Carol Race has spent the past 22 years supporting students at Stockton Riverside College, with a further 22 years spent guiding pupils in schools before that.

Now, after a career spent helping thousands achieve their ambitions, she is stepping into retirement with a sense of pride and nostalgia.

Ms Race said: “It all feels very surreal at the moment.

Carol Race is retiring after a 44-year career in careers guidance (Image: Supplied)

“To leave is a wrench because, like everyone who works in a college, this is a role where you make a real difference to students.

“You always want to do your best for the students and help them find the opportunities they are looking for.”

Known for her practical advice, interview coaching, and assistance with university applications, she has left a lasting impression on countless students over the years.

The careers advisor said: “You get to meet so many different people and hear about their lives.”

She also supported adult learners, often guiding those returning to education through the application process and helping them regain confidence.

Her journey into careers guidance began unexpectedly after the company where she worked in a secretarial role went into liquidation.

Applying for a position as an employment assistant, she was later seconded for training at Edinburgh Napier University and qualified as a careers advisor in 1985.

She spent the next 20 years working in schools as part of the Cleveland County Careers Service before joining Stockton Riverside College in January 2004.

Over the past 22 years, she has worked with hundreds of students every year and is now senior careers co-ordinator.

Ms Race said: “I don’t think I had any particular expectations when I joined the college, I just got my head down and cracked on.”

Her commitment to students never wavered.

She continued to take appointments even on her final day, ensuring every person received her full support.

She said the most rewarding part of her job was seeing people achieve their goals, whether that meant starting a career, securing university offers, or simply finding meaningful employment.

For adult learners, especially, the transformation could be remarkable.

Ms Race said: “When access to higher education students arrive in September, I say to them that this will be the fastest year of their lives.

“I see them again at the end of the course, with their university offers and they can’t believe how fast it has gone.”

Her genuine care extended beyond career advice.

She remembered the ambitions and journeys of her students, even if names sometimes escaped her.

A mother and grandmother, Ms Race now looks forward to spending more time with family and enjoying time in the garden, though she admits retirement will be bittersweet.

She said: “It’s a cycle in education but I like helping people with their university applications, getting to know the students and just being able to help them gives you a lot of satisfaction.

” It’s the people I work with that I’ll miss most, you spend a lot of time at work and they support you.”

A Local Government Association spokesperson said: “Although the vast majority of badges are used correctly, there is a small minority who fraudulently use other people’s, either to save money by parking in disabled bays or through laziness, depriving someone with a genuine need.

The alerts were also considered for severe weather events across the UK, including when widespread flooding occurred in Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester in 2025, and when Storm Babet brought exceptional rainfall and winds to Scotland and the North East of England in 2023.

“Doctors told me it would have been years before I felt anything wrong and I shudder to think what that delay could have meant for my future”

Bronagh Mulholland’s breast cancer was detected in 2024, when she was just 40, during a routine mammogram. The mum-of-three is now sharing her journey to highlight the work of Action Cancer.

Bronagh, 42, lives just outside Downpatrick with her husband and their three children, Cara, 14, Ruairi, 11, and Eva-Rose, 6. Her breast cancer was detected by Action Cancer in 2024. The Co Down woman says she is forever grateful to Action Cancer for giving her a second chance at life and the opportunity to look ahead to many more healthy years with her husband and children.

Every year, the charity helps to save and support over 15,000 local people across Northern Ireland through the delivery of its life-saving early detection and cancer support services to people affected by cancer, including the provision of up to 8,000 breast screening appointments at Action Cancer House and on board the Big Bus.

READ MORE: ‘I didn’t think I’d get to see my kids grow up after my cancer diagnosis – now I’m a grandma’READ MORE: Belfast mum remembered for her “kindness and unwavering spirit” after battle with incurable cancer

On Friday June 5, a sea of pink will sweep through Belfast once again as Action Cancer hosts the Breast Foot Forward Walk, sponsored by SuperValu.

“Action Cancer is a truly incredible charity that changed my life,” she said.

