5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on World’s tallest play structure is in the UK and it’s reopening this week
A SPRAWLING garden in the UK is home to the world’s tallest play structure, and it’s reopening just in time for the half-term hols.
First announced back in 2022, Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland opened to the public the following year.
Stuart ForsterLilidorei at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland first opened to the public in 2023[/caption]
LilidoreiThe fairytale-themed garden is home to the world’s largest play structure called the Elfwin Drin[/caption]
Lilidorei is a magical village with its own fantasy lore, including nine clans of magical creatures like elves, trolls and fairies.
The magical creatures celebrate Christmas throughout the year, meaning Lilidorei always has a sprinkle of festive magic – even in the summer months.
State-of-the-art sound and lighting systems bring each of the fairytale houses to life, with visitors able to peer through windows and ring doorbells.
The sprawling 40-acre fairytale-themed land is also home to Elfwin Drin – the world’s tallest play structure.
Standing at 85ft, Elfwin Drin is taller than the Angel of the North.
The towering play structure is actually the King of Lilidorei’s castle and doubles as a huge playhouse.
It features everything from tube slides and bridges to towers and a sliding pole.
Following its winter closure, Lilidorei will reopen to visitors from Wednesday (February 19).
Tickets start from £13.20 for a full-paying adult and £11 for kids and will be open from 10am to 4pm.
Visitors have praised Lilidorei in their online reviews, with one person writing: “Lilidorei is an enchanting place that feels like a fairytale come to life.”
Stuart ForsterFollowing its winter closure, Lilidorei will reopen to the public on Wednesday (February 19)[/caption]
Another person wrote: “The children loved Lilidorei. While the full park itself is not huge, the wooden structure was impressive and the fairy houses so bright and imaginative”.
Lilidorei is the brainchild of Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland and founder of The Alnwick Garden, who came up with the idea of the adventure playground around 10 years ago.
She previously said: “I started realising that I wanted to do something that was better at Christmas than it was in the summer.
“It’s better at night and better in the winter months. In the summer is all about playing but in the winter, every single tree is going to light up and it will be the place to come in the UK to see Christmas”.
Construction work on The Alnwick Garden began in the 1750s, with improvement work taking place in the 1850s.
The picturesque garden fell into disrepair after the Second World War and wasn’t revived until 1996 when Jane Percy started redeveloping the site.
Nowadays, the site welcomes over 350,000 visitors each year, with the Northumberland attraction home to a host of activities, including the treehouse restaurant.
The TimesThe Alnwick Garden was redeveloped by Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland, after it fell into a state of disrepair[/caption]
AlamyThe Alnwick Garden is home to a host of attractions like the Treehouse Restaurant (pictured)[/caption]
It’s decorated with twinkling lights and is home to a roaring log fire.
Another attraction at The Alnwick Garden is its 328-strongcherry orchard.
The Taihaku cherry trees normally bloom at the end of April and the beginning of May – although this timescale is weather-dependent.
There’s also the infamous Poison Garden where some of the world’s most toxic plants are found.
Visitors should enter the garden at their own risk because previous guests have been known to faint – despite not being able to smell, touch or taste any of the plants.
Nearby, there’s also Alnwick Castle, which has been used as a backdrop in the Harry Potter films.
Originally built to protect the border, the castle now offers tours and events.
What is it like to visit Lilidorei?
TRAVEL writer Catherine Lofthouse visited Lilidorei with her three sons last year, here’s what she thought…
Lilidoreimakes an impression from the moment you arrive and head down a winding path below the Treehouse Restaurant, which has been welcoming diners for canapés in the canopy for 20 years.
It’s is all about magic and imagination and every twist and turn of the path brings something new tomarvelat.
I really enjoyed wandering past hobgoblin huts, dwarf dens and sprite sites, although I found the accompanying hubbub coming from hidden speakers slightly overwhelming at times.
As for the boys, they couldn’t wait to explore the huge 26m play structure, billed as the largest in the world, taller than the Angel of the North.
There were rope bridges to rampage along, slides to slip down, spiral staircases to scramble up and spherical cages to sit inside suspended in the sky.
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Russian sex workers flock to war frontline to rake in £13k a week – but Putin’s traumatised troops just want to talk
RUSSIAN prostitutes have been flocking to the war frontline to rake in an unbelievable £13,000 a week – but mad Vlad’s traumatised troops just want to talk to them.
A major sex industry has erupted close to the Russian war zone due to disturbed soldiers looking to unburden themselves from the horrors they’ve witnessed in the bloody conflict.
East2WestA major sex industry has developed close to the Russian war zone as women ‘service’ Vladimir Putin’s troops.[/caption]
East2WestSex workers have moved close to the Russian war zone and are advertising their services to Putin’s troops[/caption]
East2WestPutin fighters at the frontline in Ukraine[/caption]
The women, who relocate to “service” the troops, say they can earn up to £13,000 a week working in, or close, to the dangers of war.
And it’s clear Russian soldiers are ready to spend their high salaries and compensation for war traumas and wounds on sex, with some reasoning they may be killed at any time.
Some romping even takes place in the trenches while bullets, shells and drones fly overhead – all for the women to provide “intimate services” to Russian soldiers, Verstka independent media reports.
Outside of the trenches, more sexual activity is said to take place in the military camps immediately behind the deadly frontline.
Corrupt commanders reportedly take bribes from prostitution rings to allow the frontline sexual contact.
