£10,000 reward for capture of armed robber who has hit betting shops in Leicester and across the country

March 13, 2013, 5:19 am

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A £10,000 reward has been offered in the hunt for a man who has carried out a series of armed robberies, including one at a Gipsy Lane bookies. The man has been linked to eight gunpoint raids at betting shops across the country, the most recent of which was a branch of Ladbrokes in Gipsy Lane, Leicester earlier this month. Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace in connection with the robberies, which have also occurred in Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, West Sussex. The reward for information which leads to the robber's conviction was announced today by the Association of British Bookmakers. Last week, detectives released CCTV images of the man wanted in connection with a series of armed robberies at bookmakers across and Leicestershire. Officers have connected at least eight offences between February and March this year. Police have linked the following robberies between February and March this is: Wednesday, 13 February – Ladbrokes, Midland Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire Saturday, 16 February – Betfred, Kettering Road, Northampton. Saturday, 16 February – Ladbrokes, Fish Street, Northampton. Monday 18 February – William Hill, The Boulevard, Crawley, Sussex. Thursday 21 February – Betfred, Dalkeith Place, Kettering. Saturday 23 February – Ladbrokes, Harding Place, Harpenden, Hertfordshire Wednesday 27 February – Ladbrokes, Broadwalk, Crawley, Sussex Wednesday 6 March – Ladbrokes, Gipsy Lane, Belgrave, Leicester. The suspect is black, 5ft 5in to 6ft and, possibly, in his late 30s or early 40s. In seven of the eight raids he was wearing a black hooded top. On one occasion he was wearing a grey hooded top. He has also been seen wearing a black hat with a scarf covering his face and white trainers. Detective Inspector Mark Pattison, from Northamptonshire Police, said: "This reward has been offered to help encourage anyone who may have any information about this man to come forward."We would urge him, or anyone who recognises him, to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 and quote Operation Needle."Thankfully, no-one was hurt in any of these incidents, however they have been extremely traumatic for the cashiers and the businesses have lost money."We are working closely with the other forces where we believe the offences have been committed by the same man and are confident that someone has information that can help."

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App urges smokers to 'swap fags for swag' on No Smoking Day

March 13, 2013, 5:45 am

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Smokers are being encouraged to kick the habit with the help of a new smartphone app which shows them what items they could afford with their smoking savings. The free image recognition app, developed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), virtually transforms a cigarette pack into a puff of smoke, before revealing items the smoker could afford with a week, month, or year's worth of savings. An average 20-a-day smoker could save £7 a day, £49 a week, £210 a month and £2,555 a year if they quit, the BHF says. With those savings they could afford a high-end haircut or therapeutic massage over a week, music festival tickets over a month and a World Cup trip over a year. Meanwhile a smoker who puffs on 35 a day could save £12 a day, £86 a week, £373 a month and £4,471 a year. Launched on No Smoking Day, the app Blippar aims to encourage cigarette-lovers to think about how much money they could save if they quit. The app forms part of the charity's campaign "swap fags for swag", which encourages smokers to think about what they could treat themselves to with the savings they'd make if they kicked the habit - from a new camera over a month to a luxury cruise over a year. This video shows how the app works: Some 18.2 per cent of the adult population in Leicestershire smokes. Figures from the Department of Health also show 12.4 per cent of mothers known to smoke do so during pregnancy. To mark the 30th No Smoking Day campaign the BHF has released a new report which shows after decades of declining smoking rates, the UK has hit a six-year plateau in prevalence at around 20 per cent. The report shows one in four surveyed smokers have lost count of the number of times they've tried to quit and one in 10 say they're desperate to kick the habit. Eight in 10 surveyed smokers say they've tried and failed to quit, and two fifths have made between four and 21 or more attempts. Of the new data from more than 2,000 smokers, a quarter said the financial impact of smoking is more of a motivator to quit than the effects on their long-term health. Approximately 10 million UK adults smoke but two thirds of smokers want to give up, the BHF says. Smokers who want to find out more can visit WeQuit.co.uk or call the free helpline on 0800 434 6677. The smartphone app can be downloaded here.

