NewsBeat

I attended Winter Paralympic Flame lighting for 2026 games

Published

3 weeks ago

27 February 2026

I attended Winter Paralympic Flame lighting for 2026 games

You never know in life where things are going to take you.

If you had gone back over 100 years and told a certain Sir Ludwig Guttmann that in 2026, we would be celebrating 50 years since the very first Paralympic Games, I am not sure he would have believed you.

The same as I cannot quite believe I was in attendance of my second lighting of a Paralympic flame.

The event, which was held at the amazing birthplace of the Paralympic movement, Stoke Mandeville Stadium, was hosted by 19-time gold Paralympic medalist Dame Sarah Storey.

I heard how the games began back in 1960 in Rome and March 6, 2026, Verona Arena will present ‘Life in Motion’.

It reinforced how important the lighting of the Paralympic Flame is and what it represents.

IPC President Andrew Parsons told how “Stoke Mandeville Stadium is seen as a sacred ground that started out with just 16 war veterans in 1948 for the Stoke Mandeville games”.

Countess Elizabeth Howe, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, gave a speech in which she highlighted that “the flame we light here today is more than a symbol, it carries the hopes of athletes, the strengths of communities and the belief that anyone, whatever their circumstance, deserves the chance to move, to compete and to belong”.

In the presence of the Guttmann family, the flame was lit by GB athlete and four-time Paralympic medalist in Alpine Skiing, Millie Knight and four-time Paralympian for the Italian Ice Hockey team, Andrea Macri.

Speaking after the lighting of the flame, Millie advised: “The Paralympics has become about elite sport, about how these athletes are at the top of their game, are the best in the game and they are disabled.

Millie Knight and Andrea Marci with Andrew Parson IPC President and Dame Sarah Storey (Image: Newsquest)

It goes to show that many people are no longer seeing disability at first sport second when it comes to the Paralympics, and whilst the games must keep inclusivity at the forethought of their minds, it highlights how far the games have come.

For the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the campaign Equal Play was launched, in which it was said that every child deserves to be included in PE and sports.

The latest survey has shown that whilst progress has been made, 12 to 15-year-olds are still being let down, so these games could not have come at a better time, as it gives the chance to reignite the campaign.

President of Milano Cortina 2026, Giovanni Malagò, said: “Even if one child with a disability is inspired to take up sport because of these games, then we shall have every reason to be proud of what we have achieved together

“To Millie, Andrea and Andrew, the flame you are about to carry to Italy represents the very best of us.

“It embodies what we can become when we work together towards a common goal capable of transforming millions of lives.”

ParalympicGB has 25 talented Athletes taking part. Among them are Britain’s most decorated winter Paralympian Alpine Skier, Menna Fitzpatrick and new to the circuit, Snowboarder Davy Zyw, who will make history as the first person with MND to compete at the games.

Dan Brooke, Chair of ParalympicsGB, said: “As we pass the flame from its birthplace to Milano Cortina, we hope it will light up the globe with Italy’s unique passion.

“Best of luck to the organisers, and to all in the ParalympicsGB team.”

As the flame made a special flight following the ceremony, festivals will be held in the coming days as it makes its way to its final destination for the opening ceremony and the games on March 6 to 15.

As our teams make their way out to their destination, from me, I wish all at TeamGB the best of luck.

You can find out more about the history of the Paralympic Games at the National Paralympic Heritage Trust Museum located at Stoke Mandeville Stadium or on their website.

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NewsBeat

Stacey Solomon leaves fans emotional with tribute to eldest child on 18th birthday

Published

7 minutes ago

21 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Mum-of-five Stacey shared a video montage of her son from over the years

Stacey Solomon has left her fans feeling emotional with a tribute to her eldest child on his 18th birthday.

Prior to meeting her husband Joe Swash, X Factor singer Stacey had sons Zachary and Leighton from a previous relationship. She and Joe went on to have three children, Rex, six, Rose, four, Belle, three.

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Taking to Instagram on Saturday (March 21), Stacey posted a video montage of Zachary from over the years. Throughout the video he could be seen looking after his younger siblings.

She captioned the post: “I blinked & my baby boy turned 18. Zachary, growing up with you has been the biggest privilege of my life. Looking through our memories, every video I have of you shows just how special you are.

“The kindest man with the biggest heart. The world is so lucky to have an human like you in it. Happy birthday darling boy.

“To the moon & stars and back again. sorry that I’ve spent the whole morning crying. I’ll pull myself together eventually.”

Returning to her account later in the day, Stacey proceeded to share a number of pictures of her and Zachary from his birthday. Stacey stunned in white sleeveless jumpsuit, while Zachary sported a casual black t-shirt and shorts.

“Today is all about you Zachary. 18 wonderful years of you. We are SO lucky. Now let’s go OUT out @zachsolomon08,” she wrote.

The comments sections of Stacey’s posts saw her famous friends and fans rushing to explain why they got emotional by her kind words and wish Zachary a happy birthdAY.

Celebs Go Dating’s Nadia Essex said: “He really does have kind eyes. What a joy. You must be so proud.” Beauty expert Caroline Hirons added: “Happy Birthday Zachy!”

@squashedpickle wrote: “Happy birthday Zac! You’ve both watch each other grow.” @little_house_life posted: “Aw beautiful video Stacey. Happy 18th Birthday to Zach.”

@woodenyoulove1 commented: “Such a beautiful montage of your Zachary. Happy birthday young man.” @marie_buckingham stated: “Beautiful video, happy birthday, what an amazing loving lad.”

Meanwhile, in a week where Stacey had to address their relationship on This Morning, Joe shared a post of his own in honour of Zachary.

“Happy 18th birthday, Zachary! Watching you grow into such a kind and caring young man has been something really special. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in the years ahead, this is just the start of something great,” he said.

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NewsBeat

Hotel could be demolished to make way for 14 new flats in March

Published

13 minutes ago

21 March 2026

NewsAdmin

The former hotel is in a ‘poor structural condition’

A mix of flats and houses could be built on site of a former Cambridgeshire hotel. Woodgate Developments Ltd has proposed to build 14 homes on site of the former Station Hotel in Station Road, March.

It also proposes to demolish the former hotel. Of the 14 homes proposed includes four one-bedded flats and 10 two-bedded flats. It also proposes cycle storage and parking.

The developers said it would deliver “much-needed housing” to the area and be the “regeneration of a prominent site”. The applicants added: “The redevelopment of the site will remove a redundant and deteriorating building and replace it with a well‑designed residential scheme that makes efficient use of a brownfield site in a highly accessible location.

“The proposal will contribute positively to the vitality of the area by introducing new residents who will support nearby services, facilities and public transport.” The developers propose to demolish the former hotel building as it is in a “poor structural condition and no longer suitable for reuse”.

If approved, the demolition will take place in a “controlled manner” and in line with health and safety regulations. In its conclusion, the developers added: “The proposed redevelopment of the former Station Hotel represents sustainable development.

“It makes efficient use of previously developed land, delivers high‑quality housing in a highly accessible location, and responds positively to its physical, social and environmental context.” The plans have attracted some objections, including from March Town Council.

The council said it has “ongoing concerns” about drainage at the site, and it was “very disappointed” the developers were “seeking not to deliver any affordable housing or make essential S106 contributions”.

It added: “Further, it is disappointing to see another building of historical value being destroyed.” A resident in Stevens Way, March, also objected to the plans.

They described the percentage of the site being developed as “excessive”, and the proposed height of the building would “dwarf” neighbouring buildings. They added: “The proposal would be completely out of character in its setting.”

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