Wendy Duffy decided to take her own life after her son tragically choked to death.

A woman who took her own life at a controversial Swiss clinic had not told her mum of her plans for an assisted suicide beforehand. Her 87-year-old mum, who suffers from dementia, is believed to have been unaware of her daughter’s plans to travel overseas and end her life.

Wendy Duffy, 56, a healthy mum whose only child Marcus died four years ago, tragically ended her life at the Pegasos Clinic today. Her detailed plan had been a year in the making, paying £10,000 to the Pegasos clinic, writing letters to loved ones, choosing a deathbed outfit and picking the music which was the last thing she will hear, reports the Mirror.

News of Wendy’s death emerged as the Assisted Dying Bill officially ran out of time on Friday. The House of Lords had raised more than 1,200 amendments to delay the historic bill from being approved by MPs last June.

Online strangers who heard about her plans had pleaded with Wendy to change her mind in direct messages and posts on Facebook. But her family explained “nothing was going to stop her” and she “was determined and strong-minded’. They said she could no longer live with the loss of her only child: “It it something she wanted and we couldn’t stop her.”

Her sister-in-law Paula Duffy said: “It is very sad for the whole family, very upsetting.”

Speaking shortly before Pegasos announced her passing, Paula said: “It is something she wanted to do and we couldn’t stop her. She never got back to herself after the death of her son and she didn’t want to carry on. She was very strong willed and if she has something on her mind no one could change it.”

Wendy from the West Midlands travelled to the clinic alone and died peacefully this morning wearing one of son Marcus’ T-shirts because, she said, ‘it still smells of him’ – and listening to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars song Die With A Smile.

Wendy had told her two brothers and four sisters about her assisted dying but not her mum. Her brother Stephen last saw her a month ago, told how their widowed 87-year-old mother remained unaware.

He said: “Her mum has dementia, she still lives at home but Wendy didn’t want to tell her. She is not aware.”

Wendy, who had split from her son’s dad, is believed to have visited her mum to say a final goodbye before travelling to Switzerland. Her dad has passed away. Before he death she was in good health and considered sound of mind before she died.

In an interview with the Daily Mail this week she said the decision to take her own life had been a ‘happy’ one because her ‘spirit can be free’.

She said: “It will be hard for everyone. But I want to die. I’ll have a smile on my face when I do, so please be happy for me. My life, my choice.’

She added: “I wish this was available in the UK, then I wouldn’t have to go to Switzerland at all.’

Wendy lost her only child, Marcus, 23 in tragic circumstances four years ago after he choked on a tomato that had become lodged in his windpipe while eating a sandwich, starving his brain of oxygen.

Marcus’s death, together with the fact that Wendy tried to perform CPR on him herself, has haunted her ever since. She said she has already tried to take her own life. Wendy said her ‘beautiful boy’ would have understood her decision to finally join him.

In poignant social media posts she wrote about her love for Marcus whom she described as ‘the best’ and who ‘lived life with zest.’ In one she penned: ‘I know we’ll be reunited on a future day.’

Sister-in-law Paula said the wait to find out if the suicide had gone ahead was ‘agonising’ for the family, particularly her husband who was ‘very close’ to his sister and was too upset to speak. She said: “It is really raw, and just so very sad.”

Wendy’s ashes are due to be flown back to the UK and scattered at a memorial bench for her son.

Paula said Wendy had gone to Switzerland alone. She said: “I haven’t got a clue where she got the £10,000 from but she was always very resourceful.’

She declined to say if she and the family believed in the right of a healthy person to choose the right to die, only saying: “I believe in assisted dying if there is a terminal illness.”

She reiterated: “Wendy was not herself after Marcus passed. She was the same. May she rest in peace.’”

Ruedi Habegger, Pegasos founder, said: “I can confirm that Wendy Duffy, at her own request, was assisted to die on April 24 and that the procedure was completed without incident and in full compliance with her wishes.