Police appeal after attempted knifepoint robbery in London Road, Leicester

March 13, 2013, 5:56 am

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Three thugs threatened a man with a knife near Leicester railway station and ordered him to hand over his money. Two men and a woman confronted the 20-year-old victim but he managed to run away and alerted police officers who were nearby. The attack took place in London Road, near Conduit Street at 5.30pm on Monday, February 25. Police released details today. Pc Mark Lacey said: "Thankfully the victim was not hurt but the results of this could have been much worse and I would appeal for anyone with information about the incident to come forward. "The incident happened at a busy time of the day at busy area of the city, so I'm hopeful that anyone who did witness the incident will be able to help us." One of the men is described as black and aged between 30 and 40 years old. He is described as having yellow teeth and long black hair. He was wearing a brown jacket, jeans, black shoes and a hat. A 31-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the incident. They have been released on police bail while officers continue their inquiries. Contact Pc Lacey on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Richard III: Yorkshire MPs defeated in new battle over king

March 13, 2013, 6:07 am

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Two Yorkshire MPs who raised a debate about the reburial of Richard III have been told that the remains of the king are in Leicester's hands. Members Hugh Bayley and his northern colleague Julian Sturdy spoke at Westminster Hall yesterday, calling for the Government to establish an independent body which would decide the final resting place of the 15th century Plantagenet king. The legal standing is that the bones are reinterred at Leicester Cathedral, and the Yorkist pair were told in no uncertain terms that the skeleton was staying in Leicester and would be interred in line with the wishes of the University of Leicester, which holds the exhumation licence. Addressing them at the Common's debate, Jeremy Wright, Parliamentary under-secretary of state for justice, said: "The conditions attached to the licence were very broad, envisaging both that the remains might be those of Richard but also, as was thought last summer, that they might not be. "Now that the exhumation has been completed, it is the University of Leicester's responsibility as holder of the licence to decide where the remains are finally laid to rest. That is the law." The two Yorkshire MPs argued that an independent panel would be able to objectively weigh up all the claims for the location of burial and then alter the exhumation licence accordingly. Mr Wright said that the conditions of the licence could be altered – although it would be "unusual" to do so – but only by the University of Leicester. The university is legally entitled to reinter the remains "where it wants," said Mr Wright. Bristol MP Chris Skidmore, a Richard III Society member, asked whether York would consider a compromise – to keep the body at York Minster for a week before it was reburied at Leicester Cathedral. said it was too early to start looking for compromises. Mr Bayley, the York Central MP, said a number of Richard's "descendants" were backing York's claim to the king. Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, joined Mr Bayley's argument and claimed that Richard had requested to be buried in York during his life. But this was questioned by Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth, who fought Leicester's corner. Speaking after the session, Mr Ashworth said: "The MPs from York were mounting a last-ditch effort to get the decision looked at. Their argument is not saying that he should be buried in York – although that's what they eventually want, no doubt – but that an independent body should be set up to make a final decision on where he should be buried. "I was very clear and said that the licence states he should be buried in Leicester. "Archaeological good practice and canon law agree that he should be buried in the nearest consecrated ground to where he was discovered. This is the cathedral." After the debate, Dr Turi King – the University of Leicester geneticist who identified the remains as those of the king – said that technically Richard had no living descendants. "These are all distant relatives," she said. "If it comes to that, we are all related to Richard III, it's simply a matter of degree. It just depends on who has done their family tree."• What should Richard III's lasting memorial at Leicester Cathedral be? Vote in the poll at the top right of this page.

