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Eight reasons why an escape to New Zealand is the ultimate adventure

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Eight reasons why an escape to New Zealand is the ultimate adventure

Whether you’re chasing glacier hikes, boutique wine tastings, or epic coastal campervan routes, New Zealand delivers the ultimate bucket-list escape.

New Zealand’s natural beauty is extraordinary

From towering peaks to ancient subtropical rainforests, fiords and lakes to steaming geothermal valleys, New Zealand packs a lot of variety into its two islands.

Whether setting out on a hike or white water rafting, its scenery is an invitation to adventure, while vibrant cities and rich Māori culture complete the experience.

The travel experts at Flight Centre have hiked the glaciers, skydived over the Southern Alps of Queenstown, and dined on the beach among sea lions and penguins. So it’s no wonder they can put together the perfect trip for you. How about the ultimate campervan route, a scenic flight in a private plane or luxury wine tasting experiences?

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There are hundreds of reasons to visit New Zealand, but here are our top eight…

1. Two islands, endless landscapes

New Zealand’s islands have adventures for all

The North Island is a gentle home to rolling hills, cascading waterfalls and geothermal landscapes, where steam drifts over crater lakes and bubbling mud pools. Explore rich pine forest and black-sand beaches accessed by remote tracks.

In the wild South, trek the Southern Alps, including the lower slopes of the awe-inspiring Aoraki, and explore the glacier-carved valleys that slice their way down to the sea. Then take a dip in the hot pools overlooking the waters of the bright turquoise Lake Tekapo, lingering past twilight for the best stargazing.

2. Immersive Māori culture

Māori culture is alive and thriving

According to Māori legend, more than 1,000 years ago the great Māori explorer Kupe was the first to set foot on Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Today, Māori culture is rooted in vibrant Kiwi life.

Visit Te Puia, a living Māori village and learn about traditional healing practices at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. Taste the ancient cooking technique of using geothermal heat to cook food with a hāngī feast and visit artisan workshops, from weaving to greenstone carving. Or for a deeper cultural immersion, watch traditional Māori performances, known as kapa haka, which include song, dance and storytelling.

3. The ultimate road trip destination

Rent a motorhome and hit the road

New Zealand is built for exploring on four wheels. With quiet open roads and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn, it’s perfect for campervan hire and exploring at your own pace.

Flight Centre can help you map out your perfect itinerary, connecting every adventure point via scenic coastal routes and alpine passes. Camp next to crystal-clear lakes and in the shadow of towering volcanic peaks, hop between stepping stones amid bubbling mud pools, before boarding the ferry between islands to continue your road trip adventure.

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4. Lively and welcoming cities

Enjoy the social scene in beautiful Queenstown

When you’re ready for a vibrant cultural buzz, intersperse your adventure with some time in New Zealand’s cosmopolitan hubs.

From Auckland’s bustling harbourfront and impressive foodie scene to the coffee culture of Wellington and the gardens of Hamilton, there’s plenty to explore on the North Island.

Then on the South Island, you’ll enjoy street art finds in Christchurch and combine steep hills and historic architecture in Dunedin, while Queenstown manages to balance alpine energy and lakeside tranquillity.

5. An outdoor adventurer’s dream

Paddle out for an on-water adventure

Whether walking, biking, or on water, there are plenty of gentle ways to explore the stunning scenery at your own pace.

Strap on crampons and hike the ice labyrinth of a glacier, or paddle your way between dolphins as you sea-kayak the dramatic coastline.

But there’s lots on offer for thrill-seekers as well. Zipline through the treetops or over rushing waterfalls, go bungy jumping over dramatic river canyons and valleys framed by mountains, or white water raft down the mighty Waikato River.

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6. Home to hobbits

Step straight into The Shire (Credit: Hobbiton Movie Set Tours)

The landscapes of New Zealand were the perfect setting for the film versions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary books. Beyond exploring the wild scenery, you can step straight into The Shire, the set of Bilbo Baggins’ village Hobbiton, to explore hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn.

The Wētā Workshop Experience in Wellington gives you a glimpse behind the scenes, where you can walk among massive set pieces on a guided behind-the-scenes tour, or try a hands-on crafting class.

7. Fine wines meet fabulous food

From fresh produce to locally made wine, New Zealand’s foodie scene is unmatched

Kiwi gastronomy is a whole world in itself, from fresh produce and local ingredients used through generations of indigenous culture, to some of the world’s best wines.

Sample crisp Marlborough sauvignon blancs or velvety pinot noirs at award-winning cellar doors. The craft beer scene is thriving too, with small-batch breweries offering tasting tours.

