Known as ‘The Mission Improbable team’, Tom Riddolls, along with brothers, George, Jamie and Eddy Rounthwaite, are taking on the the Verbier 140km run in Switzerland – a challenge which has a 60 per cent drop out rate – to raise funds for The Rob Stephenson Trust.

Starting on July 10 at 10pm from Verbier, the team will need to complete the route, taking on the surrounding seven peaks, and get back to Verbier within 43 hours.

Rob Stephenson was just 21 when he died on a night out in York on March 26 in 2016. He was run over after lying in a road.

Following his death, Rob’s parents, Patrick and Nicki, and older brother, Sam, set up The Rob Stephenson Trust to help young people pay for club tours or reading material at college and university.

Tom said The Rob Stephenson Trust, which was set up following the death of the popular student in 2016, was something that sat close to all of their hearts.

Tom said “With it being 10 years since Rob’s passing, it felt like the perfect moment to take this on in his memory.

“I was lucky enough to grow up next door to Pat, Nicki, Sam, and Rob, and even at a young age I can remember that cheeky smile through the fence.

“It is great to keep his memory alive and do something so positive in his name. I am sure he will be looking down, smiling, and perhaps laughing at how ridiculous the challenge we have set ourselves.”

Jamie said: “Pat, Nicki, Sam, and Rob have been such a large part of both Malton and Norton Rugby Club, Pickering, and Lady Lumley’s School.

We are a tight-knit community, and it is great to set this challenge and raise money in Rob’s memory. I am not going to lie — the challenge is daunting, but let’s see where we go and do it with a smile, and hopefully raise some funds for charity to do some great things in 2026/27.”

As part of their training the team has completed the Hardmoors 55 mile run and were getting used to hill climbing.

Jamie said: “Rather than pure distance, it’s about getting used to elevation – not the easiest when you live in the Vale of York. So we’re doing a lot of weighted stepper work, as well as trying to get up to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District as much as possible.”

“We learnt a lot about pacing by taking part in the Hardmoors 55. It’s easy to go off too quickly. I think we all realised just how monumental the Verbier St Bernard is going to be as well.”

Eddie said they didn’t have a target time, the main aim was just to complete it.

“Running through the night is going to be a major challenge, and if and when we sleep, as we’ll be up for 42 hours. I think it’s important we stay together and remember we’re doing this as a team.”

“This is one of the hardest high-altitude ultras in Europe and is part of the UTMB World Series. That means at the front you’ve got some of the best ultra runners in the world, and I think it has around a 40% completion rate.

“The main thing is to see how far we get within the cut-off times at each checkpoint, as that will ultimately dictate whether we complete it or not.”

The Rob Stephenson Trust has raised over £250,000 and has spent money supporting various sports organisations across the UK as well as in countries including South Africa, Kenya, Brazil, India and many more.

Eddie said: “The Trust’s motto is ‘Laugh, Live, Learn, Play’ and that is the mantra we’ll carry with us through this challenge. There will no doubt be plenty of all four along the way — and we’re sure Rob would expect nothing less.”

Rob’s mum, Nicki said: “The trust reflects so much of what Tom, Jamie, Eddy, and George have been lucky enough to experience growing up in North Yorkshire.

“The trust helps break down the financial barriers that sometimes exist, giving young people the chance to get involved in sport, access opportunities, and feel part of a supportive community. From supporting local youth cricket teams to donating equipment internationally, it’s about more than just sport — it’s about culture, family, and a support system that stays with you.

“Myself, Patrick and Sam are really proud that the lads have decided to support Rob. We really hope they succeed and wish them lots of luck.”

The team are currently being sponsored by The Paddle Farm, York, Arable Advisor, Rounthwaite & Woodhead, The Helmsley Group.

Anyone else who is is interested in sponsoring the team should contact Jamie on jamie@rounthwaite-woodhead.co.uk phone 07977 441679 or Tom Riddolls tom-riddolls@helmsley.co.uk phone 07901 893838.

To make a donation go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/missionimprobable-tom-jamie-eddy-george

The incident took place around 6.50pm on Tuesday, June 30, when police received a report of an injured man near the Co-op on Howden Road West.

