Home Blog Page 805

Nottingham City Council call for expansion of city boundaries

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
1
Nottingham City Council call for expansion of city boundaries

Plans put forward by the Conservative-run Nottinghamshire County Council would involve dissolving all district and borough councils, and the county council itself, and setting up one or two ‘super councils’ covering all of the county, excluding the city.

But now, the Labour-run city council has called the super-council plan “incomplete” and a “huge missed opportunity”.

It said the plan has ignored the city altogether, and that Nottingham is already disadvantaged by having among the tightest boundaries of any city in the country.

The county’s proposals would compound this problem by creating a super-council that boxes in the city, according to the city council.

The leader of the city council, Jon Collins, has previously said he thinks the city’s boundaries should include parts of West Bridgford, Stapleford, Gedling, and Arnold.

The city council was responding to the county council’s consultation on setting up a ‘super council’, which ends this week.

Supporters of the super council plan say it could save around £20 to £30 million a year, streamline council services and protect front-line spending.

Currently, the city council says less than half (48.7 percent) of those who work in the city also live in the city – significantly less than for other comparable cities such as Sheffield (75.7 percent) and Leeds (70.5 percent.)



It argues many people from outside the city make use of city services and its infrastructure and enjoy it as a destination for leisure, entertainment and shopping.

But their council tax doesn’t contribute to funding the city services they use regularly and they are not in a position to hold Nottingham’s decision makers to account for choices made in the city that can significantly affect their daily lives.

The city council argues that including an expanded city would bring benefits for the whole area – pointing to Government acknowledgement that it is thriving cities which increasingly drive the country’s economy and that of the areas surrounding them.

It said many areas outside the current city council boundaries are recognisably part of the urban conurbation and are places where many people who work in Nottingham live.

Any new unitary authority – which would have transport, infrastructure and economic responsibilities – should reflect those boundaries which are the norm for the vast majority of the rest of the country and the world, the council said.

Councillor Jon Collins is the leader of the city council, and represents the St Ann’s ward for Labour.

He said: “We don’t think local government reorganisation is a good thing to happen now or the most pressing thing in local government. But we do think that if the county council wants to press ahead with its proposals for a unitary council surrounding the city, then it should absolutely be considering the future role and size of the city.

“The existing boundary between Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is an nonsensical anomaly from the 1998 local government reorganisation, leaving Nottingham at a disadvantage over other cities.

“Any local government reorganisation needs to be sustainable and future-proof and that should include a single council that serves the whole of urban Nottingham.

“Proposals based only on the county boundary would stifle Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s potential growth and reduce accountability for city services.

“A new large county unitary’s focus would be diluted if it was trying to deliver services to former coalfields and growing market towns as well as fulfilling metropolitan duties in an arbitrary ring around Nottingham.”

People can have their say on the super council plan here:  http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/local/future-nottinghamshire

Appeal to Gedling borough residents for O negative donations at Nottingham blood donor centre

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Appeal to Gedling borough residents for O negative donations at Nottingham blood donor centre

A blood donor centre is appealing to residents in Gedling borough with O negative blood to make donations due to worryingly low stocks.

NHS Blood and Transplant say O negative is the ‘universal’ blood donor group which can be given to almost anyone, making it especially important in emergencies.

The centre says there is an urgent need to rebuild stocks of all blood groups in the next few weeks, but especially O negative, before the winter weather stops many people from donating.

Nottingham Donor Centre has around 900 appointments available over the next four weeks. Donors with O negative who cannot book a convenient appointment should call 0300 123 23 23 and NHS Blood and Transplant will find a space for them as soon as possible.

Mike Stredder, Director Blood Donation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We’re urging our loyal blood donors, especially our O negative donors, to help us out by making appointments to give blood as soon as they can at Nottingham donor centre.

A PINT? Tony Hancock in The Blood Donor (IMAGE: BBC)

“Seriously ill hospital patients rely on blood donors to save their lives. O negative can be used safely with any patient which makes it particularly valuable in accident and emergency situations.



“Only around 7-8% of the population have O negative blood, yet demand for this special group accounts for around 13% of all hospital requests.

“If you are an existing O negative donor, please make an appointment to donate as soon as you can or give us a call.”

NHS Blood and Transplant is making the appeal especially over the permanent blood donor centre. Community venues in church halls in the wider area are more likely to be full already in the next few weeks because they have fewer appointments available.

