Owen Evans, 45, fell ill on holiday in 2023 and needed life-changing surgery – now he’s raising money for the hospital that cared for him
A man who fell ill on holiday and had to undergo life-changing surgery wants to raise money for the hospital that cared for him. Owen Evans, from Ely, went on his first cruise in June 2023 with his family, and this cruise set sail to the sunny Mediterranean.
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In the lead-up to the cruise and in the first few days of the holiday, Owen “didn’t feel right”. On the third day, Owen went into atrial fibrillation – an irregular, rapid heart rhythm.
“I wasn’t breathing right – I was rushed down to the medical centre on the boat,” said 45-year-old Owen. When the ship docked in Spain, Owen was taken to the hospital, and his heart was shocked back to a normal rhythm.
However, things took a turn for the worse when Owen’s heart “became a total mess”. Owen had to be airlifted to a hospital in Brittany, France, where he spent a week in intensive care. He was told he needed urgent surgery. While the France hospital provided “excellent care”, Owen decided to fly back to England and underwent surgery at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.
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He said: “It was a surreal moment in my life. They told me I was probably born with the condition. [Papworth] was great. It was a successful surgery and I got back to normal life. My heart was functioning at 22% and I managed to get it up to 50 per cent. Then a year ago, out of nowhere, I had a heart attack and cardiac arrest. I died for nine minutes.”
Owen had to go into Royal Papworth again and he was told he was living with long-term heart failure. Although he has to go for regular checks, take lots of medications and be careful, Owen said things are “generally good”.
Following from the “amazing” care he experienced at Papworth, Owen wants to raise money for the hospital. He said: “Every staff member was brilliant. Their expertise are incredible. Until you go through something, you don’t realise what they do for you.” Before he got ill, Owen was a keen cyclist.
He planned to do a charity cycle from the hospital in Brittany to Papworth with his brother-in-law, however the hospital advised against it. As an alternative, he now plans to motorcycle the 744km route instead. Owen plans to do this with his family and friends next year. Anyone who would like to donate to his fundraiser can do so here.
Gary Lineker appeared on ITV’s World Cup coverage of Germany vs Ivory Coast but left viewers very confused by a surprise decision
ITV viewers were left baffled by Gary Lineker only appearing for 20 minutes during the build-up to Germany vs Ivory Coast in the World Cup. The former BBC pundit looked to be part of the rival broadcaster’s match coverage but surprisingly departed their studio before kick-off.
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Lineker left the BBC 12 months ago following social media posts that did not align with their guidelines. He has since started The Rest Is Football podcast with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer and is out in the United States after a huge Netflix deal was agreed for the World Cup.
Taking advantage of his presence, ITV booked him for a short appearance on Saturday evening with Lineker also promoting his upcoming show ‘The Box’ on the channel. Following a barrage of questions towards him to start the programme, ITV returned from ads and Lineker had disappeared which saw confused viewers take to social media.
One X user said: “Oh, Gary Lineker was only there for the first 20 minutes of the build-up. Won’t be in the studio during the game itself. Ah well.”
Another added: “Just turned on #GERCIV – Where’s Gary Lineker? He spoofed hosting & then left?”
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A third stated: “Wait where’s Lineker gone was he only on the bit at the start or?”
Though most were bewildered by his premature exit, Lineker impressed many others with his comments, which also saw a number of viewers again commend ITV for their superior coverage.
One X account brutally admitted: “ITV have absolutely wiped the BBC out the park in every single department for this World Cup. Gary Lineker is a real one who should’ve never been sacked.”
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A second said: “Seeing Gary Lineker on ITV today is like watching Lewis Figo go from Barca to Real. Unreal move by ITV!”
A third wrote: “That opening segment on ITV with Gary Lineker was exceptional. The best in the business.”
Lineker’s most noticeable remark during his showing appeared to be a subtle dig at the BBC following his playful exchange with lead presenter Laura Woods.
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Upon being asked what he has been up to, Lineker said: “I’ve been doing a show daily for Netflix in Times Square but I did desperately wanted to come and see your set. I think it’s absolutely amazing, and I can confirm that it’s real.
“What a backdrop. And obviously I wanted to do TV, I haven’t done it for a little while.”
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The four-year-old is one of only two boys in Northern Ireland with this condition
This is four-year-old Pearse Connolly, who has been defying the odds since birth.
