Kizzy David, Ashleigh Jones, and Oluchi Okoroafor, all nurses with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, have been named finalists at the 2026 Student Nursing Times Awards.

Oluchi Okoroafor, a registered nurse on Ward D3, has been shortlisted in five categories: Student Nurse of the Year: Adult, Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year, Student Innovation in Practice, the Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion, and Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs.

Ms Okoroafor said: “It feels like a powerful recognition not just of my hard work, but of the patients, mentors, colleagues, my family, and fellow students who have shaped my nursing journey.”

Ms Okoroafor is nominated for five awards (Image: NHS)

Originally from Nigeria, Ms Okoroafor moved to the UK in 2016.

She was inspired to pursue nursing after witnessing the care and compassion shown to her family when her daughter was born prematurely in 2018.

She said: “Nursing has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, think critically outside the box and lead with compassion.

“I’ve especially valued the opportunities to advocate for patients, support fellow students, and contribute to initiatives that improve inclusion and practice.”

Ms Okoroafor completed an international placement in Finland and mentored Dutch nursing students during their international nursing week.

She now works as a registered nurse on D3.

She said: “My time at Royal Bolton Hospital has been inspiring and transformative.

“I have felt highly supported by all team members, encouraged and empowered to grow.

“The culture of teamwork and patient-centred care here has reinforced why I chose nursing in the first place.”

She said: “Excellence is not about perfection, rather it’s about consistency, resilience, hard work, compassion, and courage.

“I want students to know that their voices matter, that innovation can start with a simple idea, and that advocating for inclusion and diversity strengthens our profession.”

Also recognised is Kizzy David, who is a finalist for the Practice Supervisor of the Year award.

“This nomination inspires me to continue working hard.” (Image: NHS)

Ms David said: “As a nurse at Bolton Royal Hospital, this recognition is a humbling validation of my dedication to providing exceptional care and support to my team.

“It fills me with immense pride to be acknowledged for my role in fostering a positive learning environment and nurturing the next generation of nurses.

“This nomination inspires me to continue working hard, striving for excellence, and contributing to the growth and success of our incredible nursing team.

“It’s a privilege to serve the patients and the community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference every day.”

Ashleigh Jones has also been named a finalist in the Learner of the Year: Post-registration category.

Winners will be revealed on Friday 24 April 2026 at a ceremony in London.

Ms Okoroafor said: “If my journey encourages even one student to believe in themselves, take initiative, and lead with integrity, then I will consider that a true achievement.”

The Student Nursing Times Awards winners and finalists will be celebrated on Friday 24 April 2026 at a ceremony in London, bringing together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession.

Rev Eric Arthur Ruehorn, 92, died peacefully at Fairfield Hospital on February 28 following a brain haemorrhage.

Eric was the parish vicar at St Mary’s Church in Hawkshaw for 25 years before retiring in 1999.

Born in Openshaw on July 4, 1933, he spent most of his early life in the Manchester suburb. He went on to marry his late wife, Vera Kelshaw, at St Clement’s Church in 1954.

The pair went on to have two children, Paul and Lindsey Ruehorn (now Rigby).

Rev Eric Arthur Ruehorn with his late wife Vera Ruehorn nee Kelshaw (Image: supplied)

Eric was officially ordained into the priesthood in 1961, taking on his first role at a parish in Mosley in 1964.

The family moved to Bury ten years later, where Eric took on his position at St Mary’s Church in Hawkshaw.

He was also involved in the wider community, providing support at the Holcombe Moor Training Camp and as a Chaplain at Fairfield Hospital in Bury, offering pastoral, spiritual and religious guidance to people of all faiths.  

Son Paul Ruehorn, 70, is a retired funeral director.

He said: “When I worked in funerals, people of all regions would ask me if we were related, as they knew him.

“My dad offered advice to churches across the area, would welcome any ministers and was well known in the Diocese of Manchester.

“His brother-in-law moved to the USA and became Bishop of Albuquerque in New Mexico. My dad was ordained as an honorary member of the Church of America when he visited.”

