Poppies in full bloom – thousands of them – cover the field in a crimson carpet, bobbing and swaying in the summer breeze. 

A wide Norfolk sky looms overhead, dotted with cotton-wool clouds. 

It’s a spectacular sight. 

But fast forward six years, and the scene has been transformed beyond recognition. The field has been stripped bare and levelled – transformed from a rural idyll into a barren expanse of sun-baked dirt. 

Located near the village of Keswick, just south of Norwich, the farmland is being repurposed to serve a new, more lucrative industry: artificial intelligence.

Covering seven acres, the Norwich Apex Data Centre is set to become one of the UK’s largest data centres, packed with high-tech equipment whirring around the clock to further the Government’s vision of an advanced, AI-driven economy. 

But the plans face a significant roadblock in the form of 7,000 local residents who have signed a petition opposing the new site – among them BBC broadcaster Jake Humphrey. 

They say the data centre – which on architectural renderings resembles a cross between a warehouse and a multi-storey car park – will ruin the area’s rural character, harm wildlife, and create intolerable noise and traffic. 

The site will use enough energy to power 10,000 homes and draw on local water supplies for cooling, although developers insist it will operate a ‘closed-loop’ water circulation system that, once full, will not consume any more water. 

The first photo was taken in 2020. This is what the site looks like today as it is prepared for development  

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On architectural renderings, the site resembles a cross between a warehouse and a multi-storey car park 

Far from being a purely local issue, the dispute is the latest front in a wider war pitting AI proponents – led by the Labour Government – against a coalition of local people, councils and campaigners defending their vision for the British countryside. 

To American ears, this will all sound wearily familiar. 

Having birthed the tech giants that run the world’s leading AI systems, the US is at least four years into a data centre building boom, with more than 1,500 data centres at various stages of development.

This has sparked a major grassroots backlash, bringing together Americans across the political spectrum to call for a development freeze. 

Senior politicians, who are generally cheerleaders for AI, have been forced to take note, and the issue is expected to play a central role in the upcoming midterm elections. 

Data centres are far from rare in the UK, which by some measures has the third-highest number in operation after the US and Germany. 

But with the number of projects still lagging far behind America, data centres have yet to become the political flashpoint they are across the Atlantic. 

That may soon change. On top of the UK’s estimated 477 existing data centres, another 100 are in the planning pipeline, and most are set to be built within the next five years – according to market intelligence firm Barbour ABI. 

Given their need for land and large amounts of energy – far more than some crowded urban electricity grids can provide – data centre developers favour rural locations. 

And so we return to the Norfolk village of Keswick, where proposals for the 150MW Norwich Apex Data Centre have encountered stiff opposition after being put to a public consultation. 

Villagers in Keswick say they want to protect the area’s rural character 

An aerial view of the site, which has not yet been submitted for planning approval 

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BBC presenter Jake Humphrey insisted he is not ‘anti data centre’ but the site is located in the wrong place 

The development is close to Marston Marsh nature reserve, a 64-acre stretch of floodplain and grazing marsh teeming with water voles, wetland birds, dragonflies and otters. 

Residents also fear it will ruin the rural character of their area and lead to it being ‘sucked’ into urban Norwich.  

Jake Humphrey, the former CBBC presenter turned host of BBC Sport’s coverage of Formula One, is the development’s most prominent critic. 

He told the Daily Mail: ‘This landscape is precious because it is one of the last places where Norwich still arrives gently.  

‘It is rural, it is quiet, and it has an unspoilt character that has been shaped over time. That is why a data centre feels so totally out of place here.

‘A huge, secure, power-hungry industrial facility does not belong beside marshes, river valleys, historic churches and rural homes. However it is dressed up in planning language, it would fundamentally change the feeling of this whole area.

‘It would bring scale, noise, light, fencing, substations, generators, traffic and a sense of permanent industrialisation to south Norwich that is currently defined by openness, nature and history. And once that is gone, it is gone forever.’