“I can also confirm that neither we nor any of the professional staff assessing her mental capacity had any doubt as to her intention, understanding and independence of both thought and action. In historical terms at English law, hers was a case of “sane suicide”.’

Wendy did not inform her family of the timescale for her travel and procedure for their own protection – if anyone travelled with her, or assisted her suicide in any way, they would risk police investigation and possible prosecution in the UK.

Wendy told on her own Facebook how she would spend most days visiting her son’s bench in a local park.

She described the day he died as “truly awful” and explained how she felt “helpless”.

In a poem she said: “Attempts were made to keep you, but that was not meant to be, so I had to sit by, until you were taken from me. It’s been a painful struggle, getting through each day, trying to keep busy, in every single way.

“I now know you’re still near me, I talk to you each night, you send me some lovely memories, even tho you’re out of sight. I kiss your bench each morning, when walking up the park, the birds will come and join me, even tho it’s still dark. “

She ends saying: “Love you Markie my baby, love you Markie my son, one day we’ll be reunited, and continue laughing and having fun.”

In a tribute left in January last year, she wrote: “Three years ago you left me, a day I’ll not forget. It all happened so quickly, but one thing I don’t regret. My son for such a short time, A son you were the best, a son so kind and funny, a son who lived life with zest.

“A son who loved animals, a son who loved to sing, a son with such a humour, joy and laughter he would bring. A son who loved McDonald’s and KFC too. If he saw someone down on their luck he’d buy one for them too.

“A son who had lots of friends, he really loved them all. Hey love you Bro is what he’d say whenever they did call. Now life is so so quiet without you by my side. My love for you just the same, a love I cannot hide.

“I visit your bench each morning and always bring you flowers. People I chat with on your bench can sometimes last for hours. So many people speak to you as they pass by your bench in the park. A lot in daylight hours but also when it’s dark. I know that you’re still with me even tho you don’t come into view, but I get lots of signs saying “I’m here still with you” I’ll just keep walking forward no matter come what may, and know we’ll be reunited on a future day. “

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Liverpool may have Alisson, or they may not. And yet the goalkeeping situation for Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace might actually be a microcosm of next season, amid hints of uncertainty that, deliberately or otherwise, Arne Slot contrived to increase.

The Brazilian has been the most reliable and reassuring of presences in Liverpool’s goal for eight years. When they triggered a one-year contract extension in March, it seemed safe to say there would be a ninth. Now? It may be less certain. Alisson has played in Serie A for Roma, speaks Italian and his agent was in Turin this week. Juventus are interested, albeit yet to contact Liverpool, as they look for an upgrade on Michele di Gregorio. Which, it is safe to say, Alisson would be.

Liverpool would seem to have less incentive to let him leave. Slot, with his natural dislike of speculation, preferred to cite Alisson’s hamstring injury. “The main focus for Ali is very clear, that is getting back in goal as soon as possible for the club he loves to play for and then he wants to be in goal for the country he wants to play for, that is Brazil,” he said. “I think that is already the short- and mid-term future.”

If Alisson’s attributes include his shot-stopping – particularly his uncanny ability when one-on-one with attackers – another is an unruffled temperament. Jurgen Klopp loved his character and the feeling is that Slot, too, likes it. There was the sense Liverpool would need it still more next season. With vice-captain Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah going, they are losing two of their senior players. The probability was that Alisson would take on the duties as Virgil van Dijk’s deputy. The Dutchman said last week he definitely had an opinion on who the next vice-captain should be but that Liverpool need new leaders to emerge.

But logically Alisson’s experience should be even more important than before. “Well, that is your opinion and I will bring that opinion to the ownership and to Richard [Hughes, the director of football],” countered Slot. “I think the club is run in a certain way and we make decisions that the club thinks are in the best interests of the club. And it could mean this is the reason why. It could mean another good argument why we acted how we acted.

