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West Belfast woman’s journey to youth work through grief and self-destruction

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Belfast Live

“If you’re going through a tough time, you will get out at the other end.”

Chloe McConnell Youth Worker

When Chloe McConnell was younger, she had always thought about going to university, but believed it was unreachable for her. Doing her GCSEs during the pandemic, her grades were predicted and she thought she would never go into higher education.

After the sudden death of her mum when she was just 19-years-old, she was left looking after the house, and fell into self-destructive behaviours. But it was one opportunity volunteering at her local youth club that turned things around for good.

Three years ago, Chloe walked through the doors of St Peter’s Immaculata Youth Centre in West Belfast and began volunteering as a youth worker. Two weeks ago, she graduated from Ulster University with a certificate in community youth studies, and returns to the university in September for a four-year degree.

Speaking to Belfast Live about her journey so far, the 22-year-old said: “I grew up in West Belfast and when it was time for me to do my GCSEs, it was during coronavirus and all my grades were predicted, so I left with none really. University always felt really unreachable for me.

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“When I was 19, my mummy died suddenly of a heart attack. I was left with all these bigger responsibilities like looking after a house, it was really hard. It was tough and I’m not afraid to admit that, but I had a really good support group around me like my sister and family.

“Losing my mummy was really tough, she was my best friend, we did everything together. We were so close. I have moments where I feel like I need my mummy; everybody needs their mummy.

“When my mummy died and I had all the responsibilities, it was a big pressure financially and mentally. It was really overwhelming at times, my social life went out the window. But in here, they put me through different qualifications. They got me support when I needed it.”

Chloe said she never would have pictured herself becoming a youth worker, but said it’s a profession she’s fallen in love with.

“It was something I never really thought about, but I started volunteering here and just fell in love with it, and I’ve been here for three years now,” she explained.

“Stephen Hughes [senior youth worker at the youth centre] has been absolutely amazing and thanks to him, I’ll be able to give the young people the opportunities given to me, like university and all those things I thought were unreachable growing up.

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“The youth centre helped put me through university and I graduated two weeks ago with a community youth studies certificate through Youth Action. In September, I will go back to Ulster University and will stay there again for another four years for a part-time community studies degree.”

Through her experience, Chloe said she is able to help other young people who attend the youth centre and may be going through a difficult period.

She said: “There are a couple of kids in here that go through the same things I do, and sometimes you don’t even need to have a conversation – you can feel the pain they’re going through. You’re able to help them through your own experiences.

“Kids can come in here and it’s a safe space. It’s so much more than a game of snooker or just going on a trip – it’s a lifeline for some young people. It’s an absolute honour to be a part of these young people’s lives.”

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Looking back on how far she has come and what she wants to do next, Chloe said she is so proud of herself, and wishes she could reassure her younger self.

“Looking back on the girl I was when everything happened, I wish I could go back and tell her it was going to be okay. That I was stressing myself out for nothing,” she added.

“When I was graduating, it’s something you want to go and tell your mummy about. To go through everything I did and still be able to graduate, it really gives me hope for the young people in here and around West Belfast.

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“Becoming a youth worker is the best thing I have ever done, and I’m very proud of myself.”

Offering advice to any young people who may be struggling, Chloe said: “When something bad happens there’s two ways you can go about it. It can make you or break you.

“Don’t get me wrong, there was a period of time in my life where I was going through self-destructive behaviours, then I was like no this isn’t me. This isn’t who I am.

“I would say that anything is possible no matter what. If you’re going through a tough time, you will get out at the other end. There is always light at the end of the tunnel and you’ll find your way there.

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“Everybody grieves differently and struggles with things differently. You don’t always have to be alone, there are places you can go to like your local youth centre, and see what is out there for you. There are plenty of opportunities there for you.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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Lotto winning numbers live: National Lottery results and Thunderball on July 18

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Daily Mirror

No one managed to match all six numbers in Wednesday’s Lotto draw, unfortunately.

However, two players, one in each round, matched five numbers and the Bonus Ball, bringing them £1,00,000 each.

A total of 136 players matched five numbers, bagging £1,000 each, while the 7,424 who matched four numbers won £50 each.

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More than 134,000 matched three numbers, winning £10 each, while a whopping 1,109,486 matched two numbers, winning £1 each.

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Two US troops killed and one missing after Iranian attack in Jordan

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A USA patch flag on the US military uniform

Two US service members were killed and one remains missing after Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks in Jordan on Friday, military officials said.

