Doncaster Echo - August/September 2026

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INTRODUCTION

Hello and welcome to your August/ September edition of Doncaster Echo.

This year’s weather has been on our side, giving us a few heat waves. Here’s hoping the favourable conditions keep going strong.

In this issue we take a look at Parklands over 45s FC, who provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can stay active, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, make new friends and remain involved in the local community.

We also speak to Lucy Chappell, from Kirk Sandall, Doncaster - a former international athlete who ran the Leeds Half Marathon

earlier this year, raising more than £500 for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity in memory of her grandad, John Henry Peters.

And lastly, we help promote the Christmas Pyjama Appeal 2026 - see page 14.

As always, our friendly team is just an email or phone call away to help you with all your advertisement needs and to answer any questions you may have.

We will see you again in October, but for now, sit back with a cuppa and enjoy your latest instalment of Doncaster Echo.

WHO ARE WE? MEET THE STAFF...

LISA WARRENER EDITOR

MANAGER Daniella dennis sales manager

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space. So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Yorkshire Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50 sq ft of boarding and a light all fully fitted in less than a day from just £277 + VAT. But it’s not just the affordability of the package the company offers that makes Yorkshire Loft Ladders stand out as manager Warren Ingleson explains:

‘Our watchwords are Quality,

Integrity and Value. Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages are fitted by time served tradesmen so our customers are assured of the best job. Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and Value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford. Our business relies on referrals and we got a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers - that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however big or

lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for every installation we carry out!’ So, if you want to make use of your loft space, however big or

small, call Warren on 0800 612 8359 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers

Over 45 and love football? Join Parklands over-45s FC in Doncaster

Parklands over-45s FC is about much more than football - they want to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where people can stay active, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, make new friends and remain involved in the local community

Parklands over-45s FC have ambitious plans for the future, their immediate focus is building a strong squad for their first season and establishing the club within the local football community.

Longer term, they hope to expand their membership, develop partnerships with local businesses and organisations, increase their community involvement and create a sustainable club that will be around for many years to come.

Karl Whitaker is the team manager alongside a dedicated committee and coaching team. Karl helps oversee the running of the club, including helping to develop the club both on and off the pitch. Karl told Doncaster Echo: “We’d like to thank Parklands Sports & Social Club, our sponsors, supporters and everyone who has helped get the club off the ground. The response from the local community has been fantastic. We’re particularly proud that football is bringing people together, encouraging

healthier lifestyles and creating new friendships. Anyone interested in getting involved, whether as a player, volunteer, sponsor or supporter, is more than welcome to get in touch.”

How can you join?

Parklands over-45s FC are always keen to hear from new players aged 45 and over. Anyone interested can contact them through their Facebook page, message the club directly, or come along to one of their Wednesday training sessions. They welcome

players of all abilities and experience levels.

Facebook: Parklands Over 45’s FC

Training: Wednesdays, 6:45pm–8:00pm

Venue: Parklands Sports & Social Club, Wheatley Hall Road, Doncaster, DN2 4HE

Scan for more information. We want to hear your views.

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Lorraine Andrews Branch Director

Former international athlete runs Leeds Half Marathon for NHS charity

A former international athlete ran the Leeds Half Marathon earlier this year, raising more than £500 for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) Charity in memory of her grandad, John Henry Peters.

For Lucy Chappell, 29, from Kirk Sandall, Doncaster, the challenge was about far more than completing 13.1 miles.

She took on the race in honour of her grandad John, who passed away on 6 October 2024 after receiving care at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Remembering him, Lucy told Doncaster Echo:

“My grandad was such a funny man – a proper Yorkshireman.

“I have so many fantastic memories of him growing up. Trips to my nanna and grandad’s caravan in Filey during the summer holidays, helping him in the garden, and spending Christmases, birthdays and anniversaries together as a family.

“He had a brilliant sense of humour and, while he

wasn’t always the loudest person in the room, some of the one-liners he would come out with would have us all belly laughing and in floods of tears.”

John loved his sport, particularly football and golf, and spent much of his spare time at the local bowling club playing bowls in the summer and snooker during the winter.

When John became unwell in 2024, he was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary by ambulance before later returning home. He was subsequently readmitted and sadly passed away in October.

Throughout that time, Lucy says the care her grandad received never left the family’s thoughts.

Wanting to thank those who cared for him, Lucy decided to raise money for DBTH Charity by taking on her first-ever half marathon.

Through her efforts, Lucy has raised more than £500 for DBTH Charity, helping to support patients, families and services across Doncaster and Bassetlaw.

Who are you and what is your role in the appeal?

My name is Elena Tsikkini. I am a mum of three children, currently expecting my fourth, and I am the coordinator of the Children’s Hospital PJ Appeal for Doncaster. I coordinate the collection of brand-new pyjamas, raise awareness through social media and local businesses, organise donations, and arrange delivery to the hospital.

Why did you start this appeal?

I started the appeal after seeing first-hand how difficult and emotional a hospital stay can be for children and their families. A simple pair of pyjamas can provide comfort, dignity and a sense of normality during a very challenging time. I wanted to give something back and help put a smile on children’s faces when they need it most. So when I saw this charity I instantly fell in love with the idea.

How has the appeal grown over the years?

What started as a small local collection has grown significantly over the last three years. Each year we have seen more support from local families, businesses and community groups. We have gone from collecting a small number of pyjamas to delivering large donations across multiple age ranges, and this year we are aiming to help even more children by supporting both Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital if I can raise enough.

How can people help?

People can help by donating brand-new pyjamas in children’s and young adult sizes, making a monetary donation towards purchasing pyjamas, sharing our appeal on social media, or encouraging local businesses, schools and community groups to get involved. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference.

This can be a case of posting or hand-delivering brand new pyjamas to the address of:

GENTS, 451 Broadway, Dunsville, Dunscroft, DN7 4HX.

Or if you’d rather make a donation towards purchasing them, please email for details: elena.tsikkini@hotmail. com

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the appeal over the years. This appeal shows what can be achieved when people come together to help others, and I hope we can continue bringing comfort to children in hospital for many years to come.”

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• Dog Wash

• Laundromat

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NOW OPEN

• 5 bay self-service car wash, with snow foam, softened water, shampoo, wax, rinse and spotless osmosis rinse

• Dog Wash

• Laundromat

• (it’s where Jewson used to be located) car foam, shampoo, spotless Open Daily 7am-11pm

• Corner of Radiance Road and Wheatley Hall Road, Doncaster, DN1 2TE

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• Corner of Radiance Road and Wheatley Hall Road, Doncaster, DN1 2TE

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• (it’s where Jewson used to be located)

• https://maps.app.go o.gl/oRrJVyfNsZkvyd C39

(it’s where Jewson used to be located)

• (it’s where used

YOU GROW LOCAL

We are huge advocates of ‘buying local’ here at the Doncaster Echo offices and we do what we can to help local businesses grow and develop. In these pages you’ll find businesses run by local people who can offer quality, personal services at competitive prices. Take a look at what services are on offer…