And as with any island nation, the seafood is outstanding, from king salmon to scallops, green-lipped mussels and kina (sea urchin). Try some of the native bush greens in indigenous cuisine, or visit Michelin-rated restaurants for an exceptional culinary journey.

8. It’s easy to add on a little luxury

Explore the breathtaking Milford Sound

Feeling like making the special extraordinary? Talk to Flight Centre about adding the experience of a lifetime to your trip.

A scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier will see you soaring on a small plane over the crevasses and pinnacles of the icy wonder, or how about boarding a luxury cruise boat for a waterside exploration of Milford Sound?

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And for a leisurely way to see the sights, book a trip on New Zealand’s railway network which meanders through some of the most scenic stretches of natural beauty on the planet; sit back and marvel at the gorges and peaks moving past your window as you navigate from one boutique lodge to another.

It’s the kind of adventure you’ll remember forever.

Plan your New Zealand escape with Flight Centre

Let the experts at Flight Centre create your dream New Zealand escape

As the long-haul specialists, Flight Centre takes all the stress out of planning your dream trip to New Zealand.

Created by travellers, for travellers, the knowledgeable team makes it easy to book the bucket-list trip, offering insider tips, tailored itineraries and great value.

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Enjoy two holidays in one by adding a stopover in Malaysia or Singapore, all wrapped up in one ATOL-protected package. All you have to do is focus on having the trip of a lifetime.

Find out more and book your New Zealand holiday at flightcentre.co.uk

Or call 0843 809 2379 to speak to one of the travel experts at Flight Centre.

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Dramatic moment a cargo ship crashes into another vessel

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A split screen of a cargo ship heading in the direction of another fishing vessel, and on the right the fishing vessel tipping after being hit.

Two videos circulating on social media appear to show the moment a cargo ship crashes into a fishing vessel, with dramatic footage capturing the impact.

BBC Verify authenticated the clips, identified the ships involved and traced the collision to waters near Singapore, with evidence suggesting it likely happened on 17 September.

It remains unclear whether anyone was injured or killed and why the collision occurred.

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Katie Taylor lands new long-term role weeks after retirement that could define her future

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Belfast Live

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman spoke to Hard Rock Bet in the wake of Taylor’s farewell bout, unveiling her groundbreaking new position

Just a fortnight after hanging up her gloves, Katie Taylor has already secured an exciting new role that will define the next chapter of her life.

The Irish boxing legend has been appointed as an ambassador for the WBC, one of the sport’s most prestigious governing bodies.

Throughout her remarkable career, Taylor has claimed WBC gold on numerous occasions, bowing out as a three-time undisputed champion with every title available in her weight division firmly in her grasp.

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WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman spoke to Hard Rock Bet in the wake of Taylor’s farewell bout, unveiling her groundbreaking new position.

“She is unbelievable. From a little girl who had to disguise herself as a boy in order to box, to go to the gym, pretending she was a boy, to selling out Croke Park with 83,000 people. What a story. This is the greatness of a woman power, and she’s a great and absolute pride of the WBC,” reports the Irish Mirror.

“All of the fights she has had and there have been so many iconic fights. The Amanda Serrano trilogy, coming back from defeat to become champion again and the inspiration she has given to millions of girls and women who want to now get into boxing is just incredible.

“She’s going to be a WBC Ambassador for Life. Boxers, sometimes when they’re retired, don’t know what to do next so it is important we keep as many in boxing once they have retired because sometimes it can be hard for fighters but with Katie, she is with the WBC for life. she always has a home with the WBC and will always have a role.

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“It is always about the boxer, before, during and after their careers inside the ring and we look forward to many years of collaboration with Katie Taylor and all the fighters around the world.”

For Taylor, Croke Park represented a momentous occasion.

She had campaigned for years to secure a bout at GAA headquarters, and with Flora Pili standing opposite her, she delivered a masterclass. The Irish boxer comprehensively outclassed the Frenchwoman, crowning her career with a magnificent victory.

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Following the triumph, she contemplated retirement, stating: “My whole life has been one big training camp. I do training camp after training camp after training camp. I’m looking forward to just putting my feet up and relaxing for a while.”

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ICE agent shoots DoorDash driver in Texas as outraged Democrats demand probe and protests erupt

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Police in Austin were locked in a standoff on Sunday evening with a squad of rock-hurling protesters, enraged after a Venezuelan man Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot - allegedly in the back - by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, whilst he was delivering food

An ICE agent shot and seriously wounded a man who was delivering food for door dash- triggering a standoff, clashes with police and demands from a Democratic congressman for an independent investigation.

The confrontation unfolded shortly before 1pm on Sunday beneath an overpass in north Austin, after the federal immigration agent became involved in a traffic stop and brief foot pursuit, according to preliminary accounts from local officials.

Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 29, identified by his attorney as a Venezuelan national with no criminal history, was rushed to Dell Seton Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his torso. 

Perez was reported to be in serious but stable condition earlier today and has since been discharged at 4.30pm where he was placed in ICE custody, as per officials. According to his attorney as of Sunday evening, his family did not know where he was being held.

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Photos taken exclusively by the Daily Mail show a small blue Toyota sedan with bullet holes riddling the passenger-side door, surrounded by police tape beneath the highway overpass.

Onlookers told the Daily Mail that Perez took off on foot after his car rolled to a halt and was subsequently shot.

Other witnesses told local NPR affiliate KUT that they heard gunshots and encountered an ICE agent alongside a man who appeared to have been shot in the back. 

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said that the incident may have involved a foot pursuit, but stressed that authorities had only limited information and that the investigation was continuing. Austin police were quick to stress that their officers did not fire the shots.

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Police in Austin were locked in a standoff on Sunday evening with a squad of rock-hurling protesters, enraged after a Venezuelan man Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot – allegedly in the back – by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, whilst he was delivering food

Photos exclusively taken by the Daily Mail show the small blue Toyota sedan the man had been traveling in when chased by ICE with bullet holes riddling the passenger door

Photos exclusively taken by the Daily Mail show the small blue Toyota sedan the man had been traveling in when chased by ICE with bullet holes riddling the passenger door

Onlookers told the Daily Mail that the man - who is understood to be a Venezuelan illegal immigrant - took off on foot after his car rolled to a halt and was subsequently shot

Onlookers told the Daily Mail that the man – who is understood to be a Venezuelan illegal immigrant – took off on foot after his car rolled to a halt and was subsequently shot

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Chief Davis said local investigators were at the scene and were communicating with federal authorities, while Mayor Kirk Watson called for Austin police to have a role in examining what happened

Chief Davis said local investigators were at the scene and were communicating with federal authorities, while Mayor Kirk Watson called for Austin police to have a role in examining what happened

Watson said he wanted a 'clear-eyed, third-party look' at the shooting while Democratic representative Greg Casar called for accountability for any ICE officer found to have broken the law.

Watson said he wanted a ‘clear-eyed, third-party look’ at the shooting while Democratic representative Greg Casar called for accountability for any ICE officer found to have broken the law.

At least one person in civilian clothes who appeared to be uninjured was put in handcuffs on the scene, according to Austin Council member Mike Siegel.

The shooting rapidly became the focus of anger in the Texas capital. As the evening drew in, a crowd of protesters – many waving Mexican flags – gathered on one side of the overpass, screaming ‘F*** ICE’ and demanding to know if the ICE agent in question had been arrested.

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Many also started hurling rocks and water bottles at a squad of riot police sent in by the Austin Police Department, with cops firing pepper balls at the protesters in response.

At one point, demonstrators confronted police behind protective shields. Local reporting said officers used chemical agents to disperse the crowd. 

The confrontation came as questions mounted over what exactly happened during the federal operation – and why Perez was shot, as his attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch told outlets that he is married to a women who has legal status in the US.

Democratic Representative Greg Casar demanded an independent investigation and called for the immediate release of body-camera footage.

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‘As the facts emerge, I am demanding a full, independent investigation, immediate release of the body camera footage, and accountability for any ICE officer who broke the law,’ Casar said in a statement reported by CBS News. 

‘Over and over, ICE has shot people and then lied about what happened,’ Casar said, referencing the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this year.

By Sunday afternoon, dozens of protesters gathered close to the scene, with demonstrators shouting anti-ICE slogans as police maintained a heavy presence around the area

By Sunday afternoon, dozens of protesters gathered close to the scene, with demonstrators shouting anti-ICE slogans as police maintained a heavy presence around the area

At one point, demonstrators confronted police behind protective shields. Local reporting said officers deployed chemical agents to disperse the crowd

At one point, demonstrators confronted police behind protective shields. Local reporting said officers deployed chemical agents to disperse the crowd

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A 14-year-old boy has his face washed after Department of Public Safety used pepper balls to clear protesters out of the street

A 14-year-old boy has his face washed after Department of Public Safety used pepper balls to clear protesters out of the street

a 5-year-old girl shields her nose and mouth from lingering pepper spray mist

a 5-year-old girl shields her nose and mouth from lingering pepper spray mist

Other children were seen having to rinse themselves off with bottles of water

Other children were seen having to rinse themselves off with bottles of water 

The incident comes amid an expanded federal immigration enforcement campaign and follows other shootings involving immigration agents this year. In July, an ICE officer fatally shot 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston after federal agents attempted to stop a vehicle, yet Salgado Araujo was not the target of the warrant the agents were attempting to execute

The incident comes amid an expanded federal immigration enforcement campaign and follows other shootings involving immigration agents this year. In July, an ICE officer fatally shot 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston after federal agents attempted to stop a vehicle, yet Salgado Araujo was not the target of the warrant the agents were attempting to execute

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 The congressman’s comments came as local officials repeatedly emphasized that many details of Sunday’s shooting were still preliminary.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson also called for local police to have a role in the investigation, saying he wanted a third-party examination of the incident rather than having ICE investigate itself.