A father of two, Mr Humphrey, 47, insisted he was not ‘anti data centres’ but simply trying to protect a beloved local landscape. 

‘You cannot tell future generations we protected Norfolk if we allow this. This is not an argument against technology.

‘It is an argument for putting things in the right place. A data centre may be necessary somewhere, but it is completely wrong here. This landscape is too rural, too historic, too sensitive and too precious to be sacrificed.’

The centre is being proposed for a triangle of land beside the A140 between Ipswich and Norwich, opposite a large Tesco.

The area was originally given planning consent by South Norfolk Council to become a business park, and had vegetation cleared away and preparatory groundwork started before it suddenly stopped several years ago. 

Developers say the centre will bring ‘highly skilled jobs’ and support ‘the digital services people use every day’. They have also promised measures to reduce noise and hide the site using plants and trees. 

No planning application has been submitted yet, but many residents fear local opposition will be ignored and the project will be waived through by the Government.

Such concerns are far from unwarranted. Last week, residents of Southfleet in Kent received letters through their doors informing them of plans to build Ebbsfleet AI Data Centre, which will sit on 145 acres of former farmland just outside the village. 

While many plan to object, they may find their calls unheeded after the project was deemed to be of ‘national significance’ – allowing developer Clearstone Energy to go straight to ministers for permission instead of seeking approval from the local council. 

The designation, previously reserved for critical infrastructure such as roads and railways, is intended to speed up the processing time for data centre applications by up to a year. 

Simon Rothwell, project manager for the Ebbsfleet AI Data Centre Campus, said local people would be consulted at every stage of the development and promised a ‘community benefit package’ to sweeten the deal.

What developers cannot be accused of is seeking to do things on the cheap. A wall of cash from investment firms and tech giants like Google and Microsoft means these projects are well funded, with £3billion budgeted for the Southfleet site alone.

Big figures are also being floated for the claimed benefits that data centres will bring to the wider economy. 

One company, Xlinks, claims a data centre and battery storage site it is planning in Devon will contribute £3.6billion to the national economy and create between 600 and 1200 jobs. 

Not that residents in the nearby town of Great Torrington are convinced. They claim these benefits are being exaggerated and will be vastly outweighed by the cost of losing an astonishing 850 acres of countryside. 

Xlinks – which was previously behind a stalled bid to bring renewable energy to the UK from Morocco via sub-sea cables – said the data campus buildings would cover only a third of the site.

Matt Whittaker, who attended a public meeting, vowed to put up a fight. 

‘Everyone is up in arms, but we are doing it in an intelligent way,’ he said. ‘We are driven by emotion, but we are not distracted by our hearts. It won’t just destroy the town, it’s far bigger than that.’  

One site is planned for the former Truman Brewery in the heart of London’s iconic Brick Lane

The derelict brewery building where developers want to build a data centre to facilitate high-frequency trading 

Jamal Khalique, who was born in Brick Lane in 1970, urged housing secretary Steve Reed to reject the plans

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Most new data centres are clustered around London and the Home Counties. Although the biggest planned sites tend to be in the countryside, some are in cities.

One such site is planned for the former Truman Brewery in the heart of London’s iconic Brick Lane. 

Known for its curry houses and buzzing nightlife, the area could soon find itself sharing the streets with a less convivial neighbour – a 56,682-square-foot data centre processing high-frequency financial trades in the City. 

Documents suggest the centre will only have 15 full-time employees, prompting locals to insist it will ‘bring nothing’ to the area.  

Jonathan Moberly, a resident and member of the Save Brick Lane campaign group, said: ‘This is right in the middle of a central London area where we have a social housing waiting list of 31,000 people.

‘With 15 people being employed, surrounded by stacks of computers, how on earth will this in any way benefit the local community? It simply will not.’

The proposals show the datacentre’s peak output would be 5.2MW, which campaigners say would be enough to provide energy to around 15,000 homes.

Tower Hamlets Council rejected the £500million development. But housing secretary Steve Reed ‘called in’ the application, allowing him to have the final say. 

