24/04/2012 East Midlands Today

This is East Midlands Today with Dominic Heale and me, Anne Davies.

Our top story tonight, the tributes to Leicestershire runner Claire

Squires go global. Age anyone to keep going, it is fantastic.

and his family pin their hopes on a new treatment in Belgium. Wide

these plastic rings have got a shop owner into trouble with the

organisers of London's Olympic Games.

And from Leicestershire to London, the Saint George sets a course for

Good evening and welcome to tonight's programme.

First tonight, it's a tragedy which has touched more than 40,000 people

across the world. Donations have flooded in today to

the Samaritans charity since the death of a runner from

Leicestershire. Claire Squires, who was 30, died whilst competing in

the London Marathon. Donations to her fund-raising page on the

internet have now reached over a half million pounds. For the latest

Victoria Hicks joins us now from Great Bowden in Leicestershire.

Good evening. The response to her tragic death has been truly

phenomenal. It has touched people far and wide. In this village where

she lived with her boyfriend Simon tributes have been left throughout

the day. At one point on her website in just 10 seconds the

amount raised by �400. The website has never known a response like it.

Tributes left for a Claire Squires described her as a beautiful person

who will be sadly missed. A person taking too young under such tragic

circumstances. She had been running the marathon in aid of The

Samaritans. Her mum has worked for the charity as a volunteer for more

than 20 years. Since D Day's sudden-death path of people have

paid tribute by donating to her charity -- since Claire's sudden

death. You could see the donations as the world worked up. -- World

Cup. People who Clare doesn't know, who have never met her, he latched

on to her and her purpose and her cause, and have given them money,

it was fabulous. The Samaritans say it has been supporting close family

and has been overwhelmed by the response. We will be putting money

into it to be found in her name. Whilst it is a difficult situation

and a terrible circumstances he must be a comfort in some way to

the family to know that close legacy will live on three

destinations and will help other people. Today prayers have been

said at her former primary school stop the local vicar has also been

supporting her family. I have been in the school taking assembly, a

number of the students that knew her as a hairdresser, and the staff,

one of the students were two per -- wrote a prayer. Celebrities like

Phillip Schofield are urging people to carry on donating. The trust

fund, a lasting legacy to his young woman who has repeatedly been

described as inspirational. With me is Victoria, one of Clare's close

friends. What has been the impact of her sudden death? Absolute shock

and devastation, people can't believe that a girl who was so fit

and active can possibly have this happened to her. It is very good of

you to speak to us tonight. What is your message? Clare spent her life

giving to charities and on an individual level. Please can we

make that all worthwhile, can everybody go on to her website to

give as much as you can afford. That total stands at �568,000 and

rising. The local football team is holding a minute's silence in her

memory and the just giving website has announced it will waive its

fees as a tribute to her. What I an amazing story.

Next tonight it started after school with just a headache. Then

Sam White who was 12 collapsed. Hours later he was in Nottingham's

Queen's Medical Centre having emergency surgery. It was a brain

tumour. And now, nearly three years on, the cancer's back. Today Sam

travelled to Belgium for innovative treatment which his family hope

will save his life. It's the first of 20 similar visits. Each time Sam

will receive a vaccine made from his own blood. As our health

correspondent Rob Sissons reports it's called immunotherapy, and it's

not available in the UK. Whilst some had his eye on

improving his archery skills doctors were keeping a watch for

any sign of cancer returning. Sam was at school when his father got

the call at home to say there was another brain tumour. It took ages

when he was in to tell him. But he to go very well. After a while.

just get on with it and get ready for what was going to happen this

time. Without treatment he will die. Immunotherapy in Belgium now seems

his best hope. I just hope everything goes well this time.

Surgeons in Nottingham removed his latest tumour and sent a sample to

this hospital in Belgium. Blood cells were removed last week from

his leg and a vaccine has been made. They will be injected into his arm

to stimulate his immune system to attack remaining cancer cells.

