ITV Granada Reports journalist Emma Sweeney has been speaking to a mum whose 13-year-old child is addicted to the Class B drug Ketamine. https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2024-12-18/mum-of-13-year-old-addicted-to-ketamine-warns-of-virus-dealersA mother whose 13-year-old child is addicted to ketamine is warning something as simple as a "bad mood" has the potential to "push children into the arms" of drug dealers.The woman - whose real identity ITV Granada Reports has protected - says young people are being exposed to things far beyond what they are capable of understanding.She believes children from any background can be "wrapped up in cotton wool" but still be influenced by dangerous dealers who "manipulate" situations.“It doesn't matter how much you love them," she said. "Their love for the drug and love for their peers tends to be more than the respect and love they have for you. It overpowers everything.”
On Sunday 21st July a small group from St Matthew’s Church in Burnley are going to set off to walk over 30miles crossing the county boundary into West Yorkshire. The walk is called ‘St Matthew’s to the Monastery’ as the final destination is the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield, home to a number of Benedictine monks. The journey is both a pilgrimage and a sponsored walk. On route the group will visit various churches, including sleeping overnight in St Mary’s Church, Todmorden and Halifax Minster. In the churches, and on the road, they will pause to pray and reflect. The group are also aiming to raise £3000 for St Matthew’s in order to fund the ongoing efforts of the church to share the love of God in South West Burnley and beyond.There are currently 10 people hoping to complete the whole walk. They range in age from teenagers to people in their 60s. Some of them have hiking experience but most have never attempted a long distance walk over consecutive days. They will be joined by others for parts of the trip and will be encouraged by associated events such as an online quiz at 7.30pm on Monday 22nd July (this will be free to join in with on the St Matthew’s Church Facebook Group). The route for the first day of the walk has been planned by Rev’d Kat Gregory-Witham, Associate Priest at St Matthew’s and walk co-ordinator. From Todmorden onwards however the group will join the Paulinus Way, a pilgrimage route following in the footsteps of a monk who shared the Christian faith in northern England in the 7th century.Excitement about this unusual expedition has been growing over the last few weeks. Leon, one of the youngest walkers says he’s looking forward to “sleeping in different churches”. Another participant, Hannah, when asked if she thought they would manage the distance said, “We’re gonna smash it!”. If you would like to sponsor the group you can do so online at www.justgiving.com/page/stmatthewstothemonastery. Photos and updates of the journey will be shared on the St Matthew’s Church Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/stmatthewsburnley/
‘Our Daily Bread: From Argos to the Altar’ by Fr Alex Frost was published by Harper North on 27th October 2022. The book tells the story of Fr Alex’s journey from Argos Manager to Church of England Priest. Woven throughout are stories of strong and caring Burnley folk facing huge challenges. The book can be purchased online here Our Daily Bread: From Argos to the Altar - a Priest's Story by Father Alex Frost | WHSmith
