Vets are said to be already seeing a rise in avoidable cases linked to toxic plants and grass seeds, hazards that many pet owners don’t realise are right on their doorstep.
Many popular plants can be harmful if pets chew, lick, or dig them up.
Some of the most common include lilies, rhododendron, tulips, hydrangea, and bluebells.
Dogs may nibble leaves or bulbs, while cats can be affected simply by brushing past certain plants and grooming themselves afterwards. Some plants cause mild tummy upsets, but others can lead to serious illness.
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Flowers (Image: CVS Vets)
Signs of plant poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drinking, or collapse. Symptoms don’t always appear straight away, so pet owners should contact their vet immediately if they spot their pet eating a plant they are unsure of.
Owners should check plants are safe for pets before adding them to the garden or bringing them into the home. Bulbs and seeds should also be stored out of reach of pets before planting.
Grass seeds are another seasonal risk, particularly for dogs, and can lead to pain, infection, and complex veterinary treatment. These small, sharp seeds can become lodged in paws, ears, eyes, noses, or under the skin. Common warning signs that owners should look out for include persistent licking of a paw, head shaking, limping, or a sore, weepy eye.
Owners are advised to check dogs thoroughly after walks, especially between toes, around ears and armpits, as removing grass seeds early can prevent big problems later on.
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Ellen Coker, Clinical Director at Regans Bury Road Veterinary Clinic, says “Our pets love exploring the garden as much as we do, but they don’t know what’s safe and what isn’t. Every spring and summer we see cases linked to toxic plants and grass seeds. Supervision and regular checks can make a huge difference to your pet’s health and comfort.
Dog (Image: CVS Vets)
“At Regans Bury Road Veterinary Clinic, we’re always happy to offer advice and reassurance.”
Pamela Illingworth, Practice Director at Pennine Vets Harwood, says “Supervision and regular checks can make a huge difference to your pet’s health and comfort.
“At Pennine Vets Harwood, we’re always happy to offer advice and reassurance. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, behaviour, or something they may have encountered outdoors, please get in touch.”
ELITE divers have resumed a gruelling operation to recover five Italian tourists – amid a desperate scramble to stop sharks eating their bodies.
The perilous mission to recover the missing divers – which has been hampered by severe weather – has already left one rescue worker dead.
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Picture taken by Sami Paakkarinen, an elite diver who has been deployed to the MaldivesSearch boats pictured during the gruelling recovery missionCredit: EPAMuriel Oddenino, one of the five Italian divers, is yet to be foundCredit: UGC/UNPIXS
On Monday, three Finnish cave divers joined the high-risk recovery operation, which has so far only located one body.
Sami Paakkarinen, Jenni Westerlund, and Patrik Grönqvist have now arrived in the paradise archipelago to help local authorities.
The elite trio can dive to depths of nearly 500ft, giving them much more flexibility to search the difficult cave complex.
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The unit, which was assembled in 48 hours and dispatched by DAN Europe – a diving safety organisation – will be searching the Alimatha cave complex near the Vaavu Atoll.
Finnish diver Sami Paakkarinen has flown to the MaldivesCredit: Monami AgencyMonica Montefalcone died in the tragedyCredit: UGC/UNPIXS
Paakkarinen, who has been cave diving since 2004, and Grönqvist, gained international renown for their role in recovering surviving divers in the 2014 Plura incident in Norway.
The divers have worked on some of the world’s most difficult missions.
Laura Marroni, CEO of the European diving network, told La Stampa: “We’ll bring them back. We can’t leave them at the mercy of the sharks. We need experts here.”
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The one body that has been recovered was found in Thinwana Kandu cave, also known as the “Shark Cave”.
Giorgia Sommacal and her mum Monica died in the tragedyCredit: UGC/UNPIXSRescue workers pictured during the search operationCredit: EPA
Fears are mounting that the remaining four holidaymakers may be scavenged before recovery workers reach them.
There were 20 other tourists on the Duke of York yacht when the tragedy unfolded.
The group have now returned home after landing at Malpensa Airport in Italy.
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They departed from the capital, Malé, and stopped in Dubai before arriving in Italy.
Maldivian National Defense Force members carry the remains of military diver Mohamed Mahudhee who died during search and rescue operationCredit: APThe five divers went missing in the MaldivesCredit: Shutterstock
So far, only one body of the five Italian divers has been recovered on Friday, Maldivian authorities confirmed.
They said: “The body was recovered from about 60 metres deep from inside a cave structure.”