Brain tumours are so debilitating that some would have no quality of

life as well. The fact is, we have just got to do it. The treatment is

experimental but speaking over the internet Sams's consultant said it

offered hope. If the treatment is not very toxic, does not give a lot

of side-effects to the body, why not try it? That is also the reason

why he is on board, referred by his doctor. He should have had this

chance, so we have to happen. port, tickets, money, this will

become a familiar routine as they travel by rail from their home in

Newark to Belgium up to 20 times. Just got to carry on and keep going

until hopefully it will definitely work. As for the practical course,

family and friends in Loughborough helped raise money at weekend

towards their expenses. And more fund-raising is planned.

Fingers crossed for him. Still to come tonight, the

shopkeepers accused of running rings around the Olympic

regulations. On the election A 66-year-old Derby man has gone

missing after a boat he was in sank off the coast of France. Derbyshire

Police say a tugboat got into difficulty six miles off the French

coast in the Bay of Biscay area on Monday morning. Two crew members

were rescued. Police are liaising with the French authorities. The

man's family have been told and a liaison officer is keeping them

informed. Detectives investigating the fatal

shooting of a Nottingham teenager say they want to trace a car seen

in the area at the time. It's thought 19-year-old Malakai

McKenzie was shot in the car park of The Hubb in Sherwood early on

Saturday morning. He died later in hospital. Police say they now

believe those responsible left the Hubb in a car along Hucknall Road

and Perry Road. They're appealing for witnesses.

A busy town centre road has been closed for most of the day after a

large fire. It broke out in the roof space of some flats above a

take-away at Alfreton in Derbyshire this morning. It's not thought that

anyone was injured. An investigation into what caused it

is due to get underway. Police set up diversions away from the scene

which caused delays for drivers. There's been an increase in the

number of people causing cruelty to animals. The RSPCA in the East

Midlands says it's now taking more owners to court as a result of its

investigations. One reason for the increase could well be the down

turn in the economy, but the organisation is warning people

that's no excuse for neglect. Simon Ward reports.

This dog is getting back to health with the help of a new owner. The

previous owners were convicted after they failed to feed

improperly or provide medical care. When I got Timmy was staffed. He

was downtrodden, all his energy had gone -- when I got him he had been

staffed. He was a skeleton on legs. Why have an animal that you cannot

keep right by them? He has been helped by the RSPCA had bit Animal

Centre. This dog in Derbyshire, his ears had been cut down in size. It

is thought he was to be used as so- called beat in dog fighting. We are

receiving lots more calls. It is generally done to people are still

struggling through the recession, people who are obviously not able

to feed themselves so they are dumping more and more animals and

they are not getting taken to the effect so we are getting more

cruelty cases reported. The RSPCA's his cruelty and neglect increased

by almost a quarter last year in England and Wales. In Derbyshire

there were 58 in-depth investigations and 80 people

These numbers could rise further as more cases come to court. People

really need to know before they take on an animal what it is

they're taking on. They are taking something on for the entirety of

his life, they need to be able to afford it, thinks about what

happens when the animal becomes ill, and we would encourage people to

come to a reckless -- rescue centre where they can be given the

appropriate advice and give an animal like this a second chance.

The stock now has a caring owner. The RSPCA says it aims to show us

zero-tolerance to animal abusers. We are glad he is OK.

Businesses in the East Midlands are being warned not to break the law

of the rings that protects the branding of the Olympic Games.

In Melton Mowbray one trader was told to take down home-made Olympic

rings from her shop window. She'd put them there to celebrate the

recent test run of the Olympic torch. As Mike O'Sullivan reports,

the controversy is also spreading to Derby.

A world famous logo on a shop window in Derby. But is this what

is called ambush marketing by the organisers of the London 2012

games? Getting the feel-good factor without paying a sponsorship fee.

The owner of the shop didn't want to be interviewed on camera but

said the Olympic rings will stay here until he is told to take them

down. He said they are here to celebrate the Olympics, and the

fact the Olympic torch relay will come in on the street. Passers-by

see nothing wrong. I think it is brilliant. More independent Taylor

should do more. It tells of a body it is going to be happening in this

area and brings more people down here so it is a good thing.

neighbouring shop owner was planning to put up -- put up ailing

book rings covered him well. Now he is having second thoughts. It is

absolutely ridiculous. What I want to do is celebrate the Olympics.

But the five rings in the window -- but the five rings in the window.