Sex is also apparently available to Putin’s fighters in war zone towns and cities, like Luhansk and Donetsk, annexed from Ukraine by the Kremlin dictator.
But prostitutes serving the troops have said that “every second order” they receive is just for one-on-one talks with soldiers clearly struggling with trauma, regret, and exhaustion from prolonged deployment.
This typically costs troops around £130 an hour.
Despite the women appearing to provide emotional comfort to the scarred troops, military cops are said to extort soldiers caught with them, demanding bribes or sending them on suicidal assault missions as punishment, reports claim.
A new study by Verstka – exploring the flourishing sex industry due to Putin’s war – found that some of his soldiers are blowing their £26,000 payments within weeks for sex worker visits.
One explained: “They can kill me tomorrow, and I have three million [rubles] on my card. Let’s spend it.”
But some sex workers revealed that many troops just want to “sit down and talk”.
One said: “The fighters don’t see anything except men – and corpses.”
Another revealed: “He pours out his soul, how hard it is for him, how tired he is of it all, when will it all end.
“One time, my friend and I sat there for eight hours, drank, talked, and there was no sex – but they still paid.”
A woman named Maryana added: “Almost all of their stories are about comrades they didn’t save, but could have, didn’t bandage them, didn’t crawl up to them.
“Most of them have either a brother or a friend who died, and they cry.
“Like, what will I tell his mother, what will I tell his girlfriend, I still keep quiet and don’t tell them.”
EPAServicemen of the 3rd Separate Tank Brigade of the Ground Forces of Ukraine near the frontline[/caption]
East2WestPutin fighters are speaking to sex workers about their scarring war experiences[/caption]
East2WestA new study by Verstka – exploring the flourishing sex industry due to Putin’s war – found that some of his soldiers are blowing their £26,000 payments within weeks[/caption]
East2WestSome men feel guilty about buying sex, according to sex workers[/caption]
Some men feel guilty about buying sex, she said, but they rationalise it by saying: “I have a wife, but I don’t think it’s cheating. I’ll be killed in combat, and I won’t have time to enjoy it [in future]. I’m not ashamed.”
A sex worker explained that “90 per cent” of her clients have some kind of feeling of regret – and that the troops “went for the money and didn’t think they would have to do the dirty work”.
She added: “[The troops are] not ready for the fact that people are really being killed around them, and they say the same thing: ‘I expected something different, I didn’t want to fight, I didn’t want to kill, I killed, and I have nightmares about him, what should I do?'”
Some sex workers even feel the need to drink during visits, with one revealing that she “can’t listen” to all of their horrific tales from being on the frontline without alcohol.
Venturing into the trenches with Putin’s soldiers has been described as the “most dangerous thing,” with many “cheaper” workers going there for “a couple of days” and receive 50 clients within that time.
Igor, an officer fighting since 2022 with a wife and daughter back home, believes military men have the right to cheat on their wives in order to “relieve tension” from the war, even though he would “kill” his beautician wife for cheating, according to Verstka.
Meanwhile reports say women are relocating in large numbers from other cities in Russia to meet the frontline demand for sex – or just talking.
East2WestA sex worker explained that ’90 per cent’ of her clients have some kind of feeling of regret[/caption]
East2WestVenturing into the trenches with Putin’s soldiers has been described as the ‘most dangerous thing’ for sex workers[/caption]
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on ‘Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro’ – Man Utd’s £70m flop makes stunning claim and admits he wants to see out contract
CASEMIRO claims his first season at Manchester United was his best ever despite mixed fortunes in the Premier League.
GettyCasemiro claims his first season at Manchester United was his best ever[/caption]
AlamyCasemiro has had mixed fortunes at Man Utd since joining in 2022[/caption]
The Brazil international enjoyed tremendous success during his nine-year stint at Real where he won three LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and five Champions League trophies.
However, the 32-year-old hasn’t been able to replicate the same success at Man Utd, despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two years with the club.
Some of Casemiro’s performances the last two seasons have been heavily criticised, especially from pundits like Jamie Carragher who strongly advised him to move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS.
However, the Brazilian is adamant that his debut season at Old Trafford featured the best ever version of himself as he amassed a total of seven goals and seven assists in 53 appearances.
Casemiro told AS: “It was the perfect time. I had won everything with Madrid and I had to take on other challenges. Looking at my career, individually, my best season as a professional footballer was the first with United.
“I’m not saying collectively in terms of titles. Madrid’s Champions League is the ultimate, but as a player I think Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro in my first year.”
Casemiro insists he still has a lot to offer to United despite a few sub par performances, which have seen him falling out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim.
So much so that the defensive midfielder wants to see out his £375,000-a-week contract, which runs out in 2026.
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Casemiro said: “I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect and education. Of course I’d like to play more, of course. I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play and help.
“Also, I’d like to help the club at this time. I approach things with respect for my teammates and the technical committee.
“And above all, I respect United, a club to which I’m very grateful. I have a year and a half left on my contract and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester. I’m comfortable here and so is my family.
“They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the Old Trafford fans and to the club. I’m happy at club level. Happy in the bench? Of course not. That’s another thing.”
Casemiro is no stranger to winning over demanding managers throughout his 14-year career at top level.
The versatile midfielder has shone bright for the likes of Carlo Anceloti and Zinedine Zidane at Real as well as Tite in Brazil – all of whom he considers his “top three” coaches.
