkeeper, Banks was quite possibly the finest keeper ever to have played the game. He spent eight years at City making 293 appearances.

Frank McLintock – cultured, ball-playing Scottish defender, who was so versatile he was often switched to attack by City manager Matt Gillies.

Muzzy Izzet - silky but industrious box-to-box City midfielder, always keen to join the attack, brave, never shirked a challenge, much tougher than his wiry frame suggested and a pivotal member of Martin O'Neill's successful Premier League side. Played in a World Cup semi final for Turkey vs Brazil in 2002.

Keith Weller – tricky winger who seemed to effortlessly dance his way through the tightest of opposition defences. Weller played 262 games for City between 1971 and 1978 and made 4 appearances for England.

Gary Lineker – son of a Leicester market trader, Lineker's predatory instinct propelled him from his home town club to a brilliant career at Everton, Barcelona, Spurs. He remains the second highest England goalscorer of all time with 48 goals in 80 games.

Who would you choose to be in the all-time Leicester City FC five-a-side team?

High Sheriff of Leicestershire Richard Clowes to cycle across county to raise money for repairs to churches and chapels

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The High Sheriff of Leicestershire is to cycle across the county to raise money for repairs to churches and chapels this weekend.

Richard Clowes, 57, is taking part in the Ride and Stride event, in which people are sponsored to ride or walk to churches of their choice.

The annual event organised by Leicestershire Historic churches Trust raises much-needed cash for repairs to some of our historic church and chapel buildings.

This is its 25th anniversary year of it being held in the county.

Richard said: "I will probably cover more than 80 miles. I plan to visit eight churches and chapels, covering each of the districts and boroughs in the county.

"I will be riding with two others, Alex Robins and James Mossman.

"Hopefully we can get a cup of tea or a piece of cake at one or two!"

The first church will be in Richard's home village of Illston on the Hill, and his route will take him via Rothley Baptist, on to Mount St Bernard, Thornton, and will include Thurlaston before finishing Wigston Methodist Church.

He has set up a page on the JustGiving website and hopes to raise at least £500.

County Historic Churches Trusts throughout England organise the sponsored Ride and Stride for cyclists, walkers and those who use disability scooters.

The principle is that half the sponsorship money goes to a church or chapel chosen by the participant, with the rest going to the respective county trust.

An entrant can be sponsored as a cyclist, as a walker or as a recorder (someone who welcomes visitors to the church and signs sponsorship forms).

Participants plan their own routes, helped by each county's printed list of churches and chapels that are open on the day.

So far, the annual event has raised £880,000 for churches and chapels all over the city and county.

Already a keen cyclist, Richard has done many marathon charity bike rides and plans to use Saturday's event to full effect.

He said: "The Ride and Stride comes at a good time for me, as it will provide good practice for another ride for the Coldstream Guards on the following Wednesday."

He will be one of three people from Leicestershire riding from Wellington Barracks to Bennecourt in France to raise money for Regimental Charity funds.

To sponsor Richard, go to:

www.justgiving.com/Sheriff/

leicestermercury.co.uk/news

High Sheriff of Leicestershire Richard Clowes to cycle across county to raise money for repairs to churches and chapels

Remembrance service for lost babies

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A woman who has lost two baby boys was among those at a special remembrance service at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

It is the first time Haidee Westerman, from Glenfield, has felt strong enough to attend the non-denominational service in the hospital's chapel to remember babies who were still born or died shortly after birth.

She lost baby Jack in 2011 and baby Zac last year.

Both died due to complications before her pregnancy reached full term.

Haidee, a carer support worker, said: "It is the first time I have been to the service as I have only just started to feel a bit stronger.

"It was really good to be able to chat to people of different ages and to know there are other people out there who know how you feel.

"There are times when you do feel on your own and that you are the only feeling the way you do."

Haidee, 26, is still coping with each day as it comes.

She said: "It is still just as heart breaking as when I lost the babies.

"Every day is different. I can be fine all day and then see a baby, or a hear the name, Jack of Zac, and it reminds you again."

Haidee added: "There are some days when I go to the cemetery. You see the graves and realise the same is happening all the time but there are moments when you don't think it is happening to anyone else and you feel you are all on your own."

Members of the chaplaincy team at Leicester's hospitals led the service which included prayers, readings, poems and music.

