YM Liverpool November 2022

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of YM Liverpool magazine!

Our cover star this month is an exciting young actor from Kirkby who has featured with aplomb in a number of critically-acclaimed TV dramas over the last 18 months.

From memorable performances in the likes of Time alongside Sean Bean and The Walk-In with Stephen Graham, it’s been a remarkable period in the burgeoning career of Bobby Schofield.

As his latest work in the big-budget BBC miniseries SAS Rogue Heroes hit our screens, we sat down with Bobby to discuss his recent roles, commitment to discovering everything he can about his characters, and why he’s got no time for red carpets and “all that palaver”.

Elsewhere, Annie S presents some shimmering selections for the upcoming party season in her latest fashion edit, the interiors team at John Lewis explains why the bijou Christmas bauble is still big news for 2022, and Jon Atkinson shows his love for an often neglected section of the wine rack.

Plus we shine the spotlight on a boutique apartment development close to Lark Lane, take a look inside former Coronation Street star Faye Brookes’ stunning new kitchen at her home near Southport, and Jack Poland gives his verdict on a quirky new café located inside Liverpool ONE’s creative hub, MerseyMade.

Until next time!

LAWRENCE SAUNDERS

Editor: Lawrence Saunders [editor@ymliverpool.com]

Design: Marten Sealby

ADVERTISING Sales: 0151 316 0210 [sales@ymliverpool.com]

Time, Anne, The Suspect, The Walk-In… if you’ve watched any of these acclaimed British dramas over the last 18 months, you’ll be well aware of supremely talented Kirkby-born actor Bobby Schofield. As his latest work in SAS Rogue Heroes hit our screens, we sat down with Bobby to discuss his remarkable run, working alongside a Hollywood A-lister, and why he’s got no time for red carpets

words lawrence saunders

Hot Shot

On location in Morocco it got to 53 degrees one day. I’d never worked in conditions like that in my life. It was great though – flying around in little old Jeeps and shooting guns!

When did you first discover that you wanted to be an actor?

I went to Overdale Primary in Kirkby – the same school as Stephen Graham. It’s been knocked down now, which is a shame because I loved it there. The teachers were great and we used to just play footy all the time! It was at Overdale where I fell in love with drama.

I was always doing impressions of my teachers and taking the p**s – so they put me on the gifted and talented programme when I was about eight years old.

After Overdale I went to Ruffwood School for about two-and-ahalf years before I was expelled for being a mischievous young lad. I was heavily dyslexic but I didn’t find that out until I was about 17 and went to college to do drama.

Was your dad (Andrew Schofield) a big influence on your decision to pursue a career in acting?

Definitely. I grew up going to see [my dad] perform at The Everyman and Playhouse. It was amazing seeing different plays near enough every week. It was a real mix and match as well – one week you’d get Tennessee Williams and the next it would be a new playwright from Liverpool. Going into work with dad as a little boy and watching plays for free – it was amazing!

You’ve appeared in four major TV shows this year across the BBC (SAS Rogue Heroes) and ITV (Anne, The Suspect and The Walk-In). Has it been nice seeing so much of your work on screen?

It’s been alright man! It’s probably the most I’ve been on the telly in one single year but work-wise I actually haven’t done anything since the end of March. I needed that time off though because I’d been at it non-stop for three years. It got to a point where I actually hadn’t seen any of the work that I’d done so I didn’t want to jump into another job and just keep cracking on. It can take a mental toll on you.

It’s been nice to see people’s reactions to the programmes. I don’t know if I’m getting recognition [for my work] but being respected as an actor is something I’ve always wanted. It’s not the fame [I want] but to be respected by my peers and people in the industry. It’s nice having people come up to you and say ‘You were boss in that, ya know?’ – it means a lot.

You also featured in prison drama Time alongside fellow Liverpool actor James Nelson-Joyce last summer. Did you get on well with him?

Yeah! I love Joycey – I’ve known him for years. In Time I was originally supposed to play the guy who cuts himself in the cell but I couldn’t do it because at that moment in my life I was going through a lot of mental health issues. For me to jump into that part was just a bit too much. No disrespect to the geezer who played the part but to this day, I still feel like I could have brought something a little bit more real to that scene.

Regardless of the size of the part I have, I’ll always do my research and find out as much as I can about the character.

With the likes of yourself and James getting plenty of screentime in recent years, it seems as though productions are now more willing to cast people from Liverpool to play Liverpool characters. Would you agree?

I know what you mean. I did a film a couple of years ago called Anthony (award-winning drama about Liverpool teenager Anthony Walker). I was waiting to find out if I had the part for about three months because whoever was in charge didn’t want me to do it because I wasn’t a ‘name’. The people they were putting forward weren’t from Liverpool and I just don’t think that would have worked out right. I thank Jimmy McGovern (writer), Terry McDonough

(director) and Colin McKeown (producer) for getting me the opportunity and fighting my corner.

Most recently, we’ve seen you on our screens in BBC One’s SAS Rogue Heroes. How much did you know about your character, Dave Kershaw, before you started filming?

For someone like me, who is fascinated by the Second World War, the spread of Fascism, and the Spanish Civil War, it was an honour to portray Dave Kershaw – especially as he was from Merseyside. I couldn’t find much information about him on the internet - just the odd snippet – until I came across this World War Two forum. Dave’s nephew, John, was on there posting about how his uncle had been in the original SAS – “L” Detachment.

I knew I had to speak to John but he hadn’t posted since 2015 and there was no way of contacting him through the website. I ended up getting in touch with a private investigator who told me he could get his phone number and address in half an hour for £100! He asked me whether the bloke owed me money but I said it was just for research. I phoned the number he got me and an elderly woman answered. I explained who I was and why I was calling. John had sadly passed away, but she was able to put me in touch with Dave Kershaw’s daughters – which was amazing. I ended up finding out a lot more about him. After the war, he opened his own bookies in Portsmouth!

My agent didn’t actually want me to take the role initially because technically it was a small part, but the director (Tom Shankland) told me I’d be in all the episodes and be very much a part of the team. I asked him if I’d get room to improvise and enjoy myself and he said:

‘Yes – if it works I’ll keep it in, if it doesn’t I won’t’. I think originally I only had about five or six scripted lines, but they liked what I did when it came to filming and I ended up with more!

What was the experience of filming the show like? I understand some of it was shot in Morocco.

Yeah, I was on location in Morocco for about four months. It was an amazing experience. I’d never worked in conditions like that in my life. It got to 53 degrees one day – people were dropping like flies. It was great though – we were flying around in little old Jeeps and shooting guns. We did a week-long boot camp in England before we left but the tactics were a little more straightforward back then. It was very much ‘rogue heroes’ – turn up, blow a plane up, have a fag, and then f**k off into the night! The first SAS members were picked because they were different and a bit eccentric - not the normal military types.

