Natalia Skurzewska was diagnosed with Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (RCPD), also known as “no burp syndrome”

A Co Derry teenager has been forced to fundraise towards a life-changing operation after being diagnosed with a rare condition that prevents her from burping.

Natalia Skurzewska, 18 and from Maghera, was diagnosed with Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction (RCPD), also known as “no burp syndrome,” after two years of trying to get a diagnosis. RCPD is a condition where the cricopharyngeus muscle, located in the throat, can’t relax properly.

This prevents affected individuals from burping, leading to uncomfortable and often painful symptoms like bloating, gurgling noises in the chest and throat, abdominal pain, nausea and even difficulty breathing.

RCPD is often misdiagnosed as heartburn or indigestion, meaning the medication given would be completely useless or could even worsen sufferers’ conditions.

For those like Natalia with the condition, it significantly impacts quality of life, making everyday activities both difficult and embarrassing. Natalia went to her GP for two years trying to figure out what was causing her issues until she researched her symptoms herself.

She first noticed problems when she was 14 years-old: “I would eat and then I’d get bloated. It would hurt at times, and then there’d be gurgling noises coming like from my throat. I would also get really bad bloating and then pains in my stomach that would go right up to my chest.

“It would happen whenever I ate specific foods, like take aways, sweet stuff or drank fizzy drinks. It was so uncomfortable, especially whenever I was in school and just had to try and get through the whole day.

“I get very bad hiccups, sometimes even doubled and it gets to the point where the pain in my chest is so unbearable and I can get them four times a day.

“I went to my GP who said it was heartburn or something to do with my gut or bowels, and I told her that wasn’t the case. The doctor would give me all sorts of different medication, but they wouldn’t help.

“I had X-rays and ultrasounds done but they couldn’t find anything. That’s when I did my own research and figured out that I have RCPD.”

Natalia, a health and social care student at Belfast Met, was recently hospitalised when her condition worsened and she found it difficult to breathe and was suffering heart palpitations.

The condition has also impacted Natalia social life and mental health: “I have also struggled with my physical appearance as RCPD makes me to feel awful about myself. Anytime I would eat, I’d get bloated and feel embarrassed from being made fun of.

“Because of this condition, I’ve found it hard to leave my home and go out to social events, school, or just meet my family for dinner. Anytime I would go out with family or friends I would always feel awkward sitting there while others around me ate what they wanted.

“I would constantly get questioned if I had an eating disorder or if I’m just looking for attention, but the truth is, it’s very hard for anyone with RCPD to eat anything and I’d always go into so much pain just a few minutes after. I tried explaining the condition I had but honestly, people only made fun of me which made me very insecure about my body.”

While botox injections have shown high success rates in restoring the ability to burp, Natalia’s best option is surgery but that’s not available on the NHS. It’s available privately in either Dublin or England but at a cost of approximately £6,000.

While Botox injections have shown high success rates in restoring the ability to burp, Natalia’s best option is surgery, but that’s not available on the NHS. It’s available privately in either Dublin or England at a cost of approximately £6,000.

“Having the surgery would mean a great deal to me. It would also mean I wouldn’t be in pain every day and could eat a meal without being that pain for the rest of the day.”

Natalia has launched a GoFundMe appeal towards her surgery and research into the condition which can be accessed here.

“Funds raised for RCPD are vital for supporting research into better diagnostic methods and treatment options, as well as providing resources for those living with the condition to access the specialised care they need to help them live a better life,” she added.

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The new boss of the Daniel crime clan Francis ‘Fraggle’ Green swallowed two sim cards at the scene of a gangland execution.

He took over as head of the family from his cousin Steven ‘Bonzo’ Daniel, 46, who was arrested in a dawn raid last month and faces a lengthy jail spell on serious organised crime offences on charges.

Fraggle, 44, was relatively unknown to the general public before his best friend Kevin ‘Gerbil’ Carroll was gunned down by a hitman from the rival Lyons mob in the car park of an Asda in Robroyston in 2010.

