TINY GOLFER - Talented toddler who has already been playing golf half his life has been hailed the next Rory McIlroy because of his exceptional skill off the tee
Image by: Steve Chatterley
A talented toddler who has already been playing golf half his life has been hailed the next Rory McIlroy because of his exceptional skill off the tee.
Little George Hughes can already drive, pitch and putt the ball despite only celebrating his third birthday last month.
His longest shot to date is 100 yards and earlier this year he completed an entire hole for the first time in 11 shots.
The little lad regularly takes to the course with his own set of clubs and a tiny glove but he can't wear golf shoes or clothing yet as no brand make them in his size.
George's golf mad granddad Tony Sedgwick, 48, sparked the youngster's love of the game when he bought him a set of plastic toy clubs 18 months ago.
"It's really fun going to the golf range and to the golf course with my granddad," George said.
"I love whacking the golf ball."
He added: "When I'm famous I'm going to buy my mummy a new house and granddad some new golf balls."
Business manager Tony recognised his grandson's exceptional skill early on and nowadays the two can regularly be seen together at the 18-hole Wigan Golf Club.
He said: "George just absolutely loves golf, he can't get enough of it.
"He loves going to the driving range and having a whack or even just coming to the course with me when I go for a round.
"He's definitely made me super proud."
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
The granddad-of-two added: "At the moment it's all about him having fun but there's no doubt he has a huge amount of natural talent.
"He's my little Rory McIlroy."
Tony said George first picked a club up more than 18 months ago, when he stumbled across one of his in the back garden.
"Even at such a young age you could tell he had a natural talent for the game," Tony said.
"The clubs were obviously too big and heavy for him but he was swinging away."
Not long after purchasing the lad plastic clubs Tony went all the way and got him a set of real ones in the smallest possible size.
Within weeks George was successfully making solid contact with the ball.
His proud mum Louise Sedgwick, 26, had to ban him from using real balls in the garden after he nearly smashed the conservatory window.
But he's still able to practice everyday with light plastic ones.
Seventeen months ago Louise's husband and George's dad Dave Hughes tragically died aged 32 due to complications from a heart transplant.
Louise, who's now training to be an organ transplant nurse, said: "George was very young when Dave died but the tragedy has still definitely had an impact on him.
"Sometimes he'll cry and ask for his daddy, which is heartbreaking but we make sure we talk about Dave all the time so he's a part of George's life."
She added: "Golf has been a brilliant thing for George to focus on since his dad died.
"It's amazing to see how well he's doing despite everything he's been through."
George is so confident from the tee now he's started giving experienced adult golfers advice at the range, Tony said.
"He'll go up to people and tell them to move their legs together and keep their head still, it's hilarious," he added.
"Everyone absolutely loves George, no one can believe he's only just turned three when they see him play."
Tony hopes a major golf brand will recognise his grandson's talent and pick him up.
With golf participation numbers for youngsters in the UK at an all time low Tony believes a child star like George could be the injection of excitement the game needs.
Tony Byrom, the professional at Wigan Golf Club, said: "I've never seen such a natural golf swing from a player so young.
"Even more impressive than that is that a three-year-old actually listens to you when you show him things.
"George is a great example of how youngsters can enjoy the game, it's a pleasure to see him play."
Video by: Ashley Moran
WEIGH TO GO - An morbidly obese man once 'banned' from takeaways in his hometown has lost a staggering 20 STONE in a year
Image by: Mike Hind
An overweight man once 'banned' from takeaways in his hometown has lost a staggering 20 STONE in a year.
Darren 'Dibsy' McClintock embarked on the epic weight loss journey last October after doctors warned he was "eating himself to death".
In the months since Dibsy, who clocked in at a sizeable 40 stone at his heaviest, has lost half his entire body weight - the equivalent of hulking Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This time last year he couldn't walk up the stairs, wear a seat belt, fit in the bath or travel on public transport.
But since turning his life around the 28-year-old has competed in the Great North Run, fought in a charity boxing match and climbed Ben Nevis.
Six weeks ago he went 'official' with a new girlfriend, who he met after receiving messages of support over Facebook.
Dibsy said: "When I look back over the last year and what I have achieved I'm very proud of myself.