Earlier this year you were in Spain shooting a new Guy Ritchie film which stars Jake Gyllenhaal. Is it exciting being in a movie with such a huge actor?

Yes, but I could be working with Joe Bloggs off the street or Jake Gyllenhaal – as long as it’s a good story, that’s all I care about. I’m not interested in who’s doing what and where. I don’t even have a publicist. My main focus is acting - not being famous. I can understand why people have publicists to a degree so they can walk on red carpets and all that palaver, but I’m more about the art of acting than I am about being an actor.

All six episodes of SAS Rogue Heroes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now

This month in

HIS ORY

On 9 November 1961, Brian Epstein headed to the Cavern Club for a lunchtime session and witnessed The Beatles perform for the very first time – a moment which would change the music world forever.

Less than two years later, the Fab Four were invited to appear at the televised Royal Command Performance in the presence of the Queen Mother. Still on the cusp of international fame, the timing couldn’t have been better – capturing the fan hysteria live for all to see.

Introducing the group’s final number ‘Twist and Shout’, John Lennon uttered the immortal line: ‘For our last number, I’d like to ask your help, would the people in the cheaper seats, clap your hands. And the rest of you, if you’d just rattle your jewellery’.

Backstage at the band’s Granada Cinema gig in London just four days later, producer George Martin announced that forthcoming single, ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’, looked likely to sell one million advance copies. It did – the first time this feat had been achieved in the UK.

The band’s fourth album, ‘Beatles for Sale’, was released on 27 November 1964, and featured songs by John which were far more introspective than anything he’d written before. Tracks like ‘I’m a Loser’ and ‘Baby’s in Black’ hinted at his growing dislike of the band’s fame.

Another key moment in John’s life would take place two years later in November 1966 when he met Yoko Ono for the first time at an art exhibition in London. John later said of the moment: ‘I didn’t consciously know it at the time, but the old gang of mine was over. The boys became of no interest whatsoever, other than they were like old friends.’

It was during this month that the infamous ‘Paul Is Dead’ urban legend and conspiracy theory began. The story being

that McCartney stormed out of a recording session, got into his Austin Healey car and subsequently crashed and died on the M1 motorway. McCartney wasn’t even in the country at the time of the alleged accident – he was in fact on holiday in France with his then-girlfriend Jane Asher.

Coincidentally, on 10 November 1966, Brian Epstein announced that, in a break with tradition, The Beatles would not be playing any UK shows over the Christmas period. As a manager who thrived on organising the group’s concert appearances, Epstein began to worry that with no planned concert dates, the band’s enormous popularity might begin to wane.

With newspapers reporting that there would be no further concert tours, 200 fans demonstrated outside Epstein’s home. Brian defended the band, highlighting the incredible advances they had made in the studio, arguing: ‘While they are creating albums like Revolver, how can the public expect much more of them?’.

While touring may have ceased, new musical output from The Beatles did not diminish, and on 19 November 1966, Paul had the bright idea for the group to shed their identities and develop alter egos for ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’. The concept had a freeing effect on The Beatles and helped fuel arguably the greatest album ever made.

Sadly for fans, however, during the recording of ‘The Beatles’ white album, released on 22 November 1968, cracks had begun to appear in the band unit – with each member working on material separately and only coming together as one when absolutely necessary.

Just eight months after the breakup of The Beatles on 27 November 1970, George Harrison released his solo album ‘All Things Must Pass’ – featuring a number of songs which had been overlooked for inclusion on releases by his former group. George then became the first ex-Beatle to have a solo number one single in both the UK and the US with the anthemic ballad, ‘My Sweet Lord’.

From a jewellery-rattling performance in front of royalty to the birth of pop’s most enduring conspiracy theory, November has always been eventful for our Fab Four down the years

words and pictures

leslie priestley

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Café review

Scribble

By Jack Poland | Brunch

Situated in the historic Chancery House on Paradise Street, MerseyMade is an oasis of independent creativity – celebrating artists and designers from across the city.

MerseyMade is the kind of venue you could while away a relaxing lunch hour in no time at all, leaving with anything from reusable makeup pads to a unique print of Liverpool. Now, it’s even possible to leave with a satisfied and full stomach.

Earlier this year, the creative hub opened a new café within its artwork-adorned walls. The aptly named, Scribble, has at its culinary helm Sean Millar; known for his work at acclaimed restaurants such as The Other Place and Pruno.

With two floors of seating, customers have the luxury of being surrounded by thriving creativity while being served by the alwaysfriendly and smiley staff.

Like all great breakfast and lunch menus, Scribble offers a range of uncomplicated but, fittingly, creative dishes including ‘Avocado and Lime Toast’, the ‘Scribble Breakfast’ with a vegan option, as well as a selection

of sweet and savoury delights from popular independent bakery, Artisane. These delights include pastries, cakes, pies, sausage rolls, pasties and quiches; all available to eat-in or takeaway.

After being seated on the first floor, my dining companion and I ordered two silky flat whites while we perused the menu. Positioned very much in the heart of the shop, we found the atmosphere to be somehow both relaxing and lively. With over 100 creatives and artists contributing their work to the space, it’s easy for your eye to be briefly drawn away from the menu.

Fortunately, the menu is just as enticing so it’s not long before you are back, eagerly discussing what to order. I opted for the ‘Eggs Royale on Sourdough’ (£10.50), prepared with hot smoked salmon, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and anchovies. Our brilliant waitress was more than accommodating when I asked for no anchovies. My partner chose the ‘Double Cheese, Ham and Pickle’ toasted sandwich (£7.50). For a side, we went for the ‘Sage and Onion Hashbrowns’ (£3).

When our food arrived, promptly but not unnervingly quickly, it was clear from our silence that we agreed the food looked delicious. At no point while we ate were we distracted by the many crafty delights on the shelves that surrounded us, which is perhaps the greatest compliment I could give.

Both of our dishes were warming, homely and delicious. The star of the show, it must be said, were the hashbrowns and sharing them proved to be somewhat of a challenge. They are a perfect example of how Scribble’s menu has married its ethos of independence and individuality with trusted quality.

MerseyMade founder Vicky Gawith has long familial links to the building her company now inhabits and it is heartening and reassuring to see her business, through hard work and a steadfast vision, thriving whilst serving the people of the city, whether it be creatives, workers on their lunchbreak or even those hoping to learn a craft in the venue’s studio.

