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British mum didn’t answer phone because she was in a coma in Gran Canaria

Published

2 hours ago

23 May 2026

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Emily Casey, 34, fell ill just three days into the family’s Canary Islands holiday

20:44, 23 May 2026Updated 20:51, 23 May 2026

The relatives of mum-of-five currently in a coma in Gran Canaria are desperately trying to get her back to Britain.

Emily Casey, 34, fell seriously ill while holidaying on the Canary Islands with her husband Jamie Casey and their five youngsters.

Just three days after the Wirral family touched down on the island on Wednesday, May 13, Emily began experiencing severe breathing difficulties and was immediately taken to a local hospital. Having only recently overcome pneumonia, medics initially thought she might have developed a blood clot on her lung.

Jamie was told he needed to pay £3,000 upfront for his wife to have a CT scan. Emily’s father John transferred the funds and the scan went ahead.

Medical staff informed them the pneumonia had come back and one of her lungs was “full of fluid,” requiring drainage.

That evening, Jamie headed back to the family’s hotel to care for their five youngsters. Throughout the night he repeatedly rang and texted Emily to make sure she was alright while their children were asleep, but received no reply.

The following morning Jamie raced back to the hospital, only to discover his wife had been placed in an induced coma and was on a life support machine. In a state of alarm, Jamie got in touch with their family in the UK and Emily’s mother travelled to Gran Canaria to assist with her care, reports the Liverpool Echo.

When their holiday came to an end on Tuesday, May 19, Jamie returned to Liverpool with their children to sort out childcare arrangements. He has since travelled back to Gran Canaria to remain by his wife’s side.

When he got back, he learned his wife had developed sepsis. Now, on May 23, the family received devastating news that Emily’s condition has “gone backwards.” Medical scans have shown pneumonia has “taken over her lungs again” with sepsis now present in her bloodstream.

Hospital bills have already exceeded £8,000 for the family; tragically, because the mum-of-five had only recently recovered from pneumonia, her insurance policy won’t cover the costs. The family are now “desperately” appealing for assistance to get Emily back home.

Relative Kevin Magee reached out to the Liverpool Echo to highlight a GoFundMe page established for Emily’s treatment. Those wishing to contribute can make donations online.

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UK-bound Jet2 flight makes emergency landing as pilot ‘has heart attack mid-air’

Published

3 minutes ago

23 May 2026

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A Jet2 flight from Tenerife was forced to make an emergency landing in Porto after the pilot suffered a suspected heart attack

Matt Jackson Live News Network Reporter and Benjamin Lynch

22:04, 23 May 2026Updated 22:12, 23 May 2026

Passengers aboard a Jet2 flight were left alarmed when their aircraft was forced into an emergency landing following the pilot’s suspected heart attack.

Flight LS1266 was heading from Tenerife to Birmingham, when passengers began noticing some worrying signs. Flight attendants were spotted rushing down the aisle in tears, with 220 passengers onboard, while asking whether anyone had medical training.

The aircraft also experienced an abrupt descent as it diverted to an unplanned landing in Porto, with the plane’s first officer taking command of the controls.

“We were awoken by chaos,” one witness told The Sun, explaining that both they and their partner had been asleep when the incident unfolded.

“Lights began flashing and hostesses who were visibly upset, seeking a doctor.

“Our two-year-old began crying like many other children onboard because the aircraft was dropping so quickly for an emergency landing.”

Video footage revealed how the aircraft, following a safe landing in Porto at 2.11am on Friday, was swiftly met by emergency personnel who treated the pilot.

“We were stranded in Portugal for over 13 hours without accommodation,” a passenger revealed. “They wouldn’t let us off the plane itself for over an hour. Then we were just left to wander around.

“There was nowhere to stay. They said accommodation was too expensive.”

The passenger noted they had “full sympathy” for the pilot. A pilot was transported by Jet2 from Manchester to Porto to assist in getting them home. Travellers were informed they could receive a complimentary change onto a Jet2 service heading to any of 14 UK destinations within the following week.

Jet2 reportedly said: “Flight LS1266 from Tenerife to Birmingham diverted to Porto on Thursday (21st May), due to one of the pilots feeling unwell.

“At no point was safety compromised, and customers subsequently continued their journey. We would like to apologise to customers for this unforeseen delay.”

The Mirror has approached Jet2 for further comment.

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Rose and Crown in Westhoughton in re-opens after renovation

Published

18 minutes ago

23 May 2026

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Rose and Crown in Westhoughton in re-opens after renovation

This was because the Rose and Crown on Bolton Road, Westhoughton, was finally reopening after a major, five-week, £275,000 renovation.