Cheltenham Festival: Day two results

March 13, 2013, 6:19 am

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Pre-race favourite Back In Focus won the John Oaksey National Hunt Chase to open Ladies' day in a thrilling finish. The horse, won the longest race of the Festival in the closing run to the line, overhauling Tofino Bay. Willie Mullins has now trained four winners out of seven races run at the Festival. His son, Patrick Mullins, was riding Back In Focus The New One, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies,won the Nepture Novices' Hurdle, an extended two-mile race. Pont Alexandre and Ubak led the whole way, but it was The New One, backed by our racing editor Jonathan Herbert, who snatched victory from pre-race favourite Pont Alexandre. Despite Pont Alexandre stretching ahead to a length lead with one to jump, urged on by Ruby Walsh, The New One, trained by Sam's dad Nigel, romped home to win comfortably. Pont Alexandre evenutally finished third. Lord Windermere won the RSA Chase with jockey Davy Russell after Boston Bob, already fading at the final hurdle, fell. Lord Windermere broke clean and saw off Lyreen Legend to cross the line first. Pre-race favourite Unioniste could not make up ground and jockey Ruby Walsh could not do much to change the standings. The horse finished fourth. Sprinter Sacre more than lived up to expectations in the two mile feature race of the day, the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The odds-on favourite streaked ahead of Sizing Europe with two jumps to go to secure a thoroughly convincing victory. Second was Sizing Europe and third was Wishful Thinking. Medinas, one of the smallest horses in the 28-strong field, had a surging finish to sneak home to win the Coral Cup ahead of Meister Eckart and Fiveforthree in a close finish. Wayne Hutchinson was the jockey. Pre-race favourite Prendra, backed by Herbert, could not make up any ground. The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicup Hurdle was won by Flaxen Flare, second was Caid De Berlais and third was Ptit Zig, fourth was Milord and fifth was Totalize. Briar Hill, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, won the last race of the day, the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

Design brief for Richard III memorial revealed by Leicester Cathedral

March 13, 2013, 8:02 am

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The design brief given to architects regarding the Richard III memorial has been revealed by Leicester Cathedral. The 16-page document tells designers how the Cathedral would like the monument to look and function. It takes into account the size of the building and space available, as well as location of the memorial and its interpretation of Richard. The memorial will be created by one firm of London architects - van Heyningen and Haward. The Cathedral has already said that it would prefer a ledger stone to be placed in the chancel (or choir) of the building, which rules out the £30,000 limestone tomb offered by the Richard III Society. The brief says: "While other forms of grave, tomb or memorial cannot be ruled out prior to consultation, it is unlikely that a large table top tomb or effigy would be acceptable to the Chapter or Cathedrals Fabric Commission of England (CFCE)." Speaking today, Acting-Dean Rev Barry Naylor said: "We feel that we are really honouring him with a ledger stone, we don't think this is disrespectful at all. "One of the best known and most respected memorials in the country - the Unknown Warrior at Westminster - is visited by thousands and is the focal point of Remembrance Day, and I don't think anyone would say that was disrespectful." The alterations to the Cathedral when installing the monument will have to be agreed with the Cathedrals Fabric Commission of England. The final design, chosen by the Cathedral Chapter, will be submitted to the CFCE for approval.

Driver airlifted to hospital after serious crash near South Kilworth

March 13, 2013, 9:16 am

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A driver was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries this morning after his car collided with a tree on a rural road. The crash happened at around 7.50am on Rugby Road near South Kilworth. The vehicle, which was travelling towards Swinford left the road and hit a tree. The driver was released from his crashed Vauxhall Corsa and flown to University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire in a serious condition. A 4pm the road was still closed for police investigations and so debris could be cleared. Detective Constable Seamus Burns, the investigating officer, said: "We would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen the car travelling along Rugby Road at the time of the collision or beforehand. "If you have any information, please get in touch with us urgently." Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Burns on 101.​ UPDATE: The road reopened today at 5.10pm.

Man trapped by forklift truck in Lutterworth airlifted to hospital

March 13, 2013, 10:04 am

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A man was airlifted to hospital today when he was injured after being trapped between a fork lift truck and a wall. Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance was called to the incident in Lutterworth at about 11am. The 21-year-old man had suffered head injuries after becoming trapped by the forklift. Bystanders had helped free the man from his position by the time ambulance crews arrived on scene. Air ambulance paramedics and the onboard doctor anaesthetised the casualty at the scene in order to stabilise him. He was then flown to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment. His current condition is not known.