A Co-op was taped off in West Lothian following a stabbing incident which saw a man rushed to hospital.

The incident took place around 6.50pm on Tuesday, June 30, when police received a report of an injured man near the Co-op on Howden Road West.

The road – which is just around the corner from St John’s Hospital in Livingston – was taped off by emergency services.

A 62-year-old man was rushed to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries and inquiries are ongoing.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 6.50pm on Tuesday, 30 June, 2026, we were called to a report of a man injured on Howden Road West in Livingston.

“The 62-year-old man attended hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service has been approached for comment.

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The shocking incident occurred due to a decision made by the attraction’s owners on the Grand Strand in the North Myrtle Beach/Atlantic Beach area in South Carolina.

Two teenagers fell to their deaths while they were bungee jumping as the parents of one of them watched in horror.

The shocking incident occurred due to a decision made by the Beach Bungee attraction’s owners on the Grand Strand in the North Myrtle Beach/Atlantic Beach area of South Carolina in the United States.

One of the boys involved in the tragedy was 17-year-old Zachary Steinke, while the other was “bungee jump master” and Beach Bungee employee, Michael Nash, 19.

The attraction featured a 175-foot-tall archway which raised visitors in a cage, similar to a lift.

The two teenagers were lifted to around 150 to 160 feet inside the steel jump cage, completely unaware the original chain-driven lifting system was broken.

This was as the owners of Beach Bungee decided to replace the faulty system with a makeshift commercial shrimping which was used alongside a wire rope, instead of opting for a like-for-like replacement.

The system that was installed was not fit for purpose, leading to the shocking double death.

The evening of the incident, on August 10, 1993, was particularly wet and rainy, leading to reduced visibility as the cage was lifted into the sky.

The wire rope was unable to handle the load and, after being strained, it snapped, reports the Irish Mirror.

As a result, the cage plummeted 150 feet to the ground, leaving both Zachary and Michael with unsurvivable impact injuries. Zachary’s parents were among the crowd watching on as the tragedy unfolded, looking in horror as their son fell to his death before reportedly attempting CPR.

After the tragedy, a legal battle ensued. John Kassel, representing the families, explained in a post on the Kassel McVey site how the cable came to snap: “Without relieving the tension the cable would eventually fail and break.

“The scenario is well understood and actually has a name: two-blocking. Unfortunately, the bungee jump winch system had no safety devices of any kind. The system two-blocked.

“The cable ripped apart. The cage fell to the ground. Both boys were killed in front of a crowd of people, including the parents of one of the boys.”

He continued: “I was a young lawyer. I tried the case against the owners and the shrimper in federal court. One issue was to find individual liability and not simply get a verdict against a defunct corporation.”

Kassel was successful. In 1995, the families of the victims won a $12 million judgment against the individual owners of Beach Bungee.

The court ruled the owners could be held personally liable because they bypassed safety systems by installing the faulty shrimping winch in a bid to avoid losing summer tourist business.

But Kassel wasn’t done. He said: “I tried a second case in state court against the South Carolina Department of Labor, the responsible regulatory agency. There, a major hurdle was overcoming multiple immunities enjoyed by the state.

“We received a $2 million verdict. The verdict was affirmed on appeal to the South Carolina Supreme Court. I became close to the families of both boys.”

Emergency services were called to Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough at 11.03pm on Tuesday, June 30.

It is understood the A66 was closed off by the roundabout near McDonalds while emergency services dealt with the incident, but has since reopened as normal.

Two people were taken to James Cook University Hospital for further treatment.

A spokesperson from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said: “We were called to a road traffic incident on A66 in Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough at 11.03pm on Tuesday, June 30.

“We dispatched two ambulance crews and took two patients to James Cook University Hospital.”

Cleveland Police confirmed they were also in attendance.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on June 18.

He was later bailed as police said he was “assessed as not being fit for interview”.

In a statement released through Cambridgeshire Police on Wednesday, the boy’s family said: “We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure.

