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Sickness outbreak reported at Brentwood School

May 12, 2013, 2:22 pm
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An outbreak of sickness at Brentwood School led to the Health Protection Agency getting involved.

Several parents contacted the Gazette on Friday about an outbreak with one reporting students and teachers were "dropping like flies".

A spokeswoman for the school said: "Brentwood School is taking advice from the Health Protection Agency following an outbreak of sickness in the School. 

"Fewer than one per cent of pupils in the senior school have been sent home through illness. The school has 1100 pupils on roll.

"The school has not found it necessary to bring in any supply staff."

Headmaster Ian Davies said: "More pupils than normal were absent from school today because of a 12-hour sickness bug. 

"However, I am delighted to report that the overwhelming majority of staff and pupils have been unaffected."

Do you have any more information or was your child affected? If so, please contact the Gazette in the comments below or by emailing editorial@gazettenews.co.uk.

Sickness outbreak reported at Brentwood School

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Maldon mother in drive to help others after pregnancy nightmare

May 12, 2013, 8:00 pm
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A MOTHER who was rushed to hospital 17 times with a rare pre-natal condition is desperate to raise awareness among other parents.

Clara Cable was four-and-a-half months pregnant with her daughter Juniper when she first suffered a placental abruption, a condition where the placenta's lining separates from the uterus, causing severe pain and blood loss.

But it took a further three hospital visits for doctors to diagnose the potentially fatal condition, which forced pregnant Clara back to the emergency ward a total of 17 times throughout her pregnancy.

Now the 27-year-old from Maldon has created a forum for other mothers to share their experiences, and – for many – to discuss the heartbreak of losing their child.

"I have always been interested in training as a midwife and I had never even heard of this condition," said the mother-of-three.

"I'd been suffering from cramps the day before, and I kept having to sit down. When I woke the next morning I realised I was bleeding.

"If it had been further along in the pregnancy, there would have been an even greater risk to the baby and myself."

It was while Clara was heavily pregnant and terrified for her unborn child that she set up a Facebook group inviting mothers from across the world to share their stories.

"When I created the forum I was desperate to speak to someone who had come through it with a good outcome. All I had heard about were women losing their children."

Baby Juniper was born in November 2011 at 32 weeks and spent her first few days of life in an incubator at Broomfield Hospital.

But following a tense Christmas she was discharged and taken home.

"After Juniper was born I realised how important it was to make a space for people to share their stories so I've been trying to build up awareness ever since," said Clara, who was so fearful for her life that she married partner Steven in a rushed ceremony at Braintree registry office weeks before the birth.

The group now has more than 1,000 followers with women from the US, Brazil and Australia adding their own experiences.

Stay-at-home mum Clara's ultimate aim is for each GP surgery and pre-natal clinic in the UK to stock an information leaflet on the condition but she needs 100,000 signatures on a Government e-petition to make this a reality.

For now, the traumatic experience has helped her to re-evaluate her priorities, which is why she, her husband Steven and their three healthy children are emigrating to Australia in a few days' time.

"It was quite simply the worst time in my life, which made me realise how important everything is and how short life can be," said Clara, who is currently packing up all her belongings at the family home on St Giles Crescent.

"We've always wanted to go to Australia so we decided to just for it. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop raising awareness, I'll take my campaign over there as well."

To visit the forum, search Facebook for Awareness of Placental Abruption. To sign the e-petition, visit epetitions. direct.gov.uk/petitions/35267.

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Maldon play centre hits out over 'false' Indian buffet rumours

May 12, 2013, 8:30 pm
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STAFF at two Maldon children's play centres have denied spreading malicious rumours about their rivals.

Lisa Noble, owner of Monkey Puzzle play centre, says she is fed up with unfounded rumours that the venue is to become an all-you-can-eat Indian restaurant.

The play centre, which caters for children from toddlers up to 12-year-olds, has pointed the finger at neighbouring competitor Dizzy Rascals, which recently began offering similar services.

But Paul Wheeler, owner of the new Wycke Hill centre, denies the allegations and has claimed instead that staff at the Monkey Puzzle Play centre have been making comments about him and his business.