“Thanks to their early detection service, my cancer was caught at a very early stage, long before I would have noticed any symptoms. Doctors told me it would have been years before I felt anything wrong and I shudder to think what that delay could have meant for my future.

“I am grateful to Action Cancer for providing such an amazing service, it quite literally saved my life. Taking part in this event is my way of giving back to the charity that gave me a second chance and I am so excited to be doing it alongside my two amazing sisters. This journey means the world to me and I am proud to support a cause that continues to save lives every day.”

She continued: “I am so excited to get involved with Action Cancer’s Breast Foot Forward Walk and I know this year will be bigger and better. It is a fun-filled event for an amazing cause and I hope to see you there.”

This year, the charity is calling on 800 enthusiastic walkers to help raise vital funds and awareness for Action Cancer’s life-saving breast screening service.

It is encouraging men, women and children of all ages to participate in the fun-filled event – where dogs are welcome too! Walkers will gather at Belfast City Hall from 6pm for a lively warm-up with Fitness Freddy, plus plenty of free goodies to kick things off. Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K route, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for breast cancer across Northern Ireland.

This year’s Breast Foot Forward Walk aims to raise £70,000 to fund potentially life-saving breast screening appointments for 583 local women.

Maurice Cusack, Head of Retail Marketing for SuperValu, added: “As a proud partner of Action Cancer for more than 25 years, SuperValu is delighted to sponsor this fantastic event once again. The Breast Foot Forward Walk is about community at its best – bringing together friends, families, workplaces and local groups – all united by a shared purpose: having fun while raising vital funds for a charity that makes a real difference close to home.”

Action Cancer is the only charity in Northern Ireland offering free breast screening to well women aged 40-49 and over 70 – those who fall outside the NHS screening programme. While these appointments are free for the women who need them, each screening costs the charity £120 to deliver. That’s why taking part in the Breast Foot Forward Walk is so important. Every step helps fund this vital, life-saving service.

All participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £120 in sponsorship, the amount it costs Action Cancer to provide digital breast screening for one woman.

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Every year Action Cancer helps to save and support over 15,000 people across Northern Ireland through the delivery of its services including the provision of 8,000 breast screening appointments at Action Cancer House and on board the Big Bus, supported by SuperValu and Centra. For every 1,000 women screened, an average of six breast cancers are detected, hopefully at an early and treatable stage.

This is only possible because of the continued, generous support Action Cancer receives from the general public in Northern Ireland and through its charity partnership with SuperValu. The charity needs your support now, more than ever, to continue with the work and help save lives.

Early registration is now open and will run to the end of April with a reduced price of £10 per adult and £5 per child. Everyone taking part will receive a drawstring bag for life and complementary pink t-shirt. So, grab your BFF or your 4-legged friend, get dressed up in pink, and step your way to the finish line with Action Cancer. An added bonus is that everyone who registers before 30th April will be entered into a prize draw to win an overnight stay for two people, including breakfast at the Grand Central Hotel, Belfast. So sign up, save a life, and support a friend.

For further information or to register, visit www.actioncancer.org/breast-foot-forward,contact Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 (option 2) or email breastfootforward@actioncancer.org.

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

At least seven people were injured after the ceiling of Poseidón Palace hotel in Benidorm collapsed on Easter Sunday while guests were dining

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At least seven people have been left injured after a hotel ceiling gave way on Easter Sunday.

The shocking incident took place at Poseidón Palace, a well-known tourist hotel in Benidorm. Large chunks of plasterboard and air conditioning ducts came crashing down on around 60 guests who were eating at the hotel at the time.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and confirmed that among those hurt were an eight year old boy and a 78 year old man, both of whom were taken to hospital before being discharged following treatment.

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A further five people, aged between 33 and 80, were taken to hospital following the frightening incident, with one person still under observation at Hospital de la Marina Baixa, according to reports from local media.

