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‘I put my dreams on hold but dad’s life-changing accident inspired my return to university’

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Belfast Live

For Rachel, becoming a mum to son Jake at a young age wasn’t easy; it meant putting higher education on hold

After putting higher education on hold while raising her son Rachel Milliken was inspired to return to university having witnessed her father begin his own studies following a serious accident.

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For Rachel, aged 39 and from the North Coast, becoming a mum to son Jake at a young age wasn’t easy; it meant putting her dreams on hold. But Jake became her whole world and best friend, as Rachel recalls: “We went through some very tough times together, and he was always there for me.”

Years later, Rachel’s father Jim experienced a serious motorbike accident which changed his life.

Remembering that difficult time, she reflects: “My dad worked hard all his life. He loved the gym and his motorbike until the day a terrible motorbike accident changed everything. He broke his back, and for a time we didn’t know if he would ever walk again.

“At surgery they had to insert titanium rods into his spine. He eventually recovered, but life as he knew it was gone. He could no longer work, and the depression hit hard.”

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However, instead of letting the accident define him, Rachel’s dad used his experience to set himself a new challenge.

“My dad did something remarkable. He enrolled at Coleraine Northern Regional College to do an Access to Higher Education course and went on to earn a First-Class Honours degree from Ulster University,” Rachel said.

“He kept telling me to go and do it, that it would be the best thing I ever did, and not to wait any longer. But I was happy in my job and earning good money, so I never really took it seriously.

“Then came his graduation day. I stood there watching him – this man – my daddy, who was 54 surrounded by 21-year-olds, laughing and smiling as he collected his degree and I was overwhelmed with emotion and pride.”

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Inspired by his example, Rachel began working towards a degree, a journey that has now culminated in her Doctor’s graduation. Dr Rachel Louise Milliken will graduate on Tuedsay with a Doctor of Philosophy from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast.

“In that moment, I knew two things: I wanted that feeling for myself, and I wanted him to feel that same pride for me. So, I applied to SERC Bangor, signed up for a part-time course, and over the next ten years I completed an Access to Higher Education course, a BSc in Biomedical Science, an MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutics, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy at Queen’s!”

Rachel’s time at university has been a rewarding and enriching journey. The support and guidance she received from staff, mentors, and fellow students helped her overcome challenges, develop new skills, and grow both academically and personally.

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She adds: “I have to mention Professor Dimitrios Lamprou. He was the Director of the MSc course when I first met him and later became my doctoral supervisor. I owe him an enormous amount. He saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself.

“He pushed me when I felt like I wasn’t good enough, and he gave me opportunities that have shaped who I am in academia today. He gave me my chance, and I will be forever grateful.”

Rachel is currently working as a KTP Associate through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, which creates and supports collaborations between academic institutions such as Queen’s University Belfast and businesses.

Speaking on how much she enjoys the KTP experience, she says: “I feel genuinely grateful for this opportunity. I work as a formulation scientist with Provita an animal healthcare company, while simultaneously being supported by Professor David Jones at the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s.

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“It feels like the best of both worlds; I’m learning to bridge the gap between academia and industry in a way that very few roles allow. Queen’s plays a vital part in making that possible. The University works with Innovate UK and companies to secure funding and create opportunities.”

Jake is now a second-year student himself at the University of Portsmouth.

Rachel adds: “We truly did life together. Now, at 39, being the mum of a 20-year-old feels incredible. We have the most amazing relationship, and he has been my biggest supporter throughout my entire university journey. Now he is off on his own life adventure at university in Portsmouth, and I feel like my life is only just beginning and so is his.”

Rachel hopes to inspire others who may feel like university is not be for them and speaking ahead of her graduation, she says: “I had always worried that being older would mean I would;n’t fit in but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. For the first time in my life, I truly felt like I belonged. I found my people, made incredible friends from all around the world, and created memories I will carry with me forever.

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“I never in a million years dreamt that ten years later I would be where I am now or have achieved what I have achieved. I thought I would get an undergraduate degree, go work in industry as a scientist, and that would be it. But my story turned out to be something I could never have imagined, and I feel incredibly lucky.

“I hope that this story reaches even one person who thinks they are too old, not intelligent enough, or too afraid to take a chance on something new. Just go for it if I can do this, anyone can.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Subway set to open at Selby’s Market Cross Shopping Centre

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Subway set to open at Selby's Market Cross Shopping Centre

Subway will open its newest store at the Gowthorpe entrance to the Market Cross Shopping Centre in Selby this July.