This is a document available on the internet which explains how the

London 2012 games protects its brands. All these games marks and

words are legally protected in the UK. Examples of bad practice are

given. Unlimited fines can be imposed in court for those who

break the law of the Rings. The shopkeeper in Melton Mowbray in

Leicestershire was told to take down these Olympic style plastic

rings by trading standards officers. We were hoping to get a competition

running when the Olympics comes through for doing a bit Windows but

we will not be able to do that now. The Olympic rings are protected.

You could get involved with different types of displays, you

could get the flat out, medals, so long as you don't use the word

Olympics. The Games organisers say protecting the brand and official

sponsors is essential to making sure the games and are really go

ahead. -- and they relate go ahead. Bosses at East Midlands Trains have

criticised drivers, who've announced a series of one-day

strikes. The first walk out will be next Tuesday. Managers plan to run

an hourly service from Derby to London and shuttle services between

Nottingham, Leicester and Grantham which will connect to services

running to the capital. The dispute's over plans to reduce

pension contributions for both workers and the company.

The local election campaign in Derby is about to enter a crucial

stage. It's one of the few councils in the East Midlands where voters

are going to the polls. And for the Prime Minister and Nick Clegg, the

outcome in Derby could shape the future of their coalition

government. Here's our Political Editor, John Hess.

This is coalition politics, not in Downing Street but in Derby. Labour

may be the largest party on the city council yet it is run by the

Conservatives in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. Labour needs

just four more seats to win control, so with just over a week to go

until the local elections, are the voters ready to decide? I really

don't know. Nottingham have got the car-parking tax. They have put the

council tax up. You do one that here? Accrue know. I want to read

the manifestos of reach of the parties. And they make up your mind.

Yes. Politics can be something of a market so what are the three main

parties offering in their manifestos to entice the voters?

The Conservatives talk of creating new jobs. A manifesto for economic

regeneration, investment in the City and creating jobs we have got

an ambition to generate another 6,000 jobs. And use our financial

muscle as a council to stimulate regeneration. The Lib Dems rule out

a work place parking levy and back projects could you must allow

Nottingham. We are on the site of the proposed new velodrome which

has got planning permission. That was a Lib Dem project to start with

and will be something fantastic not just for Derby but a whole region.

He will be an iconic building. Labour is making the local economy

is priority. Big employers out there, Rolls-Royce, Bombardier,

expanding their business in some parts of the world, and we can help

them with that, we can provide engineering apprenticeships and

encourage them to create jobs in the city. The tiles are going on

the roof of a refurbished council house but by the time it is

finished could there be any political leadership running the

city? In June, a thousand boats from all

over the UK will assemble on the Thames in London as part of the

Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Stuart Woodman has

joined one little ship from Leicestershire which has just

headed off to the Capital. Eric has boating in his blood.

Nearly 40 years he has been building boats from his home. Today

it is his turn to set sail. Have a wonderful trip. I am delighted to

present you with that the flag. If I can get to the right way. It will

take a while to get through Nottingham, let alone round the

coast and into the Thames be sure he will do it. An extremely big day,

all very proud of him. You have come to wave them off? We have

indeed. A for most people, of wanting to go from Leicestershire

to London by water is straight down the Grand Union Canal, about a week.

Your journey is not quite that easy, is it? No. Because of the size of

this craft it will not go through the narrow canals. Some real tricky

bits coming up. If yes. We are in our 70s, this is not likely to

happen again, is it? Just to be part of such a wonderful

celebration. Before they tackle the North Sea they are taking on the

Trent navigation, and it is far from plain sailing. Oh dear, hit

the back of my head there. With a little cosmetic damage and a bit of

dented pride to the crew heads towards Newark and beyond. They

expect to reach London some time before June.

Keep your head down. Joy and later for a story of Robin Hood with two

mate. First up, what a strange old season

for Leicester City. Starting with a river of cash, a star studded team,

an ex-England manager and a demand for automatic promotion. Ending

with not even a place in the play off. The Foxes home campaign ended

last night with a visit from West Ham who are in the promotion race.

Paul Bradshaw was there for us to look back on Leicester's season.

