He was diagnosed when he was 49 and had already tried several advanced treatments as his symptoms were progressing quickly

Meet Martin Hannigan, a Belfast cyclist who is back on his bike after major brain surgery.

Martin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017 when he was 49. By 2022, his symptoms were progressing quickly. He had already tried several advanced treatments but nothing worked.

Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million.

For Martin, DBS surgery was a final throw of the dice. DBS, also known as Deep Brain Stimulation, involves fitting wires into the brain of the Parkinson’s patient. These wires are then connected to a pulse generator (a device like a heart pacemaker) placed under the skin around the chest or stomach area. The device helps with Parkinson’s motor symptoms, including tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement.

Martin explained: “Before my surgery, I tried hard to keep pushing through, especially with my cycling. I knew I had to look after myself. Exercise is the only proven way to slow down the progression of the condition.

“But my Parkinson’s progressed to a point where I couldn’t cycle. I started using a walking stick, then I couldn’t make it to the end of the street, and eventually, I couldn’t even pick things up. DBS changed everything. Now I’m back on my bike and living life to the fullest.”

Now Martin is preparing for Pedal Causeway Coast on Sunday, June 28. He is tackling the 100-mile route across the Causeway Coast – a feat he can only attempt thanks to his life-changing brain surgery.

He has conquered many charity rides before, but this is his first time fundraising for Parkinson’s UK in Northern Ireland.

“I’ve never thought of myself as someone who needs help, but I see others in our Parkinson’s community who are further down the road. They need support. This ride is for them. I can still pedal these roads, but many can’t. Maybe someday I’ll need to reach out too, which is why I’m backing Parkinson’s UK,” Martin added.

With three routes available, Martin didn’t hesitate to choose the longest: “I’m taking on the full 100 miles because there’s no point doing it by halves! It might take me longer than the others to reach the finish line, but I will get myself round. This is about fundraising, supporting a great charity, and spreading the word.”

For Martin, cycling is the perfect analogy for life: “Nobody likes cycling up a hill. But you have to climb up to get the reward of the descent. You have to get your head down and keep moving forward, otherwise you’ll miss the good stuff on the other side. That’s life. You just have to keep going.”

To find out more about Pedal Causeway Coast and to sign up to take part visit: https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/event/pedal-causeway-coast/

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Police rushed to reports of a fight in a Cambridgeshire town

A man who fled a fight scene has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill in a Cambridgeshire town. Officers were called at around 4pm on Friday, June 12 to reports of two men fighting next to St Peters and St Paul’s Church in Wisbech.

Officers attended the scene but arrived to find that one of the men involved had fled and tried to hide behind a car. A member of the public offered one of the force’s officers a lift.

The officer was able to “surprise” the 33-year-old man who made off and arrested him on suspicion of assault amounting to grievous bodily harm (GBH) and threats to kill. He has since been bailed until September 7.

Manchester United are looking to sell Manuel Ugarte this summer and a reunion could be on the cards for the Uruguayan

AC Milan are contemplating a move to rescue Manuel Ugarte from his Manchester United ordeal. United are eager to sell Ugarte to the highest bidder this summer and Italian heavyweights Milan are mulling over a deal to bring the Uruguayan midfielder back together with Ruben Amorim.

United acquired Ugarte from Paris Saint Germain in 2024 in a transfer worth £42m. However, the midfielder has struggled to establish himself with the English club. He has started only 30 league matches across two seasons – and dropped down the hierarchy when Kobbie Mainoo reclaimed his position in the side during the latter half of the previous campaign.

And Michael Carrick has informed Ugarte he doesn’t feature in his future plans. United have brought in Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalantaand are poised to submit an offer for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

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Ugarte recognises he has no prospects at Old Trafford and has asked his representative, Jorge Mendes, to secure him a new club. Mendes has now initiated discussions with Milan regarding a potential transfer.

Amorim, who has been appointed Milan’s new head coach, previously managed Ugarte during his triumphant spell at Sporting, and subsequently during his disappointing period in the Old Trafford hot seat. High expectations surrounded Ugarte – especially after Amorim’s appointment – but he never lived up to his price tag.

Speaking two months prior to his dismissal as United manager, Amorim acknowledged he was collaborating intensively with Ugarte in an attempt to help him recapture his finest form. He said: “You can sense a lot of very good players come here, and sometimes they struggle. He is struggling at the moment but it is our job to try to help and help him to feel like I felt when he was a Sporting player.

