After going missing for over a year, a local man who used to work in IT near Leeds has been found sleeping rough in Lapland
Nial Atkin went missing in mid-May 2020 from the Huddersfield area, having previously worked close to Leeds in a role with computers.
Until recently, it was believed by both his family and police that he may have travelled to Scotland following a breakdown.
However, it turns out the beleaguered Brit had managed to make it over 2,000 miles away from home - ending up in Lapland, of all places.
Jerry Ahlqvist found Nial in a confused state and offered him a bed and a shower / Image: Facebook
Last Friday, July 9, he was found by a man living in Kiruna, Sweden, who offered the rough sleeper a shower and a clean bed out of concern for his welfare.
Jerry Ahlqvist then took to Facebook to appeal for help to reunite the mysterious homeless Brit with his family, noting that the man was "acting a bit strange" and seemed "confused".
He said ‘I brought him home and cleaned him, gave him some food and new clothes, and a clean bed to sleep in.
‘He is kind of hard to communicate with, he gets lost in his thoughts, takes a long time to answer questions and he just stares into nothing.
An image of Nial issued by West Yorkshire Policein May 2020 (Image: West Yorkshire Police)
‘He has told me some information about himself but he ends every sentence with ‘sort of’ so the information can also be incorrect.’
The post also mentioned Nial's name and that he used to work in an IT role near Leeds and that he was raised in West Yorkshire.
Later, Jerry also set up a Go Fund Me to help pay for flights to get Nial back home to England
It took Jerry some time to locate Nial's family, but finally, he managed to get in touch with his mum who was blown away to receive the message.
Nial disappeared from Huddersfield before being found in Lapland last week (Image: Facebook)
He then put a new post out which read: "UPDATE! We have found his mother and I have spoken with her on the phone."
"Everything will be sorted out.
"The thing is that Nial is in a psychotic state and he does not know what he wants or what’s best for him. But we will figure this out.
"His mother knows and understands because she has a psychiatric education and I know and understand because I have myself gone through treatment for schizophrenia and have suffered psychosis myself so I saw the signs from across the streets."
He added: "Everything will be okay and we will try to get the proper treatment for him!
"THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT! We did it!"
Leeds
You can watch The Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds next Friday
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Georgina Pellant -
13th July 2021 