So, from midday onwards, regulars old and new flocked to Bolton Road to see for themselves what all the fuss was about.

(Image: Dan Dougherty)

We managed to finish all the refurbishments on time – just!” said Derek Cooper, the pub’s owner.

“We’ve been pretty hectic all day. We’ve had locals coming back in after five weeks away, we’ve even had old regulars coming in that haven’t been in nine or ten years.”

The pub was indeed very busy by the time I arrived just before 6pm, spurred on both by a sense of occasion and, no doubt, by the fine weather.

New dartboards and, in the foreground, the pool table (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“We asked for the sun, and the sun came out.” said Derek.

“We planned it so we’d open just in time for the bank holiday weekend, especially with Bolton in the final on Sunday.”

Derek showed us around the pub.

“We’ve been on-site for about five weeks and we’ve done a full refurbishment,” he explained.

“Basically, everything is new except the layout, though we have moved the men’s toilets.

The new section of beer garden with booths to the right and children’s play area in the background (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“We’ve got new darts areas, new counters, new furniture, and the outside has been totally repainted and redecorated.”

But the biggest change is outside. The back garden has been completely revamped, with new decking and benches installed.

There are also several roofed booths for people to use during the rainier months, as well as an outside TV, just in time for the World Cup.

New too is the large outside children’s play area, with brand-new play equipment and a soft, wood-chipped floor.

“We’ve touched up everywhere, basically,” said Derek.

Arguably, the most important aspect of a pub is how it serves as a focal point for the community.

It is for this reason that news of a pub closing down can be so upsetting to people. It’s for this same reason that news of a pub reopening often creates such a buzz.

Part of the beer garden with the TV in the background (Image: Dan Dougherty)

This is why the community element is such a strong focus for Derek.

“We’re sorting out a food truck that will be in the car park,” he said, “So that’s a local business.

“She’ll serve takeaways and food for customers, and we’ll also do theme nights.

“We’re also in the process of setting up a darts team, and we’re looking for people to join a pool team.

Derek and Ray underneath the pub’s sign (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“We’re raising money for a defibrillator as well, so we can install one in the pub.

“It’s good to have the pub back up and running for the community.”

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The NI Book Club helping raise awareness of hidden signs of coercive control

Published

26 minutes ago

23 May 2026

NewsAdmin

“Ending violence against women and girls must remain a priority for all of us. It is vital that women know they are not alone”

A Derry book club is using its sessions to shine a light on hard-hitting subjects that impact its community.

The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Niree McMorris, joined members of the Foyle Women’s Information Network for a special event highlighting the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls.

The Network is dedicated to empowering women across Derry by providing education, advocacy, and community support, and runs a diverse programme of events, including a monthly book club.

This month, the club discussed ‘Nesting’ by Roisin O’Donnell, a book that explores the themes of coercive control, cruelty and manipulation and the complexities of carving out a new life free from oppression.

It was an opportunity to focus on the issues making headlines and the positive mechanisms being implemented locally to support women.

The purchase of the books for the club was funded by the Council’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls funded programme, just one of a number of initiatives being rolled out to tackle the issue.

Speaking after the event, Ald. McMorris said the Network played an important role in connecting women and providing a safe space to engage and learn.

She said: “It was a privilege to join members of the Foyle Women’s Information Network for this important discussion and to see first-hand the invaluable work being carried out to support and empower women across our City and District.

“Events such as this create safe spaces for conversation, reflection and understanding, while also helping to raise awareness of the support services and networks available locally.

“Ending violence against women and girls must remain a priority for all of us. It is vital that women know they are not alone, that they will be listened to, believed and supported, and that together we continue to challenge attitudes and behaviours that allow violence and abuse to persist.

“I want to commend the Foyle Women’s Information Network for their dedication to advocacy, education and community support, and I’m delighted that Council’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme funds this organisation to deliver on the EVAWAG framework. Through partnership working and continued community engagement, we can help build a safer, more respectful society for everyone.”

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One person in hospital after Newtownards collision between car and pedestrian

Published

33 minutes ago

23 May 2026

NewsAdmin

One person has been taken to hospital following a collision involving a car and a pedestrian at a Co Down supermarket this afternoon.

The incident at the Castlebawn Drive area of Newtownards was reported at around 1.20pm on Saturday, May 23.

Police, ambulance crews and the air ambulance have all been in attendance.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are currently in attendance at the Castlebawn Drive area of Newtownards, following a report at around 1.20pm this afternoon, Saturday, 23^rd May, of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian.