CICU officials dispatched SAMU medical units along with basic life support and non-assisted transport teams to deal with the situation. Red Cross staff assisted in caring for those affected during the chaotic scenes at the well-regarded Costa Blanca resort. The cause of the collapse at the three-star hotel remains unknown at this stage, though this is not the first such incident to have affected Benidorm’s hotel industry. The much-loved coastal resort in Spain is well known for its vibrant nightlife, vast array of accommodation and high-rise buildings, golden beaches and much more. It remains a popular choice for hen and stag parties, while others are drawn to the charm of the Old Town and the stunning, dramatic coastlines that stand in stark contrast to the more widely recognised imagery associated with Benidorm.

According to the annual report from Visit Benidorm, the Spanish destination welcomed over three million tourists in 2025, with an estimated 900,000 travelling from the UK.

The MEN has contacted Poseidón Palace for comment but is yet to receive a response.

People with a terminal illness can have their PIP claim fast-tracked with special rules that mean no face-to-face assessment and higher daily living payments

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) offer financial assistance to those living with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities who face difficulties with everyday tasks or getting around. Claims are assessed primarily on how a condition impacts an individual’s daily life, rather than their specific diagnosis, unless their doctor has informed them of one particular thing.

Those who have received a terminal diagnosis are subject to different rules when applying for PIP, which can effectively ‘guarantee’ a fast-tracked application and entitle them to the highest rate of the daily living payment, currently set at £110.40. This figure is due to rise to £114.60 from April 6, 2026.

Citizens Advice states: “If you have a terminal illness, you’ll usually get PIP automatically. The DWP will fast-track your application – this means: you won’t have to fill out as many forms, you won’t have to go to a face-to-face assessment, you should get your first payment sooner.

“Someone else can claim on behalf of a person who is terminally ill. For example, because the person doesn’t know that they have a terminal illness. If you do this, let the person know that the claim for PIP is being made, even if they don’t know it is because they’re terminally ill.”

To be eligible for PIP under the special rules for end-of-life cases, applicants must be aged 16 or over at the time of applying, be residing in England or Wales, and have a doctor confirm that they may pass away within 12 months. However, Government guidance notes: “It can be difficult to predict how long someone might live for. If a medical professional has not talked to you about this, you can still ask them to support your claim under the special rules for end of life,” reports the Mirror.

Should you meet these criteria, you will automatically receive the higher daily living element. However, you will only be eligible for the mobility element if your health condition directly causes mobility difficulties.

Citizens Advice adds: “Make sure you tell the DWP if you have problems most of the time when moving around or going out. For example, tell them how far and how fast you can walk before these problems start.”

It advised people with terminal diagnoses inform the DWP if they:

• Can’t walk without pain, breathlessness or help
• Need a wheelchair, walking stick or other mobility aid
• Experience stress and anxiety that makes it difficult to go out

To make a PIP claim under the special rules for end-of-life, you will need to telephone the PIP team and state that you wish to begin a claim under these provisions. The PIP team will then ask a series of questions regarding your condition in order to assess your eligibility.

You will also need to request an SR1 form from your medical team, which they may either hand directly to you or submit to the DWP on your behalf. This can be provided by your GPs, consultants, specialists, hospice doctors or registered nurses, including Macmillan nurses. Individuals with a life-limiting diagnosis may also be eligible to apply under the special rules for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance if they are of working age.

Those above state pension age can access Attendance Allowance, while children under 16 will need to apply for Disability Living Allowance for children.

After submitting your application, Macmillan specialists indicate you should receive your initial payment within a fortnight of applying. You’ll also be able to skip some of the standard PIP eligibility requirements, such as demonstrating daily living or mobility challenges for the previous three months.

The BBC’s senior international correspondent Orla Guerin has travelled to the edge of the Strait of Hormuz in Oman, which Iran has put a stranglehold on since the war broke out.

The critical artery is normally used for 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.

By leaving ships stranded in the waterway, Iran is reducing the global supply of oil, driving up prices and creating fear among consumers as well as amplifying pressure in the international community.