Scribble is a welcome addition to MerseyMade and indeed Liverpool’s wider gastro scene. A visit will leave you relaxed, content, inspired and even proud of this great city and its diverse people.

The star of the show were the hashbrowns and sharing them proved a challenge.

VIEW FOOD PHOTOS @YM_LIVERPOOL

| ££ | Chancery House, 98 Paradise Street, L1 3HJ

set to sparkle

Let loose in style this party season with Annie S’s shimmering selections

Double twisted flower necklace £22.99, Mango

Satin blouse £89.99, Zara

Straight fit jeans £55.99, Bershka

Animal print dress £99.99, Mango

Floral choker blouse £32.99, Zara

Mirrored mini skirt £99.99, Bershka

Chocker necklace £25.99, Mango

Satin slip dress £19.99, H&M

Knee-high heeled boots £59.99, H&M

Rhinestone bag £39.99, Bershka

High-heel fabric shoes £89.99, Zara

Cascade rhinestone earrings £17.99, Zara

Leather highheel boots £179.99, Zara

Rhinestone crossbody bag £29.99, Zara

Sequined wrap dress £49.99, H&M

Fringe-hem sequined skirt £29.99, H&M

Diabetes: Misdiagnosis –Consult the legal experts

Paul Lowry Head of Personal Injury Paul Crowley & Co

According to Diabetes UK, diabetes diagnoses have doubled in the last 15 years – with almost 4.1 million people living with the condition in 2021 and many more still to be diagnosed

Getting an early diagnosis is vital but unfortunately, health professionals can sometimes miss the warning signs or misread symptoms. This can lead to life-changing health complications such as loss of sight, heart attacks and nerve damage which if left untreated can lead to limb amputation.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition where your blood glucose levels are too high as a result of your body struggling to produce insulin. There are two main types:

• Type 1 diabetes – Your body doesn’t produce any insulin

• Type 2 diabetes – You don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin you produce doesn’t work properly

Common diabetes symptoms include feeling tired and hungry, weight loss, dry skin, and injuries such as cuts taking longer than usual to heal.

Why is early diagnosis important?

If diabetes is not diagnosed and properly managed, your blood glucose levels will be too high and this can lead to complications such as:

• Heart attacks or strokes

• Diabetic nephropathy or kidney disease

• Diabetic retinopathy (which could lead to loss of sight)

• Amputations due to infections or nerve damage

• Gum disease

• Higher risk of certain types of cancer

• Sexual problems in men and women

• Increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (if you have Type 2 diabetes)

If you have suffered any of these complications after a medical professional has failed to recognise the symptoms of diabetes, you may be eligible for compensation.

How can I claim compensation?

There is generally a three-year limitation period before which a claim must be made. In order to make a claim for medical negligence, you need to prove that the person had a duty of care towards you. All medical professionals such as doctors or nurses will have a duty of care towards their patients, however you will also need to prove that the doctor breached this duty of care by failing to correctly diagnose your condition. You also need to prove that this breach of duty caused the pain and suffering you endured.

In order to prove the medical care you received was the cause of your injuries, it’s important to start collecting as much evidence as you can to support your claim, such as:

• Letters and emails from health professionals

• A written log with details of your symptoms

• Photos of injuries

• Proof of any financial losses incurred such as travel receipts or loss of earnings

How much is my claim worth?

It is important when making a claim for a medical negligence injury that you receive the correct legal advice, as it can be difficult to estimate the worth of a medical negligence case. The compensation available will depend on your individual circumstances. If you have suffered because of a delay or failure to diagnose you with diabetes or have had diabetes like symptoms and have been misdiagnosed as a result, you could be eligible to make a claim for compensation for your losses. At Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors, our friendly team of medical negligence lawyers will work with you to assess what your claim could be worth and will advise and guide you throughout the legal process to ensure you receive the outcome you deserve.

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ON YOUR SIDE

In the

sweet spot

AN ACCUSATION THAT I OCCASIONALLY MAKE of myself is that I am very good at buying dessert wines, but not so good at getting around to drinking them! In truth, a lot of people are rather dismissive of them and if they do feature, it’s all too often an afterthought. I don’t know why a nation with a notoriously sweet tooth is seemingly so averse to sweet wine. It’s my suspicion that we like to think we’ve moved on from the medium-sweet unsophisticated’ wines that used to be so popular back in the ’70s – Lutomer Laski Riesling anyone? Blue Nun? I can’t help but wonder whether decent-quality dessert wines became tarred with the same brush along the way.

Dessert wines come in a surprisingly diverse range of styles and degrees of sweetness. Some have surprisingly modest levels of alcohol and sweetness and would be overpowered by all but the lightest and freshest of desserts. At the other end of the spectrum, some are fortified to 20% or more and can be positively sticky! The ‘golden’ rule when it comes to pairing is that the wine should be sweeter than the dish it accompanies.

Eguren Muscat 6°

Although referred to as dessert wines, you can enjoy them with other courses too, indeed some are just plain delicious on their own! Sauternes, the great sweet wine of Bordeaux served with pâté or foie gras, is a well-established classic. A personal favourite is sweet Muscat or late harvested Sémillon with blue cheese – give it a try.

So, what makes a wine sweet? Keeping things simple, it’s what is known as ‘residual sugar’. The sugar is found naturally in ripe grapes which provides the ‘fuel’ for the yeast to turn into alcohol. If fermentation is allowed to run its course, all the sugar will be converted – resulting in a dry wine. However, if the fermentation is halted before that point, the amount of residual sugar will determine how sweet the wine will be. There are two main ways of stopping the fermentation; reducing the temperature to a point where the yeast becomes inactive or fortifying the wine by the addition of a spirit. Natural yeast found on grape skins stops ‘feeding’ at 15% ABV, although some cultured strains can survive at slightly higher levels which is how we are now seeing some table wines weighing in over 15%.