“I think the history of all the transfers shows that nothing was done without a purpose or without thinking about it. Look, the people who make these decisions take everything into account. They try to make the best decisions with the interest of the club. [Experience] is definitely one argument to keep him but there are other arguments. That is a decision the club has to make if that is needed. In the end, he still has one year [on his contract].”

It was a strangely non-committal answer. There are factors for Liverpool to consider. One is Alisson’s fitness issues. He has safe hands, but perhaps the most fragile hamstrings in goalkeeping. Liverpool are looking into the injuries he is suffering.

It has meant they have needed a fine second-choice goalkeeper. They have one, too; Giorgi Mamardashvili may be the best second-choice in the country – a distinction that had belonged to his predecessor, Caoimhin Kelleher – but, at £25m, he is also among the most expensive. The feeling was that the Georgian was not bought just to be an understudy, and nor would be want to be; eight years Alisson’s junior, he had the look of a successor when he was signed.

Mamardashvili had an outstanding game away at Paris Saint-Germain, as Alisson did last year. It is the best of his 18 outings this season. For now, though Alisson is one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world – and perhaps the top five – and Mamardashvili is not. Yet as Slot hinted, there are times to turn to the future.

But if Liverpool contemplate life without Alisson, they face a decision: is Mamardashvili good enough to be the long-term No 1? If not, there are few reasons to dispense with Alisson, when a buy could cost a huge amount and when some of their summer budget must go on Salah’s replacement.

This year is the last chance to get a fee for Alisson, which may be appreciated further as they will not recoup anything for Salah and Robertson. But an injury-prone 33-year-old in the last year of his deal would not command a significant sum. In any case, Serie A clubs have a habit of making lowball offers and Juventus may not want to match Alisson’s current salary anyway.

His income could be a factor in any decision. Liverpool might have the biggest wage bill in the Premier League this season. They could do with it coming down. Salah, the biggest earner, is going. Alisson and Robertson might be in the top six – along with Van Dijk, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz – as each signed their current deal in 2021, two years after winning the Champions League, one after winning the Premier League.

Alisson’s contained the option for an extra year which Liverpool triggered last month. There has long been a theory that when he does leave Anfield, it will be to return to Brazil. That may still be the case, and might be in 2027. But Slot stopped short of guaranteeing his goalkeeper will be on Merseyside again next year. There was a time when Klopp, to the tune of Queen’s Radio Ga Ga, sang “all you need is Alisson Becker”. Now Liverpool need to decide if that is still the case.

The announcement includes a range of food-themed journeys and passenger experiences, set against the scenic backdrop of one of the UK’s most beloved heritage railways.

Among the highlights is the Fish & Chips Service on April 25 and April 29, which features freshly prepared fish and chips from the award-winning Capplemans of Pickering.

Guests will enjoy a relaxed dining experience as they travel from Pickering to Goathland and back, with tea, coffee, and an optional homemade cream scone served on the return leg.

A Mini Beer Festival will take place from May 2 to 4 at Goathland Station Tearoom, featuring seven hand-picked ales from local breweries, alongside a guest cider and a selection of wines and prosecco.

Visitors can hop on and off the railway while enjoying the festival atmosphere throughout the bank holiday weekend, or until the barrels run dry.

The North Yorkshire Pullman Afternoon Tea service is on June 9 and 10, offering passengers a classic afternoon tea experience in style.

Cream tea on the NYMR service (Image: NYMR)

A welcome drink is followed by savoury delights, freshly baked scones, cakes, and sweet treats.

Tea, coffee, and handmade speciality chocolates will also be available.

For gin enthusiasts, a Gin Tasting Experience will take place on June 23 in collaboration with Whitby Distillery.

Guests will sample a selection of gins paired with light bites as they travel through the moorland aboard the Great Western Saloon.

The North Yorkshire Pullman Cream Tea service on June 27 offers a savoury course of either a pork pie or vegetarian quiche, followed by traditional cream tea with freshly baked scones, jam, and cream.