The NEDC change? A charity begins at home, they say. There was plenty

on show last night. There runner was raising money for their one-in-

a-million campaign. Time to give, but also a time to reflect on what

might have been. Their roller- coaster home campaign began

fittingly enough with a fairground, and after some stellar signings

expectations were high. They lost to Reading, a dip in form led to a

change in manager. Even a fine FA Cup run couldn't revive their form

in the league. Back-to-back wins proving elusive. I think they

should have spent a bit more time that heavily next season. What of

their decision to raise ticket prices? Some might say they are

feeling the strain, but the fans don't think so. It is not too much,

I will still play it. If it was a great deal more I wouldn't be too

happy. I will pay whatever, I love the club. Even if a small

percentage given I'm happy to pay that. Last night's game began

brightly for West Ham. Germaine Beckford headed them home after a

fine cross from Ben Marshall. The Hammers were back on terms within

five minutes. City what is a fat only their second home defeat under

Nigel Pearson, courtesy of this strike. It felt a bit like a whole

season, in 90 minutes. It hasn't quite worked this season, never

really got going, no consistency. Ultimately the curtain falls on

another disappointing season. season which started with such high

expectations draws to a close they will be spending a 4th successive

season in their championship. -- the championship.

A quick bit of football news from lower down the Pyramid, a great

night for Ilkeston Town last night. Over 1,000 people watched them beat

Sheffield FC 7-0 to go into the Evo Stick Division One south play off

final. All after the club's demise a year and a half ago. Wonderful to

see. Now, let's take a look at one in

our occasional series getting up close to some of our key Olympic

and Paralympic athletes. Today, Paralympic discus thrower and world

record holder Dan Greaves on his IM Danny Greaves, I am a Paralympic

Paralympics mean everything to me. Ever since 2000 when I first got

classified as a Paraolympian it has been my life. It is full-on to this

day. My dream would be to break the world record and win gold. I have

had so many friends and family get tickets for the games to come and

see me compete, so want to put on a great show for them and do the

country proud with the great honour. -- would be a great honour. He will

be one of the stars of the summer, you mark my words.

We often show would forest. -- show would forest.

Now if you've ever wondered who Maid Marian really was, well we

might just have the answer. Yes, it seems that there might have

been more than one maid. For more here's John Holmes in the second of

his Historic Holmes series. Robin comedy take Marijne to be

your lawful wedded wife? And you take Robin to beat your lawful

wedded husband. Those who God has joined together, then no one put

asunder. Some areas church were according to agent Robin had

married Maid Marion. In the story she is often described as a feisty

huntress. But go back to the original medieval ballads and Robin

is a deeply religious man worshipping Mary Mother of Jesus

and Mary smother and, the patron saint of Wells. He believed robbing

the rich was fine if done in their reasoning. He said he was married

to a team-mate, Mary and and. In Tudor times they couldn't have to

love interests said they assured and the mixture Marion. Which

brings us to St Annes in Nottingham, the Wells Road, and you're telling

me underneath this rubber and tarmac there is a sacred world

going back centuries. Absolutely. How do you know? I have been down

there, 25 years ago. I have rediscovered the well. It is not

the sort of well we think of with a bucket and chain. It is an emotion

Bath for healing purposes. In direct association with St Annes

and Jerusalem. This kind of healing by immersion was under house where

an uplift, at the mother of the Virgin Mary. -- where an lived.

Mary and and become Marion. -- Ann. The origins of the true made Marian

lie here but they are going to put houses on it. They may be an

archaeological dig, and let's hope there is some divine intervention.

T Mays, no wonder they were merry We have a very unsettled day to

come so if you have got some sunny spells at the moment main the most

of it, it is the calm before the stock. Dry at first tonight but the

rain will arrive by dawn. The beautiful skies yesterday. If you

would like to send us your weather pages please do so. Things are

fairly settled at the moment. One of two showers. This area of low

pressure moving in, increasing cloud, eventually the rain will

arrive with us tomorrow morning. We are expecting some strong, gusting

wind. Some sunny spells around this evening before we get stuck. A

scattering of one of two showers. The shower start to die out in the

next couple of hours. To give us a dry night with plenty off clear

skies the line the temperatures to fall away. Quite cold in rural

spots. A wet and windy rush-hour. The rain will be even heavier at

times, and the wind will strengthen. Damages quite suppressed for April.

This is the main area of rain that will clearer way mid-afternoon on

Wednesday. Thursday, the low- pressure is still with us, showers.