However, when he arrived on the scene before the police his role in the Daniel network soon became apparent.

Gerbil moved to the Milton area from Drumchapel when he was a young boy but after he was bullied at school by Eddie and Steven Lyons, 46, he struck up a friendship with Fraggle and sought protection from the Daniel family.

While Fraggle, the son of the late crime boss Jamie Daniel, lurked behind the scene in his younger years, Gerbil went on to become of Scotland’s most notorious gangsters.

When the Daniel and Lyons clan went to war, Gerbil was at the centre of the fued and survived being shot in 2003.

Gerbil, who was Fraggle’s sister Kelly ‘Bo’ Green’s long term partner, is believed to have blasted mobster Eddie Lyons in 2006 and ordered a gangland shooting at Applerow garage in the Lambill area of Glasgow later in the same year that left Michael Lyons, 21, dead and Steven Lyons, 46, wounded in the leg.

The Lyons family sought revenge and caught up with Gerbil when he was shot dead as he sat in the back of a black Audi at the Asda car park at the age of 29.

Before the cops even arrived Fraggle raced to the scene and dumped his car in the middle of the road after he was tipped off by Stephen McLaggan and John Bonner, who had been with Gerbil when he was murdered.

Ross Monaghan, who was shot dead in the Costa Del Sol along with Eddie Lyons, was accused of the murder and went on trial in 2012.

In court, it was heard how Fraggle had reached into the back of the Audi and took two mobile phones belonging to Gerbil and swallowed the sim cards.

He claimed the sim cards were from his own phone and admitted doing so in an effort to hide the family’s criminal operation from the police.

When questioned Fraggle went on to explain how he had been in contact with Gerbil every day for 15 years and had been on the phone with him just 20 minutes before he was killed.

It was rumoured in underworld circles that Gerbil may have been set up by the Daniel clan but Fraggle firmly denied this.

Fraggle was asked if his dad Jamie Daniel got on with Carroll. He replied: “Yeah.” He was then asked: “Are you sure?” He said: “Positive.”

When asked about his involvement in organised crime Fraggle claimed to be a £10 an hour car valeter despite driving a high-powered sports car with a private registration.

Witnesses described how Fraggle arrived at the car park and started giving McLaggan and Bonner orders.

It was put to Fraggle these were the actions of a crime boss but he denied the accusation.

He was asked if he knew what Carroll did for a living and said he “no idea,” but his evidence at the trial was described by defence QC Derek Ogg as “contemptible nonsense.”

Monaghan eventually was acquitted but another Lyons enforcer William ‘Buff’ Paterson was convicted of the murder in 2015 and sentenced to 22 years in jail.

On the 10th anniversary of Gerbil’s murder in 2020 it was reported how Fraggle had left flowers at the grave with a tribute to his late pal, reading: ‘You are loved and missed every day and will always be in our hearts.’

Spanish cops claim the murders of Eddie Lyons, 46, and Ross Monaghan, 43, were ordered by the Daniel clan but Police Scotland insist this was not the case.

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Aneisha Beveridge, research director at Connells Group, said: “The rise in higher loan-to-value lending reflects the fact that lenders have become more comfortable extending larger loans to first-time buyers, supported by changes to lending regulations and a wider range of more innovative mortgage products aimed at those with smaller deposits.

By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

Published: 14:03 BST, 18 September 2026 | Updated: 14:05 BST, 18 September 2026

Police forces are expected to have their work cut out this weekend, with derby matches in the Championship and beyond. Saturday’s early kick-off sees Millwall take on West Ham for the first time in over 14 years before Wolves and West Brom renew their rivalry at 12pm on Sunday.

Eyes were drawn to mid-September as soon as the fixture list was confirmed in June. Both West Ham and Wolves came down from the Premier League and these clashes were among the first that fans looked for.