Casemiro added: “Nobody wins so many titles just by being nice, although he is. I have a huge affection for Ancelotti.
“For me he is in the top three of the coaches I have had, along with Zidane, of course, and Tite, who was the coach of Brazil. I have had others who have left their mark on me, like [Jose] Mourinho or [Julen] Lopetegui.
Casemiro’s Man City warning
“But Ancelotti is an old-school coach who didn’t stay stuck in the old school. Carlo modernised like football. Tactics, physical preparation… Ancelotti didn’t stay stuck in the old school.
“He has the intelligence and calmness of an old coach, but with the intelligence of the new ones. An ideal mix. An incredible coach because of him and his staff.
“Carlo is different from others and has known how to mark an era. In football there are several ways to win. [Pep] Guardiola’s tiki-taka, the intensity and living the passion of football like [Jurgen] Klopp, the defensive power of [Diego] Simeone, for whom I have a lot of respect…”
Casemiro continues to follow Real’s matches and rooted for them during their most recent 3-2 victory over his current club’s rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.
The Brazilian is confident his former club can make it to the Champions League’s Last 16 thanks to the Santiago Bernabeu factor but warned them not to underestimate Man Utd’s noisy neighbours.
Casemiro still backs Real
Casemiro stated: “It wasn’t a surprise to me. Madrid almost always does it and everyone knows the history of this team and what it is capable of doing.
“Madrid always grows until the end and never gives up. Even losing 2-1, I knew there was a lot to play for. And that’s City and a great coach like Guardiola. But they did it.
“On top of that, the return leg will be at the Bernabeu with a great result after the 2-3. It won’t be easy, but the Bernabeu, on those Champions League nights, is very special.
“I wish all the luck in the world to my former teammates and not only because of my rivalry with City, but more so for Madrid. I hope they get through to the Last 16. Even if it hadn’t been against City, I’ll always want Madrid to win. Unless we meet one day, of course…
“Yes, this is the Bernabeu. But be careful, it’s going to be difficult. City aren’t at their best, but they’re City. They have [Erling] Haaland, [Kevin] De Bruyne, a great goalkeeper like Ederson.
“Madrid, together with the Bernabeu, are going to make it very difficult for City. I hope Madrid makes it to the Last 16.”
Man Utd ratings v Spurs
MANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.
Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.
Andre Onana – 3
United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.
His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.
At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.
Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.
Harry Maguire – 5
A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.
Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.
Diogo Dalot – 6
A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.
Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.
Patrick Dorgu – 4
A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.
Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.
Casemiro – 5
Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.
Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.
Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.
A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.
Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.
But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.
Rasmus Hojlund – 3
Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?
The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.
He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen?
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Middlesbrough make Michael Carrick decision with Man Utd legend at centre of fan fury as play-off hopes fade
MIDDLESBROUGH have BACKED rather than sack Michael Carrick despite a run of six defeats in seven matches.
The Championship club’s chairman Steve Gibson was in attendance to watch Saturday’s dire 1-0 defeat to Watford.
GettyMichael Carrick has come under pressure at Middlesborough[/caption]
GettyThe team has lost six of the last seven matches[/caption]
And after talks, he has decided to stick with the Manchester United legend in a huge vote of confidence.
Carrick, 43, is the Championship’s longest-serving manager, but his two-year and four-month reign was thought to be over after Boro slipped to 11th.
Despite the winter slump, Boro still remain just four points behind sixth-placed West Brom with a game in hand.
Speciation has mounted that Gibson would word the axe to try and reignite a play-off push that has faded badly following just three wins from the last 15 matches.
Boro had hopes of automatic promotion this term, but they are 25 points adrift of the top two, and the top six was the minimum expectation.
And with season ticket renewal details set to be announced imminently, pressure has mounted on Carrick.
But Boro chiefs are backing him to turn things around despite fan unrest and will continue to support him.
Middlesbrough are next in action on Friday in a televised clash at Bristol City ahead of a trip to Stoke and then a home game with Derby County.
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Carrick took over Boro in October 2022 with the club sitting 21st and looking set for a relegation fight.
But they enjoyed a huge upturn in form and ended up finishing in the play-offs, where they suffered heartbreak against Coventry City.
They then missed out on the top six last term by four points, although Carrick led Boro to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
He lost highly-rated first-team coach Aaron Danks from his backroom team last summer when he left to become Vincent Kompany’s assistant at Bayern Munich.
Carrick replaced him with his younger brother Graeme, previously Newcastle’s U18 coach, while ex-Boro player and manager Jonathan Woodgate has been his No2 throughout.
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Domino’s Ireland reveal ‘sweet collaboration’ with major Cadbury favourite is BACK for another year
DOMINO’S Ireland have revealed a “sweet collaboration” with a major Cadbury favourite is BACK for another year.
The pizza giant is set to release limited edition cookies – just in time for Easter.
Dominos IrelandDomino’s Ireland is set to release their Cadbury Creme Egg cookies[/caption]
Domino’s and Cadbury are teaming up again to bring back their famous Creme Egg cookies next week.
Starting Monday, February 24, you’ll be able to get your hands on the treat.
And Domino’s Ireland said this isn’t just any cookie, it’s a warm, gooey creation with a Cadbury Creme Egg wrapped in their signature cookie dough.
Baked to perfection, each bite delivers that rich, creamy centre found in a Creme Egg.