Parents also had the chance to light a candle in memory of their baby

After the service parents had a chance to talk to others at the service as well as befrienders from Sands - the still and neonatal death charity.

Haidee said: "The charity is absolutely brilliant. there are always people available to talk to you.

"You can text them or call them and there is never any pressure but they are there when you need them."

Hospital chief executive John Adler and acting chairman Richard Kilner were among those who attended.

Sian Ferris, bereavement specialist midwife for Leicester's hospitals, said: "The service was well attended with 30 or so family members present and nearly 40 baby names were read out during the service.

"Some families were unable to attend but still wanted their baby's name to be remembered."

She added "This is the 12th time we have held a service like this as we want to show parents who have to go through this awful time that we continue to think about them.

"The death of a baby, for whatever reason, is an incredibly hard experience to go through.

"We feel this is an opportunity for families of all faiths, and those who have no religious affiliation, to meet together to remember the babies who have died."

Remembrance service for lost babies

Leicestershire's "hidden gems" feature in new coast to coast rambling guidebook

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Walkers can enjoy some of Leicestershire beautiful countryside by following a coast to coast path across the Midlands and Wales plotted in a new guidebook.

The Cross Britain Way highlights some of the most picturesque rural walks in the UK, with 35 of its most picturesque miles running through the county.

The 280-mile-long route links the coastal towns of Boston and Barmouth.

It's creator Tim Brunton said it was conceived as an alternative 'coast to coast' walk to Wainwright's famous path across the north of England.

The guidebook shines a light on some of Leicestershire "hidden gems", according to its author, who grew up in Ashby but now lives in Kent.

He said: "In all, about 35 miles of the route are in Leicestershire – from Belvoir Castle through the Leicestershire Wolds and the Soar Valley to Breedon on the Hill; and then following the Ivanhoe Way through Ashby to Moira.

Mr Brunton, 60, said: "Living in Ashby as a teenager, I am familiar with that part of the world, but the National Forest has transformed a lot of the former mining areas and it really is beautiful."

He added: "I think anyone unfamiliar with Leicestershire will be pleasantly surprised by some of the gems they will discover.

"One of the areas I really enjoyed walking was through the iron age villages in the Stathern area of the Vale of Belvoir, and sections of the Grantham Canal around Hose.

"Some of the views really are striking, like the Church of St Mary and St Hardulph, perched as it is on the cliff top of the quarry at Breedon-on-the-Hill."

Mr Brunton said the project involved more than just tracing a route on a map and he spent four years plotting his path – with help from Stan Warren, of the Leicestershire and District Ramblers Group, and Leicestershire County Council rights of way officer Edwin McWilliam.

He said: "Stan is a lovely fella, who kindly advised me about the route through Leicestershire and whose suggestions are closely reflected in around 25 miles of the route through the north of the county.

"Edwin McWilliam who, after giving the project a rigorous examination, was of great help over the four years or so, and without his assistance the walk could not have gone ahead."

He added: "I have to say, the county council's yellow-top path marker posts are of great help to walkers, and I think Leicestershire has the best signposted walks of anywhere we visited for the book."

Edwin McWilliam said: "We are always delighted to invite walkers to discover Leicestershire and, as many people will know the yellow top way-marker posts are very popular.

"The county does attract walkers form all over the Midlands region. I hope people enjoy using the guide book and I wish them happy walking."

Richard Drakeley, tourism development officer for the National Forest Company, said: "This new route across England and Wales explores lesser known places in our fascinating and varied countryside.

"It runs alongside the National Forest Way in places and to walk through this part of the country is a wonderful way to explore our history through the very landscape around you."

The 10-chapter, 144-page, guidebook includes maps, photographs, and information on accommodation and places of interest.