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Road reopened after a serious crash near South Kilworth

March 13, 2013, 10:15 am

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A road has reopened after a serious crash earlier today. Rugby Road was closed between Swinford and South Kilworth after a crash at around 7.50am. A driver was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after his car collided with a tree. The vehicle, which was travelling towards Swinford left the road and hit a tree. The driver was released from his crashed Vauxhall Corsa and flown to University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire in a serious condition. The road reopened at 5.10pm. Detective Constable Seamus Burns, the investigating officer, said: "We would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen the car travelling along Rugby Road at the time of the collision or beforehand. "If you have any information, please get in touch with us urgently." ​ Anyone with any information about the crash near South Kilworth is asked to contact Det Con Burns on 101. Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Burns on 101.

Arrest in Loughborough murder inquiry

March 13, 2013, 10:30 am

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Detectives investigating the murder of a Loughborough woman have arrested a man. Officers announced today they were questioning a 30-year-old in connection with the death of Alexis Mary Durant. The force launched a murder investigation after the 42-year-old's body was found in her flat in Gallico Close, Loughborough, on Wednesday, February 20. Officers have previously said they were waiting to speak to a 30-year-old man who was taken to hospital on the night of Ms Durant's death. It was unclear this evening whether the man in custody is the same person.

Legionnaires' disease plumber out of hospital

March 13, 2013, 11:40 am

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A plumber who was taken to hospital with Legionnaires' disease after working on a disused building at a city college has been discharged.
It is thought the man became infected with the potentially fatal bug while working at New College, in New Parks, Leicester.
A colleague, who had also fallen ill, tested negative for the disease.
Leicester City Council bosses said they were confident the disease was isolated to a disused building which staff and students had not had access to for about seven years.
A council spokesman said they were still awaiting results of tests of samples taken across the college site.
He said there was no risk to the staff or the 900 students at the college.

Mario Bergoglio elected Pope Francis I by Cardinals at Vatican

March 13, 2013, 1:15 pm

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The new pope has been revealed as Pope Francis I. Live Updates, Video, Reaction: New pope announced

A new pope has been elected at the Vatican. Pope Francis I is the first pope from the Americas, and the first from outside Europe in over a thousand years. The man chosen as pope is Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, from Argentina. The news that the Vatican Cardinals had reached a decison came as white smoke rose from the conclave in Rome. Pope Francis I will replace Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down last month saying he was no longer strong enough to lead the Church. Crowds with umbrellas have massed in the Vatican square flying flags from around the world. "I can't explain how happy I am right now," Filipino Ben Canete told the Associated Press. UK Prime Minister David Cameron has tweeted his reaction: "A momentous day for the 1.2bn Catholics around the world as His Holiness Pope Francis I is appointed the 266th Bishop of Rome."

Photo from Wikimedia under Creative Commons.

Basketball: Leicester Riders gain revenge for Trophy defeat

March 13, 2013, 3:21 pm

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Leicester Riders got instant revenge against Sheffield Sharks for the disappointment of losing the BBL Trophy Final at the weekend.
 

The Jelson Homes DMU-backed Riders dominated from tip-off to buzzer in this BBL Championship  game in Yorkshire.

Riders cemented their place at the top of the Championship with a stunning 85-63 success, which enhanced their title prospects.
 

There was an air of predictability when both teams took the floor, the Sharks players trying to focus in the wake of their marvellous silverware-winning performance and the Riders players determined to make a point.

 

And, it panned out as most observers anticipated, as the extra urgency and determination to make amends, fuelled the Riders from the first second until the last.

 

They raced into a 27-14 first quarter lead to make an early statement of intent - a message being delivered in no uncertain terms by captain Drew Sullivan, ho led by example with 13 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

 

With Sharks suffering something of a Trophy hangover, Riders continued to dominate during the second quarter and by half-time, had taken their lead out to an unassailable 46-26.

 

Sharks weren't helped by BJ Holmes being on a stone cold shooting night until late in the game, a far cry from his MVP display in last Saturday's showpiece game in Glasgow.

 

The home side couldn't find any kind of telling run during the second half to even remotely threaten any kind of comeback and Riders coasted to yet another league success.

 

Jay Couisnard top scored for Riders with 18 points, whilst Demetrius Johnson was one of the few players anywhere near par for the losing team.