"I'm all for a little healthy competition but you shouldn't go around starting false rumours like this," said Ms Noble.

"We've had so many people coming in and saying how sad they are that we're closing, but it just isn't true.

"Apparently we're turning into an all-you-can-eat Indian buffet – it's just completely made up."

The false closure rumours have led to some customers cancelling parties.

"We believe it's them because we've sent staff members around and they've tried to tell them the same thing," added Lisa.

"We've had people asking us if it's safe to make bookings for children's parties and we just want to let everyone know that we're here to stay."

But bosses at the rival centre, which opened just 10 weeks ago, have denied responsibility.

"I've heard the same rumours but it's not coming from me, I have no idea where it started," said Mr Wheeler.

"You'd think with the amount of primary schools in Maldon there would be more than enough children to go around.

"I've heard members of their staff have been around to check me out, and I've heard they've been saying things about me too.

"It's all just competition."

Both centres deny creating rumours about the other, but are yet to meet to discuss the issue.

"We have not said a word about him, we have nothing to say," Ms Noble added.

"Maybe he feels we are a bigger threat to him than the other way around."

Maldon play centre hits out over 'false' Indian buffet rumours

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Global support for Chelmsford toddler with rare disease

May 12, 2013, 8:30 pm
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DONATIONS from across the globe – and closer to home – have flooded in for a Chelmsford tot with a rare, life-threatening blood disease.

Supporters have rallied to the aid of two-year-old Indie Smith who has Atypical Haemolytic-Uraemic Syndrome (aHUS), since she first appeared in the Essex Chronicle.

Indie needs a drug called Eculizumab which costs £250,000 a year to relieve her from a life in hospital.

Since her appearance in this newspaper in January, the Smith family has been inundated with well-wishers from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Germany wanting to help fund Indie's drugs, which run out in October.

Father, Gavin, said no less than 30 local groups have given their time and services to Indie, including Perryfields Infant School, which raised £870, and Fitness 364, which put on a psychic night and raised over £1,000 this month.

Fitness 364 events manager, David Rainbird said: "I am so glad we got to put this night on for Indie. It is about the money but more about raising the awareness.

"She is a local girl and we want to support our community. We didn't realise so many people were going to turn up that there weren't enough chairs and people were actually standing all night."

Father-of-three Gavin has been bombarded with e-mails asking if they can do anything to help.

The family including mum, Clare, 36, and Indie's brothers Ashton, five, Mason, 15, and Kane, 18, were even on Sky News following the article.

Gavin has also launched an e-petition which he is taking to Downing Street on May 14, on behalf of the 140 aHUS sufferers in England. So far the group has collected over 10,000 signatures but need to achieve 100,000 in order for the issue to be discussed in Parliament.

"It is a long process for the Government to research the drug and then recommend it for use," said Gavin, 40, of Raphael Close, Springfield. "If it is going to be approved for use on the NHS it will take at least another two years, so essentially some people are going to die waiting. Indie's quality of life is brilliant at the moment, as the drugs let her lead a normal life."

Gavin explained that in October, when the drugs run out, they will be taking Indie to Broomfield Hospital five to six times a week for dialysis.

"We won't be able to plan anything, no holidays, nothing," said Gavin, "Our whole life will revolve around hospital appointments. It is traumatising enough seeing all the needles in Indie at the hospital."

Gavin admitted the money raised, which currently stands at £11,302, will not be able to reach the £250,000 benchmark by October.

To sign the petition visit epetitions. direct.gov.uk/petitions/46252, or to donate to Indie's fund, visit www.helpindie.co.uk

Global support for Chelmsford toddler with rare disease

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Billericay to be transformed for annual art trail

May 12, 2013, 8:45 pm
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EXCITEMENT is building for this year's art trail in Billericay, which organisers say will be bigger and better than ever before.

From July 11 to 21, the town will, once again, be transformed into a giant art exhibition – this time with a record number of artists, poets and performers taking part.

This year there will be additional attractions such as music and food from around the world.

Planning for the 2013 Billericay Art Trail began earlier this year and to date 100 artists, including musicians and poets, have signed up to take part.