Authorities added: “It is assumed that the rest of the divers would also be inside this cave which is about 200 feet in length.”
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Five scuba divers on a university research trip went missing on Thursday morning – with only one body recovered so far.
Gianluca Benedetti was one of the five diversCredit: UGC/UNPIXSFederico Gualtieri’s body has been foundCredit: UGC/UNPIXS
The divers were led by the highly-experienced diver and renowned marine biologist Monica Montefalcone and boat captain Gianluca Benedetti.
They were joined by Monica’s daughter Giorgia Sommacal, researcher Muriel Oddenino, and marine biologist Federico Gualtieri.
Sergeant-major Mohamed Mahudhee, died on Saturday from decompression illness, prompting the MNDF to temporarily suspend the recovery effort which has been taking place in rough weather and sea conditions.
It has since been revealed that the Duke of York yacht, from which they launched the expedition, did not have a permit allowing dives of more than 100ft.
A former military diver claimed that “rules were broken” in the high-risk cave – questioning why the group were allowed on the mission in the first place.
Shafraz Naeem, a veteran of the Maldives National Defence Force, said: “The authorities have confirmed that the operator exceeded the Maldives’ recreational depth limit of 30 metres and conducted the dives without the necessary permits.
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“Everyone knows the rules were broken; they didn’t even have a permit to conduct research at those depths.”
The ex-diver is very familiar with the caves and described the complex series of tunnels.
The entrance to the cave is between 180 to 190ft, nearly double what the permit allowed, and extends down to 330ft.
It forks into different tunnels, and soon becomes pitch-black.
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Naeem said: “Even the most experienced divers can face considerable challenges in such environments.”
He believes that the Italian team died due to a combination of factors and stressed that just one “unexpected event can quickly turn into tragedy” at those depths.
A man died when car left the road in the early hours of Sunday (May 17) morning
08:39, 18 May 2026Updated 08:43, 18 May 2026
A Cambridgeshire man has died after a crash on a major A-road. Emergency services were called to a crash between Littleport and Ely at around 3am on Sunday (May 17).
The crash involved one vehicle, which was a blue Vauxhall Corsa that left the road. A 33-year-old from Chatteris was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said: “Officers are appealing for information and dashcam footage from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the vehicle in the time leading up to it.”
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Anyone with information should call police on 101 or report it online and quote Operation Belowda.
GOLF fans need to make the bucket-list trip to witness The Masters at Augusta at least once in their lifetime.
The most prestigious event in the sporting calendar is calling, and you could be walking beside the hallowed, emerald-green fairways of Augusta National.
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Can Rory McIlroy make it three wins in row at the 2027 Masters?Credit: EPAA trip to The Masters is top of every golf fan’s bucket listCredit: Alamy
See The Masters in 2027
Rory McIlroy, 36, made it back-to-back wins in Augusta with a brilliant display to see off the likes of Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler.
And you could be there to see if the Ryder Cup star can make it a three-peat among the azaleas.
MVP Travel has unveiled its ultimate 2027 Masters packages, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the battle for the Green Jacket in person.
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Based in the vibrant city of Columbia, South Carolina, these expertly curated tours provide the perfect base for your pilgrimage.
✈️ — Flights: Return flights from London Heathrow to the USA included
💰 — Price: 3 nights From £7,280pp – Based on double occupancy
🏨 — Accommodation: Columbia Marriott Hotel, South Carolina
⛳ — Highlight: Guaranteed official Masters badges
Whether you want to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the practice rounds, feel the tension of the opening days, or hear the legendary Augusta Roars on Sunday afternoon, there is a package tailored for every type of enthusiast.
This premium experience includes return flights from London Heathrow and a three-night or four-night stay at the centrally located Columbia Marriott Hotel, putting you right in the heart of the downtown action.
Not only will you secure a guaranteed official badge for Masters Sunday, but you will also get to test your own skills with a round of golf at the prestigious Woodcreek Farms.
With seamless transfers, 24-hour on-the-ground support, and an exclusive welcome pack, every detail is handled so you can focus entirely on the magic of the tournament.
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A trip to the Masters is an unforgettable experienceCredit: GettyRory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the 3rd hole during the 2026 MastersCredit: AlamyPatrons walk the course near the third teeCredit: GettyThe blooming azaleas set the scene for the tournamentCredit: Alamy
See The Masters in 2027
Imagine seeing the world’s top players battle it out for the coveted green jacket, a spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.
You can be there among the patrons to witness his defence, and watch history written once again before your very eyes,
Witness the splendour of the famous 12th hole, and the drama of the closing holes during Sunday’s closing rounds.