This is a Spanish take on Moscato d’Asti made in the same style from Muscat grapes grown in Rioja by one of our favourite producers there, Bodegas Eguren Ugarte. That being said, Muscat isn’t a permitted variety in Rioja; you can still grow it there but just don’t mention the ‘R’ word on any of the labelling! This is medium-sweet with a gentle effervescence and delightfully grapey aroma. It weighs in at a lunchtime friendly 6% alcohol and is hopelessly moreish. It is lovely to drink on its own, making a surprisingly good aperitif, but would also be an excellent accompaniment to a light, fresh dessert like a summer fruit salad. £9.50

Recioto di Gambellara Classico ‘Monopolio’ Cantine di Gambellara 2017, 50cl

It is unclear where the term ‘Recioto’ comes from, but its usage does seem to be limited to just a few wines, all coming from the Veneto region in north east Italy. Recioto di Valpolicella and di Soave being the two best-known. This little gem is indiscernible from the latter at a much sharper price. Gambellara is a relatively tiny region about 10km due east of Soave. The principal grape here is also Garganega which is left to ripen for longer on the vine to achieve a higher sugar content before being left to dry out on straw mats which significantly increases the sugar-to-juice ratio; the result? Delightful, without being too sticky! £11.95

Ch. Lauriga Rivesaltes Ambre – Hors d’Age

This is what is known as a Vin Doux Naturel (naturally sweet wine) – something of a classic genre from around the south of France. Rivesaltes, just north of Perpignan, is one of the best-known regions for these wonderful wines. Ch Lauriga is a 60-ha estate which produces a diverse range of table wines as well as this fortified beauty: a blend of Grenache Blanc, Macabeu and Muscat à Petit Grain aged in oak for at least five years. This bottle works well with a wide range of richer desserts and strongly flavoured blue cheeses. £17.25

Lou Miranda Estate ‘Leone’ Tawny rum liqueur, 50cl

And now for the quirky one! Lou Miranda Estate is a boutique winery based at Rowland Flat at the southern end of South Australia’s Barossa Valley. Their story here started in 1938 when Francesco ‘Pop’ Miranda emigrated from southern Italy. Today, his son Lou, and increasingly, his three daughters Lisa, Angela and Victoria, run the family business. Their range is mostly high-quality table wine, but they also make some outstanding fortified. This one, which I tend to describe as ‘bottled Christmas’, is unusual in that it is fortified with rum as opposed to the usual grape spirit or Brandy. This is more than a match for pretty much any dessert that you can think of with intense aromas of rum and raisin and golden syrup. Also rather splendid poured over/with vanilla ice cream! £17.95

Jon Atkinson shows some love for an often forgotten section of the wine rack this month

AN

EXCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT of just five apartments

finished to an exacting standard, York House is situated a stone’s throw from Lark Lane and its eclectic mix of independent shops, bars and restaurants.

Local property firm Lujen Developments recently completed a sensitive refurbishment project to transform a dilapidated set of flats on Errol Street into these luxury two and three-bedroom homes.

Each apartment is distinct in its design and style, with every detail carefully considered throughout the renovation process. Whilst all five apartments at York House are unique, each one boasts a modern fitted kitchen, spacious kitchen/living area, walk-in shower and plush carpet in the master bedroom. Ideally suited for professionals and young families, the development is located close to a number of quality primary schools including Auckland College on Parkfield Road – rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Meanwhile, Liverpool city centre is a mere five minute’s away via train from St Michaels station which can be easily reached on foot from York House.

For more information on the final two remaining apartments at York House, call Marshall Property on 0151 382 8267

statement bauble Make merry with a this Christmas

WE ALL HAVE A FEW Christmas rituals, but whether you’ve had your Yuletide plans all wrapped up (and laminated) since September or you’re more of a fun-and-festive type (aka, tinsel personified), there’s no right or wrong way to kickstart Xmas. You know what does feel wrong, though?

A naked Christmas tree – because tradition dictates that when we haul a 5ft fir indoors, we’ll dutifully truss it up with the best baubles and decorations imaginable.

Thankfully, the bijou bauble is still big news for 2022, with the bestdressed trees wearing an eclectic cluster of novelty, niche, classic and kitsch Christmas decorations.

Whatever your decor tastes or traditions and no matter your Christmas tree tribe – be it fir or faux – there is one bauble that’s destined for your collection this year, a seasonal soulmate, if you will.

Call it maximalist style on a minimalist budget. Call it Christmas during a cost of living crisis. Call it tradition. No matter how you justify it, you’re going to want to nab one of these covetable Christmas baubles for 2022.

n FOR TRADITIONALISTS If you love meandering round Christmas markets, feasting your eyes (and pie holes) on fine winter fare, you’re most likely a traditionalist. Make a beeline for red, white and green baubles that boast all the feels of a vintage market trawl and add a touch of cottagecore-meets-Scandicountry-estate to your Christmas dec collection.

Whether you’re after a kitsch, classic, novelty or nordic festive theme, there’s a bijoux bauble for all

L-R: Santa’s Rainbow Workshop Felt Joy, £10; Community Garden Paper Tree, £5; Jolly General Store Felt Mushroom Trio, £8

n FOR HIPSTERS

Are you feeling cautious when it comes to Christmas shopping, but also reluctant to let go of your cool-kid status? Fear not mid-spender: the best novelty baubles scream (sorry, whisper) hipster in all their avo-on-toast, allotment-loving, nostalgia-laced glory, offering just the right amount of kudos without breaking the bank.

n FOR KIDS (AND BIG KIDS)

Calling all spontaneous shoppers, keen Christmas revellers or anyone looking to kickstart the feelgood vibes this festive season (that’s all of us, then): these kitsch and cute, ‘cooee-lookat-me’ tree treats will add endless amounts of joy to any decadent decs edit.

Community Garden Glass Trowel, £6; Sugar Plum Cafe Avocado on Toast, £12

Workshop Puzzle Cube, £8; Santa’s Rainbow Workshop Ballet Shoes, £8; Winter Fayre Ice Skates, £6; Santa’s Rainbow Workshop Glitter Stegosaurus, £8

n FOR FANCY PANTS

Whether you see your Christmas decorations as hanging heirlooms to be lovingly tucked away in the loft year after year, or you’re just feeling a bit Billy big baubles, these are the statement tree treats to treasure right now.

Nightlife Kingfisher, £20; Nightlife Cocktail, £8; Nightlife Guitar, £7; Nightlife Handbag, £15

L-R: Jolly General Store Sardine Tin, £8; Nightlife Mix Tape, £7;

L-R: Santa’s Rainbow

L-R: John Lewis + Matthew Williamson

We’re redefining business connectivity in Liverpool

Business connectivity in Liverpool is set to improve as Neos Networks expand its fibre connectivity to Liverpool’s business district, working alongside local Internet Service Provider, Baltic Broadband.

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INAUGURAL WELLNESS EVENT AIMING TO BE CATALYST IN CITY HEALTH DRIVE

Wellness In The City will feature exhibitions, masterclasses & live speaker sessions

A GROUP OF EXPERIENCED and passionate wellbeing practitioners have come together to create a unique event in Liverpool.

Wellness In The City, which is set to take place on 27 January 2023 in the RCP Spaces at The Spine in Paddington Village, is aiming to educate and raise awareness of all the options available in the Merseyside wellness arena.