Twenty venues have also agreed to display the work of those taking part, who include professional, semi-professional and amateur artists from the Billericay area.

One of the organisers of the event, Cathy Cant, a mosaic artist, said: "This is the second year that Billericay has had its own art trail.

"It really is becoming quite big and it's growing rapidly – it is a lot bigger than I expected this year.

"It used to be part of the Basildon trail, but Billericay has quite a solid community of artists in its own right.

"Some say art is not for them but it's very accessible here and the prices are very reasonable so visitors have a chance to take art home and own it."

The trail will be taking place in the town's shops and businesses and also in artists' homes.

To add to the celebrations there will be poetry and musicians as well as flags, bunting and posters decorating the streets.

Art trail chairman Harvey Bradley said: "We are building the art trail up to have more to it this year.

"The hub of the trail will be at St Mary Magdalen Church, which will have a piece of art from each artist exhibiting.

"There will also be poetry, music and dance presentations as well as the knitting craze known as 'yarn bombing,' which involves knitting certain lengths of wool onto street furniture."

Mr Bradley added: "I will be exhibiting my own art which is porcelain in the form of glasses and bowls.

"Last year I displayed my work in Masons of Billericay on the High Street, which went very well.

"The trail has been described as a pop-up gallery and we are hoping to bring it alive this year."

Mr Bradley's wife Barbara added: "We are trying to showcase Billericay and draw people into the town, not just for the shops.

"There will be surprises to come."

All are welcome to come along and enjoy the event, during the course of which paintings, pottery, graphic art and mosaic work will all be on display.

For the first time artistic types will also be able to have a go at some art-related activities, including a Big Draw with Mark Lewis in Norsey Wood on July 20.

There will also be music from a New Orleans brass band and Creole food (both July 13) at St Mary Magdalen Church triangle, the space between the High Street and Chapel Street.

For more information, visit www.billericayarttrail.co.uk

Billericay to be transformed for annual art trail

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Mystery surrounds fate of village fliers snatched in the night

May 12, 2013, 9:15 pm
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AN unknown nocturnal mischief-maker has been taking the leaflets down from a village noticeboard – night after night for two weeks.

Fliers about quizzes and bike rides are among those to have been torn from the board in Market Place, Ingatestone – leaving traders and politicians scratching their heads.

Paul Jeater, a parish councillor who lives in The Furlongs, said: "Why anyone would bother doing this I have no idea.

"At first we thought it was kids but it was too clean – they never leave a single scrap behind.

"They take every last notice, from charity music quizzes to my social bike rides, but, just to make it more interesting, they return all the pins.

"I have been in touch with shopkeepers from across the road and we've narrowed it down to taking place sometime between 10pm and 8am every day.

"It is absolutely bizarre – they don't even leave the notices in the nearby bin so they must be taking them home with them."

Mr Jeater, 60, uses the noticeboard to advertise the social bike rides that he organises every month.

He said: "The first I heard about it was when someone got in touch with me saying my notice about the bike rides had been taken down.

"You just can't think why someone would do this – and every night as well.

"I can't get my head round it.

"I suppose it is a prank."

Lucy Webb, 28, the owner of Market Place children's clothing boutique Loo Loo's, said: "I am just really intrigued to find out who is doing it.

"We have tried putting notices in hard to reach places and someone has tried pointing CCTV at it, but it's been too dark."

She added: "Why would anyone do it?

"It has been every night for two weeks, apart from last Saturday night."

Alan Pudney, the owner of Ingatestone Pet Shop which is opposite the billboard, said: "We can't understand what the motivation might be.

"It is baffling. It is not vandalism, I am not sure if it is even a crime, but it is puzzling beyond belief.

"I just want to get to the bottom of it.

"The only serious side to it is the charity events that might lose out, so if we catch them I think they should give a cheque to charity.

The vice-chairman of Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council, David Abrey, said: "There isn't really anything we can do about it but it is a shame that it is happening."

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "We are aware of notices being removed from a community noticeboard in Ingatestone and enquiries are continuing."