The US Central Command (Centcom) said four US service members were medically evacuated to Jordan hospitals but have since been discharged. Others who had minor injuries have returned to duty.

Jordan’s military earlier said it had intercepted 10 Iranian missiles fired into its airspace overnight, without reporting any damage.

US military officials did not disclose the identities of those killed, nor did they provide details about the circumstances of the incident or where in Jordan the latest attack took place.

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The US death toll in the conflict has now risen to 16 after an American Navy pilot who went missing earlier this month was declared dead, marking the second increase in the toll this week.

In a statement on Saturday, Centcom said: “Two US service members in Jordan were killed in action as US Central Command (Centcom) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing.

“Out of respect for the families, Centcom will withhold additional information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.”

Responding to the announcement of the deaths, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on X: “Godspeed, heroes. Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”

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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had destroyed at least two US fighter aircraft early on Saturday on Al-Azraq base in Jordan, according to Iranian state media.

The BBC contacted Centcom regarding this report but it declined to add further details.

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France vs England World Cup 2026 preview, team news and prediction

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Daily Mirror

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Playing for a prize no one really wants until the opening whistle, France and England go head-to-head again in Saturday’s World Cup 2026 third-place (or “bronze final”) play-off. France’s status as pre-tournament favourites were shredded by Spain in Tuesday’s 2-0 semi-final loss, before England came up short in a deserved 2-1 defeat to reigning champions Argentina in Atlanta.

Les Bleus go into this match, however, as the firm favourites going into this at 10/11 with Ladbrokes while the Three Lions are 29/10 with SpreadEx and a draw is 11/4 with Sky Bet. You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers.

For Didier Deschamps, the Spain game was a fork in the road: prove his pre-match judgement right, or reach another World Cup final. Painfully for the outgoing 57-year-old, it was the former. Deschamps had publicly talked up Spain as the favourites, a view echoed by many World Cup betting markets, and Luis de la Fuente’s side delivered again, drawing on recent big-game successes over France at Euro 2024 and in the 2024-25 Nations League.

Mikel Oyarzabal’s perfectly placed penalty and a superb Pedro Porro strike sealed Spain’s place in Sunday’s final against Argentina. France, once so feared going forward, were held at the Dallas Stadium as Spain’s defence won the much-hyped battle with Deschamps’ attack a night that also saw Deschamps set a new record for most World Cup matches managed. Even so, the prevailing verdict was that he got it badly wrong, with Kylian Mbappé among those to question the approach afterwards.

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Now, in the match he never planned to be coaching, Deschamps will try to guide Les Bleus to a third World Cup bronze medal, from what is their fourth third-place play-off and their first since 1986. France beat Belgium 4-2 to take third that year, and famously hammered West Germany 6-3 in 1958, when Just Fontaine scored four. They finished fourth in 1982, losing the play-off to Poland.

England, meanwhile, left their own semi-final surrounded by criticism. Thomas Tuchel became the lightning rod on Wednesday as pre-match optimism among fans evaporated. The Three Lions initially refused to be drawn into Argentina’s pressing and edge, exploiting space out wide to go ahead through Anthony Gordon — only to retreat into a “try to break us down” stance that proved fatal against Lionel Messi and company.

Messi duly accepted the invitation, producing two assists for Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez in a stirring comeback that kept Argentina on course for back-to-back titles and sparked another post-mortem into another major-tournament disappointment for England.

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There is, at least, a sliver of upside: Tuchel can still deliver England’s second-best men’s World Cup finish. But England’s previous third-place play-off appearances ended in defeat — 2-0 to Belgium in 2018 and 2-1 to Italy in 1990 — and a bronze medal will feel like scant consolation for a bruised squad and fanbase.

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France vs England Team News

France are still waiting on an official update on William Saliba but reports state he will be out for up to five months, meaning Maxence Lacroix is likely to start after replacing him in Arlington. Didier Deschamps previously picked Lacroix ahead of Ibrahima Konaté, citing Konaté’s form and lack of experience on the left side of centre-back, and Lacroix could now even come in for Dayot Upamecano as France make minor changes.

Backup goalkeeper Brice Samba also missed training, though no change is expected in goal.

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England have their own defensive concern after Reece James limped off against Argentina with a suspected muscle injury. Jarell Quansah is available again after serving his ban, while Djed Spence could switch flanks to allow Nico O’Reilly back in at left-back. Jordan Henderson remains out with a wrist issue, and there’s also a watch on Jude Bellingham after footage appeared to show him striking the back of Valentin Barco’s head post-match.