The project has in part been driven by the city’s poor standing in the health league tables over the recent decades and founder Clare Ellis believes the event is just the start for companies, organisations, and the general public to become better informed about accessible options for creating and maintaining future wellbeing.

Organisers have gathered wellbeing experts from across Merseyside and beyond to create a day full of insights, inspiration and interactive experiences.

With exhibitions, masterclasses and live speaker sessions, attendees will be able to learn from the experts themselves on how to take charge of their mental, physical, environmental, spiritual, and financial wellbeing.

Clare says: “My colleagues and I had this vision during the height of the pandemic of bringing together the full range of wellness options in the Liverpool region under one roof.

“We’ll be working with providers across the industry, hosting a day-long event at The Spine, educating, inspiring and raising awareness of what is available.

“We strongly believe there is a personal and corporate responsibility to drive sickness levels downwards in Liverpool and across the wider Merseyside region and we know we are well placed to make an impactful start on that.”

Clare’s partners in the project include Rachel Riches, Margaret Bell, and Claire Morton, a well-known multidisciplinary wellbeing specialist.

PAUL CROWLEY & CO BACKS VITAL LOCAL CHARITY

TO HOST YM LIVERPOOL PROPERTY & BUSINESS AWARDS 2022

Liverpool-born star will present a range of accolades at the Hilton Hotel this November

ORGANISERS OF THE YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards have announced a celebrity host for its upcoming awards ceremony.

Taking place at Hilton Liverpool City Centre on 30 November, the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2022 will see industry representatives from across the Liverpool City Region gather under one roof to reflect on another 12 months of achievements.

Claire Sweeney will host the event and present accolades including ‘Property Developer of the Year’, ‘Best Affordable Housing Scheme’, ‘Residential Property Agency of the Year’, ‘Business Leader of the Year’ and ‘LCR Business of the Year’.

The ceremony is set to take place almost two decades on from the very first Your Move awards – held at Liverpool Cricket Club in 2004. Television property expert, Sarah Beeny, was on hand to host the awards that year, which raised money to alleviate poor housing conditions and homelessness throughout the region.

For details about tables and sponsorship opportunities, contact awards@ymliverpool.com

LIVERPOOL LAW FIRM Paul

Crowley & Co welcomed Merseyside Domestic Violence Services (MDVS) to its head office to present a cheque to the charity’s project coordinator, Ayla Nasuh (pictured right).

MDVS, a local voluntary charitable organisation established in 2003, was founded by Ayla’s mother Jacqueline Nasuh to serve the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The charity’s vital work owes much to the commitment and dedication of Jacqueline and Ayla – as well as the hard work of the co-founders, volunteers, trustees and funders.

MDVS offers a free, confidential, and non-judgemental support service to women and families who have experienced or may be at risk of experiencing domestic violence.

Julie Jones, head of business development at PC&Co and a trustee with MDVS, says: “It’s vital to raise awareness of people who are suffering this kind of abuse. No one should have to live their lives in fear and victims of this crime must not suffer in silence.”

Those wishing to speak with MDVS can call 07802 722 703. Should you require legal advice, contact Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors on 0151 264 7363

MDVS offers free support to those suffering from domestic violence

CLAIRE SWEENEY

Ultra-functional kitchen

Take a look inside former Coronation Street star Faye Brookes’ stunning new kitchen at her home near Southport

BIRKDALE

KITCHEN CO.

WORKED collaboratively with the actress to ensure the ambitious project was completed exactly how she envisioned it when she made the firm her kitchen designer of choice.

Faye, who finished as runner-up on 2021’s Dancing On Ice and recently starred as Roxie Hart in the UK tour of the musical Chicago, said: “It was a big project but the process was seamless.”

Traditional features were made to blend harmoniously with the quartz worktops whilst classic wooden beams tie in perfectly with the look of the kitchen space.

Standout appliances include a fabulous Kaelo wine cooler, innovative Quooker boiling tap, Bertazzoni range cooker, Siemens wine fridge and highly practical S-Box pop-up socket.

Neil Gokcen and Steve Dunne opened Birkdale Kitchen Co. near Southport in April 2021 –less than 12 months later the pair were at the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards to pick up the coveted Kitchen Showroom of the Year title.

Whilst Steve had more than 35 years of trade experience behind him when the business launched, Neil came to the industry from the technology sector – making their recent accomplishments all the more impressive.

For more information on the range of luxury kitchens available from Birkdale Kitchen Co., visit www.birkdalekitchenco.com

Keeping financial control during the cost of living crisis

Financial pressures look set to continue in the run-up to Christmas and beyond but smart planning can help you stay in charge

This year has been a difficult one, financially speaking, for households in a range of income brackets. The cost of living has risen substantially, and investment markets have been choppy, which has been an additional source of stress for those planning their financial future.

Here, we explain the ways that seeking advice can help you not just to survive but thrive during economic storms.

What does a financial adviser do?

The purpose of financial planning is to help you manage your income and assets in the best way, so you can achieve your life goals.

You may think that it’s only worth talking to us if you have a specific goal in mind, such as early retirement, or after a big financial event such as divorce or receiving an inheritance, when you have a large sum of money to manage.

Although that’s part of our role – and these are all key moments when good advice is important – in reality, we can help you tackle a whole range of moneyrelated issues. The ultimate goal is for you to reach a place of financial wellbeing, which can include:

• Making the most of your money on a day-to-day basis

• Being financially capable of dealing with the unexpected

• Feeling confident, empowered, and knowledgeable

• Making smart use of debt, investments, insurance policies, tax reliefs and financial products to help you on your journey

The current cost-of-living crisis presents a huge threat to many people and their

prospects of achieving these aims. Although some are more insulated than others, the impact of high inflation, energy bills, interest-rate rises and other economic challenges have become widespread.

We’re here to help you with the most mundane aspects of money management – and the most complex areas, too. Talking about how difficult things are, or how worried you are, is the first step to feeling better about it.

best-laid plans fall apart. This can be either because people’s incomes are so stretched, they cannot keep up with commitments such as pension contributions or savings, or because people actively stop working towards their goals out of fear of what’s ahead - it’s a mindset of battening down the hatches.

We spend every day creating specific, actionable plans to help people reach their aims, based on realistic calculations of how much they’ll need.

Managing financial worries

As well as being a sounding board for your financial concerns and creating action plans for getting ahead, we can accurately assess how you as an individual may be affected by the current environment. Whether it’s the impact of inflation on your cash savings, how rising interest rates could influence your retirement plans, or how a recession may affect your business, we can provide a range of forecasts tailored to your circumstances.

These should offer reassurance because your worst-case scenario may not have the terrible effect you fear. Whatever the situation, rest assured that there will be a financial solution – and we’ll make sure you find it.