Filmed by Lee Durant, edited by Jake Lapham

You can claim a free pair of tickets to a choice of 26 events up and down the country during May and June

We have teamed up with Arena Racing Company – who run 16 racecourses across the UK, to give away thousands of FREE tickets to readers and what’s more, you can claim two free tickets to your chosen event – plus kids go free!

The race days are all themed to provide great entertainment as well as high quality jumps and flat horse racing spread across the country. There’s everything from family fun days at Fontwell Park, to Ronnie Scotts racenight at Royal Windsor!

There’s a fantastic range of events and acts to appear to everyone! The choice of 26 entertainment-filled race meetings are:

DONCASTER- May 16 – Summer Saturday

DONCASTER- June 5 – Evening Flat Racing

DONCASTER- June 6 – Summer Saturday with Chris Moyles

DONCASTER- June 14 – Family Fun Day

DONCASTER- June 20 – Summer Saturday plus live music after racing

UTTOXETER- May 2 – Staffs Plate Race Day ft. Robbie Williams Tribute

UTTOXETER- May 16 -Live DJ Martin Kemp Racenight

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UTTOXETER- June 13 – ABBA Party Racenight

UTTOXETER- June 28 – Summer Cup

LINGFIELD PARK- May 30 – Summer Sounds – Soul & Motown

LINGFIELD PARK- June 6 – Summer Sounds – 80s live at the races

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LINGFIELD PARK- June 27 – Summer Sounds – The Take That Experience

WORCESTER- May 22 – Friday Night at the races ft. live music

FONTWELL PARK- May 24 – Family Fun Day

BATH- June 5 – Evening racing with DJ party in the paddock

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CHEPSTOW- June 6 – Country & Western racenight

BRIGHTON- June 21 – Father’s Day Family Funday

ROYAL WINDSOR- May 11 – Residents raceday

ROYAL WINDSOR- May 23 – Opening Party – dance through the decades

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ROYAL WINDSOR- June 1 – Ibiza Rewind Racenight

ROYAL WINDSOR- June 15 – Ronnie Scotts racenight

ROYAL WINDSOR- June 22 – Pimms and Prosecco racenight

ROYAL WINDSOR- June 29 – An evening with Queen ft. Supersonic Queen

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NEWCASTLE- June 26 – Gosforth Park Cup Night

NEWCASTLE- June 27 – Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Day

WOLVERHAMPTON- June 28 – Country & Western Race Day

CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR FREE PAIR OF TICKETS (subject to availability, first come, first serve basis). Please note: Your tickets will be emailed to you from Arena Racing Company, 2-3 days prior to the event.

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Terms and Conditions: 1. This Promotion covers all Fixtures and will be open for entry (i) until the closing dates listed or, (ii) until all tickets for that particular Fixture are redeemed, whichever occurs first. The closing dates for each race event are as follows: Uttoxeter Staffs Plate Race Day ft Robbie Williams Tribute- Sunday 26th April, Royal Windsor Residents raceday – Monday 4th May, Uttoxeter Live DJ Martin Kemp Racenight – Sunday 10th May, Doncaster Summer Saturday Racenight – Sunday 10th May, Worcester Friday Night at the Races ft. live music – Friday 15th May, Royal Windsor Opening Party – Dance through the decades – Sunday 17th May, Fontwell Park Family Fun Day – Sunday 17th May, Lingfield Park Summer Sounds – Soul & Motown – Thursday 21st May, Royal Windsor Ibiza Rewind Racenight – Monday 25th May, Doncaster Evening Flat Racing – Thursday 28th May, Bath Evening Racing with DJ party in the paddock – Thursday 28th May, Chepstow Country & Western Racenight – Sunday 31st May, Lingfield Park Summer Sounds – 80s Live At The Races – Sunday 31st May, Doncaster Summer Saturday with Chris Moyles Live After Racing – Sunday 31st May, Uttoxeter ABBA Party Racenight – Sunday 7th June, Doncaster Family Fun Day – Sunday 7th June, Royal Windsor Ronnie Scotts racenight – Monday 8th June, Doncaster Summer Saturday plus love music after racing – Sunday 14th June, Brighton Father’s Day Family Funday – Sunday 14th June, Royal Windsor Pimms & Prosecco racenight – Monday 15th June, Newcastle Gosforth Park Cup Night – Thursday 18th June, Newcastle Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Day – Sunday 21st June, Lingfield Park Summer Sounds – The Take That Experience – Sunday 21st June, Uttoxeter Summer Cup – Sunday 21st June, Wolverhampton Country & Western Race Day – Sunday 21st June, Royal Windsor – An Evening with Queen ft Supersonic Queen – Monday 22nd June.