First time donors might not be able to find appointments at the moment. Nottingham Donor Centre is prioritising existing donors before Christmas to ensure they can rebuild stocks.

  • Nottingham Donor Centre is at North Church St, Nottingham NG1 4B.
  • Existing blood donors, especially O negative donors, are urged to make an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23 or visiting www.blood.co.uk
  • O negative donors who can’t see an appointment should call on 0300 123 23 23 and the team will find them a space as soon as we can.
  • If you are a new donor who can’t see an appointment, please don’t worry, the centre needs blood all year round – please make an appointment to donate in the New Year.

Parents have just days left to apply for high school places in Gedling borough for September 2019

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Parents have just days left to apply for high school places in Gedling borough for September 2019

Families in Gedling borough are being reminded about the deadline to apply for secondary school places for next year.

Parents with children currently in their last year at primary school must apply now for the secondary school they want their child to attend in September 2019.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

Cllr Philip Owen, the council’s committee chairman for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “If your child has just gone into Year 6 at primary school, then you must now apply for a secondary school place for next September.

“The good news is that, last year, over 97% of families who applied for a secondary school place on time were offered one of their preferred schools. Applying within the deadline is key.”

The easiest way to apply is online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions

Parents who apply online will receive email confirmation that their application has been received.



If parents do not apply on time, the council say they substantially reduce the chances of getting a place at one their preferred schools.  Late applications will only be processed after all on-time applications.

Cllr Owen added: “I cannot stress strongly enough that by applying late or selecting only one or two preferences parents may substantially reduce the chances of getting their child into one of their preferred schools.

“Last year, of the 212 families that were not successful for any of their preferences, 69% had expressed only one preference.

Secondary school offers will be made on Friday, March 1 2019.

If parents apply online an email will be sent on this day and parents can log in to the online application service to view the outcome of their application.

For parents who apply by telephone or by completing a paper application, the outcome of preferences will be posted second class on Friday, March 1 2019.

Fake poppy warning to Gedling borough residents

Gedling Eye
-
0
Fake poppy warning to Gedling borough residents

People in Gedling borough are being urged to remain extra vigilant when buying poppy products in the run up to Remembrance Day following reports of fraudsters selling fake merchandise.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and The Royal British Legion (RBL) are advising people to buy their poppies through official channels to avoid lining the pockets of fraudsters looking to cash in on the charity event.

The IPO and The RBL have teamed up with the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) to crack down on the rogue traders making money from the fake Remembrance goods in the area.

The warning applies to poppy merchandise – scarves, jewellery, poppy pins and larger poppy brooches. This does NOT apply to the traditional paper poppies.

The PIPCU team has been targeting suspected sellers by visiting addresses and speaking with people in connection with this crime.



In Autumn 2017, Border Force officers at Tilbury intercepted a shipment of poppy merchandise intended for the UK worth in the region of £150,000.

Claire Rowcliffe, director of fundraising, from The Royal British Legion said: “It is a sad fact that there are people who actively defraud the public in order to take funds intended for the support of our Armed Forces community.

“We would urge everyone wishing to purchase a Remembrance poppy brooch, to do so through official channels. For example, you can buy from one of our trusted volunteers, from The Royal British Legion’s online Poppy Shop, or from one of our corporate partners. We want to make sure that it goes to supporting those who have made such a unique contribution to our society.”

Fake poppies: what to look out for

People in Gedling borough  are being asked to look out for counterfeit goods in the shape, or bearing the image of, the RBL’s familiar two-petal red poppy.

To help consumers beat the fraudsters, here are the top tips to avoid buying fake poppy merchandise online:

  • be a ‘responsible buyer’ – buy from official channels and The Royal British Legion’s corporate partners
  • avoid cheaper priced products. If the price is too good to be true, it usually is
  • the Royal British Legion works with a number of corporate partners. Only corporate partners are authorised by the Royal British Legion to sell poppy merchandise
  • if in doubt, buy through The Royal British Legion or The Royal British Legion official eBay or Amazon pages – you will be sure of the authenticity

If you think you’ve spotted fake poppy merchandise, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or report it online

Grants available for community projects across Gedling borough

Gedling Eye
-
0
Grants available for community projects across Gedling borough

Grants of up to £50,000 are being made available to help community projects across Gedling borough.

The money is being made available as part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Improvement Scheme Capital Fund – which launched this week.

Organisations in the borough can apply for up to £50,000 as a contribution towards capital projects and schemes that improve lives, champion heritage and support local communities to be strong, vibrant and resilient.