These cookies come in pairs, so there’s plenty to share with family and friends just in time for Easter.
Head of Marketing at Domino’s Ireland Eoin Corrigan said they were an instant hit last year and they’re sure to be just as popular this time around.
He said: “There’s a reason Domino’s Cookies made with Cadbury Creme Egg are back for the second year in a row.
“They were an instant hit last year, and we know you’ll love them just as much this time around.
“This partnership is a match made in dessert heaven. Combining our iconic cookies with the gooey delight of Cadbury Creme Egg creates an indulgent experience like no other.
“This is a delicious reunion not to be missed.”
You can grab them online,through the Domino’s app, or in stores across the country for €6.99, but don’t wait too long.
This limited-edition treat will only be available from February 24 to April 20, so make sure you don’t miss out.
The chocolate giants shared a short video on Instagram for their followers showing the huge reveal.
They wrote: “So, who’s getting the bigger piece then?”
“The new limited-edition Cadbury Dairy Milk bars are available in stores now.”
The video shows the new bars, with a range of different sayings written on them.
And the bars are split into different sections – one large piece, one medium-sized and a smaller one.
Cadbury added that these bars are “made to share”.
Limited-edition bars
The first bar says ‘Who cooked’ in the larger section, ‘Who cleaned’ in the middle section, and ‘Who ate’ in the smallest section.
Another bar has two sections; the larger one says, ‘Who woke up with no duvet,’ and the smaller one says, ‘Who woke up with all the duvet’.
A third bar has three sections, with the larger one saying ‘Who drove’, the middle one saying, ‘Who navigated’ and the smallest one saying ‘Who slept’.
The next bar has two sections: the larger one reads, ‘Who updates the shared calendar,’ and the smaller one reads, ‘Who goes along to the things’.
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on ‘No one wanted the worst case scenario’ – Rosanna Davison opens up on ‘difficult’ time after her mum’s cancer diagnosis
ROSANNA Davison has opened up on the “difficult time” her family experienced after her mum’s shock cancer diagnosis.
The Irish model’s mum, Diane, was diagnosed with blood cancer back in 2022 and after about a year of treatment got the good news that she was in “complete remission”.
Rosanna Davison’s mum, Diane, was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2022Rosanna has shared her experience on the ‘difficult time’
Rosanna told how the year of her mum’s cancer diagnosis was “strange” for the whole family
The 40-year-old told RSVP: “My mum was going through chemotherapy in 2023. That was a strange year for the family. She always felt that it was caught very early, through routine bloods.”
The mum-of-three admitted that the period of time was “probably more difficult” for everyone around her mum as they had to “watch her go through it and lose her hair“.
The Dublin beauty has always had a lovely bond with her mum and ever since she started a family of her own, Diane has been on hand to help.
The former Miss World told People & Culture: “She was over every day. Helping with bedtime. She was amazing, such a support. She wasn’t really able to see the children last year because she had to be very careful of her immune system.”
Rosanna explained how her three kids would sit outside while her mum sat at her kitchen window and chatted to them.
She added: “It was strange for the children, but I think that they probably won’t remember too much about last year.”
The Irish star told how Diane was particularly nervous about how Rosanna’s kids would react to her hair loss.
Rosanna said: “Initially, she shaved it and then she lost it, but they just said, ‘Oh, Ga’s got short hair’. They call her Ga instead of granny. That was fine. They moved on. It gave her the confidence then.”
Fortunately, Rosanna and her family were left relieved in Christmas 2023 when Diane was told she was in remission from her illness.
Meanwhile, Rosanna recently shared the honest reality of “mum life” with a hilarious post about the aftermath of lunchtime with toddlers.
The model has three kids under the age of four Sophia, four, and twins Hugo and Oscar, three.
Rosanna took to Instagram to share a snippet of herself discovering a piece of her toddlers food in her bra.
The TVstar humorously captioned the post: “Mum life: finding a bit of biscuit in your bra and eating it anyways.”
NOT SO ROSIE
In the short clip, Rosanna could be seen walking down her hallway at home while scrolling through social media.
She then stopped dead in her tracks and gave a confused look as she began to pat her chest.
Rosanna then reached into her top and pulled out a piece of biscuit which had fallen in there.
The Dublin native hilariously stared at the food before shrugging her shoulders and throwing it into her mouth.
Rosanna jokingly confessed: “Bits of cracker and toast have been found in my bra, bed, and even in the shower.”
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on I was plagued by ‘classic’ hay fever symptoms – now I’ve lost an eye and have a permanent hole in my face
A GRAN who thought she was suffering from hay fever ended up losing her eye and now has a permanent orange-sized hole in her face.
Melanie Wellings, 63, was plagued by “classic” allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.
CRUK Melanie Wellings, 63, assumed she was suffering from hay fever when she started getting a runny nose and eyes[/caption]
CRUKShe’s been left with a hole in her face the size of a small orange after treatment for sinonasal mucosal melanoma[/caption]
Little did she know they were a sign of a cancer so rare it affects fewer than one in a million people.
Mel first started experiencing the symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic, putting them down to hay fever despite never suffering from the condition before.
When she got a nosebleed months later, the career-woman decided to get her streaming eyes and nose checked out by a doctor.
After being referred to a consultant, Mel was diagnosed sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM).