Why financial planning is important

You’ve probably already put in place structures and routines to help you reach your goals. These may include budgeting, savings goals, monthly contributions to pensions or investments, and insurance or income-protection policies.

The challenge in the current environment is that some of these

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

We can help you through the cost-ofliving crisis – contact us now for support and advice.

Rhodes Brook Financial Limited is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website

The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

COOKS Carmelo

A modern dish featuring two staples of Southern Italian cuisine courtesy of Liverpool’s Buongiorno Deli

ORECCHIETTE WITH ‘NDUJA

Serves 3

Ingredients

• 280g Orecchiette pasta

• 100g ‘Nduja

• 100g Pecorino Romano

• 1 Shallot

Method

• Bring a large pot of salty water to a boil

All ingredients used are available to purchase in both Buongiorno Deli stores

• Peel and thinly slice the shallot before adding it to a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Let it sizzle over low heat for about 10 minutes. If the onion dries out, add a little bit of the pasta water

• Add your pasta to the pot of boiling water

• When the shallot is soft, add the ‘nduja, more pasta water and let the nduja dissolve

• Add the pasta cooked al dente and let it finish cooking for a couple of minutes with the sauce

• Switch off the heat and add half of the grated pecorino romano. Use the rest for garnishing

Sciontec promises cycling revolution

as HEMISPHERE gets the green light at Paddington Village

Liverpool City Council has approved the planning application for HEMISPHERE, a new 120,000 sq ft, eight-storey, standout innovative workspace development located on Paddington Village, in the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) innovation district, next to the iconic Spine building.

HEMISPHERE will be the first new-build development for Sciontec Developments Limited (Sciontec), which already owns Liverpool Science Park, is redeveloping Sensor City and operates the Sciontec AI serviced space offices in The Spine.

HEMISPHERE will be the first operational net zero carbon innovative workspace building in the Liverpool City Region, having been expertly designed by Sciontec’s commercial team and consultants, including Bruntwood SciTech, AHR, Stantec (formerly Barton Willmore), Ares Landscape Architects Ltd, Artin Light, Silcock Leedham Consulting Engineers, Curtins, Walker Sime, Flinders Chase, RWDI and Wintech. Features include a south facing external terrace and a café open to the public.

Colin Sinclair, CEO at Sciontec, said: “The granting of planning permission for HEMISPHERE marks a significant milestone for the team at Sciontec, enabling our commitment to sustainable development, economic growth, wellbeing and innovation to progress at pace.

“We are promising to make HEMISPHERE the most cycling commuter friendly workspace in the city centre, by not only including 166 secure cycle spaces but all e-bike charging facilities, drying facilities, changing rooms and showers for cyclists. As a cyclist myself, I know how important it is to not only recharge your bike whilst at work but also to dry the clothes you wore to cycle in and to store your kit securely. We want to make commuting by bike a viable option all year round.

“What’s more, our future customers at HEMISPHERE will also benefit from a wellness studio and yoga classes, as well as KQ Liverpool’s range of innovation services, and be part of the ‘Village’ community that is coming to life in this thriving and increasingly vibrant part of the city centre.”

In addition to the £12m already invested in Paddington Village from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s (LCRCA) Single Investment Fund for enabling works, HEMISPHERE has also received support from the Combined Authority via a predevelopment funding support package for the JV.

With construction due to start in 2023, and an expected completion date of 2025, interest in taking space within HEMISPHERE is building amongst the health, tech, digital, science and education sectors.

Colin Sinclair, CEO at Sciontec

Great spaces for great minds

What’s more we are fully integrated within the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool Innovation District, so by taking space with Sciontec you would not just be another occupier in a building, you would be an integral part of the KQ Liverpool ecosystem.

INSPIRED SPACES

A FULLY STRIPPED OUT SPACE THAT IS READY FOR YOU TO PUT YOUR STAMP ON

BIG, SMALL AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEENFIND YOUR PLACE

Our offices and labs come in a range of sizes and flexible terms, whether you want to pay-per-desk or just for the amount of space you take.

If you’re looking for somewhere to plug in and play or a blank canvas to really make your mark, we have it all.

If you want to find out more about one of the featured offices above or to hear more about our other inspired spaces, please get in touch and Remi will be happy to show you around.

Remi Smith remi@sciontec.co.uk 07908 794 551

Sciontec owns and operates Liverpool Science Park, manages Sciontec AI in The Spine and Sensor City and is developing new, world-class science & technology facilities across the Liverpool City Region, including HEMISPHERE on Paddington Village, so we’re confident that we can help you find the perfect space for your business and people to thrive.

website: sciontec.co.uk

We provide outstanding workspaces from which leading entrepreneurs, innovators, developers, creators, scientists and researchers can thrive.

SCIENCE PARK, IC1

ADVERTORIAL

RWinvest predicts £1 billion investment in city as it eyes Heap’s Rice Mill sales

Liverpool firm partnering with developer behind exciting regeneration of historic building on edge of Baltic Triangle

RWinvest, the international property sales agent headquartered in Liverpool, is predicting that it will bring more than £1 billion of investment to the city over the next five years as it continues its flourishing partnership with Legacie Developments.

The company is helping to secure millions in sales for Legacie’s forthcoming regeneration of the historic Heap’s Rice Mill site. The Grade II-listed building on the edge of the Baltic Triangle has been empty since 2005 – and has had planning permission since 2014.

Previously used by Joseph Heap & Sons Ltd – which once ground rice for Kellogg’s Rice Krispies – it is one of the last surviving warehouse complexes in the area.

Legacie is bringing forward an exciting mixed-use regeneration scheme featuring a hotel, apartments, and high-quality commercial space – helping to breathe new life into a dilapidated part of the city centre.

RWinvest, established in 2004, predominantly secures investment for North West developments and recently opened an office in Salford Quays to further supplement this.

The sales powerhouse has already secured more than £300 million for Legacie, which has funded schemes including Liverpool’s 505-unit Parliament Square and Merchant’s Wharf in Salford Quays.

Now, RWinvest says it is on target to attract national and international investment of over £1bn by 2027 from people keen to invest in Liverpool developments.

Michael Gledhill, managing director of RWinvest, says: “Liverpool is considered the best UK property investment hotspot, with some of the most affordable house prices. The city boasts the UK’s secondlargest regional economy, worth over £149bn and growing 15% year on year.

“We have built up a global reputation for bringing attractive opportunities to the market and we have major plans to be leading on sales for even more residential

schemes over the next five years.

“A major focus for us is the Liverpool City Region as we continue our successful partnership with Legacie Developments which is already establishing itself as the city’s most prominent developer, demonstrated with the imminent Heap’s Rice Mill development which has been an eyesore in the area for far too long.