One scheme to benefit from recent funding was the Bestwood Village community.

A new outdoor gym and zip wire was installed after the local parish council won over £9, 000 in funding for the scheme which aims to boost healthy living and provide young people with positive activities to dissuade anti-social behaviour.

The project was supported by the local County Councillor for Newstead,  Cllr Chris Barnfather.

Councillor John Handley, Vice-Chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, recently visited paid a visit to the scheme to see how it was benefiting the local community.

Cllr Handley said: “We are very excited to be launching another round of Capital Funding this year. The zip wire and outdoor gym at Bestwood Village is a wonderful example of the sorts of scheme that can be successful through the Capital Fund.



“If you have an idea and can clearly demonstrate how it will transform the lives of local people in your area, boost local amenities, promote our heritage and support the local economy, then now is the time to apply.”

Coun Jack Ashworth, Vice-Chair of Bestwood Village Parish Council, said: “This outdoor facility will improve the physical and mental health of local families by enabling them to enjoy a happier, healthier and more active lifestyle.

“The project encourages families to be active together by providing a zipwire for younger children next to the outdoor gym where adults and children aged over 14 years old can use the gym, as well as providing a positive activity for young people to enjoy in the local area.

“We are very grateful to the county council’s Local Improvement Scheme Capital Fund for making it possible. Compared to many sources of funding, it was relatively straight forward to apply for and we are delighted with the end result which will bring a huge boost to local residents.”

Councillor Barnfather said: “I was delighted to support this application for a Capital Fund grant. Children observing their parents being active provides a positive image of exercise and will help to encourage the notion that being active is a normal past time rather than a chore, helping to create a healthy sporting habit for life.”

Organisations should be based in Nottinghamshire and demonstrate how the capital project / asset will benefit Nottinghamshire residents.

Applications should be submitted by 28 February, 2019. To apply, visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/capital #NottsCapitalFund

Homes in Mapperley Park to be protected from flooding as prevention scheme gets green light

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Homes in Mapperley Park to be protected from flooding as prevention scheme gets green light

Almost 200 homes in Mapperley Park will be protected from surface water flooding after the go ahead was given for a flood prevention scheme in the area.

The £933,000 project began last November, when the Labour-run council agreed to spend £40,000 along with Severn Trent Water to conduct a study into how the money can be best spent, and which areas are most vulnerable.

Now, the scheme has taken another step forward and a formal business case and design plan will be put together.

A council report into the issue said: “The Mapperley Park area of Nottingham is characterised by steep topography and tree lined streets.

“On several occasions, the residents have reported internal property flooding to properties at the natural low spots.

“Downstream of Mapperley Park at the junction of Mansfield Road and Hucknall Road, there may be capacity issues on the combined sewer network and installing new highway drains to take water from the road could exacerbate flooding issues downstream.

“Anecdotal data suggests there are a total of 200 homes at risk in this area.”



The majority of the funding for the scheme – £780,000 – will come from the Government’s Flood Defence Grant in Aid.

A further £100,000 will come from the local levy, and the city council will contribute £50,000 from the Flood Risk Management reserves.

Severn Trent Water will be helping support the work going forward.

A spokeswoman for the firm said: “We’re happy to be continuing to support Nottingham City Council on the flooding prevention project for Mapperley Park.

“By supporting the council on this project we want to help prevent any of our customers from experiencing the consequences of flooding.”

MATCH REPORT: Kimberley Miners Welfare 2 -1 Gedling Miners Welfare

Marc Williams
-
0
MATCH REPORT: Kimberley Miners Welfare 2 -1 Gedling Miners Welfare

A goal from talisman Sean Green 40 seconds into the second half gave Kimberley a come-from-behind win against Gedling Miners Welfare who extend their winless run in the East Midlands Counties League to five on Saturday afternoon at the Stag Ground.

The visitors started well and, to reflect some of their impressive performances of late without result, immediately put their hosts on the back foot and they made the perfect start as they set about rectifying their poor form guide.

In the opening minute, a long punt forward by full back Sam Mellor forced a corner. From the resultant set piece, Ross McCaughey picked up the clearance and fed Aboubacar Sylla down the left and the winger’s pass inside found the onrushing Joe Meakin who smashed the ball, hard and low with superb accuracy, past the sprawling Louis Kinnerley for the opening goal.