Police at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire, where a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy ended up in a crocodile enclosure at the zoo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2026. PA Photo. Cambridgeshire Po (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

“We are truly grateful for the public support and well-wishes we have received, as well as to everyone who has been directly involved in our son’s care and recovery in hospital.

“Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.”

The force said that the boy remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge “in a stable condition and faces a long road to recovery”.

The suspect in the case reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with carers.

Police said the boy was “injured by a crocodile” after he ended up in the enclosure.

Police were called to the zoo at 1.24pm by the ambulance service to reports that a three-year-old boy had suffered serious injuries.

Cambridgeshire Police said the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”.

Tracey Johnson, the zoo’s co-owner, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.

Police said the boy “received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital”.

A fundraising page has been set up to support his recovery and rehabilitation, as well as to provide the family with financial stability while they support him in hospital.

A description on the page hails the “extraordinary bravery and quick actions of those nearby” in rescuing the boy.

It said he had undergone “multiple surgeries” and “is now stable, but he faces a long road to recovery”.

“His parents are currently by his side in hospital, supporting him through both immediate and ongoing care physically and psychologically,” the author of the fundraising page continued.

Should any funds remain after meeting the family’s needs, they will be donated to charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke’s Trust.

An online fundraising page has been set up at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-the-family-of-3yr-old-injured-in-crocodile-enclosure.

Abubakarr Moiba, 43, of Falsgrave Road, Scarborough, is also charged with carrying a knife.

He was not asked to enter pleas to the charges when he made his first court appearance.

Magistrates sent his case to York Crown Court as the robbery charges can only be tried by a judge and jury.

They remanded him in custody until July 20 when he will appear before the higher court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The attempted robbery is alleged to have taken place on June 17 on St Thomas Street in Scarborough. Moiba is also alleged to have robbed the woman of ear plugs and carried a knife in public on June 28 on Victoria Street, Scarborough.

Steve Tandy has some big selection calls to make ahead of this Saturday’s game

Steve Tandy yesterday named his final 33-man squad for the Nations Championship, with Wales boosted by the return of seven players who were unavailable for last weekend’s victory over the Barbarians.

Wales will have Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium this Saturday before travelling to the Southern Hemisphere to face Argentina and South Africa.

Here is the side Tandy is likely to select to take on Fiji.

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15. Blair Murray

Expect Tandy to move away from the Louis Rees-Zammit experiment at full-back and return to Murray.

The Scarlets man is a dangerous broken field runner who can hurt teams when put in space.

Murray has tremendous footwork and speed, while he also creates opportunities for other players.

But Murray’s lack of height has previously been exploited under the high ball and this is an area he needs to improve.

14. Louis Rees-Zammit

The Bristol Bears speedster played full-back for the entirety of the Six Nations and did a sterling job but his strengths are better utilised out on the wing.

Rees-Zammit’s main attribute is undoubtedly his speed and if Wales can create some space for the 25-year-old out on the edges then he could hurt Fiji.

But his defence will also be tested due to the calibre of wing in Fiji’s squad and Rees-Zammit could go head-to-head with world-class Lyon wing Jiuta Wainiqolo.

13. Eddie James

There are many pundits who are of the opinion James should be moved to inside centre in order to better utilise his size and power.

But attack coach Matt Sherratt wants a second playmaker at 12 so James will remain at outside centre for the foreseeable future.

James is a very powerful carrier capable of making significant post-contact metres, while he also possesses a neat passing game and also hits hard in defence.

12. Joe Hawkins

Wales will go for continuity in midfield by sticking with the Scarlets centre partnership of Hawkins and James.

The coaches are big fans of Hawkins who fulfils that second playmaker role while also possessing the physicality needed at this level.

Hawkins also has the skillset and the vision to put other players into space but he will have his hands full against a powerful Fiji midfield which could include powerhouse Racing 92 star Josua Tuisova.

11. Josh Adams

Tandy decided to rest Adams for the Barbarians fixture but there’s a strong chance he will come straight back into the starting XV against Fiji.