The scheduling has given officers, the Metropolitan Police in particular, a huge task, as they work to prevent trouble and stop tensions from boiling over. Not to mention the rest of the weekend’s London fixtures which include Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night and Fulham against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

But it’s not just forces across England braced for trouble either. In Glasgow, Celtic and Rangers will clash at Parkhead just one week after doing so at Ibrox.

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Millwall vs West Ham

February 2012 marked the last time that these two London clubs faced off. To sum up the rivalry, former West Ham captain Julian Dicks was hit by a brick while defending a corner away to Millwall in December 1998.

The Met are planning to deploy roughly 400 officers in an around The Den which is four times the usual number. Officers will be in riot gear, although won’t have shields, and each of them will be trained to deal with public disorder.

Dog units, mounted police and live facial recognition cameras will also be used as part of the operation. Rival fans will be told to use specific Tube and rail stations travelling to and from the game.

The Met also issued a statement ahead of Saturday’s match which read: “On Saturday, 19 September at 12:30hrs, @MillwallFC face @WestHam at the Den – the first time the two clubs have met since 2012. We want fans to enjoy the match safely and have worked with both clubs to help this happen.

“As with any fixture, the Sporting Events Act 1985 is in place, which means entering or attempting to enter a ground while intoxicated is strictly prohibited. A Section 35 dispersal order will also be in place, allowing officers to remove anyone causing disorder. It will cover this area (below).”

A League Cup tie between the teams in 2009 saw one man stabbed. Play also had to be stopped three times due to fans invading the pitch.

This week, injured West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek was filmed being threatened by a Millwall fan. In a video clip shared on social media, Soucek was warned: “If I see you at the Den next Saturday I’m going to cut your f***ing face off, you c***.”

Wolves vs West Brom

Fans of these two Midlands clubs haven’t needed to wait very long for this fixture to come back around. They last met in the FA Cup in January 2024, as Wolves won 2-0 at The Hawthorns.

But that wasn’t the story. The players were forced to leave the pitch for 35 minutes after violent fights broke out, with missiles also thrown.

In a joint statement published on Thursday, both Wolves and West Brom reminded supporters that a total of 43 people were arrested, with 12 of them were charged and sentenced by the courts. One Football Banning Order was issued while five supporters received permanent club bans.

It is the first time that these two arch enemies have met at Molineux – in front of supporters – since February 2012, with the Baggies winning 5-1 and pushing Wolves further towards relegation.

The two clubs also asked that home and away supporters only use tickets purchased through official channels and urged them to sit in the correct areas at Molineux. The statement added: “Both clubs have worked closely with the Safety Advisory Group, local authorities and police to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for the fixture.

“Supporters can expect enhanced stewarding, policing, robust ticketing controls and additional safety measures designed to protect everyone attending the match while allowing both sets of fans to enjoy the occasion.”

Celtic vs Rangers

Those who joke that there’s an Old Firm derby every week will be feeling smug right now. The pair of Glasgow heavyweights met for another bout last Sunday, with Rangers winning 3-0 at Ibrox in the Scottish League Cup.

Now it’s Celtic’s turn to host their bitter rivals, as the teams resume their Scottish Premiership campaign. After ugly scenes during an Old Firm last season, no away fans will be permitted in games involving Celtic and Rangers this term.

But there were still arrests at the weekend. A Police Scotland officer was assaulted during the match at Ibrox and a 28-year-old man was cuffed in connection with the incident.

Police made a total of four arrests during the one-sided quarter-final, including a 55-year-old man for sectarian abuse. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan thanked the ‘majority of fans’ for their behaviour, although he noted: “A small number of offences were detected during the course of the event.

“These included one instance of police assault and a separate incident involving sectarian abuse. Behaviour such as this is never acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

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Work began on land off Betteras Hill Road, near Hillam, west of Selby, at around 4.45pm last Friday.

Over the weekend, HGVs delivered tonnes of hardcore and building materials, while heavy earth-moving machinery was brought onto the land.

READ MORE: Traveller site set up in North Yorkshire ‘without permission’

Aerial photographs show at least 14 caravans now on the site, parts of which have been covered with hardcore and surrounded by fencing.

North Yorkshire councillor Tim Grogan, who represents Monk Fryston and South Milford, visited the site on Saturday and said Travellers had arrived “on a military scale” shortly before council offices closed for the weekend.

He understands seven pitches were being created for extended families, with two or three caravans on each.

He said: “The speed at which 30 to 40 individuals were working was astonishing.

“They were in diggers, they were in road rollers.

“They were all working like hell, putting fences up, drilling holes etc.

“The site is now covered in tonnes and tonnes of hardcore.”

The Traveller site near Hillam (Image: Contributed)

Cllr Grogan said locals were first alerted to work taking place on the site when drivers of delivery vehicles, carrying septic tanks and wood, asked for directions to the site which is down a single-track road.

The Reform councillor said he had warned North Yorkshire Council several weeks ago that the land might be used for a Traveller site and contacted officers again when materials began arriving and when work started on Friday.

He said residents of Hillam and surrounding villages were furious at what had happened and believed the council should have intervened sooner by issuing an emergency enforcement notice.

“Everybody to a man is furious about what has happened, and 90 per cent of people feel like they have been let down by North Yorkshire Council,” he said.

“Villages feel betrayed and they feel helpless.”

North Yorkshire Council did serve a temporary stop notice on Monday, although Cllr Grogan claimed this was “totally and utterly ignored” with further hardcore subsequently brought onto the land.

Martin Grainger, the council’s head of development management, said: “We are aware that a Gypsy and Traveller site has recently been set up in Hillam without planning permission.

“On Monday we served a temporary stop notice which requires work on the site to cease.

“In addition, we are actively progressing further enforcement options.”

On the criticism over the council’s response, Mr Grainger said the council must follow a formal process when dealing with possible unauthorised developments to ensure cases are properly investigated and action is taken with the right evidence and in a timeframe most likely to achieve the outcome needed.

He added: “In this instance we are satisfied that this matter has been progressed in a realistic timeframe and in line with the required procedures.

“We recognise the impact that unauthorised development can have on local communities and will always act in the interests of residents when investigating potential breaches of planning control.”

Given it’s been a fixture in British wardrobes for nearly a century, it may come as a surprise that Marks and Spencer‘s has never had a place at London Fashion Week.

But on Friday the iconic brand marked 100 years since it first launched fashion trends with its clothing collection, with a string of stars gracing the front row at the Design Museum for its first ever runway show.

Leading the pack was legendary actress Joan Collins, 93, who showed off her age-defying appearance in a chic black pencil skirt while sat in the front row.

The Dynasty icon posed in a stylish white satin blouse while she chatted to Katherine Jenkins at the event.

Katherine arrived in an elegant brown satin dress and a matching trench coat, while AJ Odudu continued her own affiliation with the brand in a grey co-ord.

On the runway itself, Lennon Gallagher showcased Marks’ famous men’s collection, with his cousin Anais watching on. 

The Dynasty icon posed in a stylish white satin blouse while she chatted to Katherine Jenkins at the event

Since brothers Noel and Liam rebuilt bridges during the Oasis reunion tour, their children have also grown closer and have been seen partying together. 

Alongside a show at London Fashion Week, M&S have unveiled a capsule collection to celebrate 100 years since they launched their first clothing range.

The legendary retailer began life as a ‘penny bazaar’ in Leeds back in 1884, but slowly expanded to open multiple stalls across the country before launching their first store in 1894.

Marks and Spencer began selling ready-made petticoats, pullovers, and underwear in 1926, and paved the way to make everyday fashion affordable to the British public on the high street.