Mystery surrounds fate of village fliers snatched in the night

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Teenager charged over Romford acid attack

May 13, 2013, 12:07 am
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A 15-year-old boy has been charged in connection with an alleged acid attack on a woman in Romford. The teenager will appear at Barkingside Magistrates' court today accused of throwing corrosive fluid on a person with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The 28-year-old victim, Tara, suffered serious injuries to her face and upper body after an incident on April 30.

Teenager charged over Romford acid attack

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Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce released from prison

May 13, 2013, 12:36 am
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Former Liberal Democrat cabinet minister Chris Huhne and his ex-wife Vicky Pryce have been freed from prison two months into their sentences. The pair was jailed for eight months in March for perverting the course of justice after swapping penalty points. Mr Huhne, the former energy secretary pleaded guilty after denying for months that he was behind the wheel of a BMW caught travelling 69mph in a 50 mph zone on the M11 in Stansted. Ms Pryce peladed not guilty to perverting the course of justice on the basis of marital coercion. The offence came to light in 2011, when allegations against Mr Huhne were published in the Sunday Times.

Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce released from prison

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PICTURES: Lactic Rush race at Kelvedon Hatch

May 13, 2013, 3:03 am
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ADRENALINE junkies ran, crawled and waded their way through a challenging assault course at The Secret Nuclear Bunker in Kelvedon Hatch yesterday. SEE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT HERE Lactic Rush began in 2011 with just 180 competitors but the 2013 event featured 1,230 participants. The seven mile course featured 30 obstacles including tyres, tree trunks, nets and ditches. The annual event is organised by adventure runner Tracey Alexandrou in conjunction with farmer James Parrish, whose father Mike owns and runs the bunker. Mrs Alexandrou, a personal trainer whose clients include five-time World snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, said: "I really enjoy these races and I was convinced that others would enjoy it too - and I was right. "We tried to keep everything in touch with the natural landscape, so we had trees, rivers, nets, landslides - we just wanted it as natural as possible. "I vary the course every year and I think the hardest part of the course has the be where they have to get in and out of the River Roding - that's tough. "People do not realise how many hours work goes into it - we are here clearing up stinging nettles, setting up the course, testing the course is a good two months of work." The first Lactic Rush in 2011 was won by Mr O'Sullivan and although he was invited to this year's event he was too busy to attend. Among the competitors that the Gazette spoke to were a couple of old school friends who decided to take on the challenge to begin their "year of banter." Florence Emond, 19, and Phoebe Ohehe, 18, are both from Ingatestone and both attended the Anglo European School. Miss Ohehe said: "To be honest we could not get into the Maldon Mud Race this year so we had to find another race to kick off our year of activities. "This one is a little bit crazier than we would have hoped for and it was definitely more of a challenge than other runs out there." Miss Emond said: "We are into running, but not necessarily this type of running, I mainly do off road. "There are a lot more guys here because this race is probably a lot more of a macho thing - it's not pretty." Everyone from rugby clubs, boot camps and groups of friends signed up for the event this year. Mrs Alexandrou said the majority of runners were from Essex, although there were competitors from Cambridgeshire and Wales too. This year the main event was preceded by both a mini-rush and a teen rush, which 100 and 70 participants respectively. There were 36 marshalls at the event, including mum and daughter, Jean Fordham and Jen Fordham, 28. Mrs Fordham, 54, from North Weald, said: "I think we've helped out since the very first one. "Tracey puts so much into these events, she tests out the courses herself before she makes any do them. "We are here to make it all easier for her; it is really a friends and family affair and it makes a difference to the atmosphere." This year, Mrs Alexandrou decided to donate the proceeds to Georgia's Teenage Cancer Appeal. The charity is named after former Brentwood School pupil Georgia Cordery, who died three years ago from a rare type of cancer called Rhabomyosarcoma just before her 15th birthday. Helping on the stand were mums, Kirsty Dailly, 38, from Ingatestone, and Alison Taylor, 47, from Galleywood, both of whose children were friends of Georgia. Mrs Dailly, the wife of former West Ham footballer and Scotland captain Christian Dailly, said: "It was very kind to be invited here by Tracey. "We just want more people to know about us so we can help out more charities. "Georgia's death was a real shock to everyone - she was so popular, sporty and pretty. "We help people with really small things, like taxi rides to hospital, but we have also given £10,000 for the chemotherapy department at Queens Hospital. "We need more support and awareness to carry on with this work in our local area."