Adams played well for Cardiff towards the back end of the season as the Welsh club reached the United Rugby Championship play-offs.

He may not be the threat of old but Adams remains a safe pair of hands at this level. However, he will have his work cut out against the flying Fijians.

10. Dan Edwards

This is a tighter call than most people think given how highly Sam Costelow is rated by the Wales management.

But Costelow only has one half of rugby under his belt since sustaining a shoulder injury against Scotland during the Six Nations.

Edwards is the man in possession and it is his jersey to lose for now.

9. Tomos Williams

Kieran Hardy was excellent in the victory over the Barbarians but expect Saracens-bound Williams to come straight into the starting XV.

Williams is one of Wales’ most important players and is among the most dangerous attacking scrum-halves in world rugby.

Wales will rely heavily on Williams’ X-factor against Fiji.

8. Aaron Wainwright

The 28-year-old was Wales’ best player during the Six Nations and was awarded the official player of the match award in the victory over the Barbarians.

Wainwright is a tremendous ball carrier who is as comfortable carrying the ball into heavy traffic as he is in the wide channels.

The former Dragons backrower will be a key player for Wales this summer.

7. Jac Morgan

Tandy will have been delighted to see Morgan back in a red shirt against the Barbarians after he missed the entirety of the Six Nations and most of the autumn.

Morgan is a world-class player and Wales will need the Gloucester-bound openside at his best against Fiji.

The 26-year-old is a serious operator at the breakdown and the speed of Fiji’s ruck ball will need to be slowed down.

6. Taine Plumtree

This is arguably the toughest position to select given the competition.

James Botham and Alex Mann were regulars during the Six Nations but both have recently been sidelined with injuries.

Plumtree has his critics, with his discipline often called out, but he is a tremendous athlete who can bring a bit of X-factor to the backrow.

5. Teddy Williams

The Cardiff lock played his first game of rugby last Saturday against the Barbarians since dislocating his foot in October.

But Williams impressed enough to win the nod over Gloucester’s Freddie Thomas in Tandy’s final 33-man squad.

The 25-year-old is a tremendous athlete who will be right at home in the chaos Fiji will look to unleash at Cardiff City Stadium this Saturday.

4. Ben Carter

The loss of Dafydd Jenkins is a hammer blow to Wales’ hopes this summer but Carter impressed when replacing Adam Beard during the Six Nations.

Carter is a workhorse who does much of the unseen dirty work which allows others to shine.

The Dragons lock is also in charge of calling Wales’ lineout which has improved dramatically in recent times.

3. Dillon Lewis

Wales’ scrum struggled against the Barbarians but Lewis’ significant experience will likely win him the nod to pack down at tighthead against Fiji.

But there will be a big onus on the 30-year-old to lock down Wales’ scrum this Saturday.

Lewis is a prop who gets through a lot of work around the park and is very effective at the breakdown.

2. Dewi Lake (Captain)

Lake will captain the side this Saturday after another strong showing against the Barbarians.

The 26-year-old is a very powerful carrier who regularly makes post-contact metres and is also strong at the breakdown.

Wales’ lineout has also improved drastically in recent times and that is a credit to Lake.

1. Rhys Carré

It would be a big surprise if Tandy did not select Carré to start against Fiji on Saturday.

Carré is arguably the strongest carrier in the Wales squad and the challenge for the Saracens man is to continue where he left off in the Six Nations.

The 28-year-old is an X-factor player capable of doing what other props can’t.

Replacements

16. Ryan Elias

The experienced Scarlets hooker brings a lot of power and is a strong scrummager.

17. Nicky Smith

While Carré won all the plaudits Smith was excellent off the bench during the Six Nations and will have a big role to play this month.

The 32-year-old is a very destructive scrummager.

18. Ben Warren

The Ospreys prop could be in line to win his first cap this weekend.

Warren is a big man and the scrum improved when the 26-year-old entered the fray against the Barbarians.

19. Adam Beard

The 30-year-old arrived in camp this weekend after Montpellier’s Top 14 final defeat to Toulouse.

Beard’s experience and power will be important this summer.