2. This is a syndicated offer across the Daily Star/Daily Star Sunday and dailystar.co.uk; Daily Mirror/Sunday Mirror and Dailymirror.co.uk; Daily Express/Sunday Express and express.co.uk and the Sunday People; Newcastle Chronicle, Journal, Sunday Sun and www.chroniclelive.co.uk; Teesside Gazette and www.gazettelive.co.uk; South Wales Echo and www.walesonline.co.uk; Bristol Post and www.bristolpost.co.uk; Western Daily Press and www.somersetlive.co.uk; Birmingham Mail and www.birminghamlive.co.uk; Burton Mail,Stoke Sentinel and www.stokeontrentlive.co.uk; Nottingham Post and www.nottinghamshire.live; Derby Telegraph and www.derbyshirelive.co.uk; Grimsby Telegraph and www.grimsbylive.co.uk the Chronicle Premium app, Daily Express Premium app and Birmingham Live Premium app.

3. Tickets are limited for each Fixture to 5,000 (2,500 pairs) and are subject to availability and will be offered on a first come first served basis. E-tickets will be sent to the email address provided, from Arena Leisure Racing Limited’s ticket office 2-3 days prior to the Fixture. Children under 18 go free and do not require a ticket in advance – they will be issued on the day.

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4. To enter the Promotion you will need to be over 18 years of age (i) choose your preferred Fixture; (ii) fill in your full name and email address, (iii) if successful l, you will be sent an automated email with ticket information. If you are not successful you will be informed that you have not been successful. Emails may be filtered into junk email inboxes. Please check your junk email box, if successful and move your email to your inbox immediately to avoid deletion of your email which is automatically from your junk/spam email after 30 days.

5. Anyone who has already purchased tickets for one of the named Fixtures will not be eligible for a refund or able to exchange their previously purchased tickets. All entrants are limited to one pair of tickets per customer in total for one Fixture only. If you have successfully applied for a Fixture and been allocated tickets, you will not be eligible to be selected for subsequent Fixtures. A valid email address is required to enter the Promotion and to redeem the tickets.

6. Free ticket recipients are required to provide proof of identity on entrance to the Fixture venue, alongside the e-tickets provided under that same name.

7. There is the option to subscribe to newsletters, this is not mandatory and where you do not subscribe, your information will only be used for entry into the promotion and the racecourse event and will not be used for marketing purposes.

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8. The offer is as stated and does not include travel,expenses or parking (unless stated) and you must make your own travel arrangements. There is no cash alternative to this offer, tickets are not for resale.

9. Only those named on the e-ticket, with matching proof of identity will be permitted entrance to the Racecourse and the Racecourse team reserve all rights to refuse entry.

10. Once redeemed, e- tickets cannot be exchanged for alternative events or dates. All e-tickets must be used on the date and times and for the event as detailed on the e-tickets.

11. Horseracing is subject to weather. So please check the relevant racecourse website or social media channels for updates before travelling.

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12. Should the fixture be cancelled, transferred or abandoned, tickets won’t be valid for an alternative date, free ticket recipients are not eligible for refunds for the value of the ticket.

13. All ticket holders are subject to the racecourse terms and conditions of entry, click HERE. Your data privacy is very important to us. The data you provide upon requesting tickets (full name and email) will only be shared with the relevant racecourse in order to generate your details on the system for the Fixture, unless you have opted in to receive marketing from Arena Racing Company, in which case your email and full name will be shared for these purposes (for more information please click HERE. Standard Reach privacy policy rules apply HERE