After a frantic start, the game quietened and the home side reacted well to going a goal behind. Looking to Grant Tobin, playing the architectural figure in the middle of the park, they sought to level the scoreline as quickly as they went behind. Jonathan Jebbison registered Kimberley’s first noteworthy attempt on 5 minutes but Danny Brown, in the away goal, anticipated the danger well and held the threatening low cross well.

At the other end, Sylla had started promisingly and started to worry Kimberley. His direct approach drew a few early fouls as referee Tom Bingley had to be careful on handing out any unwanted home cautions in the opening stages. 15 minutes had been played when his dazzling footwork troubled 3 defenders but his finish lacked any finesse and the ball sailed wide.



Trying to find their way in the match after a sluggish start, Kimberley continued to pose very little that would give Gedling’s defensive unit anything to think about. Former Gedling man Joe Harrison, offering an indication of his undoubted talent, stung a shot goalwards but Brown was equal to the effort. A minute later and he had another opportunity to get his side back on level terms but his shot skewed over the crossbar.

Despite the score, Kimberley started to control possession and their passes were slowly starting to find their targets with more consistency. Their best chance came shortly before the 20th minute when Alex Doyle, after rounding 2, couldn’t find the connection he wished for and ball trickled wide as Brown scrambled to ensure his angles were safe.

The home side seemed frustrated and it was evident why they may have succumbed to a mix bag of results in the East Midlands Counties League so far this campaign. Another former Gedling man Adam Morley found it difficult under the relentless visiting pressure and the defender was culpable of several misplaced passes that put his side on the unnecessary defensive, much to the dismay of his inquisitive colleagues.

Gedling on the other hand were content with their lead and, whilst allowing Kimberley ample opportunity to retain possession, seemed fairly comfortable with their position. However, in the 24th minute, and rather disappointingly through their own undoing, they handed the home side a chance back into the game.

After Will Bouwen lost possession on the half way line, Harrison found himself at the by-line and his low cross found Sean Green but the striker was felled by Kallum Keane, attempting to clear, in the area and referee Bingley made no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Greg Tobin stepped up and slammed the ball into the bottom corner for the equaliser.

Arguably deserved, Kimberley found ascendency and ventured forward more often and 2 minutes after finding the leveller, they could, and probably should have, taken the lead.

After Jebbison found Green, the forward tested Brown’s lengthy frame and the ‘keeper tipped superbly but the ball found its way to Harrison who simply needed to pass the ball home but Brown, reacting excellently to his initial stop, was scrambling full stretch to deflect the ball over the crossbar with his legs. Brown setting a standard that would grace any professional setting as he deservedly took the plaudits from around the ground.

The opportunity sparked Kimberley and their switch to a 4-3-3 formation was a shrewd one from the bench and their confidence was clearly evident since their goal.

Shortly before the break, though, and it was Gedling who may have gone in to the break leading but after Meakin was found in behind by Liam Corrigan, the midfielder, who was tireless throughout the half, failed to trouble Kinnerley and his rushed effort was pickings for the home ‘keeper.

Whilst Gedling weren’t spectacular, their work rate was admirable and it seemed that frustrated the hosts at times. They themselves may have felt aggrieved on more than one occasion but their justified protests to the officials fell on deaf ears.

Level at the break in a game that could have gone either way after the restart, the second half opened as the first ended, but those in attendance would have been surprised at how early the next goal of the game arrived when, only 40 seconds after the interval, Kimberley took the lead.

Down the right, a fine cross by Mason Frizelle, following a gallivanting run from deep, found the head of Greg Tobin and his delicate header under pressure came back of the crossbar, but the ball bounced back to the unmarked Green who had the simple task of nodding home into an empty net to give his side the go ahead goal. The assistant on the far side judging that Green was onside when the initial header from Tobin was played despite the protestations from those in yellow.

10 minutes later and they may have extended their lead further but, after Green’s header across goal, aiming for Grant Tobin, was dangerous, McCaughey snubbed the threat and cleared well.

Gedling continued with their game plan and their determined mind set to continuously pressure Kimberley caused minor panic in a side defending a perilous scoreline. In reflection the game turned feisty as Mr. Bingley did his best to settle the tension amidst a flurry of second half cautions for both sides.

Shortly after the hour, Callum Lloyd, benefiting from a poor bunch from Brown after a Frizelle set piece, could only spoon his unorthodox volley over the bar. 10 minutes later and following a Grant Tobin corner Lloyd had another opportunity to put the game to bed but he couldn’t find his angles as Gedling sensed a comeback was possible through Kimberley’s lack of clinical finishing.