Service on the NYMR Pullman (Image: Charlotte Grahamcag Photography)

On June 30, a Wine Tasting Experience will take passengers through the North York Moors while they enjoy a curated selection of wines and a charcuterie sharing board in the heritage Great Western Saloon carriage.

To mark Yorkshire Day, a North Yorkshire Pullman Yorkshire Day Ploughman’s service will run on August 1 and 2, offering a hearty ploughman’s afternoon tea with traditional and vegetarian options served in beautifully restored heritage carriages.

The 18-mile return journey through the moors also includes a welcome drink.

Full details and booking information are available at nymr.co.uk/specials.

UK airlines have insisted they are “not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel”

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The Government has said it is “closely monitoring” UK jet fuel stocks as airlines prepare for a potential shortage.

UK airlines have insisted they are “not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel” as they buy it in advance and airports maintain stocks, the Department for Transport (DfT) said in an update published on Friday evening.

But airports will also make it easier for airlines to cancel flights without running the risk of losing their allocated “slots” – scheduled times for take-off or landing which some UK airports assign to airlines – if fuel shortages prevent them from flying.

Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines before they travel – and ensure they have appropriate travel insurance, according to the DfT.

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This comes as oil prices continue to soar on the back of the US-Israel war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“There is no current need to change upcoming travel plans,” the DfT statement said.

“Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we have been closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to ensure passengers keep moving and businesses are supported.

“Government regularly meets with industry to monitor risks, understand pressures and ensure clear communication with passengers, should circumstances change.”

It added: “We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions.

“We are working hand in hand with industry to help flights keep operating.”

The DfT said airlines will also no longer be required to follow the “use it or lose it” rule at UK airports, whereby airlines must use at least 80% of their allocated slots during a season to keep them for the following year.

“Airport Coordination Limited, the independent body that manages slot allocation at UK airports, has updated its guidance so that airlines will not lose their slots if fuel shortages prevent them from flying,” the DfT update said.

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“Airlines can now apply for an exemption from the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in these circumstances.”

A spokesperson for Jet2 said its flight schedule remains unaffected for the foreseeable future.

“We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice,” the spokesperson said.

“Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.”

The airline also confirmed there will be no surcharge on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases, including those linked to jet fuel.

“Amidst speculation that some airlines and travel companies may introduce such surcharges, which would mean their customers facing additional costs after making a booking, Jet2 has removed the surcharge provision across all flights and holidays, even though the company has never previously applied them,” the airline announced on Friday.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2.

“As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them.”

It is understood that Virgin Atlantic and easyJet are also expecting to operate as normal.

It had taken off from Dalaman in Turkey

A Jet2 flight declared a ‘mid-flight emergency’ on route to Glasgow Airport from Turkey today (Friday, April 24). The Boeing 737 issued a ‘Squawk 7700’ – the international code for a general emergency – while over the North Sea this afternoon. The plane was flying at around 36,000ft when the alert was issued.

The Jet2 flight was given priority approach into Glasgow Airport. It had taken off from Dalaman in Turkey and was scheduled to arrive in Scotland at 4.35pm UK time, The Mirror reports.

Flight tracking data shows the plane maintained its altitude briefly after the alert was issued before descending when it was granted priority descent by Air Traffic Control, AirLive reports.

The Jet2 flight safely landed on runway 23 at 4.32pm. The exact nature of the incident remains unclear.

This comes after the boss of a major airline warned more flight cancellations are coming after his firm was forced to axe some journeys from the UK.

Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Eivind Roald has already been forced to cancel flights from London Gatwick Airport to Los Angeles. He says he had to act after the price of jet fuel skyrocketed “more than 100 per cent after a few days”.