Proceeds from sales will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

To buy the Cross Britain Way guidebook, or find out more about other Macmillan Way trails, go to www.macmillanway.org


DNA pioneer Alec Jeffreys "humbled" at unveiling of portrait

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DNA pioneer Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys came face to face with himself today when a specially commissioned portrait was unveiled in his honour. The portrait hangs in the department of genetics at the University of Leicester today – the same building in which he and his team make their revolutionary breakthrough 30 years ago. It was painted by Tess Barnes as part of a new collection called Drawn to Science and shows Sir Alec sitting in a lab surrounded by symbols of his life and work. It was completed in six two-hour sittings. Professor Jeffreys said: "It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to sit for Tess – she's not only a great portrait artist but also a delightful person and so enthusiastic about her own work and that of her sitters. "I'm really pleased with the final result, capturing as it does my own somewhat chaotic character, together with the various motifs that encapsulate my life and interests. "I am humbled and thrilled to have this painting in our department. "I hope that it will inspire young scientists to strive to make yet more remarkable and life changing discoveries." Ms Barnes said: "I am delighted with the finished product. I feel it really captures Alec in his prime state. He is such an inspiring man." Head of the department, Professor Julian Ketley said: "It is a matter of great pride to count a monumental scientific figure as Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys as one of our own and to have him here among us to share his thoughts and experiences. "He is an inspirational figure who has touched the lives of academic colleagues and countless students." Later this year Professor Jeffreys will be awarded the Copley Medal by the Royal Society – believed to be the world's oldest scientific prize. Yesterday, Sir Alec reflected on the impact of his discovery, including its use in detecting crime, settling paternity and immigration disputes and identifying human remains.

DNA pioneer Alec Jeffreys

Pedal power to boost public health in Leicestershire

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Providing jobs, improving people's homes and encouraging cycling are among the range of long-term measures that will improve public health in Leicestershire, a report claims.

The county's director of public health Mike Sandys says that working together to tackle a wide range of issues is the best way to tackle health problems.

In the introduction to his annual report

Mr Sandys said: "Although the continuing period of austerity brings tough challenges to this work, it can also act as a catalyst for change.

"It is ever more important that we recognise the role that all parts of the system can play in keeping us healthy."

Councillor Ernie White, cabinet member for health and chairman of Leicestershire's health and wellbeing board, said: "This report shows how people's health is shaped by a wide range of factors – where they live, whether they work, even the extent of their social life.

"That is why we can't just throw money at one or two problems – we have got to look at the bigger picture, take a long term view and work together.

"I am confident that we have made a good start."

This year's report, the first since the county council took on responsibility for public health following reorganisation in the NHS, is about the "wider determinants of health."

These include looking at how factors such as a person's education, environment and community, have a bearing on how healthy they are.

It shows that the county council in partnership with other organisation are involved in a wide range of joined-up work to help people become healthier.

The work includes providing families in need with early help and support; developing a healthy schools programme; promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace and appointing local co-ordinators to help vulnerable people find support.

The benefits of cycling and walking are also being promoted along with more access to green space and work to enforce food safety and other standards.

Other key facts from the report include the latest average life expectancy figures for Leicestershire which is 80 years for men and 84 for women.

Of this life span people can expect to be healthy for 65 years.

One per cent of people - 7,640 - live in areas which are within the most deprived 20 per cent nationally.

Across the country more than six out of 10 - 65 per cent - of adults are overweight or obese as are just over a third of 10-11-year-olds.

The report will be considered by the health and wellbeing board, which includes representatives from councils, the NHS and other key groups. The board meets at 2pm on Tuesday, September 16th at County Hall.

The report is available as part of the health and wellbeing board agenda papers at http://politics.leics.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?Cid=1038&Mid=3984

Pedal power to boost public health in Leicestershire

People at risk of chimney fires urged to call in the sweeps

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People with open fires are being urged to call in the chimney sweeps in the coming weeks to avoid catastrophe this winter.

Chimney fires happen about once a week in the county and are caused by part-burned material building up in the flue and catching fire.

This week is Chimney Fire Safety Week and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is joining the national campaign to educate people about the dangers and encourage them to get their chimneys cleaned before they use them later this year.

Harborough district manager for the service, Sanjay Bulsara, said: "If you have an open fire in your home, it is vital that you have your chimney swept at least once a year to prevent a build-up of debris which could start a fire.

"In addition to this, the brickwork on the chimney should also be inspected, particularly in the roof space to ensure there are no cracked or broken bricks which embers could escape through."

While most chimney fires result in small amounts of damage to the area around the fireplace, there are risks of the fire spreading through roof space.

With wood burners becoming more popular, the number of chimney fires nationally has been creeping up year on year since 2006.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is urging occupants with an open fire to follow these steps to prevent the likelihood of a serious incident from occurring in their homes.