PICTURES: Lactic Rush race at Kelvedon Hatch

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Braintree rush-hour crash leaves trio injured

May 13, 2013, 3:29 am
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Three people were taken to hospital after a crash on Coggeshall Road at around 8am today.

The collision involved a black Ford Focus and a gold Vauxhall Astra on the A120 near the BP garage in Bradwell.

All three casualties were taken to Colchester General Hospital for treatment to minor injuries, including shock and a hand injury.

Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene as police had the road open again by 8.30am.

Braintree rush-hour crash leaves trio injured

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Flat fire above a chip shop in Braintree

May 13, 2013, 4:16 am
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A fire broke out in a flat above a chip shop in Braintree on Friday night (May 10). 
Firefighters believe it started through the main electrical intake for the flat and when crews arrived the intake was still arcing so it was unsafe to tackle the fire immediately.
They used breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets plus one dry powder extinguisher to fight the flames.
Two crews remained at the scene for around an hour, turning over and damping down to make sure no further fires developed until it was fully extinguished, which was by around 9.40pm and there were no casualties.
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PICTURES: Robin Hood Country Show at the Brentwood Centre

May 13, 2013, 4:52 am
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The Robin Hood Game and Country Show in Brentwood was crammed with dog lovers last weekend. Were you there? Take a look at our online picture gallery here. The event in the Brentwood Centre also featured jousting, mountain biking, falconry displays and ferret racing. The dog show featured a category for every pet, from the best groomed to the best biscuit catcher. Dressed in a sparkly pink skirt, Princess, a four-year-old poodle, was hoping to win "prettiest bitch" and "dog the judges would most like to take home". The jousting show was also popular. Laurence Hanson, 20, and Harry Merrison, 23, play two of the henchmen in the show, choreographed by the Stampede Stunt Company. "It is a great event and all the children were booing us because we play the bad guys," said Mr Hanson. "It is a lot of fun."

PICTURES: Robin Hood Country Show at the Brentwood Centre

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Police launch search for Chelmsford man

May 13, 2013, 5:11 am
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Police have launched a man-hunt over two counties for a Chelmsford man, wanted on criminal damage and fraud charges.

Joseph Lucas is wanted by both the Essex and Norfolk forces after an arrest warrant was issued by Basildon Magistrates Court after he failed to appear there on Monday, April 29.

Essex and Norfolk residents are urged to be the look-out for Lucas, who is wanted by police for failing to appear at court.

The 20-year-old unemployed man from Waltham Road in Boreham, was arrested in April and subsequently charged with theft and three counts of fraud relating to offences in Basildon in January and one count of fraud and one count of criminal damage relating to a Dereham offence in November 2012.

Anyone with information on Joseph Lucas' whereabouts are urged to contact either Essex Police or Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police launch search for Chelmsford man

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Man arrested over alleged rape in Eastwood

May 13, 2013, 6:04 am
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A man has been arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a woman in Eastwood over the weekend. The 22-year-old was detained over the incident in Western Approaches sometime between 10.30pm on May 12 and 1am on May 13. He remains in custody. Police said the victim was approached and assaulted in a clearing by a bus stop.
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CCTV issued after Billericay nightclub attack

May 13, 2013, 6:15 am
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This is a CCTV image of a man police would like to speak to following a serious assault at a Billericay nightclub.

Detectives are investigating the circumstances in which a 22-year-old was headbutted in the face, leaving him with a fracture to his left eye socket at the Ivory Rooms, in Laindon Road, between 11.15pm and midnight on Friday May 3.

Police believe the 22-year-old victim, who is from Basildon, had been in the Havana Bar VIP area when he accidentally knocked into someone and subsequently apologised.

But he was then headbutted in the face, leaving him with a fracture to his left eye socket.

The suspect and his friends were then ejected from the bar.

Investigating officer, Dc Andrew Rowley said:  "This was a nasty and unprovoked attack against the victim which appears to have happened simply because he bumped into someone in a nightclub. He was left with serious injuries as a result.