Dozens of airlines across the world have cancelled flights as Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz – a critical waterway for global supplies – continues. Simultaneously, Donald Trump is still ordering the US Navy to blockade Iranian ports.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Mr Roald revealed he expects airlines to keep cancelling flights. He said: “From our side we will continue flying from London Gatwick and from Athens and Rome this summer, we don’t have any plans to cancel more flights.

“When it comes to our competitors, I can’t really say, I assume you will see more cancellations coming, we often see it coming in short haul flights in Europe. The long haul flights are still there.”

After cancelling journeys between London and Los Angeles, Norse Atlantic said: “This cancellation is due to the unforeseen global fuel crisis, and we unfortunately – with [a] heavy heart – had to cancel our beloved LAX routes with too high fuel risk exposure.

“This will protect [a] sustainable future and our ability to remain a reliable service for our passengers this summer. We are truly sorry for the inconvenience, and apologise to passengers who have [had] their travel plans changed. We will assist disrupted passengers as best we can.”

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is placing economic sanctions on a major China-based oil refinery and roughly 40 shipping companies and tankers involved in transporting Iranian oil.

The move, announced Friday and first reported by The Associated Press, makes good on Trump’s threat to impose secondary sanctions on companies and countries that do business with Iran. It’s also part of his Republican administration’s overall ramped-up campaign to cut off Iran’s key source of revenue — its oil exports.

Concurrently, the U.S. this month imposed a physical blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf waterway that is crucial to global energy supplies.

The sanctions, which cut off the companies from the U.S. financial system and penalize anyone who does business with them, come just a few weeks before President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping are due to meet in China.

Included in Friday’s sanctions is Hengli Petrochemical’s facility in the port city of Dalian, which has a processing capacity of roughly 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it one of the biggest independent refineries in China.

The Treasury Department says Hengli has received Iranian crude oil shipments since 2023 and has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the Iranian military.

The advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran said in February 2025 that Hengli is one of dozens of Chinese purchasers of Iranian oil.

China is the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, importing 80% to 90% of Iranian oil before the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran broke out, though the crude — transported by a shadow fleet of vessels — often has its origin obscured but arrives in China as oil from countries such as Malaysia. Smaller refineries, known as teapot refineries, typically are the buyers of Iranian oil.

Iran has previously said that its demands for ending the war include the lifting of sanctions.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday that his agency “will continue to constrict the network of vessels, intermediaries and buyers Iran relies on to move its oil to global markets.”

Earlier this month, Bessent’s department sent a letter to financial institutions in China, Hong Kong, the UAE and Oman threatening to levy secondary sanctions for doing business with Iran and accusing those countries of allowing Iranian illicit activities to flow through their financial institutions.

Bessent said during a White House press briefing on April 15 that the administration has told countries “that if you are buying Iranian oil, that if Iranian money is sitting in your banks, we are now willing to apply secondary sanctions, which is a very stern measure.”

The sanctions come as the global energy trade is in turmoil as war around the Persian Gulf chokes off oil and natural gas shipments, causing prices to soar.

Treasury has tried to quell the impact of rising oil prices issuing temporary sanctions waivers on Russia oil and a one-time waiver on Iranian oil already at sea.

The AP was making efforts to contact Chinese officials for comment on the sanctions.

China has disagreed with previous U.S. sanctions, but its major companies and banks still comply with U.S. sanctions because they are more exposed to the U.S.-dominated financial system.

After the U.S. earlier this month sanctioned a Chinese refinery accused of buying Iranian oil, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington, said the use of the sanctions “undermines international trade order and rules, disrupts normal economic and trade exchanges, and infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals.”

The body of one of the two Bangladeshi doctoral students missing from the University of South Florida was found on a bridge over Tampa Bay, and his roommate has been taken into custody, law enforcement authorities said Friday.

Zamil Limon’s remains were found on the Howard Frankland bridge Friday morning, but Nahida Bristy is still missing, Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said.

Limon’s roommate in an off-campus apartment, Hisham Saleh Abugharbeih, 26, was taken into custody at his family’s home nearby on preliminary charges that include unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment and battery.