The 63-year-old, from Stonehouse in Gloucestershire, was told by doctors in 2021 that she was the only person in the UK currently living with the rare and aggressive cancer.
Mel underwent a number of operations, removing skin from the side of her nose to her mouth and eventually her eye, after it was revealed that the cancer had invaded it.
She now lives with a permanent hole in her face, the size of a small orange.
Despite her gruelling treatment, Mel’s cancer kept returning and she was told by doctors in 2023 that there was nothing more they could do.
The grandma-of-one says she’s giving herself to science so that people diagnosed with SNMM in the future will have better treatment options.
She’s also backing a call from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) for people to to help beat cancer for generations to come by leaving agift to the charity in their will.
Melanie said: “It came as such a shock to be told I had cancer let alone one so rare.
“I’d had no pain, just runny eyes, runny nose, sneezing and eventually a nosebleed.
“Unfortunately, I know my time is limited but my doctors are learning from me every day and research has given me more time with my family.
“I will try anything and everything to stay alive. I want to be able to help others like me in the future and hope others will too by leaving a gift in their will.”
CRUK Mel after an operation to remove cancerous tissue[/caption]
CRUK The gran after an operation to remove her eye and receiving skin grafts[/caption]
Mel first noticed hay fever-like symptoms in 2020 and grew concerned when they lingered for months on end.
She said: “I’d had all the classic signs like a runny nose, runny eyes and sneezing and when I was still experiencing them in September, my friend urged me to get checked.
“Shortly afterwards I was woken in the middle of the night by a nosebleed so booked in to see the doctor.
“Despite it being lockdown, the GP called me in and when they looked up my nose, they immediately referred me to a consultant who saw me within a fortnight.”
The consultant “didn’t like what he saw” and booked Mel in for surgery at Gloucester Hospital to remove polyps and “concerning” tissue on her face, which was sent off to be analysed.
The only way we could eradicate and control my disease was to lose my eye, but I was willing to do that just to live
Melanie Wellings
Mel said: “I knew it must be serious because he said how much he disliked delivering bad news and then apologised for having to tell me that I had cancer.
“I looked at my son, Tom, and I wasn’t upset at first. We were both more shocked as I just never expected it to be cancer.
“I was then referred to an ENT specialist who wanted to perform more surgery to ensure all the cancer was removed.
“I had a big operation, cutting down the side of my nose to my mouth, and they removed all of the cancer.
“I had 100 stitches and it took three days to remove them all.
“It was soon confirmed that I had a very rare cancer called SNMM and they believed I was the only case of its kind in the UK.
“Due to its rarity and aggressive nature, treatment options are limited.”
‘Not ready to give up’
Sadly, this wasn’t the end of the road for Mel, as it was later revealed the cancer had spread to her eye.
She said: “The surgery meant I was cancer free for around 15-months, but a follow-up MRI scan revealed that the cancer had returned, attaching my eye to the surrounding bone.
“I tried immunotherapy, a treatment that supercharges the immune system to kill cancer cells, but it wasn’t suitable for me.
“The only way we could eradicate and control my disease was to lose my eye, but I was willing to do that just to live.
“The operation took 11 hours for the surgeons to remove as much cancer as they safely could, taking several skin grafts and veins from my arm to rebuild my face. I was in intensive care for around three days.
Signs of sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM)
Mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that starts in mucosa, soft tissue that lines organs and other areas throughout your body.
You can develop mucosal melanoma anywhere you have mucosa, but the condition typically affects:
The head and neck region, particularly your nose, lips and mouth.
The anus and rectum
The vagina and vulva
The cancer typically affects people aged 70 or older.
By the time it’s diagnosed, most mucosal melanoma already has spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of SNMM, which affects the nose and sinuses, include:
“Unfortunately, the cancer returned again which meant further surgery and this time the skin grafts didn’t take.
“I now have a permanent hole in my face where my eye socket is. I’ve tried a prosthetic to keep it covered but find it more comfortable to wear a soft gauze.
“It’s been difficult getting used to my new appearance, especially as I’ve always really taken care of how I look.
“I have lost my taste and smell so the enjoyment of food has gone away but I’m not ready to give up.”
Helping others
Having undergone six surgeries and tried immunotherapy, Mel was told by doctors in 2023 that “there was nothing more that could be done”.
With “no options left”, Mel – who’s mum to Tom, 30, grandma to Amelia, three and has another granddaughter due in March – turned to radiotherapy.
She said: “When doctors discovered the cancer was active again, we introduced radiotherapy to try to stop it in its tracks.
“I had treatment five days a week for six weeks and it’s bought me an extra 14 months so far to make memories with my family and to hopefully see my new granddaughter arrive this spring.”
The nan received some much needed good news after her most recent scans showed her cancer hasn’t grown since August.
CRUK Mel with granddaughter Amelia – she has another granddaughter due in March[/caption]
“I’m grateful for some good news and the extra time I’ve been given,” she said.
“I’ve also put myself forward for any clinical trials that I could be suitable for that may give me more time but ultimately, I want to help anyone else who may find themselves in my shoes.”
Now she’s calling for other to donate to CRUK in their wills, which will help the charity invest in pioneering trials and long-term research projects that could find new ways to outsmart cancer and save lives across the UK.
Mel stressed: “Advances in research mean people are being diagnosed earlier, have access to kinder and more effective treatments and some cancers are prevented completely.”