Jamal Khalique, who was born in Brick Lane in 1970, urged him to reject the plans. 

‘We are a very close-knit community here – nobody wants the extra noise and vibrations from this centre, he said. ‘It will hardly have anybody working in it so there will be no benefit from footfall for local businesses.’

The bustling streets of East London may seem to have little in common with the green fields of Norfolk, Kent or Devon, but the battle lines being drawn are strikingly similar.

So will the AI advocates prevail? Or will local communities succeed in slowing the tide? 

Whatever the outcome, it will shape Britain’s future for decades to come. 

Huntingdonshire residents fear that thousands of planned homes will overwhelm local infrastructure

Huntingdonshire District Council has been told to “take responsibility” on improving infrastructure amid fears new homes will overwhelm the region. Cllr David Keane brought a motion to council, asking for a “consolidated infrastructure readiness report” to be prepared on the local plan.

The wording was amended by Lib Dem councillor Brett Mickelburgh, who said he wanted to “clarify the asks of officers”. This included asking for a “non-technical, plain English summary relating to infrastructure readiness” instead.

Cllr Ross Martin accused him of “trying to water down” the motion with the changes – but the amendment was passed.

The Conservative councillor said: “I didn’t hear in the opening statement from Cllr Mickelburgh what this amendment actually attempts to achieve. This just feels like the Lib Dems trying to stick their mucky fingerprints all over the motion so they can take a bit of credit at the other end.”

Cllr Keane said he couldn’t support the amendment as it “changes the purpose of the motion in an important way”. The Conservative councillor said: “Members are not simply being asked to acknowledge that information exists, we’re being asked in September to make one of the most significant planning decisions this council will take.

“I think that carries a very heavy responsibility and our residents will, quite rightly, expect us to have challenged the evidence before we make that decision. Asking for a plain English summary sounds like an improvement but has an inherent risk of producing a document that explains the evidence without necessarily helping members test its implications.”

Cllr Tom Sanderson, executive councillor for planning, said the government increased their housing target 18 months ago and “we need to have a plan for growth”. The Lib Dem councillor said: “The local plan is actually supported by a raft of evidence including evidence relating to infrastructure and viability.

“Alongside the evidence basis, we’ve actually chosen to go over and above requirements to be transparent in our engagement with stakeholders, publishing collaboration documents as they’ve been finalised.” He said Huntingdonshire is a “high-growth area” and said the council must be careful to stick to the timetable set by the government.

He said: “If we don’t have a local plan for growth, Huntingdonshire will lose the ability to decide where the homes are that need to be built and where’d they’d go – we’ll also lose control over the infrastructure.”

Cllr Sanderson said the council’s 3.68 year supply of housing falls below the minimum target of five years and remaining in “tilted balance” means refused plans are more likely to be granted on appeal. He said: “Without an up-to-date plan to meet our identified need for housing, we’re essentially inviting speculative development.

“Whilst I do share the concerns expressed by members, and I know we have representatives in the audience as well, I’m confident that we’re on the right track with our local plan and I think that the substantive (amended) motion will make the process much smoother.”

Cllr Alex Bulat seconded the motion and said: “We cannot build the jobs and homes of tomorrow on yesterday’s infrastructure and assumptions. We need up-to-date evidence to make sure that we have informed choices when it comes to September.”

The Labour councillor asked why the council hadn’t challenged the government’s housing targets “if we’re unhappy” as “there are other councils who at least have spoken politically or otherwise”.

Cllr Sanderson said: “I’m not blaming the government for changing the targets – I can understand why, but the fact is we are a high-growth area. No council has successfully challenged the government’s housing targets that I’m aware of.”

Cllr Bulat said: “I’m just referring to the wider narrative – it’s always someone else’s fault rather than ours. I think we need political leadership, and if we think it’s a good idea – which I do, we should stand by it and make a positive case for what we’re planning to do in this area.”

She said the A141 and St Ives improvements schemes mentioned in the motion is “the major piece of work” and “we actually need to deliver those strategic sites”.