 

One Health Sharks Sheffield 63  (Babalola 12, Jemison 12, Holmes 10)

Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders 85  (Cousinard 18, Anderson 14, Sullivan 13)

Scan could spot bone-weakening disease earlier

March 15, 2013, 12:31 am

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A new service could help 500 patients a year get treatment for the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis.

The aim is to make sure people who suffer a fracture such as a broken wrist have a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan.

This measures bone density and can pick up if a patient has osteoporosis.

Dr Peter Sheldon, a consultant rheumatologist at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: "Until now, patients would have their fracture treated and several years later they might, for example, break their hip and it is then discovered they have osteoporosis.

"If the condition is picked up early enough there are treatments which mean we can reduce the likelihood of further fractures by up to 50 per cent.

"Drugs won't necessarily get as much bone density back but they will help a great deal."

The Government recently included identifying osteoporosis in the national Quality Output Framework, an incentive programme under which GPs can earn more money for improving services.

Staff in the fracture clinic now look out for adult patients who come in for treatment for broken bones in their wrist or forearm – which often happens when bones are weak.

Dr Sheldon and his team then write to the patient's GP and suggests they are referred for a DXA scan.

Dr Sheldon said: "We have been checking our records since November and so far 60 people have been identified for a scan.

"I think we could pick up about 10 people a week who have, or are at risk of developing, osteoporosis.

"To make it easier for GPs, we even fill in the referral forms so they just have to sign them."

The service, run from Leicester Royal Infirmary, is costing almost nothing.

Dr Sheldon said: "The room which contained the scanning machine was already in the space where the new fracture clinic is.

"The moving of the clinic seemed like too good an opportunity to miss to set up a service which is going to benefit patients.

"The service, which was launched on Wednesday, is being tested for the first six months to see how many GPs use the it."

MP Jon Ashworth: I'll be a mental health champion

March 15, 2013, 12:31 am

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I recently hosted a mental health summit at the Town Hall in Leicester. Although I often disagree with the Government, I do agree with the sentiment of its strategy document No Health Without Mental Health.

The aim of this document is to improve the mental health and well-being of the nation and to improve outcomes for people with mental health problems through high-quality services.

I believe if services are to improve the lives of people suffering from mental illnesses and their carers, they have to be what are needed and wanted.

In November I held a pre-summit event which 60 mental health service users and their carers attended, along with representatives from voluntary sector organisations. A key finding was that clinical and health services alone are not enough.

There is also a need for social support, whether it is supported housing, drop-in facilities or various types of learning and educational activities.

The role of the voluntary and community sector and its relationship to the statutory sector are key to providing this.

Although the Government says it wants to improve the outcomes for people with mental health problems, its austerity programme, including its savage cuts to our city council's funding, is making it more difficult to provide the high-quality social support services needed and wanted by service users and carers.

Despite the sentiment expressed in No Health Without Mental Health, the other parts of the Government's austerity programme can lead to more people suffering from mental illnesses or the illness becoming more severe.

It is well known mental illness is associated with social exclusion, deprivation, domestic violence, low income, unemployment, poor housing and low educational attainment.

Given this context, I am therefore concerned about the effects of cuts to benefits and tax credits, cuts to the public sector and cuts to public funding to social housing, leading to less refurbished and new accommodation.

The estimated number of people in Leicester with serious and enduring mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and other psychosis, is about 3,400.

The estimated number of people with anxiety and depression is about 30,000. Prescriptions for anti-depressant medications are increasing.

These numbers are clearly too high and may yet rise given the Government's agenda.

We must do what we can in Leicester to improve the lives of people with mental health problems through high-quality services and support.

The summit brought together representatives from the organisations making the decisions about mental health provision and they heard how the benefits of social support should not be underestimated.

The summit must have a legacy and provide the services wanted and needed by mental health service users and carers.

As a part of this legacy, I will be a local champion for mental health, raising issues with the Government, the council, the clinical commissioning group and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust on behalf of the voluntary and community sector.

If You would like to contact Jon Ashworth MP, telephone 0116 251 1927 or e-mail him at:

jon.ashworth.mp@parliament.co.uk

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Education Secretary Michael Gove to visit Leicester's first free school

March 15, 2013, 12:31 am

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Education Secretary Michael Gove was due to officially open Leicester's first free school today.

