That Was The Week That Was

Saturday revealed the impact that the death two years ago of 25 year-old Bolton mum Zoe Greenhalgh had on the local organ donor register. Almost 11,000 people have now signed up as potential organ donors, thanks to her remarkable example, local initiatives and the work of husband Chris and family.

It's something we don't always think about, but it's worth considering the real and lasting impact our lives could have on others.

The wonderful Olympic story of Bolton boxer Amir Khan has now captured the nation, as his talent and determination are recognised, both in Athens and much closer to home.

Monday had a great story for everyone irritated by stupid hoax callers. Bolton firemen turned up on the doorstep of a Breightmet man who had earlier made a hoax call from a phone box and another from a mobile phone.

Let's hope the possibility of actually being confronted in this way might make the towering intellects who put lives at risk by calling out the emergency services needlessly think twice.

And one of the Second World War's most successful fighter aces has died. Squadron Leader "Pinkie" Stark shot down many German fighters, and has now died at the age of 83. They certainly don't make 'em like that any more.

Tuesday had another boost for law-abiding citizens when a woman who dumped an old suite in an alley was tracked down and given a £336 court bill. It shows not only that Bolton Council's environmental health department have teeth, but that fly-tippers cannot simply dump their rubish anywhere and hope to escape prosecution in their usual sly way.

Good news for campaigners in the battle to save the Dunscar war memorial from moving. They have discovered that similar monuments in the North-west by the same sculptors have been listed as protected buildings. MP David Crausby is aiding the fight on this one, and the amount of local feeling about this potentially disgraceful plan by developers has probably surprised everyone.

Wednesday and Amir is hitting the national headlines again by securing at least a bronze medal with a win in the ring of under two minutes. The Olympics may have turned all the couch potatoes into armchair athletes and sporting experts at the same time, but his quality shines through for all to see.In fact, Amir has brightened up an otherwise terrible summer.

Blackpool -- the resort beloved of generations of Boltonians -- is celebrating, too. This time it's the 125th anniversary of the Illuminations. Most fascinating fact to emerge from this particular birthday is that the first Illuminations was held 12 months before Edison actually invited the electric light bulb, using eight huge arc lamps. Fascinating stuff!

Thursday highlighted the terrible plight of Michelle Griffin -- introduced to heroin at the age of 15, by her mother. Michelle, now 23, is desperate to kick the habit, and quit the drugs she fears will kill her just like they did her mother at 42. Unfortunately, there are now so many drug addicts in Bolton needing help that she must wait 12 weeks for blocker drugs to aid her fight.

On a brighter note, Chris Brayshaw is Bolton's happiest man. His Umbrella World business has never been better during our soggy summer. At least his bright brollies are cheering up the landscape, even if the dreadful weather is turning most of our thoughts towards ark-building.

Friday reported on a frightening bank robbery in Horwich town centre when customers were threatened with a gun and a machete. Two women were even held hostage in the terrifying crime when raiders netted £100,000.

And in the latest reality show, former Bolton School pupil turned telly star Ralf Little joins other starry football hopefuls like Callum Best and Gary Lucy in a battle to play for a professional club.

Ralf was certainly fit as a youngster, and played several sports, including badminton for his county, so let's hope our lad gives a right Royle performance and wins it!

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