At a press conference that took place earlier today, Watson said Perez was in serious but stable condition.

The incident has already drawn comparisons with other recent Texas shootings involving federal immigration agents, including the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston in July. That case remains under investigation. 

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‘This is a pattern. This is a disturbing pattern,’ said Casar.

Federal authorities had not released a full account of the encounter as of Sunday evening, nor have they identified the agent involved.

It also remains unclear whether the federal officer in question has remained in Austin. Mayor Watson said he hoped that an agent involved in an officer-involved shooting would not leave the city or state while the investigation was underway.

This is a developing story, more to come.

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Jamie Carragher says ‘furious’ Mikel Arteta will be hurt by one thing after Arsenal loss | Football

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Jamie Carragher says 'furious' Mikel Arteta will be hurt by one thing after Arsenal loss | Football
Arsenal suffered a shock heavy defeat at Brighton on Saturday (Picture: REUTERS)

Mikel Arteta will be ‘furious’ and will be hurting as his Arsenal players leave for international duty after a shock 3-0 loss to Brighton, believes Jamie Carragher.

The Gunners won their first four league games this season but that run came to am abrupt end at the Amex.

Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas and Chema Andres scored the goals as the Seagulls soared to a stunning win and into third in the early-season table.

Arteta was very critical of his own players after the game, saying: ‘Extremely disappointed. But first of all, we have to congratulate Brighton; they deserved it.

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‘They were the better team, and from our side, there were certain basics in football that you need to accomplish in football, especially in the Premier League that we didn’t.

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‘In the first duel. Winning the first ball, especially with how direct they were. They put us in a really difficult place.

‘In our own half, the amount of technical errors. We didn’t respect any principle of play that you have to get out of that man to man situation and that put us on the back foot so it was very difficult to control the game.’

Mikel Arteta suffered his first setback of the season against the Seagulls (Picture: Getty Images)

Carragher still expects Arsenal to be challenging for the Premier League title again this season, but Arteta will be hurt by the result, especially as there is now a lengthy international break, running into next month.

‘I think Arsenal will be fine, I think it’s more about what it does for the other teams. I think everyone raises their belief, thinking that if Brighton can do it, why can’t we do it?’ Carragher said on his Sky Sports podcast.

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‘What will hurt Mikel Arteta is the fact that it’s the game before the international break. He’ll be so desperate to have his players on the training pitch, have a team meeting, go through the game. He’ll have to wait three weeks for that now and maybe by that time his anger will have subsided, because I’m sure he’ll be furious.

‘We can’t expect the best teams to perform every single week. It was a real bad one for them, but how consistent Arsenal have been for so long, I’m sure they’ll get back on track.’

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrate 5th goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester City and Sunderland at Etihad Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Manchester City are now clear at the top of the table (Picture:Getty Images)

Carragher sees the Premier League title race as between Arsenal and Manchester City this season, seeing his doubts over City already dispelled by their midfield signings of Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

‘I didn’t see them winning the league without Rodri, but I must say Elliot Anderson has started brilliantly,’ said the Liverpool legend. ‘Enzo coming in as well from Chelsea, he’s a good player. Whether people like him or not doesn’t matter. They’ve got two really good midfield players there.

‘Maybe you could argue that the midfield area is better now with the three players coming in to replace the two of Rodri and Bernardo Silva. Certainly a lot younger and fresher.

‘I think those two [Man City and Arsenal] are a gulf away from everybody else.’

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Presley Gerber, son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and brother of Kaia Gerber, dies at 27

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Presley Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford, has died at 27

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Presley Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford, has died at 27.

Presley died on Sunday at a rehab facility according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, reported TMZ.

An autopsy has not yet been carried out.

This is a breaking story – more follows. 

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Presley Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford, has died at 27

Kaia Gerber and her brother Presley are pictured together in 2018

Kaia Gerber and her brother Presley are pictured together in 2018

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‘I’m a GP living with migraine and patients with the condition must be believed’

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Belfast Live

Many people still face disbelief about its impact in healthcare settings, at work and among friends and family.