Mr Gove pioneered the free school concept and will visit Krishna Avanti, in Spencefield Lane, Evington, to unveil a plaque at the site.

The Hindu free school, which was set up by the Avanti School's Trust in September 2011, takes pupils from all faiths but has a Hindu ethos.

Some £4.5 million was granted by the Department for Education to the trust to buy and develop the school in the grade II-listed building, formerly occupied by Leicester Grammar Juniors.

A contribution of £200,000 was also made by the trust.

Mr Gove said: "Free schools such as Krishna Avanti are helping to raise standards across the country.

"Krishna Avanti provides an inclusive education with a special Hindu ethos that is rightly popular with parents and I'm delighted to have this opportunity to meet the staff and children."

Krishna Avanti was created under the Government's new education agenda where parents, charitable groups and others can bid to set up a school, providing they demonstrate the ability to do so.

Although free schools don't have to follow the national curriculum, Krishna Avanti does.

It is funded via the local education authority in the same way as most schools, but money goes directly to the school and no cash is retained by the city council for central services.

Three free schools in London are also run by the trust.

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz will also be at the site for its official opening.

John Simpson, chairman of the trust, said: "We're pleased Michael Gove and Keith Vaz have accepted to formally open Krishna Avanti. The trust now has four schools in its family, each of which are committed to providing a distinctive high quality education."

Mr Vaz said: "I'm delighted that despite his busy schedule, Mr Gove is coming here. I want to pay tribute to Krishna Avanti, who worked long and hard to acquire this school, and for the land to remain as an education site. This is a symbol of what makes Leicester so special."

Finishing touches to the school were made at the end of last year. It now has two new classroom blocks added to the building and a worship hall which doubles up as a dining area.

A large plaza has also been created. The grade II-listed building has been repainted throughout and new carpets added.

Police appeal after three thugs rob man for cash in Kedleston Road, Evington, Leicester

March 15, 2013, 12:31 am

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Police are searching for three thugs who robbed a man of a small amount of cash. The three threatened the 38-year-old victim in Kedleston Road, Evington, Leicester and told him to hand over his money. The victim was not physically injured. The attackers ran away along Evington Road and into Kingston Road. Police today appealed for witnesses to the robbery, which happened at 8.15pm on Friday, March 1. Detective Constable Gemma Partridge said: "This is a busy area and many people pass through at this time of the evening. "I am hoping that someone will have seen something. They may not have thought anything of it at the time but the information could really help us with our inquiry. The three men are white and thought to be eastern European. The first is muscular, 5ft 2ins and was wearing a balaclava. The second suspect is stocky, 5ft 2ins and has black medium length hair. The third is approximately 6ft, thinner than the other men and was wearing khaki trouser which were rolled up at the bottom. Contact Det Con Partridge on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Team of Leicester doctors in 140-mile dash to help baby Alina

March 15, 2013, 12:31 am

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A team of doctors from Leicester raced 140 miles to save the life of a dying baby in Lancashire.

Medics from the UK's only specialist mobile Ecmo – extra corporeal membrane oxygenation – unit, at Glenfield Hospital, were able to hook newly-born Alina Ahmed up to a special machine which took over the work of her failing heart and lungs.

It pumped oxygenated blood around her tiny body until she was stable enough to be taken by ambulance to hospital in Newcastle, where there is a specialist Ecmo centre.

Alina, who was born on January 15, spent nine days there before being transferred back to Burnley General Hospital, where she spent the next six weeks.

She has now recovered well enough to go home for the first time.

Her mother, Naseem Ahmed, said: "I am just so grateful to all the doctors and nurses.

"I don't know how to thank the Leicester team. If it wasn't for them I don't think I would have my daughter today.

"Alina had swallowed meconium (baby faeces) before she was born. It had stuck to her lungs and the doctors weren't sure if she would pull through."

The 25-year-old was too poorly herself to go with her daughter to Newcastle.

Naseem said: "It was awful. I could hear other mums with their babies and wondered if I would ever be able to be a proper mum."

