The mother of a boy with a rare genetic disorder, known to affect around 200 people worldwide, has said doctors told her “nothing can be done” and he is “unlikely to survive past his teens”.
Amy Sheridan-Hill, 46, a former teacher living in Ware, Hertfordshire, said she was “shocked” for her son Frankie to be diagnosed with H-ABC, a rare genetic disorder which affects certain parts of the brain, in 2021, aged five.
Frankie, now 10, was born in 2015 after Amy said she had a normal pregnancy and planned C-section, noting “no issues from birth”.
As Frankie was her first child, Amy said she was “quite unaware of the proper development stages”, so when her son could not sit up like other children she saw around her, she initially thought it was “nothing to worry about”.
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But by the age of two, Amy said Frankie was not walking independently, which most toddlers learn to do by 18 months, so she took him to a doctor who made a referral to a physiotherapist.
This is when Amy said she was told her son might have hypermobility, a condition of very flexible joints, but when Frankie still was not walking by four, a physiotherapist noticed “a certain way his foot went that made her think of cerebral palsy”, so he was referred to a neurologist.
Amy, her husband, Greg, and her sons, Frankie and Rory (Rachael Griffin-Kett Photography/PA Real Life)
Amy said Frankie had an MRI and then genetic testing to get his diagnosis of H-ABC – a very rare form of leukodystrophy, which is a group of genetic disorders that affect the white matter of the brain – at five years old, which came as a “massive shock” and turned their world “upside down completely”.
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According to H-ABC Foundation UK, as of 2019, fewer than 200 documented cases of H-ABC have been identified, the majority of which are children, but that number is on the rise as patients have access to better clinical diagnoses.
“When you go to a doctor, you expect to be told what can be done,” Amy told PA Real Life.
“So I think to be told ‘nothing can be done’ is quite a shock.
“You’re told they’re going to die essentially. I think there’s still some PTSD from the diagnosis and I think a lot of parents say that it’s quite big to be given this information and sent on your way.
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“When you google leukodystrophy, it just gives you the worst-case scenario. With some types of leukodystrophy, kids die within two years, so it is not a word you want to google if you’ve just been given that diagnosis.”
By this stage, Amy said he was behind his peers developmentally, especially with his walking ability, but also his speech and reading level.
Frankie loves playing with his ‘protective’ younger brother Rory (Rachael Griffin-Kett Photography/PA Real Life)
In the aftermath of Frankie’s diagnosis, Amy said she was “googling everything” and came across a Facebook group for H-ABC that had “less than 100 worldwide members”, so she joined it.
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Shortly after, Michelle Teng, a fellow mum from the group based in Oxford, got in touch and told Amy about another Cotswolds-based mum named Ali Candy-Waters, so they all jumped on a Zoom call together and eventually decided to set up a charity called H-ABC Foundation UK to raise awareness for the condition.
“I think having mums who are going through what you’re going through is just really helpful,” Amy said.
“We don’t see each other that often, but we text constantly.
“I was talking to Ali this morning about the mum guilt of when you don’t put your child in his stander every day – because he should and it’s good for him – but actually getting him in the stander is really difficult.
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“We’ve all got brilliant friends and families, but people that are going through it, they know (what it’s like) when you’re having a meltdown, so you can phone one of them.”
Through fundraising initiatives such as marathons and school bake sales, Amy said the charity has helped fund research into the disease and supported in buying other families affected by the condition wheelchairs or iPads, which can help children without speech to communicate.
Alongside this, Michelle is the co-founder of an Oxford-based company called SynaptixBio, which has recently chosen its candidate drug to take forward into clinical trials to treat H-ABC.
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Frankie was diagnosed with H-ABC at five years old (Collect/PA Real Life)
Amy said the timeline for these trials could be within the next year or two and it would not completely cure Frankie, but it could potentially “hold the disease to stop children losing any more skills”.
Currently, there is no known cure for the condition, but treatments such as physical therapy and certain medication may alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
In the meantime, Amy said her family’s goal is to keep Frankie “as strong as possible” so that there is a “better starting point” if he is selected for the trial.
To do this, Amy said Frankie regularly has physio and occupational therapy and Botox to relax the muscles in his legs.
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He uses leg splints, Lycra shorts, a stander and a walker, and will need to have X-rays and surgeries in the future because his spine will start curving.
If Frankie is not eligible for the trial, Amy said it might be a few more years before he can get access to what could be a drug that completely changes her son’s life.
For now, Amy said Frankie loves playing with his “protective” and “kind” younger brother Rory, eight, and he “loves” being in a mainstream school, where she commended his “amazing teachers” and the whole class who “just really look after him”.
“It’s really sweet to see,” Amy said.
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“When they do assemblies, they make Frankie the centre of things and they always make sure he’s really involved in everything.
“They specialise the curriculum for him because he is delayed, so he’ll do his own work, but he just loves being part of the class.”
She added: “Frankie is a very happy child. He can read, he loves to play PlayStation, and he can use his iPad.
“If we could keep the disease static and he doesn’t decline, he’d have a great life.
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“If we could get some form of treatment in the next two or three years, I think Frankie’s path would be quite different.
“We hope that other families don’t go through what we’ve been through.”
Ultimately, Amy said she wants to raise awareness of the disease because “there’s probably more cases out there”.
She said people need to know that there are charities like H-ABC Foundation UK “that have been set up to support families and there are doctors and scientists working on treatments”.
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Amy said: “Now we can tell them where we are and that gives them hope, whereas when Frankie was diagnosed, there wasn’t that hope. So we’ve had to create that hope and now we can share it with other families.”
To find out more about H-ABC Foundation UK, visit its website: www.h-abcfoundation.org.
The steam railway experience is a little different from your usual afternoon tea
Mother’s Day is a time to appreciate your mum and is a time to celebrate with family. If you are looking to spoil your mum this year, you might be looking out for a unique experience in Cambridgeshire to make Mother’s Day extra special.
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If your mum has a particular interest in vintage trains or just loves an afternoon tea, this experience by the Nene Valley Railway could be the ideal day out for you. The Nene Valley Afternoon Tea will combine “the nostalgia of steam with the elegance of a traditional afternoon tea”.
Guests will board the train at Wansford Station and can settle down in the restored Continental Carriages that you might have seen on the ITV’s Murder on the Orient Express. You can enjoy your afternoon tea at your table while watching the Nene Valley pass you by.
Each booking will be sat at its own table or compartment allowing your family to enjoy the experience together. For the afternoon tea, you can choose either the standard option, which comes with many of the classic sweet and savoury favourites such as finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of cakes, or a vegetarian option.
In terms of drinks, you can enjoy unlimited tea and coffee from Tea and the Gang throughout your trip. You will also receive a bottle of prosecco for your table.
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Nene Valley Railway describes the day trip as a “relaxed and memorable experience”. As a special treat for Mother’s Day, Raw Theatre Productions will have an ABBA tribute band performing on the platform of Wansford Station from 1pm until 4pm.
Guests will be able to enjoy a few hours to music after the train returns to Wansford Station. The train will depart from Wansford Station at 12pm and will return to the same station at around 2pm.
Tickets for the afternoon tea experience cost £125 for a table of two, £180 for a table of three, £230 for a table of four, or £250 for a private compartment for four. Tickets can be booked on the Nene Valley Railway website.
The Wansford Station can be found on Old Great North Road, which is a 16 minute drive away from Peterborough. The station has a free car park for its visitors.
It’s taken you more than four decades to move up north – but was it worth the wait?
As host Jack Whitehall joked opening the show at Co-op Live on Saturday night: “Yes, the Brits have done what most people have to do in their 40s – we’ve moved out of London!
“And for the first time ever, we are coming to you live from the home of Britpop, rave music and Mick Hucknall – the G spot of the North – Manchester!”
Noel Gallagher during the Brit Awards 2026 at Co-op Live, Manchester (Image: Doug Peters/PA Wire)
Let me park my nostalgic Brit-fan self for a moment. I’ve watched this show on TV for as long as I can remember, and you’re never going to beat Jarvis Cocker invading Michael Jackson’s performance of Earth Song in 1996, or Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack ‘tea towel’ dress the year after.
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But my goodness — Manchester gave it a go.
Shaun Ryder and Bez (left) present the award for group of the year (Image: Doug Peters)
From the moment guests poured into the arena, dressed to the nines — women in sweeping gowns, fellas suited and booted — it felt like an occasion. Wine was flowing (at £37 a bottle, no less), and there was a sense we were witnessing something historic.
It feels like a lifetime ago that Co-op Live was beset by teething problems, forcing Bolton’s own Peter Kay to delay his tour before the venue had properly opened. Now? It’s a world-class arena, more than fit to host a show watched by millions.
Dua Lipa performs during the Brit Awards 2026 at Co-op Live, Manchester (Image: Doug Peters)
The production was slick, the staging was ambitious. And Jack Whitehall was on fine form — delivering genuine laugh-out-loud moments while steering a live broadcast of this magnitude. It’s a skill. Just ask Sam Fox and Mick Fleetwood.
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Co-op Live shareholder Harry Styles opening the night felt symbolic — as though Manchester wasn’t just hosting the Brits, it was claiming them.
If I had to pick a highlight — and there were many — it would be Rosalía being joined on stage by Björk for a performance of Berghain. It was unexpected and utterly commanding. Rosalía later collected International Act, capping a huge year.
Rosalia with the International Artist of the Year award (Image: Ian West)
Elsewhere, Shaun Ryder and Bez brought a blast of Little Hulton chaos, while Dua Lipa’s surprise appearance during Mark Ronson’s Outstanding Contribution medley lifted the arena another notch.
There were moments of edge, too. Noel Gallagher drew boos after shouting “up the f***ing blues” in support of Manchester City when collecting Songwriter of the Year — a reminder that this city’s rivalries run deep.
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One of the most poignant segments of the night honoured Ozzy Osbourne, remembered by wife Sharon and daughter Kelly as “authentic, gifted and unpredictable.” A powerful tribute performance followed, fronted by Robbie Williams, celebrating a true giant of British music.
Kelly Osbourne (left) and Sharon Osbourne receive the lifetime award on behalf of Ozzy Osbourne (Image: Doug Peters)
Among the night’s big winners, Olivia Dean capped a breakout year by taking home the most awards — confirmation that British pop’s next generation has firmly arrived.
Perhaps the only wobble came during Sombr’s performance of Undressed, when a man appeared to shove the Gen Z rocker off a raised platform. Security intervened swiftly, and it was later confirmed the incident had been a stunt. But then again — what would the Brits be without at least a flicker of controversy?
Sombr performs during the Brit Awards 2026 at Co-op Live (Image: Doug Peters)
With 10 performances spread across five stages, this was one of the biggest and boldest editions of the Brits in recent memory.
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After nearly 50 years of waiting, Manchester didn’t just host the BRIT Awards.
It owned them.
Same again next year?
Full list of winners at the 2026 Brit Awards
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Olivia Dean with her four Brit Awards (Image: Ian West)
Artist of the year: Olivia Dean
Group of the year: Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice performs at Co-op Live, Manchester (Image: Doug Peters)
Album of the year: Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
Breakthrough artist of the year: Lola Young
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International artist of the year: Rosalia
International group of the year: Geese
Song of the year: Sam Fender and Olivia Dean – Rein Me In
Robbie Williams (left) presents the Song of the Year award to Sam Fender and Olivia Dean for Rein Me In (Image: Doug Peters)
International song of the year: Rose and Bruno Mars – APT
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Alternative and rock act: Sam Fender
Pop act: Olivia Dean
Hip hop, grime and rap act: Dave
R&B act: SAULT
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Dance act: Fred Again, PlaqueBoyMax, and Skepta
Songwriter of the year: Noel Gallagher
Outstanding contribution to music: Mark Ronson
Dua Lipa peforms with Mark Ronson during the Brit Awards (Image: Doug Peters)
Iranian Americans in Los Angeles have come together to dance in the streets on day two of the conflict, following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Los Angeles is home to the largest group of Iranians outside Iran.
Waving flags and thank you signs to President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iranian Americans said they felt hope for the future of Iran now.
Police closed streets so Iranian Americans could hold their celebrations.
Natalie McNally trial: Everything you need to know on the evidence the jury heard in first week | Belfast Live
Need to know
The 32-year-old was 15 weeks pregnant when she was attacked and died in her home in Lurgan a week before Christmas in 2022
Stephen McCullagh denies murdering Natalie McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death
Everything you need to know:
The murder of Natalie McNally was described as “planned, calculated and pre-meditated”. The 32-year-old was 15 weeks pregnant when she was attacked and died in her home in Lurgan. The father of her unborn child Stephen McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens, Lisburn, has denied her murder. Prosecuting barrister Charles MacCreanor KC said it is their case that the defendant murdered Ms McNally and then “put on an act” to cover his tracks. Click here to read the full report on the first day of the trial.
The 999 call made by Stephen McCullagh was played to a jury at Belfast Crown Court. Prosecuting barrister Charles MacCreanor KC told the jury that the evidence they will hear during the murder trial will point to the fact Ms McNally was killed in her Silverwood Green home in Lurgan between 8.50pm and 9.30pm on Sunday December 18, 2022. At 9.59pm the following evening, McCullagh made a 999 call from her home when he hysterically told the operator “please come as soon as you can.” In his opening, Mr MacCreanor said Ms McNally had suffered “serious and multiple stab wounds”. As well as three knife wounds to her neck, she also sustained bruising to the left and right sides of her neck which the Crown say “suggested fingertips grasping.” In addition, Mr MacCreanor said there was “blunt force trauma” in the form of five lacerations which were “in keeping with having sustained at least five heavy blows to her head.” Read the full report on this part of the trial here.
Stephen McCullagh told police at the scene that her ex-partner was responsible, the trail heard. On Tuesday morning, the trial heard from two police witnesses. Sergeant Stewart attended the scene at Miss McNally’s house on the night of Monday, December 19, and described seeing McCullagh “very upset”, and seeing him being led out of the house by a colleague. The on-call detective sergeant also gave evidence to the trial on Tuesday. He said he briefed a senior officer who instructed him that the incident should be treated as murder. He agreed that Sergeant Stewart told him McCullagh had told police at the scene: “I know what has happened, the ex-partner has done this”, and that he had directed McCullagh to be arrested for murder. Click here to read the full report of the trial on Tuesday.
A police officer who attended the scene of Natalie McNally’s murder described on Tuesday how he saw a dog bowl filled with blood beside her head. The sergeant was called to give evidence during the second day of the trial into her murder. The officer said he saw McCullagh in the hallway who was “very upset, he was crying.” He said that after McCullagh was “led out” and taken to a police car by another officer, he walked up the stairs and observed Ms McNally’s feet at the top of the staircase. When the police officer was asked if blood was visible, he said: “Yes, there was blood visible around her neck. I noticed a puncture wound. “There was blood which was in a dog bowl. It looked almost like it had been used to collect the blood.” To read more on the court report, click here.
The state pathologist for Northern Ireland was called to give evidence on Tuesday. Dr James Lyness confirmed he carried out a post-mortem on Ms McNally’s remains at the Northern Ireland Forensic Mortuary on December 21, 2022 and conducted a second examination the following day. He told the jury of six men and six women that he believed Ms McNally was subjected to a “prolonged assault”. When asked by Mr MacCreanor what he considered to be the cause of Ms McNally’s death, Dr Lyness replied: “The cause of death in this case was given as compression of neck, stab wounds of neck and blunt force trauma of head.” The pathologist then gave a detailed forensic descriptions of the multiple injuries Ms McNally sustained which included three stab wounds to her neck as well as compression injuries to her neck “suggestive of having been caused by fingertips.” He also outlined five lacerations to her head and said this blunt force trauma was likely to have been caused by a weapon. To read the full court report, click here.
A so-called YouTube live stream made by Stephen McCullagh was played to the jury. They jury were also shown items removed from Ms McNally’s home in the aftermath of her murder, included a small black-handled knife located close to her head in the living room of her Lurgan home. Entitled The Violent Night Christmas Live Gaming Stream, it appeared on McCullagh’s YouTube channel between 6pm and midnight on Sunday December 18. The jury had already heard that following his arrest on suspicion of murder on December 18, McCullagh provided this so-called live stream as an alibi. The 12 members have also heard that following a forensic examination of McCullagh’s computer, experts from the PSNI’s cyber team determined that this six hour stream was not in fact live at all but had been recorded some days before. To read the full report, click here.
The jurors also heard information regarding some evidence agreed by the Crown and defence. This included a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged between McCullagh and Ms McNally on the afternoon and evening of Sunday December 18, 2022. In the exchange, the couple discussed decorating her Christmas tree, food and a World Cup football match between Argentina and France. At 5.57pm, McCullagh messaged Ms McNally and said ‘Right, I’m off to stream the night away. Wish me luck.’ Two minutes later she replied and said ‘Good luck. I might sneak a peak at your live stream later.’ Branding the live streaming as “a cover story” with McCullagh “peddling a false alibi”, it’s the Crown’s case that instead of live streaming from his home, McCullagh got the bus from Dunmurry to Lurgan then walked to Ms McNally’s house where he murdered her. The Crown also say that following this, he got a taxi from Lurgan back home to Lisburn. The jurors also heard further agreed evidence in the form of WhatsApp messages that McCullagh sent to Ms McNally’s phone throughout Monday December 19, 2022 – all of which went unanswered. Click here to read more.
On Thursday morning, Detective Constable Matthews, a digital forensic analyst, gave evidence following his examination of McCullagh’s computer. He said his examination of the device “provided extensive evidence indicating that the broadcast was pre-recorded and later streamed as a live event”. DC Matthews said examination of the computer and software indicated the six-hour broadcast had been recorded on December 14 and saved as a video file. He said it was broadcast as live on McCullagh’s YouTube account Votesaxon07 on December 18, explaining the software showed no signs of user activity between 6pm and just after midnight on December 19. The video file was then deleted in the early hours of December 19, and subsequently removed from the computer’s recycle bin. To read the full report, click here.
A compilation of CCTV footage concerning a ‘person of interest’ was shown at the trial on Thursday. This footage included a clip of a male getting out of a taxi from Lurgan, throwing two objects over a hedge then walking in the front gate of the address of the man accused of her murder. During the fourth day at the trial at Belfast Crown Court, the jury of six men and six women were shown a compilation of CCTV clips and footage throughout Sunday December 18 and into the early hours of Monday 19. The footage was gleaned from businesses, bars and households as well as a cameras on a Translink bus. After being called to the witness stand, a detective sergeant was asked to play a series of clips. To read the full report, click here.
Whorlton, close to Barnard Castle, may be small, but online reviewers regularly praise its riverside setting, historic bridge and sense of “timeless charm” that feels increasingly rare.
St Mary’s Whorlton (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
At the heart of many reviews is Whorlton Bridge, the 183-foot-long suspension bridge that stretches across the River Tees.
Frequently photographed and shared on social media, it’s described by visitors as “a hidden gem” and “like stepping back into another century.”
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Built in 1831 after flooding destroyed the original structure, the bridge is Britain’s second oldest suspension bridge, still relying on its original chainwork.
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But beyond its engineering credentials, reviewers say it’s the atmosphere that makes it special.
“It’s peaceful, almost magical when the light hits the river,” one visitor wrote online.
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
“You can hear the water below and nothing else. It’s so quiet.”
Despite its tranquil feel, Whorlton isn’t described as dull. Walkers exploring the Teesdale Way or visiting nearby Barnard Castle often make a detour to cross the bridge and wander through the village lanes.
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Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Many reviews mention how unexpectedly picturesque the setting is, with wooded riverbanks, rolling countryside and sweeping views along the River Tees.
“It’s one of those places you stumble across and wonder why more people don’t talk about it,” one visitor commented.
“It feels untouched.”
That sense of history runs deep. The current bridge was designed by John Green of Newcastle after floods destroyed the first attempt in 1829.
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Its survival for nearly two centuries only adds to its character, with reviewers often remarking on how well it has aged.
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Unlike busier tourist hubs nearby, Whorlton is often celebrated precisely because it remains low-key.
Several visitors contrast it with larger attractions in Teesdale, saying the village offers “a slower pace” and “a real escape.”
Photography enthusiasts frequently post images of early morning mist rising from the Tees, autumn colours framing the bridge or summer sunshine in the surrounding countryside.
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Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
In the village itself, St Mary’s Whorlton towers across the green and several of the stone brick houses in the centre.
The building standing on this site was rebuilt in 1853 following the demolition of the Norman Chapel.
The new building retained the Grade II listed font from the medieval church.
Instagram and Facebook posts have helped shine a light on the village in recent years, though many reviewers say it still feels undiscovered.
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“It’s not commercialised, and that’s what makes it special,” one visitor wrote.
“Just a beautiful bridge, a quiet village and the river.”
In a region full of well-known landmarks, Whorlton continues to win over visitors not with grand attractions, but with understated charm.
Speaking to Access Hollywood on the Actor Awards red carpet, Roach was speaking about the couple when he said, “The wedding has already happened,” before adding, ”You missed it.”
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The reporter then asked, “Is that true?” prompting Roach to reply, “It’s very true!”
Tom Holland and Zendaya are reportedly married (Getty Images)
Zendaya’s longtime stylist Law Roach has claimed that she and Tom Holland have tied the knot (Getty Images)
The Independent has contacted representatives for Zendaya and Holland for comment.
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Euphoria star Zendaya arrived at the 2025 Golden Globes with a massive diamond on her ring finger, sparking immediate speculation that she and her boyfriend of four years had got engaged. Citing sources, People and TMZ reported the next day that Holland proposed at one of Zendaya’s family homes over the holidays.
Zendaya and Holland met while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming in which Holland starred as the superhero and Zendaya played his love interest, MJ. The two have notoriously kept the details of their relationship under wraps, though they’ve showed each other love and support on social media over the years.
Interestingly, Roach gave an update just a few months after the couple’s engagement was confirmed.
“It’s far away. They’re both doing a bunch of movies this year and there’s a lot of premieres next year so you’ll see a lot of red carpets,” Roach, 46, told E! News in April 2025.
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Roach claimed at the time that the couple asked him to be involved in the wedding.
Tom Holland and Zendaya are reportedly married (PA Archive)
“I’m resting up for 2026,” he said, subtly hinting that the nuptials wouldn’t be until then.
Roach’s wedding claims sent fans into a frenzy, with many questioning why the stylist was the one to announce the news.
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“Why did he reveal this,” one person wrote on X while another said, “wait, why is law revealing this and not zendaya and her man?”
Others offered congratulatory messages and well wishes to the couple.
“Congratulations to Zendaya and Tom Holland! Keeping it so private and low-key fits them perfectly. happy for their love story turning into forever,” one fan wrote.
“Law Roach just dropped the biggest plot twist of 2026 like it was nothing Congrats to Zendaya & Tom-y’all really kept that secret locked down. Power couple forever,” another said.
Wool garments often come in the form of jumpers, hats and gloves, which are favoured in the winter months due to their complex fibre structure, which traps pockets of air.
However, it can be easy to ruin your wool clothes if you don’t wash them properly.
If you want to get the most out of your wool clothes, here are two things you should never do when washing them.
Wool clothing should not require regular washing (Image: Getty Images)
The two things to avoid when washing wool clothes
One of the crucial things to avoid when washing wool clothes is to make sure you don’t wash them at too high a heat.
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Harriette Jarman at home and appliance retailer AEG, explained: “If your machine doesn’t have a wool cycle, then we recommend you turn it inside out and make sure to wash your wool on a cooler setting.
“Wool is likely to be damaged and irritated by heat, so opt for a 30°C wash.”
Michelle Feng, who is a Product Marketing Manager and Laundry Expert at Hisense, concurred with this advice.
She commented: “When washing wool and cashmere, make sure to select a gentle cycle with a low spin speed to minimise stretching and damage to the fabrics.
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“You should also look to use a cool or cold water wash with temperatures at around 20°C to 30°C.”
Some washing machines do have a specific wool cycle you can make the most of, though, as this will protect delicate fibres and keep wool feeling soft.
Alongside the heat element, avoiding harsh detergent or fabric softener is also important to keep wool clothing at its best.
Jarman added: “Avoid using regular and heavy detergents, as these are designed to attack stains and dirt aggressively, which can damage and weaken the fibres leading to shrinkage.
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“You should always use a gentle, wool-safe detergent which has a neutral pH, and is an enzyme free detergent, rather than a harsh bio laundry detergent.”
Meanwhile, Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko, said: “One common mistake to avoid is using fabric softener, as it can cause product build-up, damage the natural fibres, and reduce wool’s natural sweat-wicking and insulating properties.”
How often should you wash wool clothing?
Wool tends to require less frequent washing thanks to its natural odour and stain-repellent properties.
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Discussing the reasons for this, Emma Woodrow, a buyer at Pour Moi shared: “This is because wool is naturally rich in lanolin, a waxy substance secreted by the glands of sheep to waterproof and protect their wool, which helps to repel dirt and odours.”
In most cases, spot cleaning will do the job with a gentle handwash in the sink with a speciality wool detergent.
Emma adds: “However, if you don’t have this, a gentle hair shampoo will also work.
“Wool is an animal fibre, similar in structure to human hair, so the shampoo cleans it without any harsh enzymes found in regular washing detergents.”
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How to dry wool clothing
Taking a bit of extra care when drying wool clothing is also important to maintaining its integrity.
Salah Sun said: “Instead of using a tumble dryer, as high heat can cause wool fibres to shrink or lose their shape, gently press out excess water by hand and avoid aggressive spin cycles.
“Check the care label again for drying instructions – some woollens will benefit from being reshaped and dried flat to maintain their original fit, while others can be carefully hung to dry at room temperature.”
“With the right care, your wool pieces can stay soft, comfortable and looking great for longer.”
The 2.6-mile Craster to Dunstanburgh route in Northumberland which starts and finishes at Craster Quarry car park, takes around one hour to complete.
It was highlighted by Which? following a recent survey by its members.
The short walk was recommended for its “epic, almost heroic feel” as the “romantic” ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are “constantly in view” along the shoreline.
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Experts at Which? also suggested walkers stop by The Jolly Fisherman when arriving back in Craster for “reviving” crab sandwiches and crab soup.
Introducing its latest outdoor guide, the consumer brand said: “In our survey of the best walks in the country we’ve found that gentler routes around the coast are often the favourite of Which? members.”
It added: “Wherever you are in the country – and however fit or unfit you might be – there’s a walk for you.
“Members scored routes on everything from the scenery and wildlife, to signage and accessibility, and those that offered the best food and drink options nearby.”
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All of the UK’s best walks for 2026 can be found in the full results table published on the Which? website, where all routes are categorised by how easy they are.
Why has Craster to Dunstanburgh walk been named best in North East for 2026?
Which? shared: “The romantic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are constantly in view on this short walk, looming ever closer and giving the stroll along the rocky shoreline an epic, almost heroic feel.
“No wonder then that Which? members voted it their favourite walk in the North East, with five stars for scenery.
“It all starts modestly in Craster, a village wreathed by the aroma of its 130-year-old smokehouse, L Robson & Sons, famous for its kippers.
Top Winter Walks in the UK
“Leaving the harbour and its boats’ rigging clinking behind, the path snakes through grassland towards the distant castle.”
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It continued: “It also got four stars for wildlife spotting opportunities – look out for fulmars and razorbills as you see if you can hear the haunting call of the curlew. And further out to sea, you might even spot a grey seal.
“Dunstanburgh Castle can only be reached by foot, so arrival at its massive gatehouse and its twin turrets feels virtuous.
“Walk back to Craster for reviving crab sandwiches and crab soup at The Jolly Fisherman.”
The Craster to Dunstanburgh walk was given a score of 86% and a difficulty rating of 2/5 by Which? members who took part in the survey.
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Have you had a crab dish at The Jolly Fisherman? (Image: Tripadvisor)
Meanwhile, The Jolly Fisherman located at Haven Hill in Craster currently has 1,646 “excellent” reviews on Tripadvisor.
Last year, it was named one of the UK’s top pubs for a pint by the sea by EnjoyTravel.com.
A recent customer who stopped by for a Sunday roast commented on Tripadvisor: “Popped in for Sunday lunch while visiting the area. Warm, cosy and beautifully decorated we ate in the bar area as they allowed dogs. Staff were super friendly and the food was glorious.
“Best Sunday lunch we have had for a while. Highly recommend you pop in and try one.”
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Someone else wrote: “A special lunch for my son’s visit to the NE. We received a warm welcome from the staff and were seated in the restaurant with a sea view.
Recommended reading:
“The service throughout was pleasant and prompt.
“I chose the kipper pate followed by the salmon – both – excellent; my son enjoyed the soup and the mixed seafood plate.”
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Have you tried this best-named Craster to Dunstanburgh walk? Let us know in the comments below if you would recommend it.
All three of the game’s goals were headers from corners, scored by William Saliba, a Piero Hincapie own goal, and Jurrien Timber.
Chelsea’s chances of clawing back a draw when 2-1 down faced a self-inflicted and ultimately terminal obstacle when Pedro Neto was shown a second yellow card and sent off on 70 minutes.
Miserable record extended
Chelsea headed into the game winless against Arsenal in all of their last ten meetings. Make that 11.
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Not since August 2021 have the Blues tasted victory over their north London rivals, and that 11-game run includes no fewer than eight defeats, including this latest loss.
Chelsea are now winless in their last 11 matches against arch-rivals Arsenal
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Chelsea may have been 2-1 down but were well in the game with 20 minutes to go, but it was at this point that Neto made the mindless decision to slide in on Gabriel Martinelli, who was counter-attacking down the left channel for the Gunners.
Martinelli had baited Neto out, was too quick for the Portuguese, and referee Darren England had his easiest decision of the evening in front of him.
