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This man in Wakefield is raffling off his house for the NHS – and it could be yours for just £2

£2 for your own house? Doesn't sound too bad to us.

Georgina Pellant - 11th June 2021

There's a man in Wakefield raffling off his house for the NHS and he's got just four weeks left to hit his fundraising target.

Nick Wyrill, a Patient Service Manager at Pinderfields Hospital, has witnessed firsthand the struggles the health service has gone through this last year.

Now, he's trying to give something back - by donating 10% of profits from his house sale to NHS charities.

So far, he has sold 127,000 out of 250,000 raffle tickets - all priced at £2 each.

They all need to be gone by 1st July, at which point he'll be picking a winner. £2 for your own house? Doesn't sound too bad to us.

The house itself is a four bedroom detached property on the outskirts of Ossett in Wakefield. It is mortgage-free and comes with all solicitor fees pre-paid.

"There’s no better cause than supporting the NHS, especially after the last 12 months we’ve had," said Nick.

“Everybody in the UK has been helped by the NHS at some point in their life and this is a great way to pay them back, for less than the price of a cup of coffee."

If the 250,000 ticket target isn't met, a winner will be selected to win 75 per cent of the ticket sales.

To buy a raffle ticket and find out more, visit the website here.

Feature image - Nick Wyrill.

News

The Government has announced ‘fundamental’ changes to the UK’s education system

Emily Sergeant School classroom

School classroom

The Government will unveil a fundamental change to the education system today with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes.

Andy Burnham says he is 'determined' to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path to ensure there are no so-called 'dead ends' for young people coming out of the education system by providing them high-quality alternative routes that are valued and respected by students, parents, and employers alike.

The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with 'valuable' early access to technical skills, work experience, and connections with local employers.

Building on successful local initiatives - such as the MBacc, launched by Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester when he was Mayor - the new technical routes will mean young people can develop the technical knowledge and skills needed to progress in areas like engineering, healthcare, and digital technology.

It will aim to 'skill them up' with the specific knowledge and capabilities that local employers need.

School exam hall / classroom — The Government has announced 'fundamental' changes to the UK's education system / Credit: MChe Lee (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons

The Government has announced 'fundamental' changes to the UK's education system / Credit: MChe Lee (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons

So, how will it all work then? Well, when students enter Year 10, they will have the chance to combine core academic subjects - including English, Maths, and Science - with a high-quality technical education that’s linked to the jobs available in their area.

During these courses, students will be able to spend time with employers and gain valuable real-world experience.

Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges, and employers will work together to shape these new technical education pathways, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all system.

To support this, the Government says it will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work, and will also change the way school performance is measured so that inspectors recognise the schools support young people to develop the skills, experience, and confidence employers want.

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A post shared by Andy Burnham (@andy.burnham)

This way, no matter whether young people choose university, an apprenticeship, further education, or direct entry into a skilled profession, they will able to see a clear route from education into employment.

"For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected," explained Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

"The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.

"I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life.

"From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap."

Featured Image - MChe Lee (via Unsplash)

News

Five of the most exciting new openings coming to Leeds city centre this year

Clementine Hall

We're basically half way through the year, so let's see what else we've got to look forward to...spoiler alert, it's a lot.

So far we've had everything from ice bath cafes to listening bars open up in Leeds, and it seems like 2026 is the gift that keeps on giving.

Allow us to get you excited about what's coming to the city...

Dishoom

68–78 Vicar Lane, LS1 7JH

Images: The Hoot Leeds

This one is a biggun' as the ever so popular Indian restaurant is set to open on Friday 14 August in a beautiful Grade-II listed building on Vicar Lane which was formerly Flannels.

First opening in London, Dishoom now has restaurants dotted all over the UK including a huge site in Manchester. The group is famed for its lavish and grand interiors, as well as its home-style curries, grills and breakfasts including its legendary bacon naans.

Acai and the Tribe

88 Vicar Lane

Image: The Manc Group

Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.

Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.

So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.

Read more: Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring

Sticks'n'Sushi

Vicar Lane

Images: The Manc Group

This Japanese restaurant serves a menu full of sushi as well as grilled meats on sticks, sharing sides and build-your-own hand rolls. All of this is wrapped up in the most gorgeous interior, which you can see from their jaw dropping new Manchester site.

Occupying the Grade II-listed space on Vicar Lane, the three-storey building will include a 220-cover dining room, 30-cover terrace and an upstairs bar.

Read more: Popular Japanese restaurant Sticks’n’Sushi is coming to Leeds city centre

Moods

Kirkgate

Image: Supplied

Introducing Moods - a new all-day cafe, bar and events venue that will open to the public at First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate on Friday 31 July.

Created by husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, the team behind Buzz Club Tattoo, Moods will occupy the ground floor of the Grade II* listed building.

Alfonso's

Horsforth

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.

Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.

Read more: Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds