Tabitha Wilson


I am a reporter for Newsquest and I was previously an MA Journalism student at Sheffield University, also earning my NCTJ here. I have also worked as a maritime journalist, and studied politics at Durham University.

I am open to commissions - please contact me using the form on this page. 

Warrington Guardian •

Inside the Warrington reserve fighting to save one of Britain’s rarest birds

At Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve in Warrington, where the species once thrived, that decline is being felt sharply, with fewer than 10 pairs now thought to remain.

But this quiet corner of Cheshire has become a vital frontline in the effort to understand what’s driving one of the UK’s fastest-declining birds, as researchers work to uncover the causes behind its rapid disappearance.

Fewer than 10 pairs are thought to remain at Woolston Eyes (Image: Ben Secker)

The reserve, just off The...
Warrington Guardian •

Future of Warrington bird sanctuary uncertain as centre fights for survival

Wild Wings Birds of Prey, based in Risley, has been told its lease will not be renewed long-term, leaving volunteers “desperate” to find a way to survive.

Founder Carole Rose said landlords Ribston Ltd informed the centre in December 2025 that any lease renewal would be limited to three years, as the land is earmarked for commercial development.

The centre cares for more than 100 birds (Image: NQ)

While a financial inducement towards relocation was offered, she said it would cover on...
Warrington Guardian •

Rare condition left teen critical in hospital with dream sport career on hold

At just 18, the talented youngster had secured a football scholarship in New York, helping his team win regional titles and earning national recognition for his standout performances.

Weeks later, he was fighting for his life in intensive care.

In December 2025, Finnley suddenly became critically ill and was rushed to hospital in the US, where he spent five days in ICU after suffering an adrenal crisis - a life-threatening complication of Addison’s disease, a rare condition that often go...
Warrington Guardian •

The rare bird drawing visitors from across UK to hidden Warrington reserve

The elusive black-necked grebe has made Woolston Eyes one of the UK’s most important destinations for birdwatchers.

Each spring, as the birds return to breed, enthusiasts flock to the reserve in the hope of spotting the species at one of the very few places in Britain where it can be reliably seen.

With the national population numbering just a few dozen pairs, Woolston Eyes now holds the largest breeding colony in the country, turning this unlikely patch of wetland into a must-visit site...
Warrington Guardian •

We tried a pop-up dining experience in Warrington and this is what we thought

We went to a pop-up dining experience at Toast in Latchford, looking for something a bit different – and we were blown away.

Enigma, run by chef Nigel Hankey, hosts pop-up events across the north-west, as well as offering a private dining service.

The event took place at Toast in Latchford (Image: NQ)

We tried the April tasting menu, which was six courses and cost £60 per person.

From the moment we arrived at Toast, we felt welcomed, with the lovely staff going above and beyond t...
Warrington Guardian •

Inside the hidden Warrington nature reserve just minutes from the town centre

Tucked between industry and the Manchester Ship Canal, there’s little to suggest that beyond the gates lies one of the UK’s most important wildlife sites.

But within minutes of stepping inside, the noise fades, replaced by birdsong, wind across water, and the constant movement of life on the lagoons.

I visited on a bright, breezy morning, guided by David Bowman - a founding member who has spent nearly half a century helping transform this unlikely landscape from a dredging site to a nati...
Warrington Guardian •

Warrington dog given a second chance at life following successful fundraiser

Chase, a four-year-old sprocker spaniel, suffered a serious leg break while playing in Victoria Park last week.

Discovering their pet insurance was no longer valid, his owners were left facing a desperate scramble to fund the costly specialist operation - or risk losing his leg.

Luckily, the money was raised following an appeal, including an article in the Warrington Guardian.

Chase broke his leg in a freak accident (Image: GoFundMe)

The precious pooch had his operation yesterday...
Warrington Guardian •

All the winners of our Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards 2026

The town’s most hard-working, dedicated, and inspirational people were at The Village Hotel on Thursday evening to celebrate and honour the great and the good of Warrington.

And what a night it was!

The 11th annual Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards welcomed individuals and teams who have made a real difference in the town.

We were entertained by music from the fantastic Sky Underwood.

