‘I spend my days walking the streets I love, telling the story of the city that shaped me. What started as an idea during a run has now become my career’

Meet Corey McConkey, a 25-year-old entrepreneur who swapped a warehouse job to follow his dream: running one of Belfast’s top-rated walking tours.

Just a few months ago, Corey was working as an Amazon packer, feeling stuck and unfulfilled. Then he decided to take a leap and build something of his own.

Spotting an opportunity in the city’s growing tourism sector, Corey launched a walking tour – Belfast Dander Tours – from scratch, listing it on GetYourGuide, promoting it with QR-code flyers, and building momentum through grassroots outreach.

Today he runs one of the city’s highest rated tours and has turned his passion for local history into a profitable full-time business. And he hasn’t looked back especially since he can now earn more in a single tour than he once made in a week.

Corey credits his brother with giving him the nudge towards his career change, telling Belfast Live: “One day my brother was doing a run at City Hall. He ran past and saw a huge group of people. He got a listen in, found out it was a tour group and he came home and he said, ‘Corey, I think you’d be great at that You love history, you’re very good at communicating and also you’re a Belfast local too’ which I think adds the experience to people want to do tours with local people.

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“I laughed at first and thought it sounded ridiculous but the idea stuck. I love talking, I love communicating. I got the idea to just try and do it. At the time I was working in an Amazon warehouse and feeling miserable. I’m naturally sociable – I like people, conversations and the back-and-forth. But in the warehouse, there was none of that; it was just noise, repetition and long shifts.

“I began researching walking tours in Belfast and many of them focused heavily on The Troubles. Don’t get me wrong – that history is important. It shaped this place. But it’s not the whole story.

“I’m a local man and felt I’d be able to give a good experience. So one day I just pulled the van over and texted my boss, saying this will be the last shift I ever do at Amazon.”

Corey says his tour is all about craic and culture: “We’re not just going to talk about dates, facts and figures, we’re going to walk around the city centre, you’re going to learn about the culture but also you’re going to have the craic.

“Belfast is a very young city in terms of tourism. For a long time there wouldn’t have been tourists in Belfast, the hop-on, hop-off buses would have had maybe one or two people at most. There was no such thing as a tour guide, there was no such thing as tourism.

“I’ve tried to make my tour unique in that I’ve tried to combine all of Belfast’s history in the walking tour from its industrial beginnings from the linen to shipbuilding to World War II to The Troubles.

“Instead of joining an established operator, I listed my experience directly on GetYourGuide and launched my own walking tour. I printed simple flyers with QR codes linking to my page and walked into hotels around the city, asking if they’d leave them at reception.

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“I’ll never forget the first big group that I got I remember when 19 people in a French school group booked in so in just a few hours, I’d earned more than I would in a full week at Amazon. That was the moment it all felt real: this wasn’t just a side hustle – it could actually work. I initially thought it would just be a stepping stone to the next job, but then I realised, ‘Wow, people really enjoy this’.”

And Corey says he’s only just getting started: “I want to develop new themed tours, expand what I offer and build ‘Dander’ into a recognisable Belfast brand. Tourism here is still growing, and I see huge potential in that. Belfast keeps changing – and I want my business to grow alongside it.

“It’s great when you wake up and you see a load of bookings from all different people, you know it’s gonna be a good day, you have a nice walk around the city centre. I remember that saying ‘if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life’. I just thought that was a phrase and I really do feel it now to be honest – it’s awesome.

“Now, I spend my days walking the streets I love, telling the story of the city that shaped me. I turned a throwaway comment from my brother into a sustainable business. What started as an idea during a run has now become my career.”

You can find out more about Belfast Dander Tours here.

Video: Justin Kernoghan

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Enzo Connolly was transferred to Edinburgh – 60 miles from home – after doctors in Dundee discovered a blockage in his bowel.

A ‘frightened’ mum has warned how she was not being taken seriously by doctors before her seriously ill toddler was taken to a hospital 60 miles away for emergency surgery. Danni Connolly, 35, has opened up on her experience after son Enzo, two, required an operation to treat a blocked bowel at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh earlier this month.