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The little Co Tyrone lad was diagnosed with severe X-Linked myotubular myopathy(XLMTM), a rare neuro muscular condition that affects the muscles and causes severe hypotonia. It is considered a life-limiting condition. XLMTM affects his breathing, ability to swallow, his movements and mobility.
Most children born with it don’t survive past infancy. Pearse is one of only two boys in Northern Ireland with this condition. He was sent home as ‘end of life care’ at four months old and it has taken a lot of research and work to by his devoted parents, John and Laura from Edendork in Dungannon, get him to where he is now. The couple are also parents to 6-year-old Eve.
Speaking to Belfast Live, his mum Laura explained Perase’s journey so far: “Pearse was born on December 14 2021 at Craigavon Area Hospital. He was resuscitated at birth and spent five and a half weeks in the Neonatal Unit. When he was born, he had pneumonia in both lungs, and the doctors thought his limpness was due to how sick he was.
“As the antibiotics kicked in and they felt his lungs were improving, the limpness remained. He was like what they would have described as like a very floppy child, and he didn’t open his eyes, didn’t really cry or respond to an awful lot.
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“Because he was born in December we were obviously expecting to have him home for Christmas, but the doctors decided to do some genetic testing. At 4 months old and after a very traumatic and difficult time in hospital, Pearse was sent home as ‘end of life care’.
“He was not expected to survive more than a few days but he had no intention of leaving us. After a month at home, a new complication put Pearse back into hospital and we were there for the next six months.
“He was not expected to survive more than a few days but he had no intention of leaving us. After a month at home, a new complication put Pearse back into hospital and we were there for the next six months.
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“Pearse wasn’t officially diagnosed until he was 10 months old, so we actually had to do an awful lot of guesswork in the beginning. We always say that Pearse is actually rare in a rare world. During his first year, Pearse was intubated countless times and we lost count of the amount of drains his lungs needed.
“His life at that time was full of needles, tubes, drains and trauma. But despite it all, he was resilient and showed he had remarkable potential. We just knew we had to do everything possible to provide him with the best life possible.
“Now here he is at four years old and living a trache/vent and PEG/blended diet life that is full of happiness and love. Pearse is very affectionate, fun loving, and a happy, contented child. You know, if he cries that there’s something very wrong.
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“He loves attention, being involved in everything, loves people talking to him and interacting with him. He loves getting out and about, being out in the car and knowing that he’s going somewhere. He has really thrived at school because they’ve been able to introduce so much to him in terms of technology.”
Unfortunately, his family are now at the stage that in order to keep Pearse strong and well, they need access to ongoing therapies and equipment. They have launched a Just4Children fundraising campaign, called Pushing Pearse’s Potential, to make that happen. It has already raised over £10,000 in six weeks.
Laura added: “Just4Children are fundraising to provide Pearse with therapies and specialist equipment to enable him to reach his full potential and stay as well as he can for as long as he can having a happier life with less restrictions.
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“In order for Pearse to live his best life despite all the complications of his diagnosis, he will need ongoing funds to access regular therapies and purchase specialist equipment. We want to keep Pearse as well as possible for as long as possible and we want him to have a wonderful life where as many options as possible are open to him.
“The people of Edendork and the wider Dungannon and Coalisland community have been amazing. What has really taken my breath away at times has been the kindness of strangers, people reaching out who I have maybe never spoken to or ever seen.
“Any support would be greatly appreciated and we really hope the community within Tyrone will really rally behind him. We have already seen that there is real kindness out there and it really restores your faith and changes your whole perspective on everything as well.”
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You can donate to Pushing Pearse’s Potential here and follow his journey on Facebook.
This marks the first fatality at the Donegal International Rally since three-time winner Manus Kelly died in a crash in 2019
Darragh Murphy and Carrington Walker Live News Journalist
21:42, 20 Jun 2026Updated 22:08, 20 Jun 2026
A spectator has died following an accident at the Donegal International Rally, leading organisers to cancel the remainder of the three‑day event.
Motorsport Ireland and the Donegal Motor Club confirmed in a joint statement that a “young male spectator” lost his life after an incident on Stage 12 on Saturday afternoon (June 20). Just before 5pm on Saturday, June 20, Gardai received reports of an incident during which a number of rally spectators were injured by a car that was taking part in the event.
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It is understood the crash happened when a competing car left the road at a left-hand bend. The fatal accident occurred during the first run through the Gartan stage, the 12th of 20 scheduled stages in what is regarded as one of Ireland’s largest and most prestigious motorsport gatherings.