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Neto was shown a yellow card, becoming the ninth man to be sent off in a season of Chelsea discipline of truly epic proportions. It is an issue still in dire need of addressing in-house.
Mamadou Sarr’s big outing
Liam Rosenior gave Mamadou Sarr a huge vote of confidence as the Senegal international got the nod to replace the suspended Wesley Fofana at the Emirates, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong all sat on the bench.
Rosenior trusted Sarr immensely while at Strasbourg, but to hand him a first Premier League start and only second-ever Chelsea start against Arsenal at the Emirates was a brave call and a real compliment to the young defender’s ability and potential.
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Mamadou Sarr made a composed Premier League debut
AFP via Getty Images
After fluffing his lines when a chance fell his way to score from an early Neto free-kick, Sarr grew into the game, playing deeper than his centre-back partner Trevoh Chalobah.
Could he have done a little more to prevent Arsenal’s opener going in off his arm? Perhaps. But he blocked a Declan Rice cross, worked the ball out of intense pressure from Bukayo Saka, and produced one of the individual performances Rosenior will have been more heartened by.
Set pieces Chelsea’s undoing again
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Opposition set pieces have provided cruel and unusual punishments for Chelsea in recent weeks, but following two free midweeks in which they did work on them on the training pitches at Cobham, it will have been maddening for Rosenior to watch his side lose to rivals Arsenal courtesy of goals from two corners.
Robert Sanchez’s unconvincing performance “should prompt an inquest at Chelsea”
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The first corner, assisted with a header back across goal by Gabriel and scored by his centre-back partner Saliba was straight from the Arsenal playbook. Teams know Arsenal are going to do it, they still can’t prevent it — Chelsea particularly.
The winning strike from Timber felt a rather softer goal to ship, though. How he was afforded the space and time to win the first header and angle it past Robert Sanchez should prompt an inquest at Chelsea.
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Sanchez was in no-man’s-land and came racing out to the referee to complain about being pushed. Nothing of the sort. It was another desperately poor set-play goal Chelsea have shipped against Arsenal this season and prompted cheers of “Set piece again ole ole” from the delirious home end.
Rogen accepted the award on her behalf, delivering a heartfelt speech while many of those in the audience were brought to tears.
“I’ve been given the sad honor of accepting this award on O’Hara’s behalf,” said Rogen. “I know she would have been honored to receive this award from her fellow performers, who I know she respected so much. She was such big fans of all of yours.
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“I, obviously, have been reflecting on the time I was fortunate enough to spend with her, working with her, and something that I’ve just been marveling at over the last few weeks was really her ability to be generous and kind, while never ever minimizing her own ability to contribute to the work that we were doing. She knew she could destroy, and she wanted to destroy every day on set.”
Rogen added that O’Hara would frequently propose revisions to her scripts for The Studio, saying: “I haven’t said this to the other actors, because I didn’t want them to get ideas, but pretty much every evening before she had a shooting day on our show, she would email me and [co-creator] Evan an email that always was pretty similar. It said: ‘Hello, I hope you’ll consider the following…’ and then there would be a completely rewritten version of the scene she was in.
Catherine O’Hara won a posthumous Actor Award for her work in ‘The Studio’ (AP)
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‘The Studio’ creator Seth Rogen delivered a heartfelt speech in tribute to the late Catherine O’Hara (AFP via Getty Images)
“And literally, 100% of the time, it made not just her character better, but it made the scene better and the entire show better as a whole. She really showed that you can be a genius and be kind, and one of those things does not have to come at the expense of the other in any way, shape or form.
“So I guess I’ll just leave you with this. If you have people in your lives that don’t know her work, if there are kids in your lives, or just people who are out of touch or stupid or something, just show them O’Hara dancing to Harry Belafonte in Beetlejuice. Show them O’Hara hurting her knee in Best in Show, doing that amazing thing where she hobbles around, and tell the people, as they are laughing, that that’s Catherine O’Hara and we were lucky that we got to live in a world where she so generously shared her talents with us. Thank you.”
It was reported last month that O’Hara’s immediate cause of death was a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her heart. Rectal cancer was listed as the underlying cause.
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Although she played a wide variety of characters in a career that spanned five decades, she was perhaps best known for playing mothers. She played Macaulay Culkin’s character Kevin’s mother, Kate McCallister, in the first two Home Alonefilms — spawning the viral “Kevin!” meme — before going on to play matriarch Moira Rose in hit TV series Schitt’s Creek.
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