Enzo has been in and out of hospital since he was born at 37 weeks when he showed signs of necrotising enterocolitis – a disease where part of the intestines becomes inflamed, damaged or dies. He was also diagnosed with sacral agenesis – a rare congenital disorder which affects the lower spine. In Enzo’s case, he is missing the last five bones in his back.

At just two days old, Enzo had his first operation to remove 10cm of his bowel. Two days later, he had his second to create a stoma. The tot also has a blood disorder and mobility issues.

However, when he became ill last month, Danni felt she had to fight to be heard when he wasn’t getting any better.

Speaking to our sister title Edinburgh Live, Danni said: “I had known for about four weeks that something wasn’t right with him. He was pulling at his [stoma] bags when normally he’s perfect with them, screaming in pain and vomiting.

“They wouldn’t do tests, they just palmed me off with stomach bugs or viral infections, until it came to a head the night before his birthday.”

Enzo was admitted to the family’s local hospital in Dundee on Wednesday, March 25 where blood tests showed that his white cell count was extremely high. The blockage in his bowel was then discovered and Enzo was transferred to Edinburgh for surgery.

Danni said: “He was very, very unwell. The surgeon said to me he was glad Enzo came in when he did, because we could have been having an entirely different conversation.

“It was frightening because nobody would listen to me, and I know my son inside out.”

His condition has greatly improved since his surgery but it has still been a difficult time.

Danni said: “It’s hard and draining, even though I’ve been through it all before.

“Seeing him after surgery on Friday with the breathing tube in just gave me flashbacks to when he was in neonatal on a ventilator after he was born. He looked like a doll.”

The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) has provided support to Danni throughout Enzo’s stay at the hospital.

Around 3,800 youngsters are admitted to its surgical wards every year – over 10 a day – and the charity aims to make every visit as positive as can be.

This ranges from fun activities and support via youth work, to complementary therapy and time away from clinical settings to spend time as a family.

For Danni, it was a small thing that made the biggest impact. She added: “You just need someone to sit and listen when it’s so mentally draining, and that’s what the charity has helped with.

“What these guys do is just second to none. Although this is very, very stressful, it’s taken some of the stress away knowing someone is there at the end of a phone. The help we’ve been shown is unbelievable.”

The charity is entirely independent from the NHS, and receives no government grants – meaning it is exclusively funded by donations.

Pippa Johnston, Deputy CEO of ECHC, said: “Every single day, 500 seriously ill children face a potentially life-changing hospital visit. And every day, with the help of our supporters, we can make those visits as positive as possible.

“Children tell us that coming to hospital can be frightening. Parents tell us they’re sick with worry; they feel no one else is going through the same. Facing illness, and its impact, can be lonely and isolating.

“Right now, we can only reach 1 in 10 children that come through the doors of the hospital. We want to change this – to reach every family who needs us. But we rely solely on donations to be able to do this.”

More information about the charity can be found here.

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The warmer days could come later in the week

People planning a day out in Cambridgeshire this Bank Holiday Monday might be able to enjoy the sun – but the warmer days could be later this week. Many people might be planning to get out and about, checking out the things to do in Cambridgeshire, and potentially meet up with friends or family.

The Met Office is forecasting a sunny Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with temperatures predicted to rise gradually from 15 to 18 and 22C over the few days. It could then be sunny intervals with temperatures and 16C and 15C on Thursday and Friday.

BBC Weather are forecasting similar conditions over the run of days. They forecast sunny intervals and a gentle breeze with temperatures around 14C on Monday, followed by a sunny Tuesday with possibly 17C warmth. Wednesday could be even warmer at 20C but with sunny intervals. Thursday and Friday are both forecast to be cooler (16C), but Thursday could see some light rain come to the region.

The Met Office’s East of England forecast for Monday, when temperatures could be for the region at 13C, states: “Starting chilly with a slight frost in places. A dry day to follow with variable cloud but also bright spells at times. Generally light winds, with near average afternoon temperatures.”

Turning towards Tuesday until Thursday, it adds: “Chilly start Tuesday, then fine with warm sunshine and breezier, but cooler where any onshore winds. Very warm sunshine Wednesday, cloudier later. Thursday, cooler and breezy with sunshine and showers.”