CRUK spokesperson for the South West, Elisa Mitchell, said: “We’re grateful to Melanie for helping to raise awareness.
“Our scientists have played a role in around half of the world’s essential cancer drugs, led the development of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and paved the way for targeted treatments.
“This all adds up to more precious moments for people affected by cancer and their loved ones. But we must go further and faster.
“Nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. All of us can support the research that will beat it.
“We’re working towards a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer and gifts in wills are vital to making this a reality.”
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Life inside UK’s most dangerous town where feral kids on quad bikes run roost – & it’s too dangerous for buses to stop
A BOY of eight leans against a wall and takes furtive drags from a vape as he chats to an older mate.
Meanwhile, youngsters on scooters tear through the Viewley Shopping Centre in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, throwing insults at elderly ladies as they pass.
Youngsters on scooters yell ‘Gangsta Grannies’ as they pass residents Joyce Sturdy and Sharon NicholsonNNPAn aerial view shows Brambles Farm in Cleveland – the UK’s most crime-ridden boroughNNP
This is the police area of Cleveland – the UK’s most crime ridden borough with 128.5 offences per 1000 people.
And residents have told how they are terrorised by “feral” gangs of kids, making them too afraid to venture out at night.
Local David Liddell, a 58-year-old carer, told The Sun: “The crime figures are no surprise to me at all. Knife crime here is horrific.
“One of our carers was the victim of an attack so now we have to double up. There were three lads outside a house waiting.
“Since then two carers have got to go in together in case one needs to call for help.
“The council have to foot the bill so it’s doubling the price for them. There’s loads of bikes, quad bikes, drugs runners.”
Hemlington is a housing estate built round a man-made lake.
It was the scene of a horrific attack on a police officer at the end of 2023 where the officer was set upon by a gang and injured so badly he had to leave the force.
Five men were jailed for a total of 20 years for the violence, which left the officer with PTSD.
But David fears police have little way of stopping such crimes unfold.
“The police don’t do anything,” he said. “Even if they’re watching they don’t do anything at all.
“They can’t stop them on a motorbike. They’re not allowed to. They can’t chase them. The drugs are rife.
“We need more police but I am not quite sure what they would do anyway.”
Local Charlie Mangan said she wouldn’t dare come out at night for fear of gangsNNPRetired Marine Diver Anthony Bass says he regularly sees motorbikes fleeing from copsNNPA pizza shop in Cleveland’s Brambles Farm estate is shuttered up with holes torn through its signNNP
The carer said he knows someone who had a car dumped outside of their house.
But although it had “been wrecked” he claims little was done to resolve the matter.
“They had broken it up and taken the parts,” David explained. “The police towed it away but they didn’t investigate. It’s crazy.
“During the day it’s not too bad. You have a lovely lake and some nice residents.
“It’s when it falls dark. The drug runners come out. No one walks along here. It’s scary.
“It’s a no-go area. I hadn’t heard about the police officer who was attacked. It doesn’t surprise me though.”
Joyce Sturdy and friend Sharon Nicholson are both grandmothers who use mobility scooters.
And as they stopped to chat to our reporter about what it’s like to live in Hemlington two young lads on scooters yelled: “Gangsta grannies!”
Sharon, who was walking her dogs Eddie and Beau, rolled her eyes and said: “See what we mean?”
Joyce, 74, told The Sun: “We have a lot of youth hanging around here at night time round the lake.
The police don’t do anything. Even if they’re watching they don’t do anything at all.
David Liddell
“People come round the estate on their motorbikes. It doesn’t surprise me that it’s the worst.
“A lot of respect has gone. You can’t chastise children anymore. There’s no discipline.”
The retired school cook added: “You’re not allowed to do anything. We have become too soft as a society.
“They have taken power away from the police as well. I have lived here 30 odd years.
“I used to live in a house which backed onto a hill. The children would all play together.
The Hemlington area of ClevelandNNPAerial view of the Brambles Farm area of ClevelandNNP
“We’d walk them to school together. The parents would get together. You don’t see any of that now.”
Sharon, a 63-year-old retired driving instructor, agreed, insisting: “All the kids want to do is wreck everywhere.
“They are pulling fences down. They are burning the bins. The kids are feral.
“A lot of the youngsters are doing it because the bigger ones are getting them to do it.
“We don’t feel safe here. I never used to bring my phone with me but I worry something might happen so I do now.”
All the kids want to do is wreck everywhere.
Sharon Nicholson
Sharon said she no longer goes out at night, with the added fear the cops might not be able to help if something happens.
“After 5pm we stay inside,” she said. “The police seem powerless. They never come out.
“They do not have the resources. But then again if there was a bigger police presence it could instigate more trouble.”
The women claim taxis and buses won’t travel down Cass House Road, where the officer was attacked, at night out of fear of getting bricked.
Anthony Bass, 67, a retired marine diver, added: “There is a lot of trouble.
“We have motorbikes fleeing from here and into the estate over there and the police chasing after them.
“We also have quad bikes running about. We had a motorcycle with three little boys on it with ninja masks.
“The lady in the post office has had to lock her door because she’s been robbed so many times.
“It frightened a lot of the older people and the shopkeepers. It’s a bit disconcerting to say the least.”
Anthony said he is “not really surprised by the figures,” and that “crime goes where the poor people are”.
“They have got nothing so it’s nothing to them to take things that don’t belong to them,” he said.
