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 •

How a Warrington prison garden is helping inmates rebuild their lives

But at HMP Thorn Cross, an open prison in Warrington, the gardens are doing far more than providing a pleasant landscape - they are helping to change lives.

Opened to the public through the National Garden Scheme, the award-winning grounds showcase how horticulture, wildlife conservation, and practical training are equipping prisoners with confidence, qualifications, and a renewed sense of purpose as they prepare to re-enter society.

The gardens equip prisoners with a sense of purpose (I...
Warrington Guardian •

Inside the hidden Cheshire church drawing visitors from across the globe

Yet almost every week, visitors from across the globe step through the doors of All Saints' Church in Daresbury in search of the same thing - a closer connection to Lewis Carroll.

Here, where Charles Dodgson was born in 1832 while his father served as curate, the creator of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is remembered not only as a literary giant but as a local boy whose story continues to captivate people nearly two centuries later.

The church is set in the beautiful Cheshire countrys...
Warrington Guardian •

Warrington riders celebrate 35 years of inclusive cycling charity

But as the inclusive cycling charity celebrates the milestone anniversary, volunteers fear the future of the much-loved sessions is in jeopardy as rising venue hire costs threaten to make them financially unsustainable.

Wheels for All is a national charity that delivers inclusive cycling opportunities across England, helping everyone to experience the joy and benefits of cycling.

L to R: Sue Couplands, Malcolm Angus, and Phill Lodge (Image: NQ)

Adapted bikes give disabled people the...
Warrington Guardian •

How one Warrington man's fascination with tills became a TikTok hit

But for Teddy Taylor, every colourful button, menu layout, and point-of-sale system tells a different story.

The 28-year-old from Warrington has spent years photographing retail and hospitality tills, building a collection of more than 6,000 pictures and videos.

Teddy has a large collection of retail and hospitality till photographs (Image: Supplied)

His unusual passion has even attracted more than 26,000 followers on TikTok, where he reviews the technology most customers never get t...
Knutsford Guardian •

Meet ‘the man in the woods’ who became Cheshire's wildlife whisperer

Known affectionately as “the man in the woods”, Ray estimates he has taught around 60,000 children during his nearly 40 years at the reserve.

Alongside more than 30 volunteers, the wildlife hospital now cares for around 3,000 injured and orphaned animals every year.

The hospital cares for a variety of animals (Image: NQ)

But when Ray first arrived in the late 1980s, he never imagined any of it.

“I don't have any qualifications in natural history,” he said.

“I just learned stu...
Leigh Journal •

"It completely took over my life" - Leigh woman shares endometriosis battle

By the time doctors finally discovered the truth, severe stage four endometriosis had fused her organs together, forcing surgeons into a 12½-hour operation that removed part of her bowel and left her with a temporary stoma.

Now, after years of being dismissed, the 30-year-old from Leigh is determined to make sure no other woman has to fight as hard as she did to be believed.

Abbie’s symptoms began at the age of 14, as soon as her periods started.

“I remember fainting and throwing up...
Warrington Guardian •

Warrington bikers step in after dad’s stroke to take teen to prom

Layton Harrison, from Birchwood, had been looking forward to arriving at his prom on the back of his dad Kevin's motorbike.

But those plans were heartbreakingly cut short after Kevin, a keen biker, suffered a devastating stroke.

Layton's dad Kevin was unable to take him to prom (Image: Supplied)

Determined to make sure Layton's special night wasn't overshadowed, family friend Lisa Burgess turned to Facebook for help.

“With the power of Facebook, I appealed to the biker community...
Northwich Guardian •

Students make unforgettable helicopter arrival at Northwich prom

Junior Day and Kyle Hilton flew to the event at Vale Royal Abbey on June 24, celebrating the end of their five years at school and turning heads in the process.

Junior flying to prom (Image: Supplied)

After the boys headed inside to party with their friends, three lucky members of the school’s leadership team, Claire Thomas, Jill Martland, and Laura Measures, were able to go for a spin, taking in the beautiful Cheshire countryside.

Students arrived in style (Image: Supplied)

“It...
Wirral Globe •

Meet the Wirral woman turning dog walks into lasting friendships

Wirral Dog Chat & Walks was founded by Angie Parsons, 54, from Bebington, who lives with her husband Damien and daughter Ellie, who has severe learning difficulties and autism.

The family also includes their beloved dog Hettie, and Angie's other daughter, Grace, who moved into her own place a few years ago.

Angie had wanted a dog for years, but finding the right one was important because Ellie was frightened of unfamiliar dogs approaching her.

After researching breeds and considering...
Warrington Guardian •

Warrington man completes 270km ultra-marathon to raise money for street dogs

Sean Callander, 30, from Great Sankey, took on the Marathon des Sables - a gruelling 270km ultra-marathon staged over seven days in extreme desert heat - in aid of Karma Animal Trust, a rescue charity based in Rishikesh.

The recruitment company owner said the challenge was inspired by Mojo, a paralysed street dog he rescued after finding him severely injured while travelling in India in 2023.

Now living together in Warrington, Mojo became the driving force behind Sean’s attempt to comple...
Warrington Guardian •

Inside the new luxurious chocolate shop at Manchester’s Trafford Centre

Lindt officially opened its 30th store today, Thursday, and I went down to pay it a visit.

The city's second Lindt shop, this new store is easily accessible, making it perfect for those visiting from across Cheshire, Merseyside, and Greater Manchester.

I arrived just before 10:30am, and saw that a long queue had formed.

Excited customers were queuing up (Image: NQ)

The first 250 customers to spend a minimum of £15 could take home a goodie bag, and there were plenty of other treat...
Warrington Guardian •

The Cheshire ice cream parlour you need to try this summer

We decided to head down to The Hayloft to sample some of their sweet treats.

It was busy when we arrived, which was understandable as we decided to head down when it was incredibly warm outside.

We went for a variety of flavours (Image: NQ)

Located just past Great Sankey, the coffee shop, ice cream parlour, and events venue is set in beautiful Cheshire countryside.

There was lots of outdoor seating, and plenty of farm animals to look at.

I ordered the strawberries and cream f...
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...
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