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But the experience doesn’t end with the final putt of the day.
From the blooming azaleas and towering pines to the rich history and tradition that permeates every corner of the course, The Masters is an experience that will stay with you forever.
With limited availability, golf enthusiasts are urged to act fast to secure their place at this iconic event.
A spokesperson for the dental practice confirmed they have “already undertaken significant work across the practice”
Concerns related to the management of medical emergencies and infection prevention risks have been raised at a Cambridge dental practice. Antwerp House Dental Practice in Cambridge has been served with a warning notice for “failing to meet the regulations related to good governance” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
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In a report published on May 7, it was revealed that the clinic, located on Brookfields, had not met all the regulations in the area ‘well-led’. The inspection raised concerns that the processes in place “were still ineffective for identifying and managing all risks” including in the maintenance of equipment, management of medical emergencies, infection prevention and control and the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH).
Other concerns included complaints not being responded to “appropriately” as the CQC were shown the most recent complaint which had not been managed in line with their policy. The practice was unable to show the inspector any previous complaints as no log was present.
The CQC had previously undertaken an announced on-site inspection of Antwerp House Dental Practice in February 2025 which found the registered provider was “not providing safe or well led care” and was in breach of Regulation 12 (Safe care and treatment) and Regulation 17 (Good governance).
Following this, the practice was issued with a warning notice for Regulation 12 and conditions were placed on the provider’s registration relating to Regulation 17.
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A further inspection was carried out in May 2025 which found that the practice was providing safe care and treatment however, time was still needed for the improvements to be fully embedded. In the most recent published assessment, in April 2026, it was determined that “whilst some improvements had taken place, the practice had still not met all regulations and remained in breach of Regulation 17”.
A spokesperson for Antwerp House Dentistry said: “The CQC report confirms that Antwerp House Dentistry is providing safe, effective, caring and responsive care to patients, which our team is extremely proud of. While the inspection identified areas for improvement relating to governance processes and fire safety compliance, we have already undertaken significant work across the practice, including major fire safety upgrades and further strengthening of our governance, compliance and risk management systems.”
The report states: “The provider had made insufficient improvements to put right the shortfalls and had not responded to the regulatory breach we found at our inspection on 4 February 2025. We have told the provider to take action. We will be following up on our concerns to ensure the provider has made the required improvements.”
Further betterment was found to be needed to “strengthen oversight” with clear processes to monitor completion of key tasks. This included servicing, training, audits and risk reviews, within required timeframes, so that the practice can demonstrate “sustained improvement and consistent assurance for patients and staff”.
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The spokesperson for the practice added: “We recognise that embedding these improvements takes time, but patient safety and quality of care remain our highest priorities throughout. We are also very proud of the positive feedback we consistently receive from patients regarding the care and support provided by our team.
“We remain fully committed to continuous improvement and to working constructively with the CQC to ensure the highest possible standards are maintained.”
Residents believe the road is in ‘desperate’ need of repairs
A Cambridgeshire road that’s uneven and has large cracks has been slammed as being “absolutely lethal” by drivers. Some Cambridgeshire country roads aren’t in the best condition, especially those in the Fenland area.
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One frequently used by drivers who feel the road is in “desperate” need of repairs is Forty Foot Bank in Ramsey. Ryan Wilson, from Ramsey, blew two tyres as a result of the large cracks in the road.
He thinks the “whole road” needs repairing. He added: “Having a double tyre blow out could have put me in the water. We have to make our cars road worthy, so they should make the roads car worthy. I use this route everyday for work. I would cycle but it’s too dangerous for cars, so biking would be more dangerous.”
Kate Bunting described the road as “absolutely lethal”. She said: “The road is so damaged that it throws cars into the middle or the side of the road. [They are] close to the bank as well. It’s not fit for purpose whatsoever, and neither are the roads surrounding it.”
She added: “Not to mention the multiple cars that have veered off into the bank over the years, sadly causing people to lose their lives.”
Darren Imms said Forty Foot Bank is the “most direct route” to places like Peterborough, and believes it is important it is properly repaired. He said: “Like many residents that live here or in neighbouring villages, we have been subjected to vast expansion in an area that was never designed to take it.
“This has resulted in a triple amount of vehicles using the roads that were never designed to take it. You cannot keep adding and adding without expecting some form of negative reaction and one of these things has been our roads. The council not maintaining the roads for many years has just been the final straw that broke the camel’s back.”