My partner tells me not to take my wallet in case I get mugged.
Anthony Bass
“A police presence would be nice especially when people are frightened.
“Even just a bobby walking around especially given the crime figures.
“I would come here at night but my partner has said there’s no way she would.
“The lake was built as a recreational area but when you have people too scared to go there something is wrong.
At the other end of Middlesbrough, on the notorious housing estate of Brambles Farm, it is a similar story.
It was here that in December 2023, vulnerable 50-year-old Glenna Siviter was murdered for her jewellery by Andrew Hall.
The 47-year-old is now serving life for murder and the attempted murder of a separate victim.
Retired construction worker Ronald Smith, 78, said: “I wouldn’t have said it was the worst.
“There’s some nice people around here. We’ve been here a long time. It’s only a certain few who spoil it.
I wouldn’t come out at night. That’s when the gangs come out.
Charlie Mangan
“The kids have nowhere to go. But they should know better.”
Meanwhile 24-year-old mum-of-two said wouldn’t dare to “come out at night” as “that’s when the gangs come out”.
Charlie, who is mum to seven-month-old baby Teddy, and three-year-old Noah, says she walks the streets with her kids during the day but “not on an evening”.
“Kids these days are vile,” she said. “They scream and shout. It’s all the kids causing the problems.
“We see street wardens, but not the police. I would feel safer if I saw the police more often.
“Walking around the estate on a night is creepy. You don’t know what’s on the streets these days. It’s scary.
“You hear about people being chased and stabbed. You think ‘what if I go out and get chased?’
“You don’t know what’s round the corner. If you might get stabbed or attacked.”
The Sun has reached out to Middlesborough Council – responsible for Hemlington and Brambles Farm areas – for comment.
Cleveland Police statement
Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: “The Cleveland Police area has a number of complex and challenging socio-economic issues including high levels of deprivation and unemployment, which influence levels of crime.
“Despite these challenges, overall crime across Teesside has reduced by 7.5 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, with reductions in almost all crime types.
“Burglary has dropped by 22 per cent across the force and we have more than 3,000 fewer victims of violence, with a 10.2 per cent reduction.
“Whilst these figures are encouraging, we are not complacent and we will continue to strive to tackle criminals and protect the communities we serve.
“Our refreshed Neighbourhood Policing strategy focuses on community engagement to better understand residents’ priorities, problem solving and prevention to address those issues, and targeted activity in areas identified as hotspots for crime and antisocial behaviour.
“We have dedicated PCSOs in each district who work as part of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs).
“Together, they work with key partners to address issues like antisocial behaviour and divert young people away from the criminal justice system as we know policing alone cannot solve the issue.
“We also have Proactive Teams in all four districts who carried out almost 1,000 stop searches and seized more than £1million worth of drugs in 2024.
“This approach to utilising stop and search powers has seen a reduction in knife crime across Cleveland of 12 per cent.
“Our dedicated Matrix officers tackle serious and organised criminals who are causing significant harm within our communities and they have made 2,133 arrests in the last 12 months (January 2024 – December 2024).
“Operation Artemis also runs monthly; this is a proactive operation focused on tackling crime.
“While we are always proactive in our approach, information from the public remains vital and it’s important that our communities keep engaging with us.
“If any members of the public have any issues or concerns, please contact us on 101 or report crime online here: Report a crime | Cleveland Police Always call 999 in an emergency.”
HandoutGlenna Siviter was murdered at her home in Middlesbrough[/caption]
Cleveland PoliceCraig Bradley, Martin Rivers, Macauley Owen, Samuel Lane and Josh Blackston brutally assaulted a police officer[/caption]
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on Ultra-rare Land Rover that starred in James Bond film with blistering 518bhp & enormous 5-litre engine goes to auction
A LAND Rover from a James Bond movie could be yours, and its a steal for petrol heads.
The Land Rover Defender 110 V8 featured in the 2021 release No Time to Die – Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007.
historics auctioneersAn ultra-rare Land Rover that starred in Daniel Craig’s last outing as James Bond film will go to auction[/caption]
historics auctioneersThe Defender 110 V8 is poised to fetch around £150,000[/caption]
Not known, clear with picture deskBond being tracked by the 4×4 in the 2021 film No Time to Die[/caption]
The eye-catching 4×4 features in a thrilling car chase across Norway as a fleet of Defenders try to track down Bond who is behind the wheel of a Toyota Land Cruiser.
And next month, a 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Bond Edition is set to go under the hammer to commemorate the motor’s role in the franchise’s 25th movie.
The vehicle is one of only 300 produced, and is manufactured in right-hand drive for UK based motorists.
The Defender is poised to fetch around £150,000 – a steal given its quality and association.
Its new owner will also enjoy 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engine which produces 518bhp, allowing it to clock a top speed of 149mph.
An all-black bodywork, 22-inch alloy wheels, and blue brake callipers all provide a classy and imposing aesthetic.
The interior boasts an infotainment systefitted with a custom start-up screen to commemorate Land Rover’s long-lasting relations with the Bond franchise.
And with a measly 384 miles on the clock, the squeaky clean motor will serve its new owner well for years to come.
Pricing is estimated between £129,000 and £150,000 and the motor will go to auction on March 1 with Historic Auctioneers.