"Both physically and mentally I'm in the best place I have ever been, I'm really happy.
"Twelve months ago I had given up on life and thought there was no way back from the weight I had reached.
"Now I'm living the best life I can, it's amazing."
Much of the Middlesborough man's astounding success is down to personal trainer Mike Hind, who has been with Dibsy every step of the way.
They hit the headlines last year when Mike handed out flyers at local fast-food stops with a picture of Dibsy saying 'do not serve'.
It was then Mike set the ultra ambitious goal for Dibsy to lose 20 stone in the space of a year, which he achieved last week with seven days to spare.
Dibsy said: "The last year has been absolutely brutal and a massive challenge.
"There have been lots of really difficult moments and times when I've not wanted to get out of bed in the morning.
"Mike has been there pushing me the whole way though, he's been absolutely incredible."
He added: "When I saw I'd reached my target weight it was a huge relief and a big weight off my shoulders, literally.
Image by: Mike Hind
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
Image by: Mike Hind
"After working so hard for an entire year it felt great to achieve the goal we had set."
Mike, who runs Mas Body Gym and healthy eating company Macro Based Diner, has provided his expert services to Dibsy free of charge.
The personal trainer has given his prize client up to three one-on-one private sessions per day as well as supplying all his food.
Mike estimates Dibsy's services would have cost a paying customer more than £50,000.
Dibsy said a year ago his day would have started with a full English breakfast before having a pasty and pie with a fizzy drink for lunch.
At dinner time he would have gorged on fish and chips or an Indian takeaway with a large bottle of pop followed by ice cream.
In total he was taking in around 11,000 calories a day, which is enough for a family of six, according to health expert Mike.
Nowadays Dibsy will start his morning with overnight oats before having pasta and vegetables for lunch.
A typical dinner is barbecue chicken with rice.
Mike, who has won two National Fitness Awards, ensures his client takes in around 3,000 calories every day but that he burns up to 1,500 more.
The personal trainer said: "I'm so pleased that we've achieved our goal, I'm like a proud dad.
"Now I want other people to follow Dibsy's lead, that's the message of all this.
"People who think there's no hope should look at Dibsy and realise there is, you can make the same changes."
He added: "But there's no magical pill that will make it happen, it comes down to making the right decisions."
Despite all his achievements this year Dibsy says his greatest one is making his mum, who was scared her son would die, proud.
He said: "The best thing about my weight loss is that it's put a smile on my mum's face.
"She used to worry about me so much and now she doesn't have to, which makes both of us really happy."
He's also over the moon to have started a relationship with girlfriend Jade.
"It's going really well, she's amazing," Dibsy said.
"She's really supportive of my weight loss and she goes to the gym as well, so we have that in common.
"It's really nice to have her in my life."
The next step for Dibsy is undergoing three surgeries to have the excess skin which has been left as a result of the weight loss removed.
He has been signed off by doctors and is hoping to go under knife for the first time in December.
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
FLIGHT THEN FIGHT - Seven Brits were bundled off a budget flight after it made an emergency landing following a row between passengers - with one allegedly SPITTING at a woman, witnesses say
Image by: Nathan Belford
Seven Brits were bundled off a budget flight after it made an emergency landing following a row between passengers - with one SPITTING at a woman, witnesses say.
Onlookers claim two groups of lads forced the easyjet flight from Manchester to Tenerife on Thursday (3) to divert to Portugal after a bust up.
The ruckus is said to have broken out around two hours after the 5.35pm take-off, when a group of four sat at the back started punching each other.
An air stewardess broke up the fight, and seated one of the rowdy guys at the front of the airliner in an effort to calm tensions.
Minutes later, though, the man vaulted back to his pals - where things kicked off again.
Passengers then tried to break up the fight, leading to the moment one of the lads apparently spat in a woman's eye.
As a girl shrieks, a woman shouts: "There's children on the airplane!"
One man can be heard saying: "He f**king spat on a woman - dirty bastard!"
At this moment, the captain announced plans to divert the plane and make an emergency landing in Faro, Portugal.
Key eyewitness Nathan Belford, 30, said a 10-man stag party then "howled with rage" and picked a fight with both cabin crew and the group of four.
He said the stag party "complained bitterly to the stewardess" - and even "started pinching drinks from the front of the plane".