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When repairs have been made to the road, residents feel they are not sustainable. Primvs Aebvtivs, who uses the road five to six times a week said: “The roads don’t seem to have long lasting repairs made.
“I’ve been here almost 12 years and the current repairs seem to have partially stabilised the surface where it’s been done. No matter how well the road has been resurfaced, I continually follow vehicles that straddle the white line. I see this and believe it’s because the driver is staying on the least damaged part or flattest part. I know people who will either not or they dread driving on the water side [of the road].”
Cambridgeshire County Council oversees the maintenance of roads across the county. A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of cracks that have recently appeared in a section of the Forty Foot Bank, Ramsey. This road is inspected on a monthly basis. We have scheduled repairs at this location which will be completed by early June.
“The Forty Foot Bank, like many Fen roads, is built over peat soils which means the road surfaces can become significantly uneven with seasonal and weather changes, within a relatively short period of time.
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We are doing everything we can locally to maintain and keep soil affected roads safe, however, addressing this challenge properly requires national support and government funding for long-term solutions Residents can help us keep our roads and paths safe by reporting the issues they find online via our website.”
A spokesperson told Glasgow Live: “Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) condemns in the strongest terms the behaviour of Celtic fans who have once again turned the centre of Glasgow into a ‘No Go’ zone, trashing the image of Scotland’s biggest city.
“This was the fifth year in succession that the local residents we represent have witnessed serious civil disorder, littering, property damage and their streets being taken over following a Celtic Premiership title win.
“After each of the previous four episodes of lawlessness, MCTCC called on the club and Glasgow City Council (GCC) to come up with a plan to stop it happening again. They have sadly failed to do. Frankly, we despair.
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“It is obvious that Celtic FC has no control over these supporters who ignored its belated appeal – delivered 24 hours before the final match of the season – and the equally 11th hour public intervention of GCC to celebrate peacefully. The outcome was sadly all too predictable.
“Recent meetings at senior level with Glasgow City Council left us with no confidence that anything would be different this year than at the end of previous Premiership seasons. Despite several appeals to Celtic FC we have never received a single reply.”
Good Morning Britain star Andi Peters announced a major change to the programme on Monday
Sara Baalla Screen Time TV Reporter
07:52, 18 May 2026Updated 08:06, 18 May 2026
A Good Morning Britain presenter has revealed a significant change to the programme.
Monday’s (May 18) instalment of the popular ITV show saw hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls return to the studio to present the most important headlines from across the UK and internationally.
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They were accompanied by Kate Garraway, who covered the remainder of the day’s news, alongside Laura Tobin and Andi Peters, who provided weather and competition updates, respectively.
During the programme, Andi disclosed a major change to the ITV competition that left Susanna and Ed astonished.
“What a lovely way to start the week, because Andi, as it turns out, spent his May travel budget in the first two weeks of the month, and therefore he’s got to be here!” Ed playfully remarked, reports the Mirror.
Andi then responded: “I mean, I’ve been in more glamorous locations, it has to be said. How lovely to see you both on a Monday.”
The presenter then unveiled the reason for his studio appearance, stating: “I’ve got to tell you the reason I’m here, because we’re doing a style of competition we’ve never done before.”
While speaking directly to viewers through the camera, Andi continued: “Listen carefully at home – this is the big bit. You can see it on screen now. £115,000. I do cash all the time, it’s a huge amount of money. Life-changing amount of money launching on television today.
“But if you win, they win. Because if you win that prize of £115,000, I’m going to give somebody you know £10,000. So, of course, you could give it to your friend, to your brother.”
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Susanna, who appeared visibly astonished by the alteration, exclaimed: “Love it!”
Andi went on: “The winner [gets to] choose. You could choose your neighbour,” before turning to Ed: “You could choose Susanna.”
“We can’t enter,” Susanna then made clear.
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Andi wrapped up: “It’s something new today. £115,000 up for grabs. But remember if you win, somebody else wins, because we’ll give them £10,000 too. You choose,” before competition details were displayed on screen. ITV audiences can discover more by visiting itv.com/win.
Elsewhere on today’s GMB, Susanna and Ed discussed the distressing new ITV drama Believe Me, which follows the victims of black cab rapist John Worboys. The programme also aired an exclusive interview with Australian pop legend Kylie Minogue.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am
THE son of Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman scored a match-winning penalty to rescue his team from the threat of relegation.
Koeman Jr stepped up in the 88th minute to take the decisive penalty for SC Telstar against FC Volendam on Sunday.