"But the images from the CCTV are extremely good and I am hoping that someone will help us recognise this man so we can interview him in connection with the incident."

The suspect is described as a white man, about 5ft 9ins to 5ft 10 ins tall, with short brown hair, and aged about 18 to 22. He is of large muscular build and was wearing a white T-shirt with large dark lettering on the front.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Rowley or his colleagues at Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

CCTV issued after Billericay nightclub attack

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Former Romford pub to be turned into a KFC

May 13, 2013, 6:29 am
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THE remains of a derelict Romford pub, destroyed by a huge fire two years ago are set to be replaced by a new KFC restaurant and drive-thru.

The Plough, on Gallows Corner, was reduced to a charred ruin in the inferno in April 2011.

Half of the ground floor and 75 per cent of the roof were destroyed, although two chimneys on the pub are still standing.

KFC has now applied for planning permission to demolish the structures still standing at the 0.34 hectare site and build a restaurant and drive-thru in its place.

Should the planning application be approved by Havering Council,  motorists wanting a drive-through meal would be able to access the restaurant via Straight Road and Colchester Road.

In addition there will also be 38 car parking spaces for anyone wanting to eat inside.

KFC says the proposed restaurant will provide a service for the surrounding area, including the Bryant Avenue Industrial Estate.

It adds that being situated next to the major junction of the A12, A127 and the A118, it will provide a restaurant service for people travelling along these roads as well those local to the area.

The restaurant, KFC also notes, will provide employment opportunities and will redevelop a site that is at present in a dilapidated state.

In a statement to Havering Council, KFC said: "The design team continue to evaluate performance against targets and strive to improve design aspirations to further reduce their impact on the environment to create attractive, sustainable, safe and modern buildings to complement the area."

The nearest drive-thru restaurant, owned by McDonald's,  is situated around 300m from The Plough in Bryant Avenue, close to Tesco.

The application for the KFC restaurant will be discussed at a later stage by members of Havering Council's planning committee.

Former Romford pub to be turned into a KFC

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Sportswear stolen from shop in Rayne

May 13, 2013, 6:42 am
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Police are appealing for information following a burglary at an industrial unit last month. 

Thieves broke into Alliance Sports, Dunmow Road, Rayne, on the night of April 23 and stole around £50,000 worth of sport shoes and clothing 

They smashed their way into the unit, causing considerable damage. 

Police want to speak to anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or may have been offered cheap sportswear. 

Anyone with any information can contact PC Daniel Parrish at Braintree police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Sportswear stolen from shop in Rayne

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Brentwood School 'running normally' despite virus outbreak

May 13, 2013, 8:59 am
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An outbreak of sickness at Brentwood School involved 78 pupils and a number of staff.

Health authorities were contacted to assist the school to reduce the risk of further infections.

The school initially said less than one per cent of the 1,100 pupils at the senior school were affected.

Headteacher Ian Davies said today: "I understand there is a small tummy bug going around.

"We have had public health in and they think we are doing all the right things. The school is running normally."

A school spokeswoman, Judith Bailey, said: "Absence levels among staff and pupils at Brentwood School were higher than normal last Friday.

"Nonetheless, the pupil absences represented only a small percentage of the total population and there was no need to bring in supply staff to cover lessons.

"The school was able to provide the full range of Friday lessons and activities. However, some of the staff and students who were absent reported symptoms of sickness, although at the time of writing it is too early to confirm the reason for every absence. 

"The pattern of illness suggests that a virus is the most likely source and the school is working with Public Health England and the local Environmental Health Department to reduce the likelihood of further infection amongst staff and pupils."