Landing in Portugal at around 8pm, security then bundled seven men - all from the four-man group, three from the stag party - off the plane.
Image by: Nathan Belford
Image by: Nathan Belford
Image by: Nathan Belford
Image by: Nathan Belford
Two hours later, the plane completed its journey to Tenerife.
Fed-up Nathan, of Stoke-on-Trent, said: "We couldn't believe what was happening. We just wanted to go on holiday.
"Things first kicked off when the group at the back got into a fight. Punches were thrown, and the stewardess broke them up.
"But then they kicked off again, and passengers actually intervened to calm them down.
"One woman got in the way, but a guy spat in her eye. It was disgusting.
"After that, cabin decided to divert to Portugal. Then things escalated after the bigger stag party howled with rage about it.
"They picked a fight with cabin crew and with the group of four, complaining that they should be going to Tenerife for their weekend.
"One of the guys got into trouble when he started pinching drinks from the front of the plane. It was Bedlam.
"Once we landed, though, security got them off. It was impressive - one of the guys they had to carry off was at least six-foot-six."
easyJet has confirmed the incident took place on one of its flights.
It is still unclear why Jet2 also confirmed it but it was an easyJet flight.
An easyJet spokesman said: “We can confirm that flight EZY1903 from Manchester to Tenerife on 3 October diverted to Faro as a result of some passengers on board behaving disruptively and was met by police on arrival.
''The passengers were removed by police and the aircraft continued onto Tenerife.
"easyJet’s cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and to act quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers is not compromised at any time.
"Whilst such incidents are rare, we take them very seriously, and do not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour on board.
''The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is our highest priority.
Video by: Nathan Belford
SCRUM-BELIEVABLE - Meet the incredible young rugby star who is scoring a hatful of tries - despite only having one ARM
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Meet the incredible young rugby star who is scoring a hatful of tries - despite only having one ARM.
Little Shay Dunster was born with half of his left limb missing but has always loved rugger.
Sadly, the nine-year-old's coaches in Blaenau Gwent, Wales said he had been bullied about his disability to the point where he wanted to give up.
But gentle encouragement meant he kept going - and now he's a local legend.
Shay recently took part in a rugby festival in nearby Cardiff and stole the show by scoring a staggering ELEVEN tries - catching the eye of some of the game's superstars.
Ex-Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton tweeted: "Tell Shay I said well done and keep up the amazing work. Inspirational."
Shay's mum, Donna, said international scrum-half Rhys Webb had also been in touch to lend his support.
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Image by: Anita Maric SWNS
Proud Donna said: "Shay absolutely loves playing rugby and it was amazing to see him play so well at the festival.
"He started with tag rugby about three years ago and loved it. He was worried about the tackles when it moved up to touch, but he hasn't stopped.
"He was on fire at the festival. It is great because it gives him so much more confidence, especially as he had been bullied in the past."
A spokesman for Shay's team, Trefil under 10's, said: "Shay's been asked 'how can you play rugby with one arm? '.
"The team has replied 'because he's talented'.
"He's been bullied to the point he has doubted himself and wanted to give up.
"But with a lot of encouragement he is still playing, he doesn't get treated any differently to the rest of the team and goes out on that field every week and gives it his all.
"He's our very own twinkle toes. Shay is a prime example that a disability doesn't define you as a person. Proud, proud, proud."
Video by: Anita Maric SWNS
WATER RESCUE - Moment volunteers rescued an exhausted humpback whale being dragged to the seabed after it got caught on lobster pot
Image by: Noel Hawkins
This the incredible moment volunteers rescued an exhausted humpback whale being dragged to the seabed by a lobster pot.
The 12m long adult was left fighting for its life after it got its tail caught on fishing gear off Orkney in Scotland.
The majestic mammal had spent at days - potentially up to a week - battling to keep its blowhole above water, but was fast losing its fight when volunteers arrived.
Video footage shows the cetacean - which could have travelled 4,500 miles from the Caribbean - fighting for its life.
Volunteers from British Divers Marine Life Rescue worked for hours - hanging off the side of boats with their heads in the water - to cut the terrified animal free.
And against the odds it survived the ordeal to swim off into the deep.