- Ensure the chimney is swept on a regular basis

- Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times

- Always extinguish the fire before going to bed

- Avoid burning wood with a high resin content

- Do not overload the fire

- Only use good quality suitable fuels

- Never use petrol or paraffin to light a fire

- Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and check it works regularly

It is recommended that people using coal on their fires get their chimneys cleaned twice a year and people using smokeless solid fuel have them done once a year.

Wood burning fires in constant use should be cleaned four times a year.

In the event of a chimney fire, people are urged to first call 999 and then take any actions they can to put the fire out, such as closing the ventilation holes or throwing water over an open fire.

Then move furniture and rugs away from the fire and put a fireguard in front of the fireplace before making sure the fire service can get easy access to any roof space or attic when they arrive.

Carbon monoxide is another risk from fireplaces.

Mr Bulsara said: "Without proper and regular maintenance, any flue from a fire or stove can cause a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide gas, which can kill.

"A carbon monoxide detector will help protect you and your family from this risk."

For more information about fire safety visit www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk

People at risk of chimney fires urged to call in the sweeps

Top 10 bars for freshers going to University of Leicester or De Montfort University

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Are you making the move to University of Leicester or De Montfort University this year?

Well with fresher's week just around the corner, we thought we'd list our top 10 bars or pubs - just to make like that little bit easier for you.

The Mercury's top 10 bars to go to as a university fresher:

1. The Orange Tree, High Street - unique, independent and a hub for exotic food and luscious cocktails.

2. The Soar Point, The Newarke - within walking distance from De Montfort University accommodation, this could quite easily become your second home. It's great for pub-grub, a cheap beer, or to watch the latest sport.

3. Loaded Dog, London Road - One of the best for University of Leicester students, showing regular sport, hosting frequent events and always having a host of great drink deals on offer.

4. Pi Bar, Norman Street - With regular DJs, this lively bar is the perfect place to go for pre-drinks before a night out.

5. Hakamou, Bowling Green Street - for something a bit different, head here and taste some of the unusually special cocktails on the menu.

6. Polar Bear, Oxford Street  - even makes it into the Good Pub Guide.

7. Fat Cat Cafe Bar, Belvoir Street - a cocktail of comfort and quality blended together, with excellent food and a vibrant atmosphere.

8. Walkabout, Granby Street - get a taste of down under, while watching the latest sporting action.

9. The Globe, Silver Street - refurbished and re-opened, drop by for a drink in their new comfy snug or stay for lunch.

10. The Shed, Yeoman Street - a relaxing place to go to have a drink while listening to live music, housing both local and unsigned bands.

Top 10 bars for freshers going to University of Leicester or De Montfort University

Leicester City: Esteban Cambiasso could be in line to make his debut at Stoke

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Esteban Cambiasso could be in line to make his Leicester City debut at Stoke on Saturday.

The 34-year-old midfielder joined City two weeks ago on a free transfer and has already put made a significant impact at the club.

Manager Nigel Pearson said the Argentina international has become a very important member of the City squad and, although he refused to say whether he would hand Cambiasso his debut at the Britannia Stadium, he did say he would be in the squad.

Cambiasso, who won a host of titles during his 10 years at Inter Milan, including the Champions League, has missed pre-season after leaving the San Siro, but has had several weeks training with City and played in a specially-arranged friendly at MK Dons last week.

"Cambiasso is doing very well," said Pearson. "He talked about his English not being as proficient as he would like but he's a very good communicator and has settled in very well with the group of players.

"That's always a big plus when you have a player of his experience and quality. He becomes a very important member of the squad straight away.

"He's had nothing but a positive effect on the squad and that is testament to his own ability and character as a person. We're very pleased with how he has settled in.

"He will be a part of the squad, as he was against Arsenal. I will not show my hand."

Fellow new signings Danny Simpson, Nick Powell and Tom Lawrence also come into the equation for the trip to Stoke.

"The onus on the new players coming in is to fit in and show the qualities they have," added Pearson.

"All the players we've added, we've been pleased with how they've been integrated.

"I feel we have more options now. We have different styles we could potentially stand on, and that's always handy because we have seen from the games we have had already that it really is quite a difficult league to be successful in.

"Tom's been away with Wales so his first day with the squad was yesterday. Nick has been with us all week and has fitted in well.

"But where they are in terms of selection, they come in contention like anyone else."

Leicester City: Esteban Cambiasso could be in line to make his debut at Stoke

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