It comes after Storm Dave caused road closures and train disruptions on Easter Sunday morning. An amber wind warning covering parts of northern England, north-west Wales and southern Scotland was lifted at 3am. Three yellow warnings across parts of northern England, Scotland and Wales were lifted later in the morning.

The forecast is based on temperatures and conditions predicted for Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. Details were correct at the time of writing.

A ‘fun, bright, and athletic’ boy has been named as the teenager killed in a horror crash that left two others seriously injured.

Noah Campbell, 13, died in the crash between a car, a bike and a scooter on Greenfield Road, Flitwick, at 11.50pm on Friday.

Two other teenage boys were taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

In a statement issued by Bedfordshire Police on Sunday, Noah’s family said: ‘Noah was a fun, bright, handsome, athletic and incredibly well-liked boy.

‘Above all else, he cherished spending time with his friends and family; they were the heart of his world.

‘Noah was a talented and versatile sportsman. While football was his favourite sport — playing for many local teams — he was a gifted all-rounder who excelled in rugby, cricket and athletics. Outside of organised sports, Noah stayed active and adventurous; he loved challenging himself at the gym and spending time at the bike park.

‘Some of his happiest memories were made enjoying attending Liverpool FC and Luton Town FC matches alongside his dad.

‘We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this incredibly difficult time.

‘We are utterly devastated; Noah’s death has left a hole in our lives that will remain forever.’

It comes as Jamie Fountain, 24, and Ellie Ireland, 23, were charged in connection with the crash.

Fountain, of Fir Tree Close, Flitwick, was charged with causing death by careless driving, and an additional charge of causing death by careless driving while over the legal limit for alcohol and drugs, police said on Sunday.

He was also charged with two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving in relation to two other boys who were injured in the incident.

Fountain has been further charged with failing to stop at the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Ireland, of Wingate Drive, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

They have both been remanded in custody to appear before Luton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, officers said.

Of the two other boys who were injured, one remains in hospital in a serious condition.

The other was treated for serious injuries and has been discharged, police said.

Detective Sergeant Shona Searle, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire serious collision investigation unit, said: ‘This incident has sent shockwaves through the small community of Flitwick and the surrounding area, and we maintain a community policing presence around the scene for reassurance.

‘While we understand the strong feeling associated with the loss of a young life, and the serious injury of others, we would ask that people do not speculate on the circumstances of the situation.

‘The families of the victims, who we are supporting through family liaison officers, have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.’

MORE: Boy, 17, arrested for ‘murder’ after pedestrian killed in Barnsley crash

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EastEnders’ Lucy Speed, The Bill’s Peter De Jersey and His Dark Materials star Amir Wilson join the cast

The ITV detective drama adapted from Peter James’s bestselling novels has made its return.

Grace’s sixth series, which is both set and shot in Brighton, resumed earlier this month with John Simm returning as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, alongside Richie Campbell as DI Glenn Branson and Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey.

Audiences will know John from his performances in Life on Mars, Mad Dogs, The Village, Intruders, The Catch and Doctor Who, in which he portrayed The Master. Richie, meanwhile, has appeared in Top Boy, Liar and Wisting, while Zoë has featured in Survivors, Mr Selfridge and I, Jack Wright.

Following the usual format, guest performers will join the principal cast throughout each episode. While the opening instalment featured Grantchester’s Rishi Nair, the second episode will welcome actors from The Bill, EastEnders and His Dark Materials. Here’s the cast list for series 6, episode 2, entitled Capture You Dead, according to The Mirror.

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Peter De Jersey plays Stephen Welling

Peter is most widely recognised for his portrayal of Jerome Taylor in The Bill and Steve Waring in Holby City. He’s also known for his roles as Brian Young in Broadchurch, Goran in Atlantis and Kristian in Warrior Nun.

His recent work includes DCI Devereaux in Sanctuary and Andrew Bains in Steal.

Robert Lonsdale plays Carl Orton

Audiences will remember Robert from Chewing Gum, in which he played Connor, and from The Interceptor, where he took on the part of Tommy. He has also featured in Finding Alice, Chivalry, and most recently The Marlow Murder Club.