“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service are also in attendance.

“Anyone with information, including dash-cam or other footage, can contact police on the 101 number, quoting reference 764 of 23/05/26.

“You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

A NIAS spokesperson added: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 13:23 on Saturday, 23 May following reports of a road traffic incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the Castlebawn Dive area of Newtownards.

“NIAS dispatched two Emergency Crews to the incident. Ambulance Control also tasked the Charity Air Ambulance with HEMS team on board to attend.

“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital.”

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Britain’s Got Talent 2026 finalists full list confirmed including Celestial and Matty Juniosa

Published

39 minutes ago

23 May 2026

NewsAdmin

The 2026 Britain’s Got Talent final will air next week on Saturday, May 30

The semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent 2026 have now come to an end, with the full list of finalists for the ITV competition show officially confirmed.

Eight acts took to the stage during the last semi-final on Saturday, May 23. Baron & Vesper, Celestial, The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, Jake Banfield, James Miller, Juan Carlos, Mr. Cherry and SOS!

Sharing the Golden Buzzer, the four judges – Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI – chose to send drone act Celestial straight through to the final, with The Hawkstone Farmers Choir getting the public vote.

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Britain’s Got Talent returned for its 19th series in February with auditions being filmed in Blackpool, welcoming to the screen its usual array of dancers, singers, magicians, comedians and more.

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Iconic TV duo Ant and Dec returned this year to host the hit ITV competition show, with rapper and influencer KSI returning to see his first full series as a Britain’s Got Talent judge.

This year saw a return of the Golden Buzzer, which judges could use during auditions to send an act straight through to the semi finals. During the semi-finals, the button could be used by each of the judges to send an act through to the final, which is set to take place next week on Saturday, May 30.

Full list of Britain’s Got Talent 2026 finalists

Golden Buzzer finalists

Matty Juniosa – Singer
LMA – Dance group
Liqei Yang – Fire juggler
Sonny Green – Poet
Celestial – Drone artists

Public vote finalists

Anastasiia and Salsa – Dog act
Fabian Fox – Magician
Ted Hill – Comedian
Rafferty Coope – Magician
The Hawkstone Farmers Choir – Choir

The 2026 Britain’s Got Talent’s live final will air at 7pm on Saturday, May 30, on ITV1 and ITVX.

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“You are needed”: The little signs on Belfast bridge hoping to help those in despair

Published

46 minutes ago

23 May 2026

NewsAdmin

Handwritten notes advising people in despair that help is available have been sighted on Albert Bridge in Belfast

21:09, 23 May 2026Updated 21:20, 23 May 2026

People who regularly walk or jog across the Albert Bridge in Belfast may have noticed some handwritten signs fastened to the structure.

The notes advise people in despair that help is available. Some of the notes read: “You are needed in ways you can’t yet see.” The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Authority said in their 2024 Northern Ireland Suicide Statistics report that suicide remained the leading cause of death in males under 50 in Northern Ireland.

The bridge initiative is the brainchild of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), which has a location in Belfast and is a registered UK charity. It forms part of the church’s volunteer-led Night Angels programme, which supports people experiencing homelessness, loneliness, emotional damage and hardship across the country.

Bishop Allan Passos, UCKG spokesperson, said: “The Night Angels programme is about meeting people where they are – whether that is on the street, at a food bank, or in a moment of deep personal crisis.”

The bishop said the initiative provides practical help, including food, blankets, toiletries and emotional support, while also offering small acts of encouragement to people who may be in moments of deep despair. UCKG has been active in the UK since 1995, the organisation now operates 38 full-time branches and eight part-time centres across the country, offering daily services and community-focused initiatives.

One of the Night Angels’ most distinctive activities is the placement of messages of hope on bridges across major UK cities, designed to reach people who may be struggling emotionally, feeling isolated, or considering self-harm. These notes are intended as a simple but powerful reminder that help, hope and support are available. UCKG volunteers have placed notes of hope and healing on bridges in key UK cities.

“A simple note on a bridge may seem small, but for someone who feels forgotten, it can be a reminder that their life matters and that support is available,” added Bishop Allan Passos.

The notes are part of a wider commitment to making support visible and accessible outside traditional settings. The church said they are not intended to replace professional care, but to offer a moment of human connection and signpost people towards help. The bridge notes are messages aimed at reaching people in moments of need.

The church said bridges can be places where vulnerable people find themselves at critical moments. By placing messages of hope there, The Night Angels aim to interrupt despair with encouragement, compassion and a reminder that nobody is beyond help.