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Ronald Koeman Jr scored a late penalty to keep his team safe in the EredivisieCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe goalkeeper fired Telstar to a 2-1 winCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
And with his team-mates pinning all of their hopes on a goal, the goalkeeper blasted the ball into the bottom-right corner with ease.
The 30-year-old took his shirt off as he ran over to the travelling Telstar fans to celebrate.
Telstar went on to win 2-1 thanks to the late strike.
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They had found themselves behind after the opening minute following an early strike from Anthony Descotte.
The 63-year-old has also managed the likes of Barcelona, Everton, Southampton and Feyenoord.
Ronald Koeman, the goalkeeper’s dad, is the manager of the Dutch national teamCredit: Getty
RORY MCILROY appeared to say “shut the f*** up” to a heckler after trying to throw him off while taking a shot at the PGA Championship.
The reigning Masters champion was disappointed at Aronimink as he came seventh on four-under par.
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Rory McIlroy appeared to tell a heckler to ‘shut the f*** up’ after throwing him offCredit: x.com/NUCLRGOLFThe Irishman ordered security to eject the fan as he pointed towards them with his clubCredit: x.com/NUCLRGOLF
He appeared to be directing security to remove the fan.
McIlroy was three shots off the lead at the time of the incident but he never managed to recover after his tricky start.
But he insisted he was still content with his performance in “tough” conditions.
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He said: “Look, proud. Proud to give myself a chance today. You know, I dug myself out of a hole, which was great on Friday and Saturday, and then conditions were tough today.
“I felt like I played the golf I needed to. It’s just there were three holes that I’ll rue — not birdie the two par fives, and then making bogey at the drivable par four, 13.
“Those three holes are what cost me a chance to win the tournament today. It might not have mattered.”
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He also paid tribute to Rai, who became the first English winner of the major for 107 years.
McIlroy said: “Aaron obviously got to nine under there, and it’ll be great to see him win.
McIlroy said he was ‘proud’ of how he battled back after an opening 74Credit: APHe hailed Aaron Rai, who became the first English winner of the major for 107 yearsCredit: Getty
“There won’t be a more popular winner this year, I would say.
“But yeah, those three holes I’ll look back on, and you know that it could have been a different story if I had to play those a little bit better.”
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Rai was emotional during the trophy presentation as he revealed what the sport meant to him.
He said: “Golf is an amazing game. It teaches you so many things, and it teaches you so much humility and discipline, and absolute hard work.
“Because nothing is ever given in this game, no matter what level you’re playing, no matter what course you’re playing on.
“So, I think it just teaches so many amazing life skills, and I think pretty much every guy on tour is an incredible person.
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“And I think the sport should be very proud of the ambassadors that represent the PGA Tour and represent the PGA of America.”
Rugby is mourning the loss of Scott Hastings, who lost his wife less than two years ago in tragic circumstances
Tributes have poured in for Scotland rugby legend Scott Hastings as it emerged he died on what would have been his late wife’s birthday.
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Hastings’ passing was announced on Sunday after a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The tragic news came on what would have been wife Jenny’s 62nd birthday. Jenny went missing in the water at Wardie Bay in Edinburgh during the summer of 2024 after going for a swim. Her body was found in the area five days later on the couple’s wedding anniversary. She took her own life after a 20-year battle with depression.
After her death, Hastings would visit and swim in the bay where she vanished every week, bravely speaking about his loss as he fought his own health issues.
“When she was well, she was radiant and beautiful and outgoing,” he told the BBC last year. “But to see somebody suffer poor mental health was a challenge.
“The fact that we swim where she went for her final swim, it’s very reflective and resonant,” he said.
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“I’m not disguising the fact that it’s tough sometimes.”
World Rugby said in a statement: “World Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Scotland great Scott Hastings.
“One of the defining players of his generation, Hastings represented Scotland across 65 test matches and played a pivotal role in the nation’s historic 1990 Grand Slam triumph. A British & Irish Lion and an iconic figure in the game, he was respected throughout world rugby for his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment on the field.
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“Following his playing career, Hastings remained a valued voice within the sport, continuing to contribute to rugby through broadcasting and advocacy with the same authenticity and love for the game that defined his career.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates and the entire Scottish rugby community at this incredibly difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Scott Hastings.”
In 2022, Hastings revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatment for incurable non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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In a statement shared by Scottish Rugby, Hastings’ children Corey and Kerry-Anne confirmed that their father had passed away after “deteriorating extremely quickly” following complications with his treatment.
“We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May,” the statement read.
“This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.
“Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.
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“At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected,” Hastings’ children added.
“More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott’s incredible life.”
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