Amir Wilson portrays Noah Welling

Amir is renowned for his roles as Will Parry in the HBO and BBC One series His Dark Materials and Tiuri in the Netflix series The Letter for the King. He appeared in the 2020 film adaptation of The Secret Garden and as Philetius in the 2024 film, The Return.

Lucy Speed takes on the role of Gina Poole

Lucy is best known for her portrayal of Natalie in EastEnders between 1994 and 2004 and Stevie Moss in The Bill. She has also had parts in Jamie Johnson, Unforgotten, The Rumour and The Hack and stars in the popular podcast series The Archers as Stella Pryor.

Michelle Greenidge plays Dr Noreen Allen

Michelle is recognised for her role as Valerie in the Netflix comedy drama After Life, Lola in the BBC Two comedy Mandy, and PC Williams in the television series Code 404.

She also starred as Maggie Jenkins in Queenie, The Tacita in Kaos and Carla Sunday in Doctor Who.

Andor stars Rachelle Diedericks and Dylan Corbett-Bader portray Rachel Sanderson and Davey Carlton.

Also featuring in Capture You Dead are This Town’s Shyvonne Ahmmad, Bridgerton’s Kaja Chan, Showtrials’s Dana Haqjoo, Masters of the Air’s Charlie Beck, Red Eye’s Michael Epp, and Industry and Holby City’s Verity Marshall. As well as Alexander Holley, Ferdy Roberts, Cornelius Booth, Jamie Martin and Esme Hough.

Grace continues on ITV on Sunday night at 8pm.

The Countryfile and The One Show presenter is also known for his work as a commentator on the BBC’s gymnastics coverage

BBC presenter Matt Baker has opened up on the “heartbreaking” decision he had to make as he was forced to abandon his childhood dream following a health diagnosis.

The 48-year-old is best known to TV audiences for his work on Countryfile and The One Show, as well as children’s show Blue Peter and a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. But as a child, he harboured ambitions of representing his country on the global stage as a professional sportsman.

In his youth, Baker was a keen and successful gymnast, competing in junior events and winning a North of England title as he dreamt of making it to the Olympics.

While he would later work as a commentator on the BBC’s coverage of the Games, however, that’s as close as he would get as a medical diagnosis at the age of 13 brought his own sporting ambitions to an end.

Unsurprisingly, Baker was left devastated as he was forced to abandon gymnastics, as he recalled in an interview with Wiltshire Farm Foods: “Ever since I was a little lad, it was my dream to be part of the Olympics.

“But I ended up having to stop my gymnastics in my mid-teens because I got anaemia. It meant I just couldn’t train to the level that was needed, so I made the heartbreaking decision to stop.”

Iron deficiency anaemia is characterised by symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath, palpitations, pale skin, and headaches, with the cause, as the name suggests, being a lack of iron.

In women, it can be brought on by heavy periods and pregnancy. It can also be caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, piles, stomach ulcers, inflammation in the bowel or oesophagus and certain cancers.

Less common symptoms include tinnitus, food tasting strange, itchiness, a sore tongue, hair loss, difficulty swallowing, a desire to eat non-food items, ulcers in the corners of your mouth, restless legs and changes to your nails.

Baker had previously told The Telegraph that he had been “really upset” when he was forced to change his dream career path during his teenage years, in light of the diagnosis.

“When I was told aged 13 that I was anaemic and had to slow down my gymnastics training, which meant that I wouldn’t be able to continue at the level I was at, I was really upset,” he said.

“I’d lost my identity in a way. But then I just committed to something else: I went off and became a North of England pole-vaulting champion and did sports acrobatics.”

While speaking to Wiltshire Farm Foods, Baker also recalled becoming emotional when he was offered the chance to take part in the torch relay in his native County Durham ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

“When I got to carry the torch through my home city it was a real lump in your throat kind of experience,” he said.

“I’ve still got the torch that I had in the relay, it’s a real prized possession of mine.”

BBC Morning Live star Gethin Jones has stepped away from his presenting duties

Gethin Jones has temporarily left his role on BBC Morning Live to take on a new responsibility leading the Wales team at the Commonwealth Games.

