Stockport Independent Issue 196

3 NOVEMBER 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk A BRIDGE in the heart of Stockport has been renamed after a hero locomotive driver who died trying to stop a run- away train in 1957. Thomson Street Bridge, built in 2022, has been renamed the Driver John Axon Bridge. John was awarded the George Cross posthumously following his death. A renaming ceremony has taken place involving the installation of a blue plaque and a sign for the bridge. Lord Hendy, the govern- ment’s rail minister, John’s family, local councillors and members of the rail- way community attended the ceremony. John Axon was born in Stockport in 1900 and had spent his working life on the railways. On February 11, 1957, the steam brake aboard a freight Remembering a rail hero Ceremony: Keith Nash-Whitmore, from the Community Rail Partnership, with Lord Hendy, Rail Minister, Cllr Grace Baynham, and Melanie and Andrew Axon locomotive from Buxton to Warrington failed, just short of Dove Holes. John instructed his fire- man, Ron Scanlon, to jump clear and apply as many wagon brakes as possible. He managed to alert the signalman at Dove Holes and remained with the train, struggling to regain control, as it raced downhill towards Chapel-en-le-Frith South station, where it ran into the back of another freight train. The impact killed both John and Frank Creamer, the guard on the other train. John’s actions meant a num- ber of lives were saved. Melanie Axon, John’s granddaughter, said: “Our family is deeply honoured that the new bridge will carry our grandfather’s name. His bravery and self- lessness have always been a source of pride and inspi- ration to us, and it means so much to see his legacy remembered in this way. “The bridge, which is close to where the family lives to this day, stands as a daily reminder of his courage as and this is incredibly special to us all. “We are truly grateful that the community contin- ues to celebrate his memory.” Lord Hendy, said: “For me and my fellow rail workers, John embodies the spirit of service that makes life on the tracks so rewarding. “His name will live in our memories, and in the story of Britain’s railway, forever.” TEN years ago, Zoe Shore decided she had had enough of being known as the "fat friend." Working long hours as a retail manager and commut- ing an hour each way fromher home in Cheadle, she found that carrying extra weight was taking a real toll on her health and wellbeing - especially as she entered her fifties. Life began to change when Zoe joined Slimming World. At first, progress came and went in waves: she would lose some weight, gain a lit- tle back, and then try again. Over the years, she worked with different consultants, but it wasn't until Pam arrived as the group's consultant that things truly began to shift. Pam's honesty, down-to- earth attitude, and shared experience of the same journey made all the difference. With her guidance, Zoe lost around a stone and a half. But as so often happens, life got in the way -family challenges arose, priorities shifted, and the weight began to creep back on. Then came a turning point. In January, Pam gave Zoe a wake-up call: it was time to start looking after herself, because without her health, she wouldn't be able to care for the people she loved most. By February, something finally clicked. How Zoe changed her life Advertiser’s announcement Since then, Zoe has shed an incredible four stone - and even felt confident enough to wear a bikini on holiday for the first time in years. Now, Wednesday evenings are sacred: Zoe attends her Slimming World group, gets weighed, and stays for image therapy, where mem- bers share tips, challenges, and encouragement. Healthy eating has become a family affair too. Her hus- band has taken to cooking and experimenting with Slimming World recipes, helping the family enjoy favourites– just prepared differently. This summer brought another exciting chapter. After attending an opportu- nities event, Zoe was inspired to take the next step and become a Slimming World consultant herself. Following her training, she is now pre- paring to open her own group in Edgeley - the same commu- nity where she works in retail charity and has become a familiar, friendly face. If you've been inspired by Zoe's story and want to begin your own journey to better health, come along to the Edgeley Slimming World Group, held every Thursday at 5.30pm and 7pm at Our Lady's Social Club. Contact Zoe on 07779 235426 for more information or to join.