We heard music from the incredible Sky Underwood (Image: Dave Gillespie)

Hits Radio DJ...
Leigh Journal •

Customers queue overnight at popular shop for Record Store Day

Sticky Black Tarmac, located in Leigh Spinners Mill, posted on Facebook that customers had been queuing since 8:30 pm the night before to ensure they didn’t miss out on their favourites.

Record Store Day is held annually, with around 300 independent shops across the UK and Ireland coming together to celebrate their unique culture.

Record Store Day is incredibly popular with music fans (Image: Mia Meredith/MMSHOOTS)

Other businesses at the mill got involved with the big day, with coff...
Warrington Guardian •

Family faces race against time to raise £4,600 to save dog’s leg after accident

Chase, a four-year-old sprocker spaniel, suffered a severe break while playing fetch in Victoria Park on Thursday morning.

His family say the energetic young dog jumped to catch a ball and landed awkwardly, leaving him unable to walk and in significant pain.

He is now being kept sedated at home while his owners urgently try to secure the £4,600 needed for specialist surgery, which is scheduled for this week.

Without the operation, vets have warned that the only remaining option may b...
Warrington Guardian •

Meet the Warrington man running the world's toughest race for street dogs

30-year-old Sean Callander is currently taking part in the Marathon des Sables, a 270km race over seven days through the Sahara desert, to raise money for Karma Animal Trust, a small charity based in Rishikesh, India.

Great Sankey resident Sean, who owns a small recruitment company, first came across the charity in 2023.

“I was travelling around Rishikesh, India, when I stumbled across Karma Animal Trust, a small charity that works tirelessly in the community feeding hundreds of street d...
Warrington Guardian •

Fundraiser launched as Warrington mum-of-six faces leukaemia battle

Nicola Whiteside was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia last summer, and since then her life has changed in ways she never could have imagined.

A single mum to six children, ranging in ages from seven to 20, Nicola’s intense treatment has sadly not reduced her levels enough for her to receive a bone marrow transplant, as she was hoping for.

The options remaining to the Warrington mum are palliative care or a clinical trial, which her friends and family are hoping will give her the se...
Runcorn and Widnes World •

Widnes parent and baby wellbeing pilot proves an overwhelming success

Ginette Rough, known as Nettie, has been leading the ‘Little Kin’ sessions at the Catalyst Museum in Widnes, offering engaging sensory experiences for parents and their little ones.

The sessions have been a success (Image: Supplied)

“The sessions bring together movement, rest, and social connection in a welcoming museum environment – with a big emphasis on helping parents feel held and not alone,” Nettie explained.

Parents are able to socialise (Image: Supplied)

Families have for...
Warrington Guardian •

Inside the historic Warrington pub which is marking 250 years with free festival

The Plough, on Mill Lane in Warrington, will host a free family heritage festival on Saturday, May 2, to mark its 250-year history.

The event, which will take place in the Houghton Green pub's beer garden, includes First World War soldiers and Georgian Redcoats, a Viking combat display, and a local beer stall.

The heritage festival will feature displays (Image: Supplied)

Activities will be free to participate in, giving visitors a hands-on experience with the past.

The festival i...
Runcorn and Widnes World •

Finding I had cancer at 28 was heartbreaking - now I want to help others

It didn’t seem like anything serious - just the kind of weight gain many people put down to everyday life.

But within months, while on holiday, the symptoms worsened to the point she couldn’t finish a meal.

That was the moment she realised something wasn’t right.

The mum-of-one experienced severe bloating (Image: Supplied)

Jessica, now 35, booked an appointment with her GP as soon as she returned home.

“I’m very lucky that the doctor was amazing,” the Widnes mum-of-one said....
Warrington Guardian •

Meet the nurse taking over a popular Warrington skin clinic

Jenni Thain, 34, has taken over Skin First in Latchford, bringing a renewed focus on medical aesthetics alongside the clinic’s existing skin treatments as part of a wider brand refresh.