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Lionel Messi gets the plaudits but Spain have the real player of the tournament

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Lionel Messi gets the plaudits but Spain have the real player of the tournament

To quote Rio Ferdinand, “Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or!”.

Although Ferdinand’s most infamously unilluminating piece of punditry was actually about Vinicius Junior, who didn’t win the Ballon d’Or, as Rodri instead did.

Two years and one cruciate ligament injury later, Rodri’s return to the level that made him the Ballon d’Or winner with a difference could be crowned with a new status: World Cup-winning captain. If not him, it will, once again, be Lionel Messi.

And if the Spaniard will have part of the responsibility for shutting down the Argentine, their duel in New York can seem part of a wider clash of philosophies. In the United States, with its culture of individualism, this World Cup has seemed about individuals: Messi, Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, even Vinicius. The battle for the Golden Boot has been dominated by football’s rich and famous.

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Then there is Rodri, whose tournament has produced no goals and no assists, whose role is altogether more unglamorous, but who is serving as the reminder it is actually a team game. So far, Spain have been the best team and Rodri has been their most influential player.

Rodri has been Spain’s most influential player at the World Cup 2026
Rodri has been Spain’s most influential player at the World Cup 2026 (Getty)

That more indirect impact is reflected in other ways. Rodri has made the most passes in this World Cup. So, in Spain’s victorious campaign of 2010, did Xavi. The former Barcelona player completed 93 per cent of his passes then, just as the current Manchester City man has done now.

The more direct comparison is with Sergio Busquets, the midfield fulcrum from 16 years ago. Indeed, when Busquets and Rodri played together in the 2022 World Cup, it was with the younger man at centre-back; on a day when Spanish possession football felt at its most pointless, he attempted 223 passes in their last-16 exit to Morocco. But when Busquets’ international career ended, Rodri could then anchor the midfield.

And arguably the inheritor of Xavi’s mantle was Pedri, the Catalan passer who has lost his place to Fabian Ruiz. But if this Spain side, while sharing a similar ethos, as not quite as possession obsessed as the class of 2010, the first part of the defensive midfielder’s job title is instructive.

Rodri's control could hand Spain the advantage over Argentina
Rodri’s control could hand Spain the advantage over Argentina (Getty)

Spain have been much the best defensive side, conceding only one goal, to Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere. That Unai Simon has only made 14 saves, an average of two per game, is an indication of how well he has been protected. An expected goals against figure of just 0.3 per 90 minutes is remarkable: still more so that, against France’s feared attack, Spain replicated their mean tournament display, conceding two shots on target and allowing 0.3 xG.

Rodri kept Michael Olise quiet then, which in turn limited the supply to Mbappe. And if the nature of the job means he cannot do it alone, a towering presence can operate at the heart of a unit that works, either by keeping the ball or by denying opponents chances. One way or another, they exerted control. Rodri, with his authority, can be the king of control.

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The Rodri formula may be working again. When City won the Champions League in 2023 they conceded three goals in seven knockout games. When Spain, given a fearsomely tough route, won Euro 2024, it was by conceding just four times in seven matches.

Rodri and Pau Cubarsi of Spain interact during the training session
Rodri and Pau Cubarsi of Spain interact during the training session (Getty)

Rodri got the ultimate glory in 2023, scoring City’s Champions League final goal. He did not as much in 2024, forced off at half-time in the final, replaced by Martin Zubimendi. That was a sign of Spain’s strength in depth; another is that Zubimendi is yet to play a minute in this World Cup. Rodri has played all bar three.

Nico Williams came on for him for the closing stages of the draw with Cape Verde. That represented a false start to Spain’s World Cup. Rodri was criticised. So it is worth revisiting manager Luis de la Fuente’s words then. “Rodri is the best player in the world,” he said. “Even at 50 per cent, he is better than most other midfielders in the world. He brings clarity, vision, balance. Rodri is an inspiration for us.”

They ring truer now, even if it is safe to say Rodri has been operating at rather more than half of his capabilities in Spain’s subsequent six matches. There are times in the last 14 months, however, when he has been nearer 50 per cent of the player he was, when the thought has occurred that he would never be the same again after a knee injury of such severity.

Lionel Messi up against Rodri during their time at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively
Lionel Messi up against Rodri during their time at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively (Getty)

There have been glimpses of his best: when City beat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool in the FA Cup and Chelsea in the Premier League in three consecutive games in March and April, he was terrific. Yet City only saw that Rodri fitfully during the season.