The former rugby union player has been given leave from the BBC to serve as chef de mission for his nation. The BBC Morning Live presenter will support Team Wales at this year’s Commonwealth Games, assisting athletes, representing Wales at official functions, and acting as the team’s official spokesperson.

The Welsh star has recently been in Scotland with fellow chefs de mission attending workshops, presentations and seminars ahead of the major sporting event. Gethin explained that the BBC have been “incredibly supportive” of his new role, adding: “The detail is just phenomenal.

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“Everything is geared towards the athletes being in the best environment to succeed when they come here in the summer and every day, every hour there’s something to consider.”

Wales Online has now explored Jones’ career in the public eye, including a painful split and speculation surrounding his BBC colleague Helen Skelton.

Painful split

Jones revealed his separation from Katherine Jenkins left him struggling with depression. The couple ended their relationship in 2011 after five years together, which had included an engagement. Speaking to the Mirror in 2023, the BBC presenter revealed: “I was engaged and then breaking up, afterward, or even during that period, it was just awful. I remember doing BBC Radio 5Live and going into the toilet at 5.30 am going, ‘All right. Come on. Just focus for the next three hours, and then you can go back to being sad again.’”

He added: “I definitely had a bad bout of depression during that time.’ I was waiting for a friend to tell me what to do and they can’t do that.

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“It puts so much pressure on them… you need to figure it out yourself. I saw someone, I had therapy for a couple of years and I still do my homework on that.”

Birthday getaway with Sky Sports presenter

Jones marked his 48th birthday with mate and Sky Sports presenter Pien Meulensteen. The duo travelled to Morzine for a skiing holiday earlier this year, with the BBC star posting numerous photographs on social media.

The images captured the friends unwinding in a hot tub alongside some of Meulensteen’s companions. The Sky Sports presenter, who is the daughter of former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, featured in Jones’ Instagram upload as the group wore matching headwear.

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Jones expressed his delight about the getaway in his caption, writing: “A quality few days in Morzine with a top class group ‘the padel princesses’. First time I went to the mountains I raced half pipe and tried a ski jump, this was around 20 years ago!

“I’ve been skiing a few times since then but decided to get my first lesson this time, and guess what, it really helped. Waiting for the queen of socials @pienmeulensteen to send some reels. Until then, here’s my offering!”

Helen Skelton rumours

Helen Skelton addressed the speculation surrounding her ‘relationship’ with Jones in an uncommon statement back in February. After her separation from rugby player Richie Myler in 2022, rumours emerged last year suggesting a potential romance between the BBC colleagues.

The duo had allegedly spent time together at an upmarket spa and appeared affectionate at the Pride of Britain Awards, where they were photographed embracing and leaning against each other on the red carpet. Nevertheless, Skelton dismissed any notion of a romantic involvement when questioned about further dates.

She stated: “No. Well, he’s in Manchester working away, so yeah, no, all good.”

When pressed on the matter, Skelton was swift to dispel the romance speculation. She continued: “We just work together, we are not together. No, no, no. We are just work friends. They printed pictures of us at work and that we’re together because we are at work together.”

Jones shares the same view, as he emphasised their close friendship during Comic Relief in 2025. When questioned whether their 24-hour roller-skating challenge might affect their relationship, the BBC star commented: “What’s different this time is that we have each other. We’re best friends.

“We’re very honest with one another.”

Molly Lambert, 22, shared how she lives with Pure O obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), a form where compulsions are mainly mental rather than physical.

As a teenager, she experienced intrusive sexual and violent thoughts that made her fear she was a danger to others.

After seeing a TikTok video about P-OCD – the paedophilic theme within OCD involving unwanted sexual thoughts or images about children – Molly was finally diagnosed in August 2025.

Molly Lambert, 22, developed intrusive sexual and violent thoughts as a teenager (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

She stresses that P-OCD is not paedophilia and chose to share her story to help others suffering in silence.

Since speaking out, she has received messages from people of all ages who have never told anyone about their intrusive thoughts. Many described years of fear, shame, and isolation, she said.

Molly, a digital PR worker and mental health advocate from Deansgate, Manchester, said: “The response has been overwhelming. People say they’ve been crying, that they’ve felt like this for years and never told anyone.