However, the final stages offered very little and Gedling really failed to pose any further threat that would detriment the home side’s leading position. They were limited to only half chances and Sam Farn and company were superb in thwarting any possible threat as the game neared its conclusion.

Looking to seal the 3 points, Jebbison continued to cause trouble with his low centre of gravity and direct methodology but the striker couldn’t find any luck as some excellent last ditch defending from Jacob Tabreham prevented him from finding the scoresheet in the dying minutes as the referee drew a close to the game as Gedling headed back to Plains Road with a fifth consecutive defeat in the league.

They welcome Teversal to Plains Road next Saturday (27th October) in the East Midlands Counties League looking for a change in fortune and hoping to end their pointless run in the league, 3pm kick off.

Mapperley hospice reaps the rewards from decade of charity curry lunches

Gedling Eye
-
0
Mapperley hospice reaps the rewards from decade of charity curry lunches

A hospice in Mapperley has received an eye-watering £47,000 from a decade of charity curry lunches which have become a hot favourite with local food fans.

Anna Burrows raised the cash by organising the twice-yearly curry lunches for more than 10 years.

She was inspired to put on the events after witnessing how Nottinghamshire Hospice’s Hospice at Home nurses cared for her mother in her final weeks of life.

Anna’s mother Cecilia Freyne died in 2004 after the bladder cancer she’d been treated for spread to her womb. Support from Nottinghamshire Hospice enabled her to achieve her wish of dying at home with family around her.

Anna, who puts on the events at Nottingham’s Laguna Tandoori restaurant, said: “She wanted to die in her own bed in her own home with her family around her looking out at the dahlias in her garden. It meant such a lot to her and to the whole family that she got her wish.

Nottinghamshire_Hospice
PICTURED :Nottinghamshire Hospice

“It was a difficult time for our family as my father had Alzheimer’s when my mother was dying. I don’t know what we would have done without the support from the hospice. That’s why I started fundraising to help this great local charity.”



Each curry lunch caters for around 110 diners at just £25 per head for a three-course meal including a complementary glass of wine, coffee and mints.

Guests can also take part in a ‘heads and tails’ auction and raffle to raise funds for the hospice.

Tony Verma, owner at Laguna, says: “We at the Laguna appreciate all that Anna has done to raise money for Nottinghamshire Hospice and we are proud to be associated with her endeavours. We hope this relationship continues for many years to come and hopefully raises lots more money!”

Her next event is planned for Sunday, December 2 at 1pm.

Gemma Taylor-Mahon, Community Fundraiser at Nottinghamshire Hospice, says: “Anna’s generosity and dedication for over ten years now has been outstanding.

It highlights how the Nottinghamshire Hospice makes a significant difference to people’s lives. The astonishing amount of money Anna has raised is a testament to her hard work and ability to host a brilliantly successful event. We are incredibly grateful for her continued support.”

Huge response to consultation over ‘super council’ plan

Gedling Eye
-
2
Huge response to consultation over ‘super council’ plan

Almost 1,600 people have so far had their say on the plan to set up a new council for Nottinghamshire, which would result in Gedling Borough Council and other authorities being abolished.

With one week left to go until the first part of the consultation closes, Nottinghamshire County Council is urging people to make their views known.

The plan, which has been put forward by the Conservative-run county council, would see all seven district and borough councils, and the county council itself, abolished.

One, or two new ‘super councils’ would then be set up. These would either cover all of Nottinghamshire (apart from Nottingham City) or there would be one for the North and one for the South of the county.

The leader of the council, Conservative Kay Cutts, says this would significantly improve council services by removing duplication, and could save around £20 to £30 million a year, which would help protect front-line services.

But critics, including Labour and many of the district councils, say it would erode local decision making which would leave people feeling removed from their communities. They also say it would end up costing a huge amount to set up.

Throughout October, an independent social research company, ORS is working on behalf of the county council to gather the views of residents, businesses, councils and other interested parties.



Almost 1,600 responses have already been received to a questionnaire – significantly higher than the county council anticipated.

This current gathering of evidence is not a formal consultation – but the council says the views of local people and organisations are extremely important, and will help to shape any potential future plans for re-structuring in the future.

The council will consider responses to this first phase of public engagement at a full council meeting on December 13, when they will decide whether or not to pursue a preferred option for change.

If the council goes ahead with the super council proposal, it would then formally consult the public on the proposal next year.