“He never really retired and was heavily involved with the Bible Society and Christ Church in Walshaw, doing family weddings and christenings.”

Daughter Lindsey, a retired paediatric nurse of 40 years, added: “I was delighted to be able to take my dad on holiday to the Cotswolds last September, a trip he very much enjoyed.”

Rev Eric Arthur Ruehorn (Image: supplied)

Eric and his family enjoyed holidays to Cornwall and Devon when the children were younger, before travelling as a couple to Spain, Malta and Morocco once their family had grown up.  

He also played golf and was a member at Rossendale Golf Club in Haslingden.  

Eric was a beloved grandpa to a blended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held on at 2pm on Monday, March 23 at Christ Church, Walshaw, with the family requesting guests wear ‘bright colours only’ – followed by a private committal at Radcliffe Crematorium.

Family flowers only, donations if desired to The Bible Society, with all enquiries to The Co-op.  

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States’ war with Iran is entering its third week, but Congress has yet to publicly test the Trump administration’s case for the conflict.

Republicans in Congress have so far side-stepped public debate over the war, even as Senate Democrats reach for every tool at their disposal to demand hearings with Trump administration officials. Increasingly frustrated, Democrats are threatening this week to force a series of votes on the war, hoping that the effort to gum up the Senate’s voting schedule will prod Republicans to action.

“We’ve had no oversight whatsoever over what the executive is doing as we’re spending a billion dollars a day, and we have failed to have any real substantive debate or discussion,” said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.

The role of Congress in the deliberations is an unsettled question with enormous stakes, given that lawmakers have the power to shape the trajectory of the conflict as it grows in cost and casualties. So far, 13 military members have been killed and billions of dollars have been spent, but President Donald Trump has not sought congressional approval for attacking Iran.

As the 17th day of the conflict dawned Monday, Republican lawmakers remained mostly resistant to the idea of quickly forcing public testimony before Congress.

How GOP leaders are handling calls for hearings

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters last week that he didn’t expect public hearings specifically on the Iran war, but noted it would inevitably come up in the regular rhythm of testimony on military policy and spending.

“They have briefed us,” Thune, R-S.D., said, pointing to classified briefings from the Trump administration. Those sessions have been held behind closed doors and most lawmakers refuse to disclose more than the broad topics of discussion.

Thune also noted there have been regular news conferences from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They are “answering the hard questions that are being asked,” Thune said.

The GOP chairs of committees dealing with national security have also said they don’t have plans in the near term to hold hearings specifically on the war, though some acknowledged the value of lawmaker questioning.

Sen. Roger Wicker, the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that the regular run of hearings on Capitol Hill would provide lawmakers with plentiful opportunities to ask questions.

“We’re going to conduct generous oversight, thorough oversight,” said Wicker, R-Miss.

Some Republicans are looking ahead to an expected supplemental budget request from the Trump administration to cover the costs of the war. That request, however, is likely weeks away and faces a difficult path through Congress.

Democrats have pointed out that the Pentagon has already received additional funding from Republicans’ marquee tax cut law that was passed last year and provided funding for GOP priorities, including at the Pentagon.

Wariness growing from some Republicans

Still, agitation from a few Republicans at the lack of high-level responses from the Trump administration is starting to show, especially as they brace for a hefty war bill from the administration.

“I don’t want to just be given the invoice from the Department of Defense, saying this is what it’s going to cost,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. “I want them to be engaged with us.”

She added that it was important for lawmakers to get information both in classified briefings and public hearings “so that the public can better understand this, too.”

Another GOP senator on the powerful Appropriations Committee, Louisiana’s John Kennedy, exited a classified briefing last week fuming that it had been a “total waste of time” because the officials were not able to provide the answers that top-level Cabinet officials could.

Republicans have almost uniformly backed Trump’s decision to launch an attack on Iran, though many are wary of a lengthy conflict. Trump has cycled through different objectives for the war, ranging from crippling Iran’s military capabilities to a demand for “unconditional surrender.”

“I think we have to let the objective play out as far as we can, and if then the effort gets murky on how to get to the objective, that might be a good time to have some hearings, but it’s too early,” said Sen. Cynthis Lummis, a Wyoming Republican.

But as the midterm elections approach, Republicans are also aware that public support for the war remains tepid.

“I wish we could disclose a lot of this publicly because it would make it a whole lot easier to explain to the American people,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., adding that classified briefings were necessary to protect U.S. service members now that the war is under way.

How Democrats may force a debate

Democrats, meanwhile, are threatening to do just about everything in their power to bring attention to the war, even if it means repeatedly forcing votes that fail.

A group of six Democrats has said that unless hearings are scheduled with Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Cabinet officials, they will call up daily votes on a series of war powers resolutions that if passed would require Trump to gain congressional approval before carrying out any more attacks on Iran. Similar resolutions have already been rejected by both chambers in the Republican-controlled Congress.

The votes, however, would eat up valuable time on the Senate floor and set the ground for a debate on the conflict just as Senate Republicans plan to spend much of the week trying to pass Trump’s priority legislation to impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting.

The group of Democratic senators also hinted at using other tactics to slow the Senate’s work on other business.

Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, told reporters that unless there is a commitment for public hearings, “We’re not going to let the Senate go on with business as usual. We’re not going to let the Senate be silenced.”

Paul Bradley tragically died aged just 35

The family of a dad-of-three have been left with an ‘unimaginable hole in their lives’ following his sudden death aged just 35.

Paul Bradley had previously struggled with illnesses and went through both a liver and kidney transplant. But in 2023, as he just entered his thirties, he received a heartbreaking diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease (MND).

Just three years later, on March 5, 2026, the dad-of-three sadly died. Paul, from York, was described as being a ‘beautiful soul’ and ‘kind-hearted man’ whose world revolved around his family.

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His best friend, Jack Pullen, said his wife Emma and children have been left ‘shattered’, Yorkshire Live reports. Jack said: “Paul was the kind of person who brought warmth and kindness wherever he went. A devoted husband, a loving son and brother, a loyal friend and above all an amazing father.

“His world revolved around his family. Those who knew him well will remember his generosity, his humour, and the way he always made time for others.”‘

Donations to support Paul Bradley’s family can be made here.

Jack explained that Paul ‘fought hard’ against all his illnesses – including multiple transplants. Jack said: “Paul showed bravery and courage throughout both liver and kidney transplants.

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“He then lost his battle at age 35. Some losses are impossible to understand. The sudden loss of Paul – a beautiful soul, and kind-hearted man, has left his family and everyone who loved him utterly heartbroken.”

Because of his prior conditions, Paul was unable to take out life insurance, now not only leaving his family ‘shattered’ but also struggling financially. Wife Emma – who gave up her job in Paul’s final months to be his full-time carer – has been left in a particularly difficult situation; one that is hard for family and friends to watch.

Jack said: “In the midst of such heartbreaking loss, his family are now facing the difficult practical and financial realities that come with losing someone so suddenly. Paul was unable to ever get any life insurance due to his previous medical history.

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“As a child, Paul had a kidney and liver transplant. He then went on to have two more kidney transplants, the last being in 2021, which leaves Emma paying the mortgage alone, with no income. Paul’s adapted vehicle, which was on loan, will now be taken back, leaving the family without transport.”

As a way to try and support the family that has become as ‘close as his own’, Jack has set up a fundraiser to support the Bradley’s. So far, over £8,000 has been raised, but Jack is keen to keep pushing.

Jack said: “More than anything, I want to help honour Paul’s memory by surrounding his family with the same kindness and love that he showed to so many people throughout his life.”

Donations to support Paul Bradley’s family can be made here.

Fleadh Cheoil which is the world’s largest annual celebration of traditional Irish music, song, and dance will arrive in Belfast this summer

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As the date for Fleadh Cheoil coming to town approaches, Belfast City Council has proposed measures to keep the city moving with a key focus on the pedestrianisation of the city centre.