She said: “I don’t blame residents if they see this has started in 2018 and we’re here, eight years later and six million pounds spent later, and we’re still waiting for the outline business case. Forgive me chair if I think from a residents’ perspective it’s not unsurprising that many people lose faith in the process.

“I think most people won’t be opposed to development if they actually have the trust that this infrastructure can be delivered first. The point we’re making is not for or against the local plan – it’s trying to get the evidence and make the case and no more excuses.

“Let’s take leadership and responsibility on this issue – stop blaming everybody else and actually have a positive case for our area.”

Dame Laura Kenny and Sir Jason Kenny, one of Britain’s most decorated cycling couples, celebrated the partnership between Cycling Accident Management Services (CAMS) and North West Cancer Research (NWCR) at an event in Cheshire.

Olympic cyclist Ed Clancy OBE also attended the Golf Day and Gala Fundraiser, which was held at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa.

The partnership will see CAMS become NWCR’s largest corporate and leading legal partner for the next two and a half years, supporting vital cancer research across the North West through fundraising events and community outreach.

Dame Laura Kenny, recently named a CAMS Ambassador, said: “Cycling has been such an important part of my life, so I know how devastating it can be when an accident keeps you off your bike.

“I’m proud to become a CAMS Ambassador because the team are dedicated to helping cyclists get back on the road, supporting them through what can be a difficult time and ensuring they have access to the expertise and care they need.

“It’s fantastic to be working with an organisation that shares my passion for keeping people cycling safely and confidently.”

CAMS, established in 1996, is the UK’s leading provider of post-accident support for cyclists, offering specialised legal and rehabilitation services through its sister company Bond Turner.

The company is supported by several prominent figures in cycling, including Sir Bradley Wiggins, Adam Blythe, Amy Hudson, and Ruby Isaac.

Samantha Moss, director of CAMS and Bond Turner, said: “Our region is home to hundreds of thousands of cyclists, and the sense of community between them is unrivalled.

“In over three decades of working to help cyclists in need, we have seen how their spirit and determination feeds into everything they do, alongside their selflessness when it comes to helping others.

“Our partnership with North West Cancer Research speaks directly to that ethos.

“It’s about being part of something bigger and making a lasting difference by helping to fund vital, life-saving research for years to come.”

CAMS will support NWCR through event sponsorship, fundraising campaigns, and promotional activities designed to raise awareness of the charity’s mission and expand its reach.

The collaboration will also see CAMS named as the exclusive legal partner for the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool ride in July 2027, one of the region’s largest cycling events.

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that CAMS will be our charity partner over the next two and a half years.

“This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for North West Cancer Research.

“CAMS’ support will enable us to do more, reach further, and continue funding the life-changing research that is so desperately needed across our region.”

Donald Trump was left on the podium as Spain lifted the World Cup trophy, with the US president refusing to leave the stand

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Donald Trump refused to vacate the podium after presenting the World Cup trophy to tournament winners Spain.

The Spanish side overcame the defending champions in extra time, with Ferran Torres netting the opening goal after Argentina were reduced to ten men following Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal in the 93rd minute.

After their triumph, Spain’s players stepped up to the podium individually to collect their medals before US President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the trophy to the victors.

Yet as Trump shook players’ hands and punched the air in celebration, he commandeered the moment entirely, declining to step down from the stage.

Infantino attempted to usher a seemingly disorientated Trump away from the squad, as he continued to linger to the right of the team, overshadowing their moment of glory.

The scenes came as little surprise, given that the US president had already flouted protocol during the Club World Cup celebrations in 2025.

Last July, he left players baffled by remaining alongside the Chelsea squad as they lifted the trophy at the MetLife Stadium.

Footage from last summer’s celebrations showed officials desperately attempting to coax Trump away, with reports suggesting that calls to do so came from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was positioned beside him at one point.

In much the same fashion this year, Infantino once again found himself tasked with attempting to shepherd Trump away from the victorious side so they could lift the trophy in peace.