A 24-hour hotline is listed on the notes to provide immediate support for people who need it.

Lifeline NI also offers support and can be contacted at 0808 808 8000. Alternatively, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123.

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PSNI issue update after five men arrested in West Belfast over dissident activity

Published

52 minutes ago

23 May 2026

NewsAdmin

The ive men were detained under the Terrorism Act

The PSNI has tonight issued an update into an ongoing investigation into violent dissident republican activity.

On Thursday, May 21, five men were arrested in West Belfast by detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit. The men aged 26, 27, 38, 44 and 51 were arrested in the Poleglass area.

This evening, Saturday, May 23, police have confirmed all five men have been released from custody following questioning.

A PSNI spokesperson added that ‘the investigation remains ongoing.’

The arrests came following a number of searches in the West Belfast area on Thursday and into Friday, May 22. An area off the Pembrooke Loop Road remained closed for most of Friday while the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch conducted inquiries.

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Fox trapped in garden bench in Osbaldwick is rescued

Published

1 hour ago

23 May 2026

NewsAdmin

Fox trapped in garden bench in Osbaldwick is rescued

The animal was stuck in the bench in Meadlands, Osbaldwick, shortly before 9.10am on Saturday (May 23).

A fire crew was called to the home and rescued the animal, then took it to a nearby vet, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

In a statement, the fire service said: “York crew responded to assist a fox that was trapped in a garden bench.

“Crews used protection and small tools to release the fox. Crews then transported the fox to a nearby vet and left it in their care.”

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Britain’s Got Talent viewers praise ‘breathtaking’, ‘spellbinding’ and ‘remarkably unique’ performance

Published

1 hour ago

23 May 2026

NewsAdmin

The last semi-final for Britain’s Got Talent 2026 aired on Saturday night

Britain’s Got Talent fans have hailed one semi-final performance as ‘breath-taking’, ‘spellbinding’ and ‘remarkably unique’ as Celestial were sent straight to next week’s final.

During the penultimate week of Britain’s Got Talent 2026, eight performers took to the stage in London – Baron & Vesper, Celestial, The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, Jake Banfield, James Miller, Juan Carlos, Mr. Cherry and SOS!

Britain’s Got Talent returned for its 19th series in February with auditions being filmed in Blackpool, welcoming to the screen a huge array of performers – including dancers, singers, magicians, comedians and more.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI all returned for another season, along with hosts Ant and Dec. KSI, whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, is in the middle of his debut series as a full-time judge on Britain’s Got Talent.

During Saturday’s episode, Celestial swept the judges completely off their feet with their semi-final performance, which was awarded this week’s Golden Buzzer, sending them straight through to the final.

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Celestial is made up of director John “JP” Partridge, along with Matt, Herbie, Ottilie, Ant, and Arron. The group uses drones and LED lights to tell stories in their performances.

As well as impressing the four judges, Celestial left viewers at home amazed. After their performance, fans raced to social media to praise the ‘spell-binding’ act.

@Ruthless1984 wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Just watched @BGT for the first time this year. Saw Celestial, wow. Original and breathtaking.”

Britain’s Got Talent fan @Yellows4Life wrote: “Well that was a bit special wasn’t it. Gave me goosebumps. Amazing what you can do these days, the drones, the art, the lights, the story, the performance. Can’t fault it. Transfixed. Well done Celestial.”

ITV viewer @AnthonyShannon2 said: “Celestial is genuinely spellbinding What a remarkably unique act”, and @AmyTeamLH wrote: Can we replace the London NYD firework display with a drone show from Celestial?”

@hannahforest said: “Celestial produced one of the best drone shows I’ve ever seen. That really should have been the performance in the final.”

@KB3471 wrote on X: “Celestial are one of the best talents I’ve ever seen on #BGT – book them now for New year on the Thames!!!”

The 2026 Britain’s Got Talent’s live final will air at 7pm on Saturday, May 30, on ITV1 and ITVX.

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M6 crash LIVE as all motorway traffic stopped with major delays

Published

1 hour ago

23 May 2026

NewsAdmin

National Highways for the North West have posted: “Traffic has been held on the #M6 in #Cheshire northbound between J21 #Warrington – J21A (#M62) due to a collision. Emergency services are on scene and recovery arranged. Delays in excess of 30 minutes with 2 miles of congestion.”

Travel service Inrix has said: “All traffic being temporarily held due to accident on M6 Northbound from J21 A57 Manchester Road (Woolston) to J21A M62 (Croft Interchange).”

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