“When filming began for Craig’s final outing in ‘No Time to Die’ in 2019, a spectacular and, for a Bond film, very muddy, chase sequence was scheduled for Norway featuring a trio of all-new Defenders with their 518bhp supercharged 5.0 litre petrol V8s,” the listing reads.
“However, due to demands for multiple cars and the fact that car production had only just begun, they weren’t quite ready.
“Shot later, with Aviemore in Scotland impersonating Norway, we were treated to the magnificent introduction of three airborne 110 Defenders finished menacingly in black.
“Whilst we naturally cheered for Bond, the Defenders’ speed and endurance were to be the best advert for the new car.
“We understand that just 15 examples were delivered to selected UK dealerships, after customers were carefully selected to place an order. This very special car was one of the ten examples supplied as a 110 to the UK, the other five being the 90.
“This ‘as new’ with little over delivery mileage example is collectors’ grade and being one of just 10 110 editions it is believed to be the lowest if not one of the lowest mileage examples in existence.
Aston Martin that featured alongside Pierce Brosnan for Bond film on sale – over 20 years on from blockbuster’s release
By Jacob Jaffa
A VINTAGE Aston Martin that featured alongside Pierce Brosnan for a beloved Bond film is up for sale 20 years on from the blockbuster’s release.
The car was actually owned by the manufacturer’s chairman himself and bears some special Bond-themed touches.
Chief among these is the chassis number, with the firm specially awarding the 007 digits to the motor.
A 2001 Vanquish model, it is practically identical to the stunt car used in the film Die Another Day.
The film followed Brosnan’s Bond as he thwarted a plan to allow a Communist takeover of South Korea.
In one of its most enduring scenes, Her Majesty’s superspy chases down villain Gustav Graves across the frozen landscape of an Icelandic glacier using the Vantage.
While this car wasn’t actually used on set, it did accompany Brosnan back in the real world as a press car for a number of promotional shoots and events.
Perhaps the most unique feature, though, is the fact that it comes complete with replicas of the weapons installed by MI6 boffin Q in the film.
The front grille features several ports for red-tipped missiles while the bonnet houses retractable machine guns (all fake of course).
Photos accompanying the listing on AutoTrader show that the car comes with its original registration, as well as a special 007 logo number plate.
It remains in pristine condition and has only done 53,700 miles since new.
Many of those were under the stewardship of Dr Urich Bez, the former Aston Martin chairman and original owner of the car.
The silver body work looks to have barely a smudge on it, while the chestnut leather-trimmed interior appears pretty much brand new.
Under the bonnet, it carries Aston’s iconic V12 engine, laying down over 500 horsepower and a top speed of around 190mph.
The listing states: “This is a great opportunity to buy a car with a fascinating history.
“Originally delivered to Dr. Urich Bez from new and then subsequently used as a press car and featured in various magazine articles with Pierce Brosnan as well as several Die Another Day Bond photo shoots.
“The car will come serviced and with 12 months MOT, HPI clear and no accident damage.”
However, thanks to the amazing history it does, as you might imagine, come at quite the price.
The former Bond motor is advertised at £99,950.
“Priced competitively with the new OCTA and V8 Land Rover 110’s on the market, this represents not only a well-priced ‘new car’ but also a fantastic Bond or Land Rover collector example. Full details can still be found online here with Land Rover.
“A rare opportunity to own what is a fantastic car, with a fantastic engine and produced in such numbers it will surely be a very collectable example of an appreciating asset.”
It comes after an Aston Martin DB5 was put up for sale for an eye-watering £3.3 million.
The rare 2021 Continuation Goldfinger model is one of just 25 models ever made.
The motor which is not currently street legal has an abundance of gizmos like those used by 007 on the silver screen.
It has just 30 miles on the clock and is equipped with 4.0-litres inline six with triple SU carburetors.
The DB5 is kitted out with two imitation Browning 30 caliber machine guns hidden behind the indicator lamps.
historics auctioneersThe vehicle will go under the hammer on March 1[/caption]
5 days agoworld NewsComments Off on St Johnstone and Kilmarnock begin ‘racist abuse’ investigation after vile insults at SPFL clash
ST JOHNSTONE have appealed for fans to come forward and identify a supporter accused of racist abuse during last weekend’s defeat at Kilmarnock.
Saints chiefs have been made aware of claims one of their travelling support hurled vile insults towards one of the players during the 3-0 RugbyPark defeat.
Callan Media - Commissioned by The SunLiam Polworth was on target during the game[/caption]
Callan Media - Commissioned by The SunFraser Murray (pictured left with Kyle Magennis) was also on target[/caption]
Callan Media - Commissioned by The SunFormer Hibs and Hamilton keeper Sean Murdoch was fourth official[/caption]
The incident was reported to stewards and PoliceScotland so an investigation is currently underway.
The Perth club said: “We are aware of an allegation of racist abuse in the away end during Saturday’s game at Rugby Park.
“We are working closely with KilmarnockFootball Club and Police Scotland to fully investigate.
“Any supporter with further information is asked to contact the club.
“We are a proud family club and reiterate that there is no place for discrimination in our game or anywhere in society.”
It read: “We are working closely with St Johnstone FC and Police Scotland after being made aware of an allegation of racist abuse in the away end during Saturday’s game.
“Discrimination will not be tolerated in any form at BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park.”
More to follow…
Callan Media - Commissioned by The SunDerek McInnes and Simo Valakari oversaw the 3-0 win for the Ayrshire side[/caption]