Infantino dashes across in front of the squad before steering the president towards the left-hand exit, yet Trump holds his position as Spain lift the trophy aloft.

Upon making his way onto the pitch for the presentation ceremony, Trump was met with a chorus of loud boos from supporters, marking the second occasion during the final that he had been jeered.

Earlier in the match, cameras had cut to the president watching proceedings alongside Infantino in a private suite, and as he acknowledged the crowd with a wave, whistles and boos rang out around the stadium.

He courted further controversy when footage later emerged of him handling the World Cup trophy in the suite during the first half.

A retired British couple have been named as victims of a wildfire in southern Spain that killed 13 people, as wildfires continue to blaze across Europe, prompting hundreds of evacuations. 

Christine and Michael Chard, who have been described as ‘lovely, lovely people’, were killed when a devastating blaze spread through the Almeria region. 

A local councillor from the Spanish municipality, Francesca Murray Howe, said Mrs Chard was ‘charming’ and ‘beautiful’ while her husband was ‘very sarcastic’. 

In a tribute to the retired couple, Ms Howe said: ‘She was a beautiful woman, truly beautiful. She had incredible red hair, long and wavy; simply beautiful. And a great sense of humour, very funny. Charming, warm, a wonderful human being.’ 

The local politican added that Mr Chard was a ‘man of few words’. 

The Chards, originally from southeast England, were married in Bedar after moving to the area some years ago. According to social media, this summer would have marked their ninth wedding anniversary.

A friend of the couple wrote in a social media tribute: ‘Words can’t express our feelings at the loss of our dearest friends. Condolences to all your family. RIP and we hope there is a nice dry martini for you Chris.’ 

The military fighting a wildfire in La Mierla area, near Guadalajara, about 100 kilometers north of Madrid

Another wrote: ‘Rest in peace, Christine and Michael. I was heartbroken to hear this news. Christine, you were always so kind to me, and I looked forward to our catch ups whenever our visits coincided with you being here. I treasure the friendship, the laughs, the cheeky drinks, the twinkle in your eye.’

It comes after 93-year-old Briton Audrey Ethel Curry died in hospital two days after she was injured in the fires. 

Among the seven Britons to have been identified by relatives or the Spanish authorities as victims are Pete and Fran Gillam and Annette Kilgore, 69, while her husband Malcolm Timbrell, 70, survived the blaze. 

Kent-born Ian Jarvis has also been identified as a victim by British media. 

The wildfire began on July 9 and raged for almost a week, becoming one of the deadliest in Spain’s history.

Elsewhere, hundreds of people have been forced to flee their homes as major wildfires continue to rage across southern Europe. 

Spain is battling multiple blazes while popular holiday destinations in France remain on high alert ahead of another intense heatwave expected to push temperatures close to 45C.

Fire crews in Spain are continuing to tackle a major wildfire north of Madrid that has burned around 13,000 hectares (32,000 acres) and prompted the evacuation of about 700 residents.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government was closely monitoring the situation and praised emergency crews for their relentless efforts to contain the blaze and protect nearby communities.

Around 300 firefighters, backed by 26 water-bombing aircraft, have been deployed to the fire, which ignited on Thursday in the province of Guadalajara during a spell of extreme heat.

Regional officials have described the blaze as particularly difficult to contain because of the rugged, forested terrain surrounding the Sierra Norte Natural Park, an area home to endangered wildlife including wolves, golden eagles and rare butterfly species.

Elsewhere in Spain, firefighters have gained ground on a separate wildfire near Zaragoza in the north-eastern region of Aragon, where around 1,000 residents were evacuated after flames swept through the countryside.

Authorities say the blaze has burned approximately 14,400 hectares after improved weather conditions slowed its advance. 

No deaths or injuries have been reported, while emergency officials are assessing when evacuated residents can safely return home.

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has warned the country is about to enter its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to climb steadily before peaking later this week.

Some parts of southeastern Spain could approach or even exceed 45C, dramatically increasing the risk of new wildfires as vegetation dries out further.