A Belfast GP says people with migraine must be believed as a new report today reveals the condition’s mental health toll.

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That’s according to a new report by The Migraine Trust, Unbelievable: the mental health toll of not being believed about the severity and impact of migraine, which combines new polling of people with migraine with a review of existing research and support service data from the charity.

Nine in ten people with migraine (90%) say they have not felt believed about the severity or impact of their health condition with more than three quarters (77%) saying that disbelief has damaged their mental health.

Migraine Awareness Week starts today (September 21) and runs until September 27. The theme of this year’s annual awareness campaign is ‘Believe Me’.

Migraine affects around one in seven people in the UK and can cause debilitating symptoms, from severe head pain and dizziness to sensory sensitivity, nausea and vomiting.

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Yet many people still face disbelief about its impact in healthcare settings, at work and among friends and family.

Prof Jenny Johnston, a GP in Belfast and Clinical Professor of Medical Education, has personal experience from the dual perspective of doctor and patient.

She said: “Aged 24 and working as a junior doctor, I suddenly started to see flashing lights and distorted images. I panicked that I was having a stroke, but when the headache kicked in, I realised what it was and have lived with migraine ever since.

“As a doctor and patient, I am very aware some people may experience challenges with getting the impact of their condition understood. Yet migraine can be very disabling.

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“It is increasingly seen as a complex neurological condition involving inflammation – far more than ‘just a headache’.

“It is so important for people to seek urgent medical assistance if they have any new symptoms and not just assume they are migraine, as other important issues need to be ruled out too.

“For those struggling with diagnosed migraine, there are now a number of advanced treatments available on the NHS. One of these has reduced my own migraines from every day to once a week. Effective treatments are out there, and there is definitely hope for migraine sufferers.”

Nearly a third (31%) of people with migraine said they had not felt believed by a colleague or manager at work and almost one in four (24%) said they had not felt believed by their family or someone they live with. One in five (20%) said they did not feel believed by a healthcare professional.

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Worryingly, The Migraine Trust’s helpline data suggests worsening mental health more broadly among people with migraine. Callers mentioning suicidal thoughts rose by 54% in the last six months and almost trebled year-on-year, up 270%.

People reporting isolation and wellbeing struggles also increased, up 15% and 26% respectively. These latest figures add to existing evidence that paints a concerning picture of the mental health impact of migraine.

Previous research conducted by The Migraine Trust has examined the different ways that the condition can affect mental health and wellbeing.

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Rob Music, Chief Executive, The Migraine Trust, said: “A common perception of migraine is that it is ‘just a headache’ and ‘it can’t be that bad’, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This new report sets out the compounding effect that not being believed about migraine has on mental health and paints an incredibly concerning picture.

“Many living with the condition are facing disbelief and downplaying of their symptoms in all parts of their lives, from healthcare settings to workplaces, and even, sadly, among loved ones. The impact of this for those living with migraine can be devastating.

“We need to urgently tackle the stigma associated with migraine. This Migraine Awareness Week, we are calling for greater public understanding of the condition, especially among employers and healthcare professionals.

“This simple act can have a profound impact on the quality of care and support that people with migraine so desperately need.”

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To find out how to get involved, visit migrainetrust.org.

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

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Free veterans boxing and wellbeing sessions launched in Bolton

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Free veterans boxing and wellbeing sessions launched in Bolton

The initiative is being run by Pheniks in the Community CIC in partnership with Elite Community Hub in Halliwell and is open to both serving and former members of the Armed Forces, regardless of their fitness level or boxing experience.

Organisers say the sessions combine boxing-based exercise with a supportive and social environment, giving veterans the opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges and experiences of military life.

The programme is designed to be accessible to everyone, with no previous boxing background required.

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Sessions take place at Elite Boxing Gym, Halliwell, Bolton and are offered across three weekly time slots:

Wednesdays, 10am to 11am – Over-50s veterans

Thursdays, 6pm to 7pm – Veterans and their families

Thursdays, 7pm to 8pm – Veterans-only session

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Pheniks in the Community CIC said the project aims to provide more than just exercise, helping veterans build friendships, reduce isolation and access a welcoming community space.

The sessions are free to attend and organisers are encouraging anyone with a military background who may be interested to come along and give it a try.

For more information, veterans can contact Pheniks in the Community CIC or visit the sessions at Elite Boxing Gym.

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Meryl Streep sparks furious Christian backlash after being cast as Aslan in Netflix’s new Narnia film with critics slamming ‘woke’ gender swap

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Meryl Streep's casting as Aslan in the forthcoming Narnia film has sparked furious Christian backlash, while some critics have slammed the 'woke' gender swap; seen in 2024 in L.A.

