WE are coming to the end of February, so let's have a look back at some feel-good stories Wirral Globe has covered across the borough over the past month.

1. Heroic moment when Wirral student saves dog from Manchester canal

Ben Camphour from Heswall and his flatmate Jack Spencer Furmston from Chester, both 20, had been walking along Ancoats Canal in Manchester after visiting a coffee shop.

The university students spotted a distressed dog owner, Batu Akyol, who was frantically holding onto his dog’s lead and went to help.

Since the incident, video footage from a member of the public who caught the heroic act has gone viral on social media racking up thousands of views and shares.

To read more, click here: https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/23334288.heroic-wirral-student-rescues-dog-manchester-canal/

2. Farmer Owen John, 91, back on his tractor after 'miraculous' robotic surgery

91-year-old Owen John Thomas, was one of the first patients to have a knee replaced using robotic technology at Spire Murrayfield hospital.

The technique has been credited with achieving faster recovery times, less pain and a more ‘natural’ feel in the knee joint.

Mr Thomas’ son, Tudor, described the surgery as “miraculous” and said his dad was on his feet –  walking unaided – less than 24 hours after the operation and is already back enjoying life on his tractor. 

Wirral Globe: Owen John, 91Owen John, 91 (Image: Mandy Jones Photography)

To read more, click here: https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/23309524.farmer-91-back-tractor-miraculous-robotic-surgery/

3. Meet the Wirral teenager who is the youngest solo pilot in the UK 

At 12 years old Stanly Molyneux, from Greasby, asked for a hard drive and RAM to build his own computer and got heavily into gaming. 

Stanly then started playing flight simulator games and so his dad, Steve Molyneux took him to an experience flight at Denbigh Gliding Club, North Wales in August 2021.

After completing flying training over the past year on Tuesday, February 7, Stanly's 14th birthday, Stanly and Steve made their way down to Denbigh Gliding Club so that Stanly could solo pilot the first day he was legally allowed to. 

Stanly received an aerotow to 1,500 feet, released over Denbigh, completed his manoeuvres and guided the plane back to land on the club runway all on his own.

Not only does this make him the youngest solo pilot currently in the UK but also the youngest solo pilot ever in Wales.

Wirral Globe: Stanly getting ready to fly on his 14th birthdayStanly getting ready to fly on his 14th birthday (Image: Steve Molyneux)

To read more, click here: https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/23313570.14-year-old-greasby-schoolboy-named-youngest-solo-pilot-uk/

4. Birkenhead's first 'no alcohol' social club prepares for opening day

Rob Cumine, 42, suffered PTSD three years ago and was attending a number of social groups across Wirral for support.

Rek 41, set up by Rob, is a new social space in Birkenhead where people can come in the evenings which is safe, and doesn't serve any alcohol.

Helping Rob is his three directors, Matt Tomlinson (from MDfitout), Emily Greaves (Green Party Cllr for Birkenhead and Tranmere) and Michael Quinn (Addiction recovery support worker from Wirral Ways to Recovery).

The building, located on Market Street, is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment by volunteers from the local community.

Wirral Globe: The team are preparing for opening dayThe team are preparing for opening day (Image: Facebook)

Rek 41 will officially open on Friday, March 3 by The Mayor of Wirral, Jeff Green.

Their opening times will be Monday-Friday 5pm-9pm and 1pm-9pm on weekends.

To read more, click here: https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/23320992.wirrals-first-non-alcoholic-social-club-opens-birkenhead/.

5. Much-loved Wirral bookshop up for national award

Linghams Booksellers in Heswall is owned by Sue Porter and her husband Mike King.

Sue has hosted many book signing events and brings many well-known faces to the Wirral.

Previous events have seen Ruth Jones, Davina McCall, Dan Walker, Ricky Ross and Nisha Katona be questioned by the bookshop owner on their latest releases in Wirral.

Sue found out on February 17 that Linghams had become a North England regional finalist for The British Book Awards 2023 in the Independent Bookshop of the Year category.

Linghams will compete to win their region, with the winner announced on Thursday, March 16.

The overall national winner will be then announced at an awards ceremony on Monday, May 15 in London.

Wirral Globe: Sue said it is fabulous to have got to this stage in the competitionSue said it is fabulous to have got to this stage in the competition (Image: Facebook)

To read more, click here: https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/23330074.linghams-booksellers-reaches-final-british-book-awards-2023/