Speaking about her journey into the industry, Jenni said her interest in skin health developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I’m a paediatric nurse by background, and during the COVID pandemic I started to learn a little bit more about my skin and ways that can be treated, especially because I was suffer...
Warrington Guardian •

‘I was dead for 28 minutes - now I’m helping others survive’

On October 16 2023, Lee Payton’s life changed in an instant.

When he was revived against the odds, he faced not only life-threatening physical complications, but the daunting reality of having to rebuild his life from the ground up.

Now, through public speaking, campaigning, and his podcast Surviving the Silence, he is sharing his story to encourage more open conversations about mental health and remind others that they are not alone.

Lee shares his story through his podcast, Survivi...
Warrington Guardian •

Why having an operation aged 37 was best decision this Warrington mum ever made

It was when her three-year-old daughter asked for permission to sit on her knee - so she wouldn’t hurt her mum’s stomach.

By then, 45-year-old Beverley, from Warrington, had spent more than 20 years living with relentlessly recurring endometriosis.

“My whole life had to be planned around my period,” she said.

“Holidays, work, nights out - everything.”

Her journey with the condition, which occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the b...
Northwich Guardian •

'You shouldn't have to put up with it as a woman' - mum on years of pain

Now 35, the Northwich mum says it took years of appointments, worsening symptoms and personal heartbreak before she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis.

With March marking Endometriosis Awareness Month, Nicola, known as Nikki, is sharing her story to help other women suffering know that they are not alone.

“When I started my period at 13, I used to experience significant pain and would go to see doctors regularly”, Nikki, who works as a digital advertising consultant at the Warringt...
Wirral Globe •

‘They didn’t really care’ - Wirral woman on endometriosis battle

Bethany Fairweather, 27, from West Kirby, says she was just 15 when her symptoms began - but felt repeatedly dismissed.

“My period started when I was 13, and I noticed they were getting really bad around 15”, she said.

“I’d leak through my clothes at school, and I would be really embarrassed.”

Her doctor put her on the pill – a hormonal contraceptive that can be used to control heavy periods.

After struggling with the side effects, Bethany, an integrative fertility coach, was off...
Runcorn and Widnes World •

The twins transforming the hospitality scene in Runcorn one pub at a time

The brothers have transformed the once-quiet pub into a thriving community hub, bringing their passion, resilience and local roots back to the heart of the town they’ve always called home.

“I’ve been working in hotels since I was 16”, explained 53-year-old Marc Smith.

“I worked my way up to operations manager, and then I took on general manager roles and regional managing director roles.”

Marc Smith has worked hard to make his dream a reality (Image: Supplied)

After moving to Sto...
Warrington Guardian •

Netball tournament to raise endometriosis awareness in Warrington

Held during Endometriosis Awareness Month, the event at Broomfields Leisure Centre in Appleton will combine community, competition and conversation, while raising funds for Endometriosis UK through a tea, coffee and cake stall.

The tournament is being organised by Sally Hewitt and her daughter, Lydia, who have recently stepped into the role of NetballHer Champions for Warrington.

The role, part of England Netball’s nationwide NetballHer initiative, focuses on increasing visibility and un...
Warrington Guardian •

Life-saving transfusion sparks friendship between Warrington dogs

Bear, a black Labrador, was rushed to the vets with a ruptured mass on his spleen, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.

Bear had a ruptured mass on his spleen (Image: Supplied)

Burford Lane Vets in Lymm, Warrington, had to operate swiftly, but first needed a blood transfusion for Bear.

The call for help was answered by another Labrador named Moose, known as a regular patient at the practice.

He was brought in promptly by his owner.

Bear and Moose are now firm friends (...
Leigh Journal •

Meet the blood donor dog who has saved more than 100 lives

Stella, a Labrador cross Golden Retriever, lives in Mosley Common with owners Nicola Simpson, a volunteer for Pet Blood Bank UK, and Lee Simpson, who works as a procurement manager.

Pet Blood Bank UK is a charity that helps to save the lives of pets in need.

Stella came into Nicola and Lee’s lives as a Guide Dog boarder in 2019 from the North West Regional Centre in Atherton.

“What was supposed to be a 12-week board became 18 months due to Covid,” 48-year-old Nicola explained.

“S...
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