“We are still actively searching for Nahida,” Maurer said, appealing to the public to share any useful information.

Officers encountered Abugharbeih as they responded to a report of domestic violence at his family’s home, just north of the campus, and were able to remove his relatives to safety. But then he barricaded himself inside and refused to come out. A SWAT team responded, along with a drone, a robot and crisis negotiators, before Abugarbeih came out with his hands up, apparently wearing nothing but a blue towel.

“This is a deeply disturbing case that has shaken our community and impacted many who were hoping for a safe resolution,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “While the discovery of Zamil Limon’s remains is heartbreaking, I want the public to know that our detectives worked and are working tirelessly and relentlessly to uncover the truth.”

Limon and Bristy, both 27, were a couple, considering marriage, a relative said. They disappeared from campus on April 16. Limon, who was studying geography, environmental science and policy, was last seen at his home in an apartment complex where he lived with Abugharbeih. Bristy, who was studying chemical engineering and lived on campus, was last seen an hour later at a campus science building.

A family friend contacted authorities last Friday after being unable to contact either one, USF police said.

Investigators interviewed Abugharbeih, who is a native-born U.S. citizen, on Thursday, Maurer said, but Abugharbeih ended the interview after a bit. He said Abugharbeih was speaking with detectives again after his arrest Friday morning.

There are no other suspects in the investigation at this time, Maurer said.

An autopsy is being done on the remains to determine the manner and cause of Limon’s death, and those results are expected Saturday morning, he said.

Abugharbeih had been a USF student but was not currently enrolled. University records showed he had attended the school from Spring 2021 through Spring 2023, and had pursued a BS in Management, a university spokeswoman said.

The University of Sunderland is in the running for Most Outstanding Armed Forces at the 2026 Services Awards, part of the National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Events (NAFESE) taking place in its home city.

The nomination reflects the university’s long-standing commitment to supporting servicemen and women through education, outreach, and defence medical collaborations.

The University of Sunderland has been shortlisted for a national award recognising its work with the Armed Forces community (Image: Sunderland University)

Mal Robinson, event director for NAFESE, said: “The awards have been a mainstay in the service community calendar now for four years, however this is the first time the University has been nominated, despite its long association in working with the service family community.

“Having read the nomination criteria, I can say their place on the shortlist is well deserved, alongside the other top candidates.

“It is quite apt that the University has been revealed on the shortlist during their ‘Made in Sunderland’ week, which was launched alongside Sunderland AFC!”

The University of Sunderland has been shortlisted for a national award recognising its work with the Armed Forces community (Image: Sunderland University)

The 2026 Services Awards will be held at Quinn’s Bar at the Stadium of Light, as part of Sunderland AFC’s Armed Forces Veteran’s Breakfast Club on Wednesday, May 13.

Unlike previous years, the ceremony will take place during the daytime, aligning more closely with the broader NAFESE programme.

Sir David Bell, vice chancellor of the University of Sunderland, said: “I am delighted that the University of Sunderland has been shortlisted for the Most Outstanding Armed Forces Unit Award.

“It speaks to the strong commitment that our institution has to the armed forces and those students and staff who have served, or are serving, in defence of our country.

“With increasing talk about the need to build national resilience, the University demonstrates what can be done in a way that benefits those who work and study here, at the same time as supporting our nation in these troubling and uncertain times.”

The university’s nomination cites its educational pathways for veterans, specialised support for service families, and collaborative development of defence medical capability as key contributors to its selection.

NAFESE 2026 will feature more than 50 exhibitors, offering opportunities in recruitment, training, legal advice, housing support, and mental wellbeing.

A dedicated STEM area will host school and college groups, with careers representation from both the Royal Air Force and the British Army.

The Connor Brown Trust will also deliver talks on the dangers of knife crime.