Alina, who weighed 7lb 14oz when she was born, is now at home in Blackburn, although she still has to be fed through a nasal tube.

Dr Meera Lama, neonatal clinical director at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The quick response and stabilisation has resulted in Alina coming through a critical period. She was very sick that night and we thought we were going to lose her."

Yesterday, the life-saving team moved another critically-ill newborn from Southampton to Newcastle for the specialist treatment.

Ecmo is specialist treatment which oxygenates the blood outside the body to help seriously-ill patients recover.

Chris Harvey, who heads the Leicester team, is also the country's only Ecmo specialist consultant.

He said: "We can treat a maximum of five patients on Ecmo at a time at Glenfield Hospital and have been fairly much at capacity since November.

"It is pretty much always like this at this time of year, but the winter does seem to have gone on a bit longer than usual. However, we haven't had any babies not able to have the Ecmo treatment when needed."

Mr Harvey and the team, which usually comprises three or four doctors and nurses, all specialists in Ecmo, has helped more than 100 children and adults since the mobile service was established in January 2011.

He said: "When we get to a patient we carry out a small operation to put pipes in the neck to provide the Ecmo treatment.

"Their condition usually becomes stable and we can move them more safely to hospital."

Nigel Pearson will keep us calm in the run-in – Leicester City's Andy King

March 15, 2013, 12:32 am

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Nigel Pearson's ability to stay calm eases the pressure on his Leicester City players, midfielder Andy King has said.

City have just nine games to go in the race for promotion, starting at Derby County tomorrow, and the pressure will mount on all the promotion candidates.

But King said that Pearson's ability to stay cool will help City's cause.

"He is calm and instills confidence into the players," said King.

"He has the ability to step back and look at things rationally and not from a hot-headed game point of view.

"Sometimes it would be easy to come in and see things in the heat of the moment, to change things.

"But he and his staff stay cool and create a good atmosphere around the place.

"Everyone enjoys coming into training every day and that is why there is such a good team spirit and atmosphere every day."

King was given his first-team debut by Pearson and the Wales international admits that the City boss has been a massive influence on his career.

"This is the fourth season that I have played under him," King said.

"I have probably played most of my football with him and he is right up there with the managers I have played under.

"He really gave me the chance in the first place to play regular football in League One. I have a lot to thank him for.

"He did a really good job the first time (he was with City) and he is doing an even better job now.

"He will not let us become complacent with the league position we are in and if he needs to dish it out to us he will do.

"It is all about getting the team promoted and that is obviously what we all want," added King.

Striker David Nugent was also full of praise for his manager and said Pearson was one of the best managers he had played for.

"He has a number of good attributes," he added.

"His team management and player management, the way he talks to the players and gets us ready and up for a game.

"He is a good motivator and calm under pressure. He never loses his head and it is nice as a player to feel that."

VIDEO: Leicester City legend Alan Birchenall helps launch Loros scheme

March 15, 2013, 12:32 am

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≪ Previous: Nigel Pearson will keep us calm in the run-in – Leicester City's Andy King

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Leicester City legend and Loros patron Alan Birchenall has helped the hospice launch a new day therapy scheme.

It means terminally ill patients struggling to get to the Groby Road hospice will be able to take advantage of services at Loughborough Hospital on a Friday instead.

The Loughborough service will include physiotherapy and occupational therapy and is being run with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Ken Robert, a day therapy patient diagnosed with emphysema, said: "It was wonderful to meet Alan – we chatted about football and the old days of Leicester City Football Club.

"I really enjoy coming to Loros – the staff are amazing.

"Being here also gives my wife Helen a break and some much needed rest."

• Video production by Milan Gosai www.facebook.com/MilanGosai @MilanGosaiCrea8

Alan also made time to visit people on the 31 bed inpatient unit at the hospice, which helps 2,500 patients a year.

He said: "It was wonderful to meet the patients and staff of this important new service."

Professor Mayur Lakhani, Chairman of the National Council for Palliative Care, said: "It is important patients, carers and their families are supported in making decisions and are well cared for in the last months, weeks and days of life. This service has been developed with the intention of adding quality of life by offering a wide range of clinical and support services."