Two spectators were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, and the rally was halted after the incident. Organisers confirmed that, as a mark of respect, the rest of the rally would be cancelled.
A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana told the Irish Mirror: “Gardaí are investigating the sudden death of a male youth following an incident at a motorsport event in Donegal on Saturday, 20th June 2026.
“Shortly before 5pm, Emergency Services and Gardaí were alerted after a number of spectators were injured in an incident involving a participating car at Trentagh, near Kilmacrennan. One of the spectators, a male youth in his mid teens, was brought by ambulance from the scene to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
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“Two other spectators are receiving hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
“The local Coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged. The scene has been preserved for a technical examination and investigations are ongoing.
“An Garda Síochána is aware that images and video footage related to this incident are circulating on social media and messaging platforms. We appeal to anyone who receives this content to refrain from sharing or reposting it further.”
Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club said they “express their deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased” and asked that their privacy is respected. Organisers also asked the public not to share video footage of the incident which they say is circulating on social media.
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An investigation into the incident is understood to be underway, carried out by Motorsport Ireland and the An Garda Siochana. This marks the first fatality at the Donegal International Rally since three-time winner Manus Kelly died in a crash in 2019.
Kris Meeke, a five-time winner in the World Rally Championship, was leading the rally ahead of Callum Devine and Josh McErlean before it was stopped.
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He made four substitutions before the hour mark and they had a clear effect as Nadiem Amiri assisted Undav’s equaliser. Both sides enjoyed plentiful chances through a frantic final 20 minutes and Ivory Coast keeper Yahia Fofana made several big saves, but Undav finally beat him in the fourth of six added minutes to ensure Germany remained atop Group I.
The collision, which killed a train driver, involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday (June 19)
Katie Green Senior multimedia reporter and Rosie Shead Press Association
12:58, 20 Jun 2026Updated 13:04, 20 Jun 2026
Twenty-eight people remain in hospital, with nine of them in a critical condition, after two trains collided near Bedford, police have confirmed.
The crash, which claimed the life of a train driver, involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, with one hitting the back of the other on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday (June 19).
Addressing a press conference near the scene today (Saturday, June 20), British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “Tragically, the driver of one of the trains died in the collision.
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“His family have been informed and our deepest condolences are with them, his friends, and his colleagues at East Midlands Railway.
“The driver’s family, as you would expect, are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time. Over 80 people were treated at hospital last night. As of this morning, 28 remain in hospital, and nine are in a critical condition.”
The two trains involved were the 4.40pm departure from Corby and the 3.50pm departure from Nottingham, both bound for London St Pancras.
Aside from being uncomfortable for many, heatwaves pose real risks, too. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently said they “can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun”.
These risks include heat exhaustion and heatstroke. And on the Cleveland Clinic’s site, they say a “thready pulse” can be a sign that the hot weather has seriously affected you.
Here, we asked Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, to explain what the term means, how to spot it, and what to do if you notice the change.
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What is a thready pulse?
“A thready pulse typically means a pulse that is very weak, faint or difficult to detect. It’s named this because it can make the pulse feel like a thin thread beneath the skin, rather than a regular beat,” Dr Grant said.
“It can happen when the body is under serious strain, which is why some people may experience it as a sign of heatstroke.
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“It should never be ignored, as it may indicate an individual is overheating or the body is unable to effectively circulate blood.”
How can I spot a thready pulse?
“The easiest way to spot a thready pulse is to regularly check it. To do this, place two fingers on the wrist or neck and feel for the beat. If it’s hard to find, weaker than normal or seems to come and go, then it could be thready and may require medical intervention,” the GP explained.
In the case of heatstroke, though, he added this is “generally combined with other warning signs”, inlcuding:
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confusion,
dizziness,
extreme weakness,
hot skin, and
in extreme cases, collapsing or seizures.
All of this “highlights the importance of remaining hydrated,” Dr Grant continued.
“Drinking enough water, especially during the warmer months of the year, is crucial for replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. By doing so, people can help reduce their risk of dehydration and heat-related illness, and support the body’s ability to regulate temperature.”
What should I do if I notice a thready pulse?
“If someone notices a thready pulse, it’s important to act fast. It should be treated as a potential red flag, particularly if it’s combined with other worrying symptoms. If heatstroke is suspected, I recommend seeking urgent medical attention by calling 999,” said the GP.
“Removing excess clothing and slowly sipping water can help reduce body temperature. Overall, don’t wait to see if a weak pulse improves if the person looks seriously unwell; get urgent medical help.”