Spain have seen it more consistently in the World Cup. Given Fifa’s fondness for more eye-catching contributions, perhaps it is unsurprising he has only won one man-of-the-match award, for the last-16 win over Portugal. And yet if he can keep Messi quiet and Spain can overcome Argentina, he may be the real player of the tournament.

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Mali rebels ambush an army convoy, killing or capturing scores of soldiers

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Mali rebels ambush an army convoy, killing or capturing scores of soldiers

Jihadi militants and a separatist group ambushed a Malian army convoy in the country’s hard-hit north on Saturday, resulting in the killing or capture of scores of soldiers, the rebels said.

The Malian army confirmed the attack, saying in a statement that armed groups ambushed the convoy of Malian soldiers and their partners in a remote part of the northern Gao region. It did not give further details, only saying that “a counterattack is underway.”

Both the regional al-Qaida affiliate JNIM and the separatist Azawad Liberation Front, or FLA, separately claimed responsibility for the attack as a joint operation in statements that spoke about “great human losses” and “serious material damage” on the side of the Malian army.

The groups said the convoy was made up of both the Malian army and Russia’s Africa Corps, whose forces have been supporting Mali’s military on the ground.

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It is the latest such partnership between the two groups that observers say poses great risks to Mali’s stability and its ruling junta.

“There were many soldiers killed, others captured alive. Army cars including armored cars were destroyed and others seized in good condition,” said FLA spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane.

The military convoy was leaving the northern town of Anefis and headed to Gao city when it was ambushed in the Sahara desert. The nature of the convoy wasn’t immediately clear, although fuel tankers could be seen as part of it, suggesting it could be a Malian logistics convoy.

The rebels shared videos purportedly showing the soldiers lined up as they appear to be surrendering while surrounded by the militants and Malian military vehicles. In one of the videos, the rebels were seen opening fire on some soldiers lying on the ground. The soldiers were also seen being transported in vehicles belonging to the armed groups.

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The Associated Press could not independently verify the videos.

It is the latest in a series of militant attacks against Malian security forces in recent months as armed groups compete for influence and territories in the Sahel region. Landlocked Mali is part of the Sahel, a vast strip of land south of the Sahara Desert that has become the epicenter of extremist violence in recent years.

In northern Mali, Tuareg-led separatist groups have been fighting for years to create an independent state named Azawad. In 2024, they merged into the Azawad Liberation Front, or FLA.

Both the FLA and the JNIM have increasingly worked together in their attacks against Malian forces, including the largest coordinated attack in over a decade in the West African nation, which took place in April.

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Steve Tandy says he’s close to decision as Wales legends say same thing

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Wales Online

Wales were beaten 43-0 by South Africa, but Tandy says he’s getting close to finding out his best side

Wales head coach Steve Tandy says he’s getting closer to finding his best side after legends Sam Warburton and Dan Biggar both questioned if that’s the case.

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Tandy’s side ended their summer campaign with a heavy defeat to the back-to-back world champion Springboks in Durban, shipping seven tries and being kept off the scoreboard. It was a brutal end to a gruelling summer, with Tandy having made six changes for the match.

Part of that was down to the travel demands on Wales, having gone from Cardiff to San Juan to Durban in the space of two weeks.

But it’s also an indication that Tandy still isn’t sure on his best side.

When asked afterwards whether he knows what his best XV is, the Wales coach said he was getting closer after a year in the job.

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“I think it’s getting closer,” he said after the 43-0 defeat in Durban. “We’ve got young men as well, in particular a lot of the backline, so we’re finding out lots.

“I thought we’ve had real positives with Eddie (James) and Joe (Hawkins) through the Six Nations. It’s a good opportunity for Ben (Thomas) and Max (Llewellyn), unfortunately Max was injured (and was replaced at half-time).

“We’re finding out. Ellis Mee has come through. Dan (Edwards) has had more test matches, Sam Costelow has come back.

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So I think look I’m getting clearer but also there’s a balancing act of getting cohesion and also giving some boys opportunity to as we go.”

Both Biggar and Warburton were not so certain that Wales’ best side is obvious when speaking on ITV as pundits.

“This is Steve Tandy’s 13th game in charge of Wales,” said former fly-half Biggar. “I’m not sure that, if there was a World Cup quarter-final tomorrow, how much of his starting team does he know?