“Parents have reached out saying they have obsessions about harming their children. Some people said they ended up in psychiatric wards or tried to take their own lives.”

She believes the taboo nature of these thoughts makes them more dangerous.

She said: “People don’t talk about it, and that makes it worse. Some messages are from people in their 50s who have been silently suffering their whole lives.

“It shows how common and hidden it is.”

Molly Lambert, 22 (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

Molly explained that her OCD caused her to obsess over themes including harm, morality, sexuality, and existence.

She said: “It’s not being a paedophile – it’s that these thoughts exist and your brain latches onto them. OCD is all about uncertainty. It tells you ‘what if?’ and you can’t prove it wrong.”

She described how different themes felt like “the same lie in a different disguise.”

The thoughts themselves were distressing, but she emphasised they never reflected her intentions or desires.

Unlike some forms of OCD that involve physical rituals, Molly’s compulsions were internal.

Molly said: “I would replay thoughts, overanalyse everything, check comments, and second guess myself constantly. You feel like you can’t relax.”

She explained the cycle – resisting compulsions causes anxiety spikes, but giving in only strengthens the pattern.

Even now, stress or fatigue can make the thoughts feel stronger.

For years, she felt trapped in what she calls “dark spirals” of shame.

She said: “You think you’re a monster, that you don’t deserve to exist. The shame is in how you see yourself. Even years later, that feeling can linger.”

Molly Lambert, 22 (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

She believes OCD can be especially damaging during adolescence.

“When you’re figuring out who you are, OCD attacks everything and makes you question your identity.”

Her recovery has not been straightforward.

She first had therapy in 2023, which helped temporarily, but by 2024 her panic attacks worsened, leading her to try hypnotherapy. She was formally diagnosed in 2025.

Molly said: “The aftermath of recovery is awful, the shame is still there, just quieter. You have to deal with ongoing feelings.”

She found that speaking openly was a turning point.

“Externalising it helped the most. For years I avoided talking about it, but once I did, it felt like the air cleared,” she said.

Molly also believes stigma may be even stronger for men.

She said: “If I was a man, I’d be terrified to open up. OCD doesn’t pick gender, but men may fear being judged or accused. That’s why awareness matters – it’s not about desire or intent.”

Despite her intentions, going public has led to abuse.

She said: “I’ve been called a ‘nonce’ and told to die. I had to delete Facebook, and my mum helps manage messages.

“If people understood traditional OCD, they’d see the same patterns in other forms. Reactions can push sufferers further into themselves, and that’s why it’s dangerous.

“Intrusive thoughts can appear suddenly and feel vivid, I could be thinking about breakfast and suddenly imagine being stabbed. OCD sticks – it’s a brain pattern.”

Pure O is particularly challenging because everything happens internally.

She said: “It feels real, even when you logically know it’s not. It’s exhausting and relentless.”

Over time, Molly has learned to sit with the thoughts rather than engage with them.

She said: “I observe them and recognise the pattern. You have to label it so it loses power. People want it to stop immediately, but understanding it is the only way.

“That’s the advice I share those who reach out to me.

“It gives people permission to step back and realise it’s their brain – not them being a monster.”

Despite ongoing struggles, she remains determined to help others.

Molly said: “People have sought help, got diagnosed, or realised they’re not alone after hearing my story. That’s what matters.

“I wish I had earlier awareness, it could have saved me years of suffering. People message me saying they thought they were the only ones.

“It’s heart breaking, but it shows how vital it is to talk about it.”

Molly Lambert, when she was younger (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

Molly still experiences intrusive thoughts daily and says there is no simple fix.

She said: “They’re the same lie in a different disguise, but recognising the pattern helps me manage them.”

She emphasises that OCD can affect anyone.

Molly said: “If even one person reaches out for help because of my story, it’s worth it. The response shows how many people are silently struggling – and how important it is to break that silence.”

Councillors representing Brotton said East Cleveland Hospital was under-used with an X-ray department having also been out of action for several months, although this was related to equipment failure, not staffing.

Services at the facility are commissioned by the North East Integrated Care Board (NE ICB) and delivered by the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, part of the University Hospitals Tees group.

Councillor Graham Cutler, a Brotton ward councillor, said a minor injuries unit should be piloted at the hospital where members of the public could walk in for treatment.