New England’s largest, award–winning news organization has thanked the Tartan Army for their unforgettable impact on Boston.
21:31, 20 Jun 2026Updated 21:33, 20 Jun 2026
The largest news organisation in New England has published a full page tribute to the Tartan Army after bringing a joy that Boston “will never forget”.
Daily newspaper The Boston Globe, one of the biggest news brands in the United States, has thanked the Scots who travelled to support Steve Clarke’s men for their two matches in the city during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Tartan Army are known across the world for the atmosphere they bring wherever they travel and they have added another city to the list of places which will be left with fond memories.
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From drinking pubs dry to playing bagpipes at 6am and the abducted traffic cones which now adorn countless statues across Boston, the locals have been overawed by the traveling Scots – so much so that Glasgow and Boston are now set to become sister cities.
In a letter to the Tartan Army published in today’s Globe, the newspaper thanked the travelling supporters as they move onto Miami for Scotland‘s final group stage match.
The Globe said: “Dear Tartan Army, you came for the World Cup, but gave us something more.
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“For a week, you turned train stations into singalongs, Fenway into a football ground and an ordinary June into something we’ll be talking about for years.
“Boston has hosted championships, parades and celebrations of every kind. But we’ve never hosted guests quite like you all.
“Thank you for the laughter, the bagpipes and the memories. The World Cup will move on. So will the songs, but we’ll never forget the joy you brought to our city.”
A plethora of videos have been posted across social media of the Tartan Army enjoying themselves in New England – including from one England supporter who was taken under the Scots wing for a night he would never forget and one Boston bartender who raked in nearly $1,000 in tips in a single shift.
John McGinn and co have headed back to their base in Charlotte, North Carolina and they will soon be on their way to Miami where they are set to take on Brazil under the blistering Florida sun at the Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday, June 24.
And the party has already started in the Sunshine State’s second-largest city. Should Andy Robertson and his teammates make history against the five-time world champions, it could be another week to remember and another city left with fond memories of the traveling Scots.
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Police Scotland have confirmed a man has been charged in connection to a series of violent attacks across Edinburgh on Friday that left five people injured
Paige Ingram, Rachel Vickers-Price UK and World News Reporter and Lucinda Cameron and Neil Pooran Press Association Scotland
23:59, 20 Jun 2026
A man has been charged in connection with a series of attacks in Edinburgh on Friday that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said appeared to be motivated by “anti-Muslim hatred”.
Police Scotland said: “A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which took place in Edinburgh on Friday June 19 2026.
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“A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course.”
Counter-terrorism officers were called in to probe a string of violent incidents across Edinburgh on Friday, with Police Scotland confirming a 36-year-old white Scottish man had been arrested. The force confirmed there is no further threat to the public.
Officers were dispatched to reports of an incident in the Sighthill area of the city, where two men were left injured, at approximately 8.50pm on Friday. Police subsequently received further reports of incidents targeting retailers across the west and north of the city.
Five men – two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39 – sustained a range of injuries. Three required hospital treatment, though none of the injuries are considered life-threatening. Several of the victims are Muslim, according to the Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) organisation.
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Sir Keir Starmer took to X, sharing an image of a bare-chested man wielding a large weapon, writing: “Absolutely appalling. No one should face violence on our streets.
“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law. My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response.”
Videos circulating online showed a bare-chested white man wandering the streets of Edinburgh carrying a large weapon, while a separate clip appeared to show a man hammering on the door of a pizzeria.
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Officers cordoned off Leith Walk on Friday evening as the situation developed, with further footage appearing to show a topless man on the ground shouting that he is “protecting the country” while being restrained by an officer.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney also denounced the violence in an online post on X, writing: “I am deeply concerned by these incidents. There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country. I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the Government.”
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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described herself as “horrified” by the violence, which appeared “to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred”, while Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton branded it “shocking”, expressing her thoughts for those injured and most directly affected.
Ms Mahmood said she was “grateful” to the police and emergency services for their “bravery in apprehending the suspect and for their speedy response in attending to the victims”. She added: “There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country.”
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Assistant Chief Constable Paton said: “I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together. Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority.
“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances.”
The force is collaborating with Counter Terrorism Policing and operating under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. She went on to say: “I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public.
“I’m hugely grateful for the support and assistance of our communities and would appeal for anyone with any information to share it with police.”
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A Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been established to enable members of the public to submit information directly to officers. Police are urging anyone with relevant information to upload it via an online form.