An estimated 800,000 people are expected to visit Belfast from 2-9 August, as the city welcomes the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture for the first time.Preparations are now in full swing, and the council has confirmed the proposed footprint of the event. This coincides with planned road closures and measures being put in place to ensure visitors, businesses and residents can all move around the city safely.

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Councillor Natasha Brennan, Chair of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee said: “In terms of events, they don’t come much bigger than this – Fleadh Cheoil is on track to be the largest event we’ve ever staged in our city.

“It is vital that all our residents, businesses and visitors are aware of how they may be individually impacted by the Fleadh and are able to plan their journey, and daily activities, in advance, especially in and around the city centre. “There’s been a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes, by both council and our city partners, to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure our city still operates for everyone while the event is in town.”

The heart of the action will be in Belfast city centre, where all roads and streets will be closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of the Fleadh, either in full or partially.

These measures will help ensure pedestrian safety and to support the open air, vibrant atmosphere synonymous with the event.

The proposed closures will be in place from 6am on Sunday, August 2 to 5am on Monday, August 10, with the biggest footfall expected from Thursday, August 6 onwards.The area around City Hall – which will host the Gig Rig main stage – will adopt phased closures to support the increased use of public transport in and out of the city centre. Full details of all proposed closures are available on the council’s website from today (Monday, March 16) until Sunday, April 5, as part of the statutory consultation period for all proposed road closures in the city.

Councillor Brennan added: “We know businesses and residents living in, and near, the city centre will have particular concerns, so I’d encourage them to check out the proposed road closures and share any feedback they have with us – many already have through engagement events we have held in January and February, which has helped greatly with our planning so far. We will continue to engage with inner city communities throughout this process to ensure they are supported and to maximise the benefit of the Fleadh.

“Delivery windows will also be incorporated into road closures to ensure venues can get what they need, when they need it, and we’ll have a dedicated accreditation and logistics hub, available 24/7, to support those businesses inside the city centre event zone.“Plans are in place with emergency and other essential providers to ensure they will have swift access at any time and can continue to deliver key care services, where and when required.”

Fleadh Cheoil – co-hosted with Comhaltas and Ards CCÉ – will also stretch out beyond the city centre and into local neighbourhoods. This will bring together venues, outdoor spaces, vacant land and other locations right across the city.To encourage visitors to stay longer and boost the economic success of the Fleadh, several temporary campsites will be in place to enhance accommodation provision.Confirmed locations include Ormeau Park (proposed campsite for tents), Titanic Quarter (proposed campsite for motorhomes and caravans) and Falls Park (additional campsite for tents).

As a compact city, Belfast is set to create a Fleadh which is easy to navigate.Visitors will be able to walk, cycle or use public transport to access events. All visitors will be encouraged to use several Park and Ride sites, located near key arterial routes to Belfast, together with a daily shuttle service into the city centre, operated by Translink. Further details on the traffic and transport plan will be shared by Translink and Belfast City Council in the coming weeks.

Organisers Comhaltas recently announcing the event will also return to the city again in August 2027.

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The event is expected to provide substantial tourism and economic impact and supporting local businesses, hospitality providers and cultural organisations across the city and wider region.Headline acts for the opening day have been confirmed, with Sharon Shannon, Goitse, Blackwater Céilí Band and McPeake joining pipe bands and school choirs for a multi-generational, cross-community showcase.The free concert outside City Hall will set the tone for a jam-packed week of street performances, pub sessions, competitions, céili and marching bands and a fringe programme of family-friendly activities.The council’s Bank of Ideas scheme – supporting individuals and communities to deliver creative projects in local areas, including during Fleadh Cheoil – is also still open for applications until Monday 23 March.An information event to help the hospitality sector get ready for the Fleadh will also be held in City Hall on the same day (12pm to 2.30pm) – businesses can sign up here.To keep updated on all the latest Fleadh Cheoil event news, visit fleadhcheoil.ie or follow the council’s social media channels – @belfastcitycouncil on Facebook and Instagram.

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