Meryl Streep‘s casting as Aslan in the forthcoming Narnia film has sparked furious Christian backlash, while some critics have slammed the ‘woke‘ gender swap. 

Greta Gerwig, who has helmed other projects such as Barbie (2023) and Little Women (2019), is both writing and directing Netflix‘s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew.

The movie is slated to hit theaters next year on February 12, 2027 before releasing on Netflix two months later on April 2. 

Streep, 77, has been cast to voice Aslan, a mythical talking lion in the world of Narnia who parallels Jesus Christ in the books written by C.S. Lewis. 

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Liam Neeson originally voiced the lion in the trilogy of movies released from 2005-2010, which raked in around $1.5 billion globally. 

Social media users took to X to voice their thoughts on Streep’s casting as the almighty male lion, which has also garnered backlash from Christians. 

Meryl Streep’s casting as Aslan in the forthcoming Narnia film has sparked furious Christian backlash, while some critics have slammed the ‘woke’ gender swap; seen in 2024 in L.A. 

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Streep, 77, has been cast to voice Aslan, a mythical talking lion in the world of Narnia who parallels Jesus Christ in the books written by C.S. Lewis

Streep, 77, has been cast to voice Aslan, a mythical talking lion in the world of Narnia who parallels Jesus Christ in the books written by C.S. Lewis

One penned, ‘Aslan is based on the story of Jesus. Jesus is male, and Aslan is obviously a male lion. What’s this about?’ 

Another wrote, ‘Dear Meryl Streep. I have watched your films and loved your talent for 40 years. Please do not do this. They are using you and your good name to blaspheme Christians. 

‘Is this what you want to be remembered for? Stop now. Signed a life long fan,’ they added. 

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An X user said, ‘Another woke nonsense I will ignore. Hollywood hates money. Going woke, going broke. And extremely stupid.’ 

‘It doesn’t even make sense why a MALE LION would sound like Meryl Streep! It’s ridiculous!’ a fan shared. 

One typed, ‘It’s rather sad what Greta is doing to CS Lewis classic. It has a Christian undertone and for some reason it’s not acceptable. The bigotry in Hollywood is disappointing & creepy.’ 

Another shared, ‘Stripping the Christian themes out of Narnia leaves you with something that is a complete different story. 

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‘Typical Hollywood. They want Christian art but without the Christ. It doesn’t work like that,’ they added. 

Liam Neeson originally voiced the lion in the trilogy of movies released from 2005-2010, which raked in around $1.5 billion globally; seen earlier this month in Toronto

Liam Neeson originally voiced the lion in the trilogy of movies released from 2005-2010, which raked in around $1.5 billion globally; seen earlier this month in Toronto 

Social media users took to X to voice their thoughts on Streep's casting as the almighty male lion, which has also garnered backlash from Christians

Social media users took to X to voice their thoughts on Streep’s casting as the almighty male lion, which has also garnered backlash from Christians

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A fan commented, ‘This is insane. It’s a male lion, the king of beasts and it parallels Christ. This completely changes the story. This movie is DOA!’ 

‘Bold decision but the type that could destroy buzz for a story with a strong Christian influence. Feels very Snow White-esque. Why does Hollywood keeping doing this,’ one also penned. 

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Another said, ‘CS Lewis is cringing from beyond the grave,’ and one wrote, ‘Can’t wait not to watch. You know what would be unique these days? A faithful adaptation. This subversion is old and boring af.’ 

‘That’s okay, we already have great Narnia movies. This one just won’t exist in my household,’ an X user shared. 

One wrote, ‘Should not be called The Chronicles of Narnia. This is by far the worst adaptation of a book.’ 

Others voiced their thoughts on social media, including political commentator Isabel Brown.

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‘In case there’s ANY confusion, CS Lewis literally intended Aslan to be the incarnation of Christ inside the world of Narnia.’ 

She also wrote, ‘Aslan is more than an allegory for Christ, he *is* how the creatures of Narnia experience Christ in their world just as we experience Jesus Christ as an incarnate MAN in ours. 

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Others voiced their thoughts on social media, including political commentator Isabel Brown

Others voiced their thoughts on social media, including political commentator Isabel Brown

Gerwig recently opened up about the casting of Streep in the upcoming Narnia film during an interview with Empire; seen earlier this month in L.A.

Gerwig recently opened up about the casting of Streep in the upcoming Narnia film during an interview with Empire; seen earlier this month in L.A. 

‘To cast Meryl Streep as Aslan in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia is a slap in the face to the genius of Lewis, but also a deliberate mockery of Christianity that is 100% intentional. So deeply disappointing.’