Volunteer Noel Hawkins, 49, from Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty, in the Highlands, said: "It was managing to lift its head up and down but it was quite distressed when we first got to it.
"It was trumpeting and breathing very fast. That noise you hear on the video isn't the boat - it's the whale exhaling.
"Once we started work it did begin to be more still.
"That seems to be a bit of a humpback trick. I like to think that's them knowing that they are getting help.
"We had to be really careful. It's not just dangerous for us, but it's dangerous for the animal too.
"It could have been there for up to a week. There was scarring on the tail and down its back. It had been pulling on it for a while."
The team were alerted by a fisherman who returned from holiday to find his lobster and crab pots off Westray Island had snared a whale.
Much to the relief of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, he didn't try to free the whale himself, but got in touch with volunteers.
Image by: Noel Hawkins
Image by: Noel Hawkins
Image by: Noel Hawkins
Image by: Noel Hawkins
Members from across Scotland drove to the top of the country, before getting a ferry, then driving further and chartered a boat, to reach the animal on October 1.
The humpback was being pulled to the seabed by rope tied around a lobster pot, tethered to the seabed by a massive weight.
It was strong enough to lift the weight just enough to get to the surface to breathe, but was fast running out of energy.
The team faced the challenge of getting close enough to rescue the animal, but having to stay safe.
It was too risky for the team to get in the water - in case they are caught up and dragged down with the freed whale - so they have to rescue the animal from the boat.
The team hung off the side of the boat with their heads in the water to get a better look.
Noel, a communities manager with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, cut the whale free, hanging in the water with a knife, while someone on the boat held his legs.
"This one was quite a straight forward rescue, in terms of it was just on the tail," he said.
"We had lots of local support. The fisherman himself was on hand to help us too."
Video by: Gabriella Petty
Harrowing 999 call captures terrifying moment a violent thug broke into his ex-girlfriend's home to beat her semi-conscious
Image by: Steve Chatterley
A harrowing 999 call captures the moment a violent thug smashed his way into his ex-girlfriend's home where he beat her semi-conscious and stabbed her with a knife.
Aaron Marsden Booth, 27, can be heard breaking through the front door of his ex-partner’s home as she screams in terror and begs for help from police.
She desperately asks call handlers: "Can I have the police please, my boyfriend is breaking in. He is kicking my door down can you hurry up?"
A loud noise of the door being smashed in can be heard in the background before the she lets out a "blood-curdling scream" and pleads: "Please, don't hurt me."
Booth can be heard telling her: "What I'm going to do...I'm going to f***ing kill you." before the phone line cuts dead.
The abusive yob then battered the beauty salon worker semi-conscious in her own home before she was able to flee from the property in Glossop, Derbys.
Booth then stabbed his victim in the street in front of police officers who were arriving at the scene before holding the blade to her throat.
Officers, armed only armed only with batons and capture spray, pleaded with him to not harm her further and he eventually walked away and returned to her address.
He then forced armed police into a three-hour standoff as his ex girlfriend was rushed to hospital following the shocking incident in February this year.
Booth went on to plead guilty to wounding with intent and was jailed for 14 years as his victim, now 31, bravely watched on from the public gallery at Manchester Crown Court
Shocking injury pictures released by Derbyshire Police after the case also show the victim, who the force have not named, with horrific facial bruising and swelling.
Judge Richard Mansell QC praised her in helping bring Booth to justice and ensuring that others would not become a victim at his hands.
He told her: “You have been brave in the extreme. You have not just protected yourself; you have protected other women.”
The victim said Booth was "charming" when they first met in 2017 and, despite warnings from pals about his previous behaviour, began a relationship with him the following year.
She came to realise why her friends were concerned as his abusive behaviour came to the fore in May 2018 when he began drinking to excess and taking drugs.
Sentencing, Judge Mansell added: “When at home, you would bully and degrade her by spitting, flicking cigarettes or throwing household items at her, as well as calling her names.
“You pursued her by turning up at her home and the beauty salon where she worked and contacting her friends, but then left her alone for about a month.
“However, you met up with her in July 2018 and persuaded her that you would change and so she agreed to start seeing you again.
“Very soon you reverted to the same kind of behaviour.”
In the September of that year Booth threatened to kill his victim before wrapping both his hands around her neck as if to strangle her.