Councillor Kay Cutts is the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and represents the Radcliffe-on-Trent ward for the Conservatives.

She said: “Aside from Nottingham City Council’s switch to a unitary council system in 1998, the current structure of local government has been unchanged since 1974, so a serious review of that structure and how it could be improved for the benefit of our residents is long overdue. Although this is being driven by the financial predicament local councils are in, in truth it is a conversation we should have been having anyway.

“There have been substantial reductions in the funding we receive from the Government to provide services, combined with increasing demand for our social care services. This means we are facing the prospect of huge cuts to frontline services and significant increases in council tax, every year – unless there is a fundamental change in the way we currently operate.

“A change to a unitary system of local government would bring Nottinghamshire into line with most areas of the UK and appears to be a sustainable alternative to the unpalatable cuts we are facing. It would certainly improve services, make them more streamlined and more accessible for our residents.

“Through the public engagement we are open to listening to other options and I would encourage those that oppose change to the current system to engage with us and bring forward viable, alternative options which address the £54m budget gap our services face.

“If you haven’t already taken part in the initial public engagement, I would urge you to do so. Local government services affect us all, so this is a very important conversation. Please read the Future Nottinghamshire document which sets out the current position and let us know your views.”

The questionnaire will be available to complete online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/futurenotts or in hard copy format at all Nottinghamshire libraries until Wednesday, October 31.

Brave young burns survivor from Arnold shares her story to help those with similar injuries

Gedling Eye
-
0
Brave young burns survivor from Arnold shares her story to help those with similar injuries

A young girl from Arnold who was badly burned after her clothers caught fire has this week bravely shared stories about her experiences with a fellow survivor. 

Adanaé Liburd-Graham, 10, was just seven years old when her cotton dress caught fire during Christmas celebrations at her family home in Nottingham.

She suffered 32% total burns across her body and has been receiving treatment for her injuries at Nottingham Burns and Plastic Unit at Queen’s Medical Centre over the last three years.

Adanaé’s Mum, Nicola Liburd from Arnold, described the moment her daughter’s dress caught fire three years ago.

Nicola said: “It seemed to happen in a matter of seconds, we were initially taken to Birmingham before being transferred to the Nottingham burns unit, where we attend regular appointments now.

It has really helped coming to the Burns Unit everybody on the ward has been lovely and very supportive, being able to speak to other burns survivors is a really positive step and it’s nice for other families to be able to share their experiences. Meeting other young burns survivors has really helped Adanaé’s confidence.”

Adanaé met with five year old Maryam, who earlier this year experienced five per cent total body burns and was taken to hospital after hot curry fell on her whilst in the kitchen at home, severely burning her arm and legs.



Maryam’s Dad, Muhammad-Arif Patel from Leicester said: “You don’t expect something like this to happen, it was quite shocking, I think with Maryam being young it can be difficult for her to talk about these things with other children at school when they are curious and ask questions, but as a parent it is good to meet other burns survivors and their families in a similar position.”

Mr Patel added: “You don’t realise how strong kids are and as parent you feel powerless in that moment but the kids are really strong and that has been great to see.”

Nottingham Burns and Plastic Unit provides support and care for patients across the East Midlands, working closely with Burns Services in Leicester and Birmingham. The team includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, children’s psychologists and dietitians specialised in burns care.

The National NHS Burns Service treated more than 15,000 patients for burns and scalds last year and each month 625 children require admission to an NHS Burns Service following a burn or scald injury.

Andrea Cronshaw, Children’s Clinical Nurse Specialist at Nottingham Burns and Plastics Unit said: “Adanaé has been a very positive throughout what has been a difficult time for her and her family. She has a very can-do attitude and has attended Burns Camp for young children and their families for the last three years, to help rebuild her confidence. Burns Camp is often the only time burns survivors are able to meet with others who have experienced similar things to themselves, outside of the hospital environment.”

Advice for parents and the public regarding burns and first aid:

 First Aid:

Good first aid following a burn or scald can make an enormous difference in recovery times and the severity of scarring.

Stop, Drop, Roll is used when clothing catches fire. Children get confused about when to stop, drop and roll. It is important to know when to do this. Stop, drop and roll should be used when clothing catches fire.

Cool, Call, Cover

First Aid advice from the British Burn Association

1-    Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound)

2-    Call for help 999,111 or a local GP for advice

3-    Cover with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth – make sure patient is kept warm.

1...804805806...1,016Page 805 of 1,016