Some, however, expressed interest and support in the casting. 

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One said, ‘Meryl streep voicing aslan with a david bowie inspired design? that is such a wild combination, but i’m very c[u]rious to see how greta gerwig pulls it together.’ 

Daily Mail has reached out to reps of Streep for comment, but has yet to hear back. 

Gerwig recently opened up about the casting of Streep in the upcoming Narnia film during an interview with Empire

‘I wanted someone who was profound but not pretentious, who had gravitas but not morose self-seriousness,’ the filmmaker told the outlet. ‘Someone who could communicate depth and pathos as well as joy and delight.’ 

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Gerwig continued, ‘I wanted someone who was older than 70, so there was a wisdom of experience, but who also had the capacity of fresh wonder, like a child. 

‘And also to be one of the greatest actors to ever do it. That list is not a long one.’ 

She additionally explained that singer David Bowie had been one of the inspirations behind her version of Aslan and the film itself. 

Gerwig continued, 'I wanted someone who was older than 70, so there was a wisdom of experience, but who also had the capacity of fresh wonder, like a child'; Streep seen in April in South Korea

Gerwig continued, ‘I wanted someone who was older than 70, so there was a wisdom of experience, but who also had the capacity of fresh wonder, like a child’; Streep seen in April in South Korea

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She additionally explained that singer David Bowie had been one of the inspirations behind her version of Aslan and the film itself; Bowie seen in 1995

She additionally explained that singer David Bowie had been one of the inspirations behind her version of Aslan and the film itself; Bowie seen in 1995

In the book titled A To Z With C.S. Lewis, author Louis Markos discussed Aslan and Christ with Lewis.

‘Though many readers assume that Aslan, the lion king of Narnia who dies and rises again, is an allegory for Christ, Lewis himself disagreed,’ Markos wrote in an excerpt, per The Gospel Coalition. 

‘According to his creator, Aslan is not an allegory for Christ but the Christ of Narnia. The distinction is vital. 

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‘Were Aslan only an allegory, a mere stand-in for the hero of the Gospels, he would not engage the reader as he does.’

Markos added, ‘In fact, as Lewis explained, Aslan is what the second person of the Trinity (God the Son) might have been like had he been incarnated in a magical world of talking animals and living trees. 

‘As such, Aslan takes on a force and a reality that speaks to us through the pages of the Chronicles of Narnia.’ 

The Magician’s Nephew is an ‘origin story for Narnia’ and ‘is the first ever adaptation’ of Lewis’ sixth book in the Narnia series, but appears as the first volume.

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'Though many readers assume that Aslan, the lion king of Narnia who dies and rises again, is an allegory for Christ, Lewis himself disagreed,' Markos wrote in an excerpt, per The Gospel Coalition

‘Though many readers assume that Aslan, the lion king of Narnia who dies and rises again, is an allegory for Christ, Lewis himself disagreed,’ Markos wrote in an excerpt, per The Gospel Coalition

Gerwig explained that she first read The Magician’s Nephew as a child ‘and I fell in love with the gorgeously improbable but completely brilliant concept of a cosmic lion singing the world of Narnia to life,’ per an official statement

She gushed that it is an ‘honor of a lifetime’ to bring the story to life. 

After reading the Narnia series, the actress and filmmaker added that she ‘believed in magic and hidden worlds and adventure. I believed that anywhere could be enchanted and that anyone could be swept up into an epic. 

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‘That wonder and awe was available to everyone, even ordinary people like me… It transformed me.’ 

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Fire on Celtic supporter bus suspected vandalism says coach firm

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Daily Record

There were no reports of any injuries.

Bus catches fire near Celtic Park moments after Celtic v Rangers game

An inferno on board a Celtic supporters’ bus following the Old Firm fixture is suspected vandalism, the coach operators have said.

Firefighters raced to the inferno on Clyde Gateway outside the Emirates Arena in the east end of Glasgow at 2.25pm on Sunday, September 20. Emergency services scrambled to the incident after receiving reports of a blaze on a single passenger coach.

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There were no reports of any injuries.

The bus, owned by McLean’s Coaches, had been due to carry Celtic fans home from the game but ignited just minutes after Gers’ 1-0 win over Celtic at Parkhead. Fans were escorted off the motor after a blaze broke out at the vehicle’s rear end.

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A statement from McLean’s Coaches posted after the incident reads: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our coaches on the Clyde Gateway earlier today. Based on the initial information and images we have received, we have reason to believe the incident may have been caused by vandalism.

“The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, who are investigating the circumstances. The vehicle has been recovered and will undergo a full inspection.

“We would like to thank the emergency services and everyone who assisted at the scene.”