While a date is yet to be officially confirmed, sources have suggested a date of Monday (July 6), which may be subject to change.


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Subway had operated at 33 Gowthorpe in the town but closed in 2022.

The US chain is renowned for its choose-your-own sandwiches, salads and wraps, flavoured with a selection of fillings and sauce options.

The site had previously been the location of Alexander Cards, now known as Elaine’s Cards, which moved to a new unit opposite Costa Coffee, off New Lane in the town centre in May.

Speaking to The Press at the time, owner Elaine Yarrow said: “We are really pleased that the opportunity has arisen for us to relocate to a space that really suits the current and future needs of the business.

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“The new space offers improved visibility and a more flexible layout, allowing us to enhance the overall shopping experience.

“We’re really excited about this next chapter and look forward to welcoming both new and returning customers into our new space.”

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Preston Davey’s murderer’s home put on the market with warning issued to prospective buyers

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Manchester Evening News

The sick couple moved into the home just days after the toddler’s death

The former home of two depraved adoptive dads jailed following the death of tot Preston Davey has been put back on the market with prospective buyers warned of the Lancashire property’s previous owners.

Jamie Varley and his then partner John McGowan-Fazakerley had long spoken of dreams of moving from their semi-detached home in Staining Road in Blackpool.

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LancsLive reports the couple had already been arrested in connection with Preston’s death but got the keys to their new home in Chandlers Way, Grimsargh, just 22 days later.

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The couple completed the purchase of their new home and moved in shortly afterwards, with neighbours later saying they had no idea of their criminal background.

The truth finally emerged when police executed a warrant at the property in June 2024 and charged both men. Following a trial lasting more than seven weeks at Preston Crown Court, jurors heard how Preston had suffered extensive physical, emotional and sexual abuse after being placed with the couple as prospective adopters in March 2023.

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A post-mortem examination found the toddler had sustained around 40 injuries.

Prosecutors described the case as one of the most shocking they had encountered, with him enduring a sustained campaign of abuse during the final months of his life.

Varley was convicted of murder, sexual offences, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty and indecent image offences and sentenced to a whole life order. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty and sexual assault and jailed for 25 years.

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Now, their former home in Chandlers Way has been put back on the market for £370,000; £80,000 less than the £450,000 the couple paid for the detached five-bedroom home. The house is due to be sold at an online auction closing on July 31.

The listing for the home describes it as an “immaculate detached property with stunning countryside views” and is said to represent “an ideal opportunity for families”.

The listing makes reference to the couple’s convictions and states: “The vendor is currently serving a custodial sentence following conviction for offences involving [a minor]. It is understood that the offences were not committed at the property.

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“This information is being provided in the interests of transparency and to assist prospective purchasers in making an informed decision. Buyers should undertake their own enquiries and satisfy themselves as to any matters that may influence their decision to bid for or purchase the property.”

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Millions set to leave work early to cheer England on against DR Congo in first World Cup knockout match while sinking 3.5m GALLONS of beer

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England fans at Ultra Warehouse Derby as England score against Panama on Saturday

Millions of England fans are expected to leave work early on Wednesday and drink 28million pints of beer to cheer on the Three Lions at the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel‘s men will play their first knockout match of this year’s tournament at 5pm BST, heading to Atlanta to take on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Workers are expected to abandon desks and ditch last-minute meetings to rush to bars or dash home to watch the Round of 32 match which will be broadcast on BBC One.

The 5pm kick-off time is notable given it will be England’s only game of the tournament that will start straight after most people finish work for the day.

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Supporters are expected to drink 28million pints – equivalent to three and a half million gallons – of beer at the pub and at home from the moment of kick-off.

The match also marks the first time UK fans will benefit from a 1am nationwide late licensing extension, which will see pub doors kept open from 11pm to 1am.

The extra two-hour drinking window will see 14million pints pulled in pubs and another 14million drunk at home during the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Some experts predict some staff will go further and pull a sickie on ‘Bunk Off Wednesday’ and dedicate their whole day to alcohol-fuelled pre-match partying.

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England fans at Ultra Warehouse Derby as England score against Panama on Saturday

Supporters celebrate Jude Bellingham's goal as they watch at Depot Mayfield in Manchester

Supporters celebrate Jude Bellingham’s goal as they watch at Depot Mayfield in Manchester

Tonight’s game follows England’s 2-0 victory against Panama on Saturday night, thanks to goals scored by captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham.

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The UK Government’s blanket licensing extension allows all 35,000 pubs in Britain to stay open until 1am for England’s knockout matches which kick-off between 5pm and 9pm.

A win for England over DR Congo will push Thomas Tuchel’s men into the last 16, where they will face either Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City on Sunday night.

With that game starting in the UK in the early hours of Monday morning at 1am BST, it could run as late as 4am if penalties come into play.

However, dreams of a bank holiday hinged on England’s victory were crushed this week.

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A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told reporters on Monday that there were ‘no plans’ for a bank holiday next Monday if England were to win in the last 16.

To set up the 1am last 16 encounter, England first have to get past DR Congo, who have a global ranking of 41, and finished third in Group K.

Mike Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, which represents pubs and other venues, said: ‘A 5pm kick-off on Wednesday means pubs will be packed from the afternoon, with the later licensing hours meaning pubs can make the most of what could be one of the biggest trading nights of the year.

‘Thousands of extra pints will be pulled in bars. It’s a vital boost to takings at a time when many venues desperately need the additional revenue.’

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Fans jump onto the tables in Newcastle as they celebrate an England victory on Saturday

Fans jump onto the tables in Newcastle as they celebrate an England victory on Saturday

England secured a 2-0 victory against Panama on Saturday night, thanks to Harry Kane (pictured) and Jude Bellingham

England secured a 2-0 victory against Panama on Saturday night, thanks to Harry Kane (pictured) and Jude Bellingham 

Alan Price, chief executive at BrightHR, which monitors absence among over a million employees at over 50,000 UK companies, said: ‘With a 5pm kick-off for the England game, it looks like ‘Bunk Off Wednesday’.

‘Businesses should expect a slowdown from mid-afternoon as millions of employees stop work early to get to the pub or back home in time for the match.

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‘And employers are likely to see an influx of sickness absences as some staff are tempted by a whole afternoon in the pub before the game.’

Elsewhere, Tuesday night saw France breeze past Sweden 3-0 in their last 16 game, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup knockout matches.

Meanwhile, Erling Haaland was on the scoresheet as Norway knocked out the Ivory Coast with a 2-1 win.

Monday night saw Germany’s first-ever World Cup penalty shootout defeat – losing to Paraguay, who had odds of 450-1 to win the tournament.

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Morocco, fresh from a second-place finish in Group C, secured a 3-2 win on penalties over the Netherlands, prompting the latter’s elimination from the tournament.

And Brazil scored a dramatic last-gasp winner against Japan, who more than held their own against the five-time world champions.

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Heat wave prompts cooling centers in the Midwest, outdoor activity warnings

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Heat wave prompts cooling centers in the Midwest, outdoor activity warnings

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Summer camps and other outdoor activities were canceled Monday as tens of millions of people across the Midwest endured a heat wave that is expected to spread eastward this week. Communities opened cooling centers and urged people to take it easy and stay hydrated.

Forty-seven million people across big chunks of the Midwest and parts of the Ohio Valley are under an extreme heat warning through at least Tuesday. Temperatures are forecast to reach the 90s, with heat index values, or “feels-like” temperatures, expected to top 100 degrees (37.8 degrees Celsius) in the region, according to the National Weather Service.

Visiting Des Moines with family, Rachel Washburn searched for things to do with kids during a heat wave. They landed at a water sprayground before lunch Monday, where her children played tag in the cool water.

“My kids were quite shocked at the heat and humidity,” said Washburn of her seven children ages 18 months to 17 who had been used to more temperate weather farther north in Bemidji, Minnesota. “We were hoping for some good weather, but we’ll make do.”

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About 56 million Americans are under an extreme heat watch as hot and humid weather is expected to move farther east later in the week, with some of the worst conditions expected by Thursday and Friday in the Ohio Valley, the Mid-Atlantic and into the Northeast. Some areas could experience record-high temperatures, said Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.

On Monday, cities and event planners were already announcing adjustments for or calling off events later in the week, including a farmer’s market scheduled for Tuesday in DeWitt, Michigan; a movie screening Wednesday in Fairfield, Ohio; and Thursday’s food truck festival in Warwick, New York.

The heat wave will also likely coincide with the Fourth of July holiday weekend, providing additional risk as more people have cookouts or watch fireworks outside for the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Kleebauer said the center recommends people stay hydrated and ensure access to shady areas and air conditioning.

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Emergency workers were out in Nashville on Monday to offer water and check on people during the hottest time of the day.

Mike Russell, a captain at the Nashville Office of Emergency Management, said he saw many empty areas where people typically sleep outside, which he said was a good sign that they found someplace cool to escape the heat for a while.

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Logan King, 29, brought a cart to fill up on cold water and snacks when the emergency workers came out to a patch of woods behind a Walmart where he and others sleep outside. The trees where people have pitched tents offer some cover from the direct sun, but not much relief.

“It’s just miserable honestly, but this helps so much,” King said. “Even with the shade and a tent … it gets hot.”

Extreme heat has also taken its toll in Europe, where temperature records were set and many heat-related deaths were reported in France.

People can be caught off guard by the first heat wave of the year, said Dr. Roy Elrod, chief of staff at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital.

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“You’re happy winter’s gone, you’re ready to enjoy the summer, you’ve just been aching for it,” Elrod said. “And so, I think we slip into kind of a position where we think it’s got to be OK.”

Heat-related injuries can happen in a matter of minutes, he said, especially to those who don’t prepare for the weather by hydrating, wearing light clothing, avoiding the hottest times of the day and minimizing exposure to the sun.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison said it was closing 23 buildings to the public starting Tuesday, allowing only limited access to 11 others. It was relocating some summer classes after a broken water line at its cooling plant earlier this month severely reduced the ability to provide air conditioning across campus.

Temperatures approaching 90 degrees and high humidity didn’t stop Toni Kreutzer, 28, from taking a walk Monday along the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin, with her 13-year-old dog Chester.

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“I like it hot,” Kreutzer said. “I just don’t like the humidity.”

___

McCormack reported from Concord, New Hampshire. Associated Press reporters Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, Kristin M. Hall in Nashville and Haya Panjwani in Washington, D.C., contributed.

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Mystery over why Oliver! star Shanay Holmes quit hit show

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Shanay Holmes' acclaimed portrayal of Nancy in Oliver! led to her performing in front of King Charles at the 2024 Royal Variety Performance

With its timeless tale of an orphan boy thrown out of the workhouse for pleading, ‘Please sir, I want some more’, and later running away to London to seek his fortune, Oliver! The Musical is captivating West End audiences once again.

However, I hear that what’s been going on backstage at Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s hit revival is even more dramatic.

An internal investigation was launched after leading lady Shanay Holmes, 37, who played Nancy, claimed co-star Aaron Sidwell, 37, aka the violent Bill Sikes, had been physically rough with her during the pair’s scenes.

The probe is understood to have taken between seven and nine weeks last summer. During that period, Shanay declined to perform opposite Aaron, forcing understudy Ava Brennan, 39, to step into the role.

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Shanay’s acclaimed portrayal of Nancy previously led to her performing the ballad As Long as He Needs Me in front of King Charles at the 2024 Royal Variety Performance.

But last September, she announced she quit the show. However, her departure only fuelled further intrigue after fans noticed an apparent lack of public support from fellow cast members. Several company members, including Simon Lipkin, who plays Fagin, ‘unfollowed’ Shanay on Instagram.

Shanay Holmes’ acclaimed portrayal of Nancy in Oliver! led to her performing in front of King Charles at the 2024 Royal Variety Performance

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But last year, the actress quit the show and has since been unfollowed by several fellow cast members, fuelling intrigue among fans

But last year, the actress quit the show and has since been unfollowed by several fellow cast members, fuelling intrigue among fans

The controversy intensified when Aaron, best known for playing Steven Beale in EastEnders, shared a cryptic post on X shortly after Shanay’s departure was announced. The actor posted lyrics from the rock band Green Day’s song Too Much Too Soon, including the line: ‘Farewell, see you in hell, I hope you rest in pieces, f*** you.’

The post was later deleted.

I understand that cast members were asked to sign non-disclosure agreements amid fears that the allegations and growing backstage tensions could damage the reputation of one of the West End’s biggest family shows.

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Officials never publicly disclosed the outcome of the investigation.

Next week, Shanay will return to performing, with a solo concert with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea.

A spokesman for Oliver! declines to comment, as do the actors.

Artist ex of Friends’ Ross to remarry 

His love life has sometimes appeared as intense as that of Ross in Friends, the role for which he is destined to be for ever remembered. 

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So how will David Schwimmer, 59, cope with the declaration made yesterday by his ex-wife, the British artist Zoe Buckman, 40, to whom he’s remained close despite their ‘heart breaking’ divorce in 2017? 

Friends star David Schwimmer, 59, has remained close to his British ex-wife, Zoe Buckman, 40, despite their ¿heart breaking¿ divorce in 2017. (Pictured together at the Emmy Awards in 2016)

Friends star David Schwimmer, 59, has remained close to his British ex-wife, Zoe Buckman, 40, despite their ‘heart breaking’ divorce in 2017. (Pictured together at the Emmy Awards in 2016)

Zoe shared that she is now engaged to Justin Saliman, a wealthy orthopaedic surgeon who previously dated Sofia Vergara

Zoe shared that she is now engaged to Justin Saliman, a wealthy orthopaedic surgeon who previously dated Sofia Vergara

‘In a British countryside heat wave my boyfriend became my fiance,’ says Zoe, who has a daughter, Cleo, 15, with Schwimmer. ‘Meeting him was already prayers answered – now I don’t really know what to do with this level of gratitude. Thank you Justin for choosing me.’ 

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She’s in assured hands. Justin Saliman, 52, who previously romanced Sofia Vergara, star of American sitcom Modern Family, is an orthopaedic surgeon who founded a medical technology firm which was acquired for $105mil lion (£79million) in 2019. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s plans for their return visit to Britain next month are chaotic – and Meghan’s business organisation seems just as bad. 

I learn that Prince Harry’s wife still hasn’t managed to trademark the name of her lifestyle company, As Ever, almost two years after first filing legal papers. And she’s just been granted her second six-month extension to complete her application with the US Patent and Trade mark Office (USPTO). 

A legal document tells her: ‘Applicant’s second request for Extension of Time to File a Statement of Use has been granted. Applicant must continue to file extension requests every six months…until a Statement of Use is filed, or the USPTO will abandon the application.’ 

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With champagne corks still popping at Eton College after confirmation of Prince George’s attendance in September, news reaches me of a new honour for Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the school’s Provost, or chairman of governors. He has been appointed chairman of King Charles’s charity. ‘I’ve been a trustee of the King’s Foundation for a short time, and I’m delighted to be asked to chair,’ he tells me. ‘I am a great fan of the foundation and the work it does with traditional arts and crafts, urban architecture, heritage conservation and sustainability – all subjects close to my heart. 

Judge Rinder plays Cupid for Tonia’s girl 

Judge Rinder has delivered his verdict – and it’s clear that he’s not the stern figure seen on screen but a hopeless romantic. 

Former practising barrister Rob Rinder officiated at the wedding of Sophia Buxton, 27, and Oliver Motisi, 29, in Italy at the weekend

Former practising barrister Rob Rinder officiated at the wedding of Sophia Buxton, 27, and Oliver Motisi, 29, in Italy at the weekend

Sophia, who is the daughter of TV¿s Tonia Buxton, said that Judge Rinder did an excellent job and 'had everyone sobbing'

Sophia, who is the daughter of TV’s Tonia Buxton, said that Judge Rinder did an excellent job and ‘had everyone sobbing’

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Former practising barrister Rob Rinder officiated at the wedding of Sophia Buxton, 27, and Oliver Motisi, 29, in Italy at the weekend. 

Sophia is the daughter of TV’s ‘face of Greek food’ Tonia Buxton, who tells me: ‘Rob was amazing. He told the story of their relation ship and had everyone sobbing.’ She adds: ‘The wedding was like a magical three-day fairytale. Oli was Sophia’s true love since she was 15.’ 

She’s a familiar face to viewers, but The TV presenter Mel Giedroyc hates seeing herself so much that she can’t look in the mirror. ‘I do this thing which is really stupid,’ says Mel, 58. ‘If I’m putting on my makeup, I will often do it from quite a long way away.’ She explains: ‘I did it when I was a teenager because I had spots. I just couldn’t bear the sight of my face.’ 

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Mexico vs Ecuador – World Cup last 32 LIVE: FIFA reveal new kickoff time after thunderstorms and lightning delayed proceedings in Mexico City

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Mexico vs Ecuador - World Cup last 32 LIVE: FIFA reveal new kickoff time after thunderstorms and lightning delayed proceedings in Mexico City

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Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live coverage of the latest updates as co-hosts Mexico take on Ecuador in the last 32 of the World Cup in Mexico City. 

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York Magnet kitchen depot to close as part of restructure

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York Magnet kitchen depot to close as part of restructure

The Magnet chain kitchen and joinery depot in Lysander Close off Kettlestring Lane is among the affected locations named by the company in a reorganisation as it said it aims to address “property costs that are no longer sustainable”.

The closures will take place under a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), and while Magnet has not disclosed the exact number of workers affected, the company said it pledged support and alternative roles where possible.


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Sophie Rose, Magnet Group’s chief executive, said: “This is a difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly, particularly where colleagues may be impacted.

“But taking this action now is the right thing to do for the long-term health of Magnet Group.

“It allows us to deal with property costs that are no longer sustainable and protect the stronger parts of our estate.

“I am confident these proposals will help Magnet Group build a stronger, more resilient business that is better placed to serve customers, support partners and return to sustainable profitability.”

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The majority of Magnet’s 159 stores will remain unaffected and continue operations as usual.

The restructuring proposals, which require creditor approval, will be managed by Interpath.

For customers with pending orders at closing stores, Magnet has assured that their orders will be transferred to the nearest alternative store.

The other nationwide closures include Andover, Birmingham Minworth, Blackburn, Bridgwater, Brighton, Colwyn Bay, Dorking, Farnborough, Ramsgate, Romford Trade, Stirling, Stockton, Watford and Weymouth.

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UKSE supports Lanark social enterprise with third round of funding

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Daily Record

Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) has been awarded £2,500 from UKSE’s Community Grant Fund.

A Lanark-based social enterprise supporting people with complex additional needs has received a third round of funding from UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, to help strengthen its impact across the community.

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Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) has been awarded £2,500 from UKSE’s Community Grant Fund to support the continued development of its monitoring and evaluation database, a vital tool that helps track participant progress and shape personalised development plans.

Based at Langloch Farm, CCI works with individuals across Lanarkshire who are facing barriers to employment and inclusion, including those living with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and young people disengaged from mainstream education.

Through a pioneering social enterprise model, CCI provides individuals with opportunities to contribute to their community through activities such as landscaping, horticulture, woodcraft, and microbusiness initiatives.

The organisation currently supports around 140 people each week, with each participant following a tailored plan based on their interests, goals and support needs.

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The database, funded by UKSE, plays a key role in tracking these journeys and measuring outcomes across the organisation.

Niall McShannon, managing director at CCI, said: “Everything we do is about supporting people to make a meaningful contribution to their community. We don’t focus on labels or limitations; we focus on what people are interested in, what they want to achieve, and how they can be part of a team.

“This funding allows us to better understand and demonstrate the impact of that work. It helps us track progress for each individual and ensure we’re continuing to provide opportunities that build confidence, skills and a sense of purpose.”

In recent years, CCI has seen a significant rise in demand, with more referrals of individuals experiencing complex mental health challenges and social isolation.

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The enhanced database will enable the team to respond more effectively to this growing need, ensuring everyone receives tailored support while also helping the organisation evaluate and improve its services.

Niall said: “What people benefit from most is the feeling that they’ve done something valuable for someone else. Being part of a team, contributing to real work, and seeing the results of that effort builds confidence and connection in a way that traditional approaches often don’t.”

CCI has received previous support from UKSE in 2019 and 2023, and the continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, community impact, and creating meaningful opportunities.

Scott Webb, regional manager at UKSE, said: “Clydesdale Community Initiatives is doing important work to support people who face significant barriers to employment and inclusion, and we’re pleased to provide this third round of funding.

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“Their approach is innovative, practical and rooted in the community, helping individuals build confidence, develop skills and play an active role in their local area. This is exactly the kind of initiative our Community Grant Fund is designed to support.”

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Boy, 3, pulled alive from rubble six days after Venezuela earthquake in ‘moment of hope’

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Manchester Evening News

A three-year-old boy has been pulled alive from earthquake rubble in Venezuela six days after the disaster struck

A three year old boy has been pulled alive from the rubble six days after the devastating earthquake in Venezuela in what has been described as a ‘moment of hope’.

A Jordanian rescue team erupted in celebration as the youngster was freed from the wreckage. The country’s interim president has identified him as Klieber Morán.

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Delcy Rodríguez hailed the child’s rescue as a moment of hope after the earthquake.

The remarkable discovery comes as the UN has warned that tens of thousands of people are in desperate need of food and shelter.

The Jordanian civil defence confirmed that Klieber received first aid treatment before being transferred to hospital, where his vital signs were reported as stable.

He was receiving treatment in the capital Caracas, according to Venezuelan Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, the BBC reports.

The death toll from the catastrophic disaster has risen to 1,943, with more than 10,000 people injured.

The earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have also left tens of thousands more unaccounted for.

Rodríguez stated that Klieber’s rescue demonstrated there remains hope of finding further survivors. He added that both domestic and international teams were continuing to search through the debris to locate those still missing.

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An initial assessment of satellite data from NASA indicated the tremors also damaged or destroyed approximately 58,870 buildings.

Experts cautioned following the destruction that the three-day window after the quake offered the greatest chance of finding survivors. Numerous residents in La Guaira, amongst the most severely affected areas, have been conducting their own rescue operations to locate family members.

The UN’s refugee agency reported on Tuesday that food scarcities were widespread, essential services had collapsed and communications had been mostly cut off in La Guaira.

“Community tensions are rising as access to assistance remains constrained,” the UNHCR said in a statement on its website.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that healthcare services are facing “extreme pressure.

“There’s an increased risk now of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases” such as measles and diphtheria due to low vaccination coverage, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said.

Four days following the earthquake, a father and his son were also recovered alive from the wreckage of a destroyed building.

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The two were rescued on Sunday after a 12-hour operation by search teams in the coastal state of La Guaira.

According to Venezuelan officials, more than 2,600 rescue personnel from across the globe are now participating in the search operation, assisted by nearly 140 specially trained search dogs.

International assistance is reaching the country to provide support during this crisis.

A UN spokesperson confirmed a 47-tonne shipment of humanitarian aid arrived on Tuesday.

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It contained emergency medical kits, provisions for safe deliveries, newborn care and disease prevention. The threat of additional damage persists as aftershocks continue to rattle Venezuela, with smaller tremors measuring 4.2 and 4.5 in magnitude recorded on Sunday morning.

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Andy Burnham would provide ‘leadership we have longed for’

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Andy Burnham would provide 'leadership we have longed for'

Rachael Maskell, Labour’s York Central MP, welcomed the former Greater Manchester mayor’s announcement to move power out of London by setting up a No 10 North operation based in Manchester.

Mr Burnham, in his first speech since Sir Keir Starmer announced he would be resigning, said he will lead a decade-long plan to transform Britain by transferring power out of Whitehall and giving regions the ability to control essential utilities, transport and housing.

Andy Burnham delivers his first speech since Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Ms Maskell, who served in Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour shadow cabinet with Mr Burnham, welcomed the prospective prime minister announcing the “biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen”.

“Over the last 11 years, I have consistently fought in Parliament for our city at every opportunity, but like so many, have found that the ‘can’t do’ culture of Westminster and Whitehall has stifled our aspiration,” she said.

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“Now we have the greatest opportunity to get things done for all who were left behind by the broken state.”


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Ms Maskell, who lost the Labour whip after rebelling over the government’s welfare reforms, said: “In setting out that MPs will be able to advocate for their communities, what that means to me is that in the future, when I speak up on things like winter fuel payments for pensioners, for taking children out of poverty or to protect disabled people from losing vital funds to keep their independence, instead of being stripped of the whip, I will be heard.

“Such a pluralist approach to policy and politics speaks right back to our roots as a Party where it was the voices of communities which shaped the priorities of Labour. This is the leadership we have longed for.

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“I am excited about working with residents and workers across our city to ensure we rebuild the opportunities we long for as a city.”

No 10 North will help deliver full potential of thousands of civil servant jobs moving to York, says industry chief

Meanwhile, Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said Mr Burnham devolving power out of Whitehall will help ensure the relocation of thousands of new civil servant jobs in York will deliver its full potential.

Artists impression of the government hub (Image: Aimee Ofsarnie2)

It comes as part of plans for a new government hub, home to 2,600 civil servants, to be built at the York Central development. Civil servant jobs will also be relocated to Darlington and Manchester under the plans.

“These new government offices are helping regenerate those places, but ministers themselves have not yet made effective use of them. A regular ministerial presence outside Whitehall would strengthen decision-making and bring government closer to the communities it serves,” Mr Murison told the Guardian.

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