20. James Botham

The Cardiff backrower impressed during the Six Nations and the fact he can cover the entire backrow is an important string to his bow.

21. Kieran Hardy

The Ospreys number nine played very well against the Barbarians, scoring a try and creating two others.

22. Sam Costelow

The Scarlets playmaker played his best game for Wales against Scotland during the Six Nations before injuring his shoulder and will be desperate to win back the number 10 jersey.

23. Mason Grady

Wales will need Grady to make a big impact from the bench.

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Eddie Nestor has confirmed he will take a break from his work at BBC Radio 2 after being diagnosed with cancer.

He shared the news on social media, confessing it wasn’t a post he’d ‘ever imagined writing’ and revealed he had spent Father’s Day in hospital.

The 62-year-old actor and comedian wrote: ‘You may have noticed I’ve been quieter than usual.

‘I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. The good news is that, thank to an incredible medical team, I’ve now had my first chemotherapy treatment.’

Eddie said he was ‘hopeful’ but would be posting less and stepping back from work to concentrate on ‘getting stronger’.

‘Don’t feel sorry for me,’ he said, asking fans to support himself and his wife Lisa, a fitness instructor, through prayer and kind words.

‘I’d rather have your prayers, your love and your encouragement and the occasional laugh,’ he added. ‘That’s the fuel I need.’

The BBC said in a statement: ‘Our friend and colleague Eddie Nestor has announced that he will be away from Radio London for a period of time while he receives treatment for cancer.

‘Everyone at BBC London sends Eddie and his family our love and support.’

Eddie, who has an MBE, has been presenting the Drive Time show BBC Radio London since 2020 and is also known for roles in Casualty and Death in Paradise.

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Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes and Kylie Minogue all own a pair of Archies Arch Support Flip Flops — the £35 physiotherapist-designed sandals that come in 20 colours and have over 122,000 reviews

Flip flops are undeniably having a fashion moment this summer, yet it’s widely known that their design can leave feet feeling weary and sore after just a few hours. Fortunately, the A-list have come up with a brilliant solution – and it won’t break the bank.

Celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes and Kylie Minogue have all been spotted in Archies’ Arch Support Flip Flops, and at a mere £35 a pair, they’re accessible enough to snap up in a few different colours. What distinguishes them from your standard flip flop is their built-in arch support, providing the kind of structure and comfort that ordinary flip flops simply can’t offer.

Flip flops have firmly established themselves as the go-to summer footwear, with everyone from A-listers to fashion editors teaming them with floaty dresses, jeans and mini skirts. They’re casual enough for a quick errand run or a trip to the beach, yet stylish enough to complete any outfit with ease.

Jennifer Aniston is such a devoted fan of her Arch Support Flip Flops that she reportedly owns them in no fewer than three colours, ensuring she has a matching pair for every look.

Archies’ Arch Support Flip Flops are crafted for all-day comfort, featuring a one inch orthotic arch support designed by a physiotherapist, built directly into the sole. Constructed from specialist foam that moulds to the contours of your foot, they deliver added cushioning and support precisely where it’s needed most, reports the Mirror.

The straps themselves have been thoughtfully redesigned with a secure fit, meaning your toes won’t need to clench the soles to keep them in place. Additionally, the Arch Support Flip Flops are offered in 20 different shades, ranging from soft pastels to understated neutrals, and are stocked in sizes three to 14 with a unisex style.

Another excellent choice is FitFlop’s iQUSHION Ergonomic Flip-Flops priced at £32, crafted from lightweight biomechanist-engineered foam that delivers maximum comfort and support. The straps are also anatomically contoured to eliminate the need for gripping.

Over at Next, the Black Extra Wide Fit Arch Support Square Toe Flip Flops retail for just £22 and are available in both standard and extra wide fittings. The moulded footbed provides substantial arch support, and they’re constructed using Next’s Flexi Comfort technology.

That said, given their £35 price point and celebrity endorsement, Archie’s Arch Support Flip Flops represent excellent value for summer footwear. They’ve also accumulated over 122,000 reviews, with more than 104,000 awarding them five stars.

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