The warnings come after Spain suffered one of its deadliest wildfires in recent years earlier this month, when 13 people were killed in a blaze in Almería that destroyed around 7,000 hectares.

In neighbouring France, thousands of people have already been forced to evacuate as a series of fast-moving wildfires swept through the country’s Mediterranean regions following last month’s record-breaking heatwave.

One of the largest fires erupted near Trévillach in the foothills of the French Pyrenees close to the Spanish border, scorching more than 4,600 hectares and forcing more than 10,000 people to leave over a dozen villages.

A major wildfire that has been raging for two days in northeast Spain has reduced more than 12,000 hectares of land to ash

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that worsening weather conditions and powerful winds threatened to reignite the fire’s spread, while residents described flames racing towards homes in a matter of minutes.

‘It came within 300 metres of the houses. We were stunned by how quickly it spread,’ one resident told local media.

The wildfire also disrupted the Tour de France, with organisers urging spectators to avoid the final section of one stage so emergency vehicles could move freely through the affected area. 

Race officials dramatically reduced the convoy accompanying riders, saying the exceptional circumstances required extraordinary safety measures.

Earlier in the month, firefighters battled several major blazes across southern France, including around Marseille and the Aude region near the Spanish border.

More than 1,200 hectares were burned in a single day as strong winds hampered firefighting operations despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters.

Another wildfire near the Riviera resort town of Fréjus forced more than 2,000 holidaymakers to evacuate six campsites as flames approached popular tourist areas. 

‘The fire spread extremely quickly in the context of this heatwave and extreme drought,’ local prefect Simon Babre told BFM TV.

The blaze had scorched about 180 hectares (445 acres) by Sunday evening, the prefect’s office said.

Television images showed large flames advancing behind hillside villas typical of the French Riviera, while thick black smoke billowed above pine and cypress trees.

Authorities said there were no fatalities, although smoke blanketed parts of Marseille and drifting ash disrupted flights arriving at the city’s airport.

European authorities have warned that prolonged periods of exceptional heat, combined with extremely dry vegetation and low humidity, are creating ideal conditions for large and fast-moving wildfires across the continent.

Scientists say human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves, leaving forests and grasslands more vulnerable to ignition and allowing fires to spread more rapidly.

Forecasters have also warned that dry thunderstorms could develop over mountainous areas later this week, bringing lightning strikes but little rainfall, conditions that could spark fresh wildfires just as southern Europe braces for another spell of extreme heat.

Germany’s recent cool spell may be short-lived, with another heatwave possible soon. 

Meteorologists say high pressure is expected to rebuild over central Europe, allowing hot air currently over Spain and France to move back into Germany. 

Temperatures could exceed 30C across much of the country by next weekend, although the exact timing remains uncertain due to a potential boundary between warm and cool air masses. 

The previous heatwave was historic, with Germany reaching a record 41.7C at the end of June and experiencing around 12 consecutive days of heat warnings, making it one of the longest such periods since the German Weather Service (DWD) introduced its heat warning system in 2005. 

Thousands of fans watched Spain’s World Cup victory at the Plaza de Colón in central Madrid on late Sunday night.

The BBC’s Guy Hedgecoe was there as people cheered, sang and celebrated after counting down the last seconds of the match against Argentina, following a tense play of extra time.

This final was not so different from America’s last, in 1994, when Brazil prevailed over Italy on penalties after an uneventful, barren match. Roberto Baggio that day in Pasadena was the man who died standing. No missed penalty, but did Messi feel so different from Baggio here? Argentina’s era is over, while Messi’s hopes of elongating his own served a damning blow. He was nullified, totally. This Spain will do that. Even to him, as it turned out.

Lisa Paul, 47, survived breast cancer in 2012 but has now been told she has just months to live after a cervical cancer diagnosis.

A brave Scot has been told she only has months to live after being diagnosed with cervical cancer 13 years after she recovered from another strain of the cruel disease.