“With plans to sell an exciting pipeline of residential and commercial schemes, we will hopefully surpass the £1bn mark in terms of sales. This is big news for

Liverpool and will contribute towards sustaining a vibrant economy after what has been a tough time for the development sector.”

affordable

Liverpool is considered the best UK property investment hotspot, with some of the most

house prices.

Michael Gledhill, managing director of RWinvest

It’s November!Cheer up,

WATCHING MONTY DON bid us farewell until next spring on 2022’s final episode of Gardeners’ World, it suddenly dawned on me that winter really is just around the corner. November gets a bad press – with the nights drawing in and the days often cold and wet, it’s a time many people feel they have to endure, rather than enjoy. However, looking to take advantage of the unseasonably mild temperatures, there is plenty that can still be done in the garden before we batten down the hatches.

November is a transitional month and while it’s still relatively light outside, fallen leaves need to be cleared. I honestly don’t mind this job even though a decent amount of the ones I clear are from the neighbour’s trees! It’s a job that obviously can’t be done in one go, so don’t turn it into a daily chore – you’ll only drive yourself mad. Instead, take it easy and enjoy this time. Getting up in the morning to discover the newly fallen carpet of amber and gold leaves that our maple tree has laid is definitely one of this month’s perks for me.

n JUST THE JOB

There is minimal equipment required for collecting leaves. A fan rake (I prefer a plastic one as it easily glides over both grass and hard surfaces) and a simple stiff yard brush are all you really need. Raking leaves when they are wet is easier as you can gather them into piles,

but they obviously become heavier – something worth bearing in mind if you are depositing them into bags or bins.

A blower is excellent for clearing leaves off paths, patios and herbaceous borders too, where wielding a rake can do more damage than good. Doing the job in a fraction of the time, a blower makes an instant difference. However, remember that using a piece of equipment like this really works best when leaves are dry.

Even as the nights draw in there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be had in the garden, says Heather Marsh

You don’t have to stress over collecting every single fallen leaf though, as leaving a thin layer in between plants acts like a blanket and helps insulate and protect them during winter frosts. Leaves also prove to be the perfect mulch – which brings me around to the big question: should we really be disposing of leaves at all?

n MAKE YOUR OWN MAGIC MOULD

Getting rid of great quantities of leaves isn’t very eco-friendly. In fact, not only do leaves take up unnecessary space in landfills, but they can also break down with other organic materials to create methane, the greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change.

A much more sustainable and resourceful tactic is to put them to good use by making leaf mould. This dark crumbly mulch will boost your soil’s microbes and enrich it like nothing else. It’s the perfect way to feed our gardens for free and do our bit for the planet at the same time.

Making leaf mould is very simple and easy to do. Start by collecting the leaves – wet ones are perfect, although dry leaves can be moistened afterwards, it’s all necessary for their breakdown. Ash, beech, lime, poplar and willow are all ideal as their leaves can be bagged without the need for shredding.

Larger, thicker leaves like those from sycamore and horse chestnut trees should be shredded or chopped to help speed up the breakdown process. I find the easiest and quickest way to do this is to simply run over the leaves with a mower. Giving your lawn its last mow of the season when its covered with fallen leaves is a great way of collecting and shredding leaves – with the added bonus of cutting and tidying the grass at the same time. The mower also doubles as a vacuum cleaner – especially helpful when you not only have heaps of leaves but masses of ash and sycamore keys dotted about. They are such a pain to rake up and a mower sorts them in no time, leaving you with an immaculate lawn and a box full of shredded leaves and seeds ready for your leaf mould. Then its simple a case of depositing your shredded load of leaves, seeds and grass clippings into plastic bin bags. Tie the tops, punch some holes in the sides with a garden fork and then stack them outside for up to two years. I put mine out of sight behind our shed and wait for the real alchemy to begin. You will find your leaf mould is ready in about a year, although the longer you can wait the richer it becomes. Generally speaking it should look like other composts and be visibly broken down, perfect to mulch plants and shrubs, or dug into borders to enrich the soil.

Celebrity dental therapist launches new £1

million premises

in

Liverpool city centre

Kamran Rasul, who has treated a host of stars, as well as Premier League footballers, recently unveiled his state-of-the-art clinic on Chapel Street

Kamran Rasul Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry officially launched late last month, offering a full range of dental and aesthetic services including teeth straightening and popular non-invasive smile makeovers using composite bonding.

Kamran says: “We expect our clinic to transform the way dentistry is delivered to private patients and we will enable people to experience treatments that celebrities and influencers experience almost daily.

“We have installed the most advanced dental technology and employed some of the best professionals in the business, set in a luxurious and exclusive space, in order to provide the most exquisite cosmetic and aesthetic treatments.”

Kamran Rasul Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry has treated the likes of Coronation Street star Kimberly Hart-Simpson, TV personality Charlotte Dawson and influencers including Taylor Ward and Jamie Carragher’s daughter Mia.

It has also dealt with a number of footballers including Premier League full-back Neco Williams, SPL star John

Lundstram, Liverpool FC prospects Layton Stewart, Leighton Clarkson and Reece Williams plus Everton man Lewis Gibson.

Kamran’s team started work on its Chapel Street premises in December 2021, with total building costs reaching £1 million.

He adds: “All of this time and investment has been made to ensure the highest standards of luxury, quality and professionalism for any patient that walks through our doors.

“We can’t wait to get started and take dentistry services in Liverpool to the next level.”

Karam Rasul (centre) poses with Hollyoaks actors Ruby O’Donnell and Kieron Richardson

Richa R d & Shannon Jenkin S Independent Family Funeral Directors

R icha R d & S hannon J enkin S Independent Family Funeral Directors

Shannon

Independent Family Funeral

Richard and Shannon Jenkins Funeral directors are your local, trusted, independent funeral directors. We believe in being at the heart of the community, providing a first class 24 hour service and building strong everlasting relations with you and your family at this very difficult time.

Richard and Shannon Jenkins Funeral directors are your local, trusted, independent funeral directors. We believe in being at the heart of the community, providing

Richa R d & Shannon Jenkin S

Independent Family Funeral Directors

Richard and Shannon Jenkins Funeral directors are independent funeral directors. We believe in being community, providing a first class 24 hour service everlasting relations with you and your family at this

Richard & Shannon Jenkins Funeral directors

Richard & Shannon Jenkins Funeral Directors (Formerly of B. Jenkins & Sons)

Formerly of B. Jenkins & Sons

3 allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 1LG Customer parking at rear of building in Auckland Road call: 0151 318 4660 email: shannon@rsjfunerals.co.uk

Richard and Shannon Jenkins Funeral directors are your local, trusted, independent funeral directors. We believe in being at the heart of the community, providing a first class 24 hour service and building strong everlasting relations with you and your family at this very difficult time.