Brentwood School 'running normally' despite virus outbreak

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Essex teacher to run Sierra Leone marathon in memory of fallen soldier

May 13, 2013, 9:44 am
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A college tutor from North Ockendon is to pound the streets of Sierra Leone in aid of Streetchild. Father-of-two Daniel Raffo, who works as a sports BTEC teacher at Nescot in Epsom, Surrey, will run a marathon on May 26 in memory of childhood friend, Lance Corporal Nicky Mason. He was a soldier who died in Afghanistan in 2008 at 26 after his patrol was hit by an explosion. Mr Raffo said: "To be honest I'm pretty nervous about the marathon, but it will be an honour to run with Nicky's name on my back. "It's my first marathon and I think the conditions are likely to be very challenging, but I'll keep focussed on why I'm doing it." He will travel alone to Sierra Leone two days before the marathon. After the race he will spend a few days with Street Child visiting their projects. He is not aiming for a specific time of completion, and said his only fundraising goal is to collect as much as possible for the charity. Mr Raffo's son Brandon, 11, is a pupil at William Edwards Academy School, while seven-year-old Madison, goes to Stifford Clays Junior School, both in Thurrock. He has previously worked in Asia teaching orphans for a charity, but said he'd been motivated to run the Sierra Leone marathon after watching Blood Diamond. The 2006 film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was set in the Sierra Leone civil war and covers issues including gems being used to fund arms deals, the gruesome atrocities committed during the conflict, and the use of child soldiers. "Becoming a father makes you see things in a completely different light, because you think of your own children," Mr Raffo said. "They're a little worried about me going out to Africa, but they understand why I'm doing it and I think they're quite proud of their dad." Mr Mason, who grew up in Aveley in Thurrock and went to the town's comprehensive, served with 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment. He joined the Armed Forces in December 2001 and was posted to 2 Para the following July. He was chosen for the specialist reconnaissance Patrols Platoon in October 2003 and was promoted to Lance Corporal two years later. He had served in Northern Ireland and completed two tours of Iraq but was working in Afghanistan for the first time, where his colleagues said he excelled. Mr Mason was clearing an important area in September 2008 as part of a high-profile operation to move a turbine to the Kajaki Dam to provide electricity for the rest of Helmand when he was hit by an explosion. He was 26. "Nicky was a really special guy, he was a great friend and one of those people everyone wants to be around," Daniel said. "I know he'd be proud of me for running this marathon." As well as the race, Daniel organised a college football tournament at Nescot last Wednesday, where students also sold home-made cakes to raise money for the cause. Street Child is holding three events on May 26, with a half-marathon and five-kilometre option alongside the full marathon. Click here to donate to Mr Raffo's fundraising efforts

Essex teacher to run Sierra Leone marathon in memory of fallen soldier

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TOWIE'S Sam and Billie Faiers to take Brentwood boutique to Birmingham

May 13, 2013, 10:05 am
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TOWIE stars Sam and Billie Faiers are to take their Minnie's Boutique to Birmingham for one weekend only. The business, which was the first to be launched on the BAFTA-award winning ITV2 show in April 2011, will be opened as a pop-up in Pavilions Birmingham on Saturday and Sunday. It has since been extended into online shopping, along with their debut clothing collaboration Little Mistress by Minnie's, which launched in October last year. Sam, now engaged to Joey Essex, and Billie opened Minnie's in Crown Street, in Brentwood, alongside their mother Sue Wells and Aunt Libby Low. The family of four launched their first exclusive Pop Up Shop Tour in September 2012 at the Met Quarter in Liverpool, before heading to Meadowhall in Sheffield and Southampton's West Quay. Claire Johnson, Marketing Manager of Pavilions says "We are delighted Sam and Billy are bringing Minnie's Boutique to Pavilions and look forward to a fun filled weekend in the centre" Sam said: "We are so lucky to have such an amazing following with Minnie's Boutique. "We love getting out on the road with Minnie's and meeting the people that support us. "We can't wait to have some fun at Pavilions Birmingham." Billie added: "The responses we have received on our 'Minnie's Tour' so far have been amazing, everyone who came to visit us at our 'Pop Up Shops' in Liverpool, Sheffield & Southampton was lovely. "We are very excited to visit Pavilions Birmingham, meet our fans and bring Minnie's to a new audience too." The Minnie's 'Pop Up Shop Tour' will showcase a number of the most popular brands sold by the boutique, including Minnie's, Little Mistress, Sugarhill Boutique & Mink Pink. Sam & Billie will work in the Pop Up Shop alongside their Essex team, as well as taking part in signings throughout the weekend.

TOWIE'S Sam and Billie Faiers to take Brentwood boutique to Birmingham

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