The company added: “To be absolutely clear, this is not an allegation against the passengers or the supporters’ club.”

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Dramatic footage from the scene showed the bus engulfed in flames on Sunday afternoon. Aggressive flames could be seen ripping from the rear of the coach as bewildered football fans stood and watched on.

Thick and dark plumes of smoke could be seen shooting into the sky as fire crews worked to put the blaze out.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a call at 2:25pm to a single decker passenger coach well alight on Clyde Gateway outside the Emirates Arena in the east end of Glasgow today, September 20. Fire crews remain in attendance. There are no reports of any casualties.”

A Glasgow City Council traffic bulletin said Clyde Gateway (A728) had been closed to all traffic between the Emirates Car Park Access Road and Dalmarnock Road just after 3pm on Sunday.

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The road re-opened approximately 30 minutes later.

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Not Ballycastle or Portrush – Northern Ireland’s best seaside town is crowned

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Belfast Live

Which? readers have cast their votes and only one Northern Ireland seaside town made the cut – and it might surprise you

Portstewart has been named Northern Ireland’s best seaside town, beating well-known coastal favourites to a place on the Which? list.

The County Derry town was the only Northern Ireland destination to feature among the best, ahead of Portrush, Newcastle and Ballycastle. Each year, Which? readers vote for their favourite coastal destinations across the UK. Bognor Regis finished bottom for the second year running, with visitors criticising high prices and its run-down condition. No Northern Ireland town appeared in the bottom 30, in a sign of how beautiful much of the County Antrim coast is.

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The jewel in the extensive crown of NI’s coastline is Portstewart, and it has plenty to offer anyone planning a seaside trip. Its main draw is Portstewart Strand, a two-mile Blue Flag beach managed by the National Trust and backed by an extensive dune system. Visitors can drive onto the sand, a distinctive feature that can make beach days easier for families with young children or plenty of equipment. Swimming, surfing and paddleboarding are among the attractions, while the dunes offer another way to explore this stretch of the Causeway Coast.

“Another interesting walk takes you along the beach to lifebuoy station 10, and then into the sand dunes where you’ll discover a different world. On a windy day the dunes are a welcome haven! Carry on through the dunes and you come to the edge of the River Bann. Follow the river towards the sea and you arrive back at the beach by the Barmouth. Then trek back along the 2-mile beach for a well-deserved drink at Harry’s Shack,” writes Northern Ireland Holidays.

Beyond the beach, the Promenade retains its Victorian seafront character, with cafes, ice cream parlours and sweeping sea views. It becomes a lively meeting place during the summer months, with Morelli’s among its best-known stops. The long-established ice cream parlour has been serving residents and visitors on the Prom since the early 1900s.

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Golfers can choose from three courses at Portstewart Golf Club, including a championship links course along the shoreline. Royal Portrush is also a short journey away. For arts and culture, Flowerfield Arts Centre hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year. Housed in a Victorian mansion, it was Northern Ireland’s first centre of its kind.

The Times Travel r ecently called Portstewart the best seaside town in the UK. The publication wrote: “The promenade is still delightful, beginning at the harbour, opposite the café/deli Born & Bread, and passing between the rocky shore and a busy strip of seafront shops. Yes, you’ll find a chippy, Sheila’s souvenir shop and two ice cream parlours (Morelli’s and Roughans: the latter was the first I’d seen selling Dubai Chocolate flavour), but there is also a shoe shop, a kitchenware store and a furniture retailer. And perhaps that’s the secret: this may be a seaside resort but the promenade is also a busy high street that’s not dependent on seasonal business to pay the bills.

“There’s a butcher and a baker, then a fork off the prom leads to the Crescent, where there’s an outdoor play area with a boating lake, paddling pools, a kart track, dancing fountains and a bandstand. There’s a candlestick maker somewhere too, I was told, but I couldn’t find it. If it’s there, then Portstewart truly has it all.”

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Portstewart also makes a useful base for exploring the wider coastline, with the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle and Mussenden Temple all within reach. Nearby Game of Thrones filming locations have also drawn fans to the area for years.

The town faces strong competition from its coastal neighbours. Portrush, in County Antrim, sits on a rugged peninsula with three sweeping sandy beaches. Newcastle, in County Down, combines seaside walks with access to trails in the Mourne Mountains.

Ballycastle, also in County Antrim, is a historic market town with a Blue Flag beach and a traditional harbour, and regularly features among the best places to live.

But it was Portstewart that secured Northern Ireland’s place among the Which? favourites. Quieter than neighbouring Portrush, it offers a more relaxed base for visitors keen to explore the coast away from the busiest tourist spots.

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