Stuart Machin, Chief Executive at M&S, said: ‘We started selling fashion 100 years ago with our first products being everyday essentials – from poplin jumpers and pleated dresses to socks and sleepwear. 

‘We added more categories and more fashion and M&S became known for bringing style to the high street – always with brilliant quality and value.

‘Our transformation is building the business we want to be tomorrow, but it starts with our heritage: ‘Protect the magic, Modernise the rest’ means protecting what has made M&S special for 100 years and putting fantastic products at the heart of everything we do. 

‘Our first London Fashion Week collection is designed around that DNA; fashion that is stylish but wearable, made with outstanding quality and always value for money.

It was an outing for the nepo-babies, as Anais Gallagher watched on as her cousin Lennon took to the runway

On the runway itself, Lennon Gallagher showcased Marks’ famous men’s collection, with his cousin Anais watching on 

Joan teamed her elegant outfit with a dramatic grey faux fur jacket as she posed with the M&S CEO Stuart Matchin

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Joan took her seat on the front row for the show alongside renowned fashion critic and former Vogue editor Suzy Menkes

Katherine arrived in an elegant brown satin dress and a matching trench coat

AJ Odudu continued her own affiliation with the brand in a grey co-ord

Iconic model Jodie Kidd offered a glimpse of her famous figure in a cropped green bralet while posing backstage as she prepared to take to the runway

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Jodie sported the revealing bralet with a leather pencil skirt and trench coat as she took to the catwalk for the show

Lara Stone also took to the catwalk in an eye-catching cream trench coat with fun faux fur sleeves during the show

Jamie Redknapp cosied up to his wife Frida as they arrived for the fashion show together

Model David Gandy, himself an M&S collaborator, arrived for the fashion show in his own snazzy checked coat

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Ian Wright, a longtime M&S ambassador, arrived for the runway show with Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe, also known as Melissa’s Wardrobe

Oliver Proudlock cut a sharp figure in a grey suit as he arrived for the fashion show

Ollie and his wife Emma Louise enjoyed a date day together at the fashion show

Sian Welby took a break from her radio presenting duties to head to the fashion show, joined by singer Matt Willis

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Sian was joined by her Capital Breakfast co-host Jordan North to sit on the front row

Jessie Ware cut a chic figure in an elegant white blouse and flared grey trousers

‘This is a collection built on our heritage but brought bang up to date. From our tan leather borg jacket inspired by a heritage St Michael design to our black tuxedo suit and crisp white shirt like the ones worn by Christy Turlington for M&S in the ’90s. 

‘In menswear, our dry-wax car coat, Japanese selvedge denim, heritage-check outerwear and 1980s style velvet tailoring are inspired by our archive but designed for today.’

John Lyttle, Managing Director of Fashion, Home & Beauty at M&S, said: ‘The show reflects the progress we have made, but it is not an end point. 

‘There is much more to do as we continue to invest in our stores, modernise our supply chain and strengthen our data and digital capability. 

‘Our ambition is to serve customers better, grow online profitably and build a Fashion, Home and Beauty business for the next 100 years and beyond.’

Welham Road in Norton was due to be shut for three weeks from Monday, September 21, due to gas works.

However, following a meeting with Cllr Keane Duncan, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has confirmed only a partial closure will take place.

Cllr Duncan, who represents Norton, said concerns had been raised by residents over the closure and the diversion route.

He said: “There will now only be a partial closure while gas pipes are upgraded. One lane of Welham Road will be closed, near the Railway Club and one lane of Church Street will be closed, near the toilets.

“Access to Welham Road from the railway crossing will be maintained, while St Nicholas Street will remain open and serve as a diversion route.

“Bazley’s Lane, a single track road with structural issues, is no longer being used as the diversion route.”

Cllr Duncan said: “I thank Northern Gas Networks for meeting with me so promptly, listening to local concerns and revising their plans. This is a significantly improved proposal and will ensure disruption is minimised with safe diversion routes in place for local people to use.”