“But it is a different world. He needs to adapt, and he needs to improve, especially in training.”

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United are hoping to recover a substantial portion of the fee they spent on Ugarte – and are demanding approximately £30m.

Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani is unwilling to match the valuation, but additional discussions are scheduled in an attempt to find middle ground.

A strong World Cup campaign could aid United’s position, with Ugarte having started Uruguay’s opening fixture as they were held by Saudi Arabia.

They meet Cape Verde on Sunday, before completing the group stage against Spain on June 27.

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National Highways said specialist contractors spent the day treating contamination caused by the spill.

However, the damage was so severe that the affected carriageway must now be resurfaced before it can safely reopen.

The closure at junction 15, where the M60 meets the M61, has led to delays of more than 30 minutes.

The disruption follows a multi-vehicle collision during this morning’s rush hour (June 16).

Greater Manchester Police said the crash appeared to involve five vehicles, although National Highways initially reported that it involved a car and two heavy goods vehicles.

No serious injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made.

Drivers have been diverted via the M61, with routes available through junction 4 and the Kearsley Spur.

Earlier updates confirmed that all vehicles involved in the collision had been removed from the carriageway.

One commuter caught up in the disruption told The Bolton News: “I’m sitting in standstill traffic and have been for the past hour.

“Two ambulances have driven past, and all lanes are stationary.

“I hope everyone is okay.”

Motorists are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes while the closure remains in place.

National Highways said the motorway will reopen only after resurfacing work has been completed and inspections have confirmed it is safe for traffic.

Chelsea confirmed the exit of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid on Monday, and will now look to sign a replacement. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, a former Blues player, is said to be of interest. Man United – also admirers of Hall – are set to confirm Ederson as their first summer signing, and have been credited with interest in Bouaddi and a double swoop on West Ham for £50m-rated Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes, who could cost close to a club-record fee, which is currently more than what United want to pay.

Almost half of teachers in Scotland have reported pupils using the addictive Snus-style pouches during school time.

Concerns are mounting over the number of children using nicotine pouches in Scotland’s schools. Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland said new addictive trends, including the rise of Snus-style products, have followed the surge in vaping.

A 2025 report by the teachers’ union NASUWT found 46% of teachers in Scotland reported their pupils using nicotine pouches during school time.

The pouches, often labelled “Snus” after a similar Swedish tobacco product, are designed to be placed between the user’s lips and gum, where they release nicotine.

Ash Scotland said teachers have consistently raised concerns about the rise in nicotine products being used by young people. The charity has announced free learning resources to help educators tackle the issue.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Ash Scotland, said: “Our new e-learning module is designed to provide a resource for educators to learn about the negative impacts that nicotine use can have on the lives of children and young people.

“Following the upsurge in youth vaping, a new generation is being attracted to using other addictive, health-harming products such as nicotine pouches.

“Drawing in new customers produces huge profits for the tobacco industry, but at a cost to the health and wellbeing of our young people and disruption in the classroom.

“We trust that our new nicotine pouches e-learning module will help teachers and youth workers to build their knowledge and confidence to start discussions with children and help them make informed choices about protecting their health and wellbeing.”

Mike Corbett, NASUWT national official for Scotland, said teachers have expressed “serious concerns” that the regulation of nicotine products has “failed to keep pace with innovation by the companies selling them”.

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He said: “The recently published guidance for schools on how to address substance abuse among pupils was welcomed but this is only a first step.

“We need a greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention at all ages to stop children and young people from being drawn into nicotine pouch use.

“NASUWT has therefore welcomed the e-learning materials from Ash Scotland as one part of a wider systemic response needed to tackle substance misuse in schools.”

Teachers can access the Ash Scotland e-module at ashscotlandmoodle.org.uk.

The BBC spoke to England fans in Dallas ahead of the team’s first World Cup game.

One of the fans said he and his friends paid “about £850 for a ticket” to watch the match.

“It’s a bit of a shame, really, we’ve been priced out of this one”, said another English fan.

England will play Croatia in the AT&T Stadium on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo looks to make history by becoming the first player to score a goal in six World Cups when Portugal meets Congo on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo has scored in each tournament dating to 2006.

His debut comes one day after Lionel Messi opened his sixth World Cup for Argentina.

Messi had 13 goals on 105 shots entering this World Cup, and Ronaldo had eight goals on 103 shots. However, Ronaldo has scored in all five previous World Cup appearances, while Messi failed to find the net in 2010.

“Well, I wish him the best — I hope that he scores but not against us,” Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said.

Ronaldo’s focus has been on his team’s success.

“We go match by match, but not with the expectations of winning it all,” Ronaldo told reporters in Portugal last week before the team’s departure. “It has to be step by step. A good start is the most important thing,”

Some Portugal supporters question whether the aging star will be a help or a detriment to the team.

After scoring just once in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo was upset after he subbed off against South Korea and benched for the club’s first knockout-stage match against Switzerland. He also failed to score in the 2024 European Championship — the first time that has happened at a major international tournament.

But Ronaldo has also shown signs of his old productivity.

He scored eight goals during Portugal’s 2025 UEFA Nations League title, including an equalizer in the final against Spain. And, he recently won his first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, scoring a club-high 28 goals.

What to watch on June 17

— Portugal vs. Congo, 1 p.m. EDT in Houston (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock)

— England vs. Croatia, 4 p.m. EDT in Arlington, Texas (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock)

— Ghana vs. Panama, 7 p.m. EDT in Toronto (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock)

— Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, 10 p.m. EDT in Mexico City (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock)

Kane, England seek strong World Cup start vs. Croatia

Harry Kane, one of the world’s dominant goal scorers, leads England into its first match against Croatia with the Three Lions seeking their first World Cup title since 1966, when they won on home soil.

Kane has been a force over the past year with 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich across all competitions. The 32-year-old striker has eight goals in two previous World Cups and won the Golden Boot in 2018 by scoring six times in Russia.

But he didn’t score in England’s semifinal loss to Croatia in 2018. In 2022, he missed a penalty late against France in a 2-1 semifinal loss in Qatar when he sent the ball over the crossbar.

Kane’s eight World Cup goals are two shy of Gary Lineker’s England record.

Ghana to be without Partey for opener after appeal denied

Ghana will play its opening match against Panama without midfielder Thomas Partey after a Canadian judge on Tuesday rejected a bid to allow him into the country as he awaits trial on rape charges.

Partey’s visa application was denied last week.

He will remain in the United States while his teammates play in Toronto on Wednesday. He will be eligible to play in Ghana’s next two matches — both in the U.S.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had criticized the visa denial, calling it a “high-handed and extremely unfair decision.” Its appeal was heard by the court earlier Tuesday.

Partay is awaiting trial in Britain while facing allegations from several women dating to his time playing for Arsenal from 2020-25. He has pleaded not guilty.

England’s Livramento will miss tournament with injury

England fullback Tino Livramento was ruled out of the World Cup on Tuesday because of a calf injury, forcing coach Thomas Tuchel into a late squad change ahead of his team’s opener against Croatia.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah was called up as a replacement and due to head to the England training camp in Kansas City. Livramento was injured during training on Sunday.

“A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England’s tournament,” it said in a statement.

Uzbekistan ready to make World Cup debut

Uzbekistan will mark the biggest moment in the country’s soccer history on Wednesday when it participates in its first World Cup, facing Colombia.

Coached by Fabio Cannavaro, Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain and a former Ballon d’Or winner, Uzbekistan finished second in Asian qualifying to earn its way into the expanded 48-team field.

Colombia is back in the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2022.

More World Cup news

— France striker Kylian Mbappé scores 13th and 14th World Cup goals, moving into tie for 3rd all time

— US official says Iran knew team would have to leave shortly after match

— Social media star Tim Payne leaves New Zealand for Paraguay’s Olimpia

— Tunisia fires coach Sabri Lamouchi after 1 match at the World Cup and appoints Herve Renard

— US forward Christian Pulisic practices on his own in calf injury rehab, team says he is ‘day to day’

— This Sweden defender at the World Cup isn’t your typical soccer player: He’s a baron!

— Highlights from Day 6 in photos

Stats of the day

England has struggled against European opposition at the global showcase, losing six of its last eight matches. Its overall record versus UEFA teams at the World Cup includes 14 wins, 12 losses and 13 ties.

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AP Sports Writers Jim Vertuno and Kristie Rieken contributed to this report.

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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

The popular event is expected to draw around 1,000 students from across County Durham for an evening of athletics at the open-air museum on June 17.

The Dash Athletics event is a staple of the school calendar and has been encouraging children to get active since 2012 through friendly competition held in a unique and historic setting.

Andrew Scothern, manager of the Durham & Chester-Le-Street School Sport Partnership (DCSSP), said: “The Dash is a fantastic celebration of sport and physical activity for the whole community – a shared experience that highlights the many benefits of an active lifestyle.

“Since 2012, it has been one of the most highly anticipated and enjoyed events of the school year.

“Children look forward to it every year, and some even train beforehand.

“It gives me great joy to see previous participants wearing their Dash! t-shirts with pride at other sports events, months and even years later.

“The Dash is unique – it gets more young people active, builds confidence and encourages resilience.”

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Organised by the DCSSP, the event offers children the chance to compete in running and field events.

Rhiannon Hiles, chief executive officer of Beamish Museum, said: “Beamish Museum’s unique setting will provide an amazing venue for the Dash on June 17.

“We’re proud to work with Durham & Chester-Le-Street SSP to give all the children of North Durham a brilliant opportunity to stay fit and active.

“It’s a fantastic way to continue the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and keep the Dash! as a key date in the school sports calendar.”

The event is supported by Ramside Hall Hotel, Swinburne Maddison, MGL Group, Believe Housing, Radisson Hotel.

It also receives support from 12 Durham county councillors.

Ms Cox, who was shot and stabbed by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair in her Batley and Spen constituency on June 16, 2016, days before the EU referendum, had famously spoken against division in her maiden speech in parliament a year earlier.

Cllr Anna Baxter, Hull Road ward councillor, said she was 13 when Ms Cox was murdered, but “knew something was deeply wrong”.

“A woman had been killed while carrying out her duties as an MP. It felt impossible to understand,” said the Labour councillor, writing in The Press.

Cllr Anna Baxter (Image: Supplied)

Cllr Baxter said she never met Ms Cox but continues to “feel her legacy every day … Ten years later, I still find myself thinking about what she stood for.”

The former City of York Council executive member, who is part of the Jo Cox Women in Leadership programme, said the “spirit of supporting one another” is “very true to Jo’s legacy”.

She called for unity on the anniversary, echoing the words from Ms Cox’s maiden speech in the commons that “we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us”.

“I don’t think we have any grand answers to the problems facing the world. I just think we’d all be better off if we spent a little less time assuming the worst of each other,” Cllr Baxter said.

“Disagree by all means. Argue your corner. Stand up for what you believe in.

“But remember there’s another human being on the other side of that conversation.”

“Today is first and foremost a day to remember Jo, and to think of the family, friends and colleagues who lost someone they loved,” Cllr Baxter added.

“And when I look around Yorkshire, at the people who quietly support one another day in, day out, I still believe her message matters.

“At a time when it can feel easier to retreat into our own corners, we need to keep finding ways to support one another, listen to one another and pull together as communities.”

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central (Image: UK Parliament/PA Wire)

Meanwhile, York Central MP Rachael Maskell, who was friends with Ms Cox, said the country “reeled with shock and the deepest sadness as Jo Cox MP’s life was taken”.

“For someone so full of life, it is her spirit that has brought people together again today with hope that ‘we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us,” Ms Maskell said.

York Outer MP Luke Charters described Ms Cox as a “woman of extraordinary kindness, compassion and humanity” who was an “inspiration to so many”.

Luke Charters, MP for York Outer (Image: Supplied)

“Whether fighting for her constituents or speaking up for the vulnerable, Jo was always guided by a sense of profound service,” he said.

“A decade on, she will never be forgotten.”

Keir Mather, MP for Selby (Image: Supplied)

Selby MP Keir Mather said his “thoughts are with Jo’s family and friends, and with everyone who continues to work for a more compassionate politics, inspired by the legacy she created”.

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume said Ms Cox was an “inspiration to me and so many others”.

Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby (Image: Nikki Hirst)

“On the 10th anniversary of her death, we remember Jo as a mother, sister, daughter, wife, friend and campaigner. My thoughts are with all of her loved ones,” Ms Hume said.

“Not only is this a day of reflection, it is also one to reconnect with the principles which drove her to enter parliament and humbly serve the people she was elected to represent.”