“Probably four or five positions. That’s the big thing.

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“There’s only nine or 10 competitive games left, so they’re going to have to settle on something quickly and find something quickly. It’s a bit of a concern that they’re swapping so much.”

Former Wales captain Warburton added: “I’ve got this Wales team now. Dewi Lake is a shoe-in.

“Rhys Carre starts because he’s been causing so much damage. Adam Beard is good from a maul defence and lineout perspective.

“I think Wales missed Daf Jenkins in this tournament. He’s been excellent this season and is maturing.

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“Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright, yes. Tomos Williams, yes. Louis Rees-Zammit, yes – he’s got that X-factor and super high ceiling.

“But then I think it’s up for grabs. There’s only seven players there who I think are dead certs. There’s then guys who can play their way in and out of the team.”

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.

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National Lottery Lotto and Thunderball results for Saturday, July 18 – live updates

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Wales Online

You could be going to bed richer beyond your wildest dreams on Saturday evening. The National Lottery Lotto and Thunderball draws take place tonight, each rewarding the lucky winner with life-changing sums of money.

Tonight’s Lotto jackpot is £9.5 million, meanwhile, the top prize in Thunderball is a cool £500,000. If you pick the five main numbers plus the Thunderball, you will take home the jackpot.

The Lotto draw takes place at 8pm whilst Thunderball takes place at 8.15pm.

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We’ll bring you news from the draws as they happen.

Live updates:

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Argentina vs England LIVE: Rugby score and latest updates from Nations Championship

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Argentina vs England LIVE: Rugby score and latest updates from Nations Championship

The Pumas will be eager to make it a memorable double for Argentina this evening having bounced back from their opening weekend loss to Scotland by easing past Wales, though England should have some renewed confidence after running in 11 tries – including a hat-trick for Henry Pollock – during a 73-8 demolition of Fiji. That resounding victory in Liverpool snapped a damaging five-game losing streak that had seen the pressure mount considerably on Borthwick, with a historically bad Six Nations campaign followed by a thrashing in South Africa.

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Yorkshire’s MoveFit Mama wins Community Builder of the Year

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Yorkshire's MoveFit Mama wins Community Builder of the Year

Beth Chadwick, 32, from Pocklington, who is just five months postpartum with her second child, was named Community Builder of the Year at the Creator Craft Awards.

The awards ceremony took place during CreatorFest in London earlier this week.

Ms Chadwick, known online as MoveFit Mama, won for her positive online platform supporting mums through dance fitness, body positivity and honest conversations about motherhood.

Her following has soared from 1,000 to more than 1.4 million in just six months.

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The award recognises creators who foster genuine, supportive communities that improve lives beyond growing large audiences.

Ms Chadwick said: “Winning Community Builder of the Year is incredibly special because this award belongs to every single mum who has become part of our community.

The awards ceremony took place during CreatorFest in London (Image: MoveFit Mama)

“Over the past six months we’ve grown from a small group of around 1,000 people into a global community of more than 1.4 million.

“Every day I see mums from different countries encouraging each other, cheering each other on and reminding one another that movement doesn’t have to be about changing your body – it can simply be about feeling good.”

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Her upbeat, accessible dance workouts have helped mums rediscover joy in movement without pressure or unrealistic goals.

She also shares free routines on YouTube, and her walkpad dance videos have reached millions worldwide.

Despite her growing audience, she continues to film and share content from her home in Pocklington.

Ms Chadwick added: “My goal has always been to help women find joy in movement again, and I’m so proud that we’ve created a safe, supportive space where mums genuinely lift each other up.”

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The award marks a significant milestone in her journey and showcases the growing influence of Yorkshire creators on the global digital stage.

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Financial planner with 30 years’ experience joins UK firm

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Financial planner with 30 years' experience joins UK firm

Kevin Hilton has joined York-based Ware & Kay Financial Services (WKFS), bringing expertise in pensions, investments, protection, and estate planning.

He will be based at the firm’s York office and will also meet clients in Malton and Wetherby.

Mr Hilton said: “I’m delighted to be joining Ware & Kay Financial Services and to be working alongside a team that shares my commitment to providing independent, client-focused financial advice.

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“Having known and worked with Owen previously, it feels like a natural move, and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces as well as meeting new clients.

Owen Thomas, director and chartered financial planner, added: “We are pleased to welcome Kevin to Ware & Kay Financial Services.

“Having worked with Kevin previously, I know first-hand the depth of experience and professionalism he brings to our team.”

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