NGN, the gas distributor for the North of England, said the work will involve replacing the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

The project, which is expected to take 17 weeks to complete, has been planned in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council.

Work will begin at the junction of Welham Road and Church Street. The work will progress moving away from the railway line and continuing up Welham Road to the junction of Lakeside Way.

Engineers will also be working on St Nicholas Street, Springfield Garth, Park Road and The Avenue, which are all part of the planned upgrade.

Stewart Whitehead, Site Manager, said, that so engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be in place.

Access will be maintained for residents throughout the project and shops and businesses will be open as usual.

“We know roadworks can be frustrating, particularly for residents and businesses who rely on these roads every day, and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this essential work may cause. We’ll do everything we can to complete the project as safely and efficiently as possible, while helping to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply for people in Norton.”

For further information about the work contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Cllr Duncan said: “I thank Northern Gas Networks for meeting with me so promptly, listening to local concerns and revising their plans. This is a significantly improved proposal and will ensure disruption is minimised with safe diversion routes in place for local people to use.”

Further works will take place in St Nicholas Street, Springfield Garth, Park Road and The Avenue. These will run until December but access will be maintained at all times via multiway traffic lights.

Phase one would be built next to the park and ride, but phase two could replace the site altogether

A park and ride site on the outskirts of Cambridge could be built on, new plans have revealed. The Milton park and ride on the northern fringe of Cambridge is currently a popular option for people travelling into the city, but could be replaced in years to come.

Turnstone Estates has proposed plans for a major mixed employment scheme at Milton Park – next to where the park and ride currently sits. They have also outlined a potential option to expand onto the park and ride land after raising the possibility it could close if a new busway results in it not being used anymore.

The developer has entered into an agreement with the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF) to bring forward the planning proposals. The developer will act as EDBF’s land promotion partner, seeking planning permission for a first phase of around 350,000 sqft of employment floorspace.

The £200 million ‘Cambridge fringe’ scheme aims to address a shortage of suitable space for businesses in sectors including advanced manufacturing, mid-tech, trade counters and final-mile distribution, according to Turnstone. Located on the western side of the A10, within half a mile of Junction 33 of the A14, Milton Park is well connected to Cambridge and the wider region.

The site benefits from the existing 800-space Milton Park & Ride, with buses running every 10 minutes into Cambridge city centre. However, a potential second phase, which could provide a further 296,000 sqft of employment floorspace, could be built on the existing park and ride facility.

There are plans to introduce a Waterbeach to Cambridge busway in 2031, which would have a stop on Butt Lane, the same road as the park and ride. Turnstone say that they would only build on the park and ride site if it was “eventually considered surplus” following the opening of the new busway.

Milton Park could also provide new premises for established Cambridge businesses currently occupying sites identified for residential redevelopment, including those in the trade counter and motor trade sectors.

Tim Deacon, Director, Turnstone Estates, said: “Cambridge has a shortage of suitable space for a range of businesses that are important to the local economy, while some established occupiers are also facing pressure to relocate as existing employment sites are identified for housing.

“Milton Park offers an opportunity to address both challenges, providing modern, well-connected employment space while helping to release other sites for much-needed homes.” Mr Deacon added that the site also has the potential, subject to planning, to be delivered “relatively quickly”.

The Diocese of Ely added: “The Diocese owns a parcel of land in this area and has long been keen for it to be used for the benefit of the people of Cambridge. Many years ago, the County Council took part of the site on lease and built the Park & Ride on it. More recently, the Police & Crime Commissioner asked to buy a further part of the site for the new police station, which is due to open shortly.

“And currently, an operator is building an electric vehicle charging station on another part of the site, which will be well-placed to charge EVs using the A10 and the Park & Ride. The agreement with Turnstone Estates is a natural follow-on from this activity and will, we hope, create high-quality commercial space and jobs for the benefit of the people of Cambridge.”