Scottish Government’s Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: “These attacks were awful and my thoughts are with those who were injured and affected by them. As Police Scotland have said, there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in Scotland.
“They have also confirmed that a man has been arrested, there is no threat to the public and their inquiries are ongoing. I encourage anyone with information to contact the police. This was clearly a very serious incident and my thanks go to the emergency services for their bravery and skill in bringing the incident under control.”
World number one Scottie Scheffler ignited his bid to claim the career grand slam after a one-under round of 69 made him the main threat to US Open third-round leader Wyndham Clark.
The American is taking his first shot at trying to join the elite six-man club which Rory McIlroy was admitted to last year after winning the Masters.
For two days Scheffler went under the radar after rounds of 72 and 68 but with a number of other multiple major winners who started the day in the top 10 struggling in the toughest conditions of the week at Shinnecock Hills, the 29-year-old breezed past them and into contention.
His round, which started with back-to-back bogeys, included four birdies on the back nine – including a chip-in at the 14th and narrowly missing an eagle attempt at the 16th – and after dropping a shot at the short 17th he missed a four-footer for birdie at the last.
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It moved him to within five shots of 2024 champion Clark, who was one over through 13 holes of his round and six under for the tournament when the world number one finished up.
McIlroy’s bid for a first US Open title since making his major breakthrough in 2011 collapsed after the turn after going out in a two-under 33.
Three successive birdies from the fifth moved him to within four of Clark, who was just teeing off, but he overshot the green at the difficult 10th for the second successive day for the first of five bogeys on an inward nine of 40 and a round of 73 which left him three over and his hopes in tatters.
Scheffler is hoping for a triple celebration on Sunday as it is his birthday and also Father’s Day.
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“I think it’s appropriate to understand what’s at stake,” he said.
“I’ve worked really hard for a long time to have a chance to win golf tournaments and to win major championships.
“I think understanding the moment and giving it your best shot I think is all part of the process.
“I mean, I’d rather be leading but I have an opportunity to go out there and have a great round and give myself a chance to win the tournament.
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“I’ll need a really nice round tomorrow if I’m going to try and catch Wyndham.”
Saltwick Bay is known by visitors for its cliffs, rocky shoreline and views across the North Sea.
The secluded cove sits beneath the clifftop path from Whitby Abbey and can also be reached via Whitby Holiday Park, although visitors are warned that the descent can be steep, muddy and slippery.
Saltwick Bay (Image: Oliver Sherratt/CAMERA CLUB)
Despite its relatively remote feel, the bay attracts walkers, photographers and geology enthusiasts throughout the year.
Saltwick Bay is particularly popular with fossil hunters thanks to its position on the Jurassic Coast.
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The continually eroding cliffs make it a well-known spot for finding Lower Jurassic fossils, including ammonites, belemnites and fossilised plant remains.
Visitors also sometimes search the shoreline for pieces of Whitby Jet, the rare black fossilised gemstone strongly associated with the town nearby.
Today, the dramatic cliffs and rock platforms provide a very different kind of attraction.
At low tide, one of the bay’s most photographed sights is the rusting remains of the Admiral Van Tromp fishing trawler.
The vessel ran aground in 1976 and became embedded in the rocks, where parts of the wreck can still be seen when the tide is out.
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Saltwick Bay is also linked to the SS Rohilla, a hospital ship which sank near Saltwick Nab in 1914 during the First World War.
The disaster led to a major rescue effort involving lifeboats from Whitby, Scarborough, Redcar, and Tynemouth.
The bay’s scenery is dominated by Black Nab, a craggy sea stack at the edge of the shoreline, which has become a popular subject for photographers.
Saltwick Bay (Image: Gill Davidson/CAMERA CLUB)
Many visitors describe Saltwick Bay as “wild”, “atmospheric” and “unspoilt”, praising its fossil hunting, rock pools and sense of isolation despite its closeness to Whitby.
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Others say the beach is a favourite for dog walking, with year-round access and open space at low tide.
However, visitors are repeatedly warned that Saltwick Bay is not a beach to visit without planning.
The tide comes in quickly and can cut off parts of the shoreline, leaving people trapped against the cliffs.
Anyone heading down to the bay is urged to check tide times before visiting and to avoid walking close to the base of the cliffs, where rockfalls are common.
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There are also no toilets, cafes, shops or facilities directly on the beach, meaning visitors should bring water, snacks and suitable footwear.
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