3 Allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 1LG – Customer parking at rear of building in Auckland Road Call: 0151 318 4660 Email: shannon@rsjfunerals.co.uk

Richard & Shannon Jenkins Funeral Formerly of B. Jenkins & 3 allerton Road, Liverpool, Customer parking at rear of building in Auckland call: 0151 318 4660 email: shannon@rsjfunerals.co.uk

We are everything but over priced

Richard & Shannon Jenkins Funeral directors

Formerly of B. Jenkins & Sons

3 allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 1LG Customer parking at rear of building in Auckland Road ll: 0151 318 4660 email: shannon@rsjfunerals.co.uk

“We are everything but over priced”

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN DELI

Italian Cured Meat and Cheese

• Selection of Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks

Fresh Bread and Vegetables • Antipasti, Fresh Pasta, Italian Sausages

Daily Made Sandwiches • Seating area outside for Platters and Wine

10% OFF VOUCHER

Show this advert for 10% off throughout the store. Valid until 31 Dec 2022

CHRISTMAS PRE-ORDER – Last orders 17 Dec 2022 (subject to availability)

Cheese and Meat Platters • Hampers • Panettone • Cannoli

VISIT US IN STORE OR AT WWW.BUONGIORNOLIVERPOOL.COM

121a Penny Lane, L18 1DF 0151 733 3344 • 21a Woolton Street, L25 5NH 0151 257 5578 Tue-Sat 10am–5.30pm • @buongiornoliverpool

F TURNER & SONS Est: 1787

Auctioneers & Valuers

F TURNER & SONS Est: 1787

SALE BY AUCTION - 15th December 2022

‘Austin & Helen Carty collection of Irish & British Art’

Auctioneers & Valuers

We offer all the services you would expect of a modern auctioneer

l to include works by Peter Scott, Charles Knight, George Thompson, Robert Dunleavy, Sheila Turner, Mary Swanzy, Percy French, Arthur Dooley, Brian Burgess and many more

l also a Fine Bronze entitled 'Horse' by Arthur Dooley, Signed Limited Edition by L S Lowry, fine Victorian Watercolours by Thomas Shotter Boys, Charles Dixon, Hercules Brabazon Brabazon etc.

Further particulars from:

F Turner & Sons, Century Salerooms, 28/36 Roscoe Street, Liverpool L1 9DW

t: 0151 709 4005

e: Enquiries@turners-auctions.com

w: turnersauctions.co

VIEWINGS

Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th

December, 10am to 4pm

‘MORE TO DO’ – THE OLIVER KING FOUNDATION ON WHAT COMES NEXT AFTER MAJOR GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION CHANGE

The Oliver King Foundation – launched by Mark and Joanne King in 2012 following the sudden death of their 12-year-old son Oliver – this year won its decade-long fight for access to defibrillators to be mandatory in every UK school

OLIVER TRAGICALLY DIED during a school swimming race from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), a hidden heart condition which kills between 12-19 young people each week.

The Oliver King Foundation (OK Foundation) began campaigning for a change in legislation, with Mark personally handdelivering 6,000 life-saving defibrillators to schools and organisations across the country.

In March 2022, the British government finally committed to installing defibrillators in every school in the country.

At the time of publication, The OK Foundation is aware of more than 60 lives saved thanks to its tireless campaigning.

Mark King spoke to YM Liverpool about what comes next...

Mark, what inspired you to launch The OK Foundation?

When we lost Oliver, I read the statistics and realised nothing had been done before to stop SADS. I couldn’t sit back as a dad and think another family would go through what we have been through.

That’s why we launched The OK Foundation, and our first job was to raise awareness of the condition. It’s not advertised enough. There is no genetic testing until there is a fatality.

We had genetic testing after we lost Oliver, and I found out I had unknowingly given SADS to Oliver and our other son, Ben. It was a bombshell and a very difficult time for me.

What did you want The OK Foundation to achieve in Oliver’s name?

We wanted defibrillators to be as common as fire extinguishers in buildings, with awareness training of what the defibrillators do and how important they are in the event of a cardiac arrest.

The other thing we wanted was for children to have an ECG test on their hearts when they turn 14 to make sure everything is okay. For a country so good at treating illness, our preventative care is very far behind.

You have been relentlessly backed by Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher. How important has his support been?

I’m a massive Evertonian but Jamie is one of us! We met when The OK Foundation placed a defibrillator at a gym in Kirkdale and it ended up saving the life of one of Jamie’s friends.

Jamie came on board – he was the missing piece of the jigsaw. He has been absolutely fantastic. He has been to London with us countless times – often bringing Euston to a standstill! People want photos, selfies and autographs, but he is great with everyone.

Nadhim couldn’t believe this issue hadn’t been legislated before.

He eventually became Chancellor and was a driving force in not only setting the legislation, but making sure the government paid for the defibrillators to be installed in schools.

I felt very lucky when this happened, but it happened because we were out there working for it.

What is next for The OK Foundation?

We still lose up to 19 young lives a week, and this has to stop. There is more for us to do.

I want to open a centre, starting in Liverpool and branching out, where children can come for ECG testing, and people who have suffered cardiac arrests or are fitted with pacemakers can meet others like them to build a sense of community.

We recently performed a trial run in Jamie’s former primary school in Bootle. We tested just 20 kids and found one child with an irregular heartbeat. It really hit home how important it is for children to be tested.

That’s the next phase of The OK Foundation. This is a massive project and we want to lead it.

Where do you want The OK Foundation to be in five years time?

Eventually, when Nadhim Zahawi became Secretary of State for Education, the team at ThisGeneration Communications, which got our story featured on the BBC and Sky, helped arrange a meeting, and we took Jamie with us.

Jamie sat down and said: “Nadhim, you’re going to talk to Mark and come up with a plan on what we are going to do to save lives.” We were there for 30 minutes and

Full legislation is the goal. There are not enough defibrillators, signage or directions as to where they are. There is not enough information out there either. Until something happens to a family member or close friend, people aren’t looking into it and realising it has to stop. My Oliver isn’t the first to die in a school from cardiac arrest. It shouldn’t be this way and we have to make sure everyone is safe.

For more information on The OK Foundation visit www.theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk

(L-R) Daniel Hughes, Mark King, Jamie Carragher and Lord Polak

We wanted defibrillators to be as common as fire extinguishers, with awareness training about their importance.