He also highlighted how Redcar and Cleveland had no 24/7 urgent care provision, unlike other areas, with Redcar Primary Care Hospital – the nearest such facility – closing at midnight.

Cllr Cutler said East Cleveland residents faced “health access inequality” and establishing a minor injuries unit could reduce unnecessary 999 ambulance calls as well as ease the pressure on Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, which has both an A&E and urgent treatment centre.

He said some “geographically isolated” residents had experienced “massive waits” at both Redcar and Middlesbrough with others choosing to travel further afield for treatment to Whitby and Scarborough.

Services at East Cleveland Hospital, which is in Brotton, include general rehabilitation, assessment of present and future care needs, diagnostics, drug administration, blood transfusions, pain control and palliative care.

Outpatient clinics are also held at the hospital for example for patients receiving physiotherapy.

University Hospital Tees said enabling works were required to be carried out in order to install a new X-ray machine, although this would not be until the autumn.

A spokeswoman did not directly address future plans for the community hospital, but said it was working in partnership with the NE ICB and the wider NHS to “optimise service provision”.

Councillor Cutler, along with fellow Brotton ward councillors Barry Hunt and Martin Fletcher, have persuaded members of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s adults, wellbeing and health scrutiny committee to undertake further scrutiny sessions to look at urgent care provision in the area, as well as explore potential for the delivery of additional services at East Cleveland Hospital.

It is expected to seek information from the relevant NHS organisations and could produce a report with recommendations, which they would be required to respond to.

A recent meeting of the committee heard how  the hospital “remained a substantial and suitable building, but was currently under utilised” with potential also to deliver the likes of mental health support and drug and alcohol services.

Meanwhile, some residents were said to fear that the site could eventually close altogether and it was perceived as a “white elephant”.

Karen Hawkins, a director of delivery at the North East Integrated Care Board, covering the Tees Valley area, told the meeting upgrading East Cleveland Hospital would require significant staffing, potentially drawing resources away from other sites.

It was suggested by the committee there could be benefit in re-examining opening times and demand patterns at the Redcar Primary Care Hospital.

Clarification was also sought on whether any discussions about service closures were taking place, with reassurance given that the intention was to integrate primary and community care within existing facilities rather than build new estates.

Cllr Hunt told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that half of the Brotton facility was not being used.

He said:  “We’ve had support from the scrutiny committee and councillors across the board.

“They have an X-ray unit at Brotton and it hasn’t been working for ages.

“East Cleveland is missing out.

“Why do you have to go to Middlesbrough to sit for hours just to get a finger stitched?

“Someone has got to fight for this, it’s very important.”

The University Hospital Tees spokeswoman said: “A new x-ray machine for East Cleveland Hospital has recently been purchased and plans are in place to carry out enabling works to accommodate the new machine which will allow the machine to be installed by autumn 2026.”

She said it was continuing to explore the best possible ways in which to continue the transformation of services and optimise patient experience, and “considering a range of options to ensure services are safe, sustainable and meet future needs”. 

A spokesman for the NE ICB added: “In line with the priorities outlined in the [NHS] ten year health plan, the ICB is committed to ensuring that service delivery shifts away from acute hospital settings to local communities, with a focus on prevention.  

 “As such, we are working with system partners on how we can best utilise modern facilities closer to home for physical and mental health community-based services.”

A 10-month-old girl has died along with two other people after a tree toppled during an Easter egg hunt in northern Germany, police say.

The 100-foot tree fell on four people participating in the event on Sunday morning in woods near the town of Satrupholm.

The baby girl died in hospital, while her 21-year-old mother died at the scene as she was being treated by first responders, as did another 16-year-old girl.

An 18-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and was brought to the hospital by helicopter.

The incident took place as around 50 people from a nearby residential facility for new mothers, pregnant women and children hunted for eggs in the area, which had been under a high winds warning from the German weather service.

Grief counsellors were sent to the scene, where pictures published by the Bild news site showed several Easter eggs scattered on the ground and two of the victims covered in white sheets.

The facility that held the event is part of the state-funded child welfare system and supports pregnant women and new mothers who need help, according to its website.