The University of Sunderland shares its category with individuals and organisations including Corporal Styles of the Royal Logistics Corps, Captain David Ridley of 8 Rifles, and Lieutenant Colonel Terry McDermott-Moses of the British Army Reserves.

The awards span five categories: Most Outstanding Armed Forces, Most Outstanding Emergency Services, Most Outstanding Volunteer, Mental Health Champion, and the Most Outstanding Overall Winner.

Among nominees in other categories are NHS Fife, Lancashire Constabulary’s PCSO Alan Fielding, and volunteers such as Kerryanne Wilde of the Penrith/Eden Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club.

NAFESE 2026 will open at 9am, with the awards ceremony following at 10am.

Full details about the event are available at www.nafese2023.com.

Residents in a Cambridgeshire town experienced a 68% increase in a council tax precept

A council has issued an update after a man was arrested on suspicion of fraud, following a nearly 70% spike in a council tax precept. Cambourne residents experienced a 68% increase in the portion of their tax bill that goes to Cambourne Town Council at the start of this financial year.

This increase was a result of “serious issues” around the “management of council reserves and the receipt and use of Section 106 funds”, a council spokesperson previously told Cambridgeshire Live.

A 63-year-old man from St Ives was later arrested by Cambridgeshire Police on April 15 on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position. He has since been released on bail until July 15.

After the arrest, an internal review has been carried out into Cambourne Town Council’s governance matters. These are “now subject to external consideration,” said a council spokesperson.

The council spokesperson added: “The council acknowledges that concerns were raised in accordance with its whistleblowing arrangements. The council recognises the importance of such processes in supporting lawful and effective governance and confirms that those concerns were considered through appropriate procedures.

“The council also acknowledges the role of the elected member who received and referred those concerns in accordance with their duties, as well as the elected member who undertook the internal investigation.”

Following the internal review, the council confirmed there were “no findings of wrongdoing” made by current staff members. The spokesperson added: “Officers of the council continue to implement governance and procedural improvements identified through these processes.

“To illustrate this, 41 out of 47 matters arising from the 2025 internal audit report have now been resolved. The council further confirms that it has acted in accordance with its statutory responsibilities and internal governance framework in considering these matters. Elected members have discharged their duties having regard to relevant legislation, guidance and the council’s adopted procedures.”

In its review, the council has been supported by external bodies, including South Cambridgeshire District Council, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Association of Local Councils, and dothenumbers ltd. The spokesperson said the council wanted to “record its thanks to these organisations for their professionalism and support throughout this process”.

The spokesperson went on to talk about financial matters. They added: “The council acknowledges that recent decisions, including the setting of the precept, have given rise to public concern.

“The council is under a statutory obligation to set a lawful, balanced and sustainable budget. In doing so, it has had regard to financial information indicating that such standards were not consistently achieved in previous financial periods. The measures implemented are considered necessary to ensure the council’s ongoing financial viability and its ability to discharge its statutory functions.”

Due to an active criminal investigation into the suspected fraud arrest, the council is “subject to legal constraints regarding the disclosure of information”. The spokesperson added: “The council will not comment on specific allegations, individuals, or operational details where doing so may prejudice ongoing investigations or any potential proceedings.

“The council continues to take legal advice and to liaise, where appropriate, with relevant regulatory bodies, including the Information Commissioner’s Office. Nothing in this statement should be taken as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the council or any individual.

“The council reserves all legal rights in respect of these matters. The council reminds all parties that it is essential that staff are able to carry out their duties without interference or undue pressure. The council expects that all engagement with its officers is conducted in a lawful and appropriate manner.

“Cambourne Town Council remains committed to maintaining high standards of governance, accountability and transparency, subject at all times to its legal obligations and the requirements of due process.”

It can recommend sanctions against someone under investigation, but the decision has to be taken by relevant EU authorities. Among the recommendations possible are judicial, financial, administrative and disciplinary, so that could include revoking the former commissioner’s pension.