But Lisa Paul, 47, said she “isn’t ready to die” and her devastated family and friends are now trying to raise cash for treatment abroad in a bid to extend her life.

Lisa, who won her battle with breast cancer in 2012, told our sister title Edinburgh Live: “Last October, I got diagnosed with cervical cancer and then in March it had spread to the liver, stomach, around my pelvis, bone marrow, my leg and my hip – it’s just everywhere now.

“One night before the diagnosis, I passed out with the pain and it was excruciating. It was all from the bottom, I never had any pain from the front. I went to the Royal and they could feel the tumour.

“I wasn’t completely shocked because when you’ve had cancer it never fully leaves you. I was surprised it was cervical though because it was completely random – I just couldn’t believe I had got two different cancers.

“I was in hospital for three months because they couldn’t stop the pain and I was released from hospital in February. I started to feel good and then in March I ended up back in hospital because the pain in my sides was unbearable.

“That’s when I was told it was stage four and then a few days ago I was told I only had a couple months – maybe less. I keep on pushing but time is not on my side. The cancer has just been extremely aggressive and it’s not gone in a straight line.”

She added: “I don’t want to die and I’ve said from day one I’ll never give up. I love my life, my friends, my family – and I don’t want to go anywhere. I will try everything to still be around.

“I want to travel, I want to go on holiday, I want to see my brother and sister’s kids grow up. I just think some people don’t appreciate life to the fullest and maybe take every day for granted.

“I am also just frustrated because I’m like come on, something has to work for me. Even if my life was increased by 18 months, that would feel like winning the lottery.”

Initially she was told the second illness was curable but scans started to show the chemotherapy hadn’t worked.

Last month, Lisa, from Edinburgh, was warned the cancer had spread even more and at a rapid pace. Chemotherapy is also no longer an option as it may do more damage to her health and there are no further treatment options available through the NHS.

Her main hope now is that clinical trials will become available, but a GoFundMe page has been set up for her to access more advanced cancer treatments available in other parts of the world – including Germany. A consultation alone costs around £4,500 before any treatment even begins.

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Speaking about the support from her friends and family, Lisa said: “I am truly blessed. They’ve been there for me every day. It’s hard for them too – I honestly think one of the worst parts about cancer is having to tell your loved ones and giving them constant bad news.

“It’s just incredible how many people have come together to support me – I am overwhelmed with love. Time is ticking but I am doing everything I can to stay here and continue my life.”

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Donald Trump was on hand to present the Jules Rimet trophy to Spain after they beat Argentina in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday

Donald Trump once again found himself reluctant to leave the spotlight during a trophy presentation, with the United States President choosing to remain for the celebrations after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final.

The 80-year-old raised eyebrows by lingering after handing over the trophy, and was spotted enthusiastically joining in as Chelsea’s players revelled in their achievement.

Trump repeated the same trick in New Jersey after presenting Spain’s captain, Rodri, with the coveted Jules Rimet trophy.

He remained on the platform as Spain’s jubilant squad celebrated, before being gently nudged along by a laughing Gianni Infantino.

It was confirmed last month that Trump would hand over the trophy to the tournament winners, mirroring his role last summer when Chelsea lifted the Fifa Club World Cup, held across the United States.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino had been the one to confirm Trump would do the honours at Sunday’s final. “That’s always been the plan,” he said, reports the Mirror.

“That’s how it’s always been done in the past – the president of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the FIFA president.”

Earlier in the match, Trump was booed by large sections of the MetLife Stadium crowd.

Just after the US national anthem had concluded, the cheers that had accompanied it rapidly gave way to a chorus of boos, whistles, and jeers directed at the president, who had arrived via the Marine One helicopter.

As such the stadium was packed with security, with the match designated a “Level 1” special event – the highest security classification in the US – putting it on a par with presidential inaugurations and State of the Union addresses.

Ahead of the final in New Jersey, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the scale of the security operation, framing Trump’s attendance as the crowning moment of the entire tournament.

“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure and most successful World Cup in American history,” Leavitt said.