His victim tried repeatedly to break of their relationship. But each time Booth would bombard her with calls and texts and force her, through emotional blackmail, to retract her complaints made against him.
The evening prior to the assault, Booth’s victim had been enjoying a night out with her friends - during which he was caught on CCTV following her from pub to pub.
In the footage Booth could be seen becoming increasingly angry as the night went on, before finally his victim had to lock herself in a toilet to get away from him.
After Booth, of Glossop, was ejected from the pub, his victim left the bar and went home to bed before he turned up at her front door demanding to be let in.
His victim called police as he attempted to kick the front door down.
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Judge Mansell said: “She was crying and pleading with the operator to hurry up because you were trying to break in.
“After a few moments, there is a huge bang and she lets out a blood-curdling scream of terror as you smashed a window and climbed into the house.
“You immediately set about beating her up, knocking her to the ground and punching her repeatedly about the face.
“All that could be heard was her moaning in pain.
“This was a sustained and brutal assault on a defenceless woman.”
Leaving her in a semi-conscious state on the floor with multiple fractures to her face, Booth grabbed a knife from the kitchen.
Realising he had a knife in his hand, his victim managed to run from the house but Booth caught up with her stabbing her repeatedly in the legs and side.
Police officers witnessed the stabbing and urged Booth to put the knife down – instead he grabbed his victim, holding the knife to her throat and telling officers he would kill her if they came any nearer.
Eventually the officers managed to talk Booth away from the woman – and he walked back to the house in Sumners Place, Glossop.
Locking himself in the property - armed officers were forced into a three hour standoff before he eventually threw his weapons out of the window and was arrested.
After being charged with attempted murder, Booth went on to plead guilty to a section 18 assault – wounding with intent.
He must serve at least nine years in prison before he can apply for parole and once freed must serve six years on licence.
He was also handed an indefinite restraining order which prohibits Booth from contacting his victim.
Detective Constable Graham Millar, of Derbyshire Police, said after the case: “I would first like to praise the bravery shown by his victim.
“The incident in February was the culmination of months of physical and mental abuse by Booth.
“His behaviour ground down a strong, independent, young woman – causing her to lose more than two stone in weight as Booth’s campaign of abuse continued.
“This all came to a head in February. In what should have been a place of safety, she pleaded for her life as he beat and stabbed her.
“Anyone hearing that call cannot help but feel a part her terror as he smashed his way into the house.
“It is testament to her bravery and strength that was able to bring charges against Booth.
“She showed that same strength, dignity and bravery throughout the court process – even when it appeared she may have to give evidence against Booth – and ended in her sitting in court watching him be jailed for 14 years.
“I hope the sentence handed to Booth brings a degree of closure to this chapter in her life.
“I would also like to take this moment pay tribute to the officers who were first on the scene that night.
"Armed with only their batons and captor spray they were faced with a situation that could easily have led to a far more tragic ending.
“Their actions on that night were, quite simply, incredible. They are an absolute credit to the force and I am proud to call them fellow Derbyshire Constabulary officers.”
Following the case, victim Zahra Rechelle took to social media to thank well-wishers for their support and shared the shocking video released by police.
She wrote: "I obviously knew and agreed to this being shared, but only this!
"I know it’s horrific to hear and he’s evil.
"But the police saved me, my eyebrows still look delightful in them awful pictures, we now live by the beach with the best family and friends and he has to do a minimum of 9 years in prison!
"Thank you to everyone’s messages, so overwhelming makes me cry."
Pal Leah Mae Rudge replied:" This literally broke my heart. I love you babe, I’m so glad you’re safe and the other side of all this now xxxxxxxxx"
Summer Coppock added: "I've never heard anything like this.. not even on a horror movie! Its actually made me cry. You're such a strong woman Zahra Rechelle and I'm so glad you're okay now."
Emma Charles wrote: "Unreal, what an amazing woman you are for standing up to him and sharing this to try help others. Love and hugs."
Video by: Steve Chatterley
TRAGIC DEATH - A two-year-old girl has died after contracting E.Coli following a holiday at a "disgusting" hotel in Turkey
Image by: Steve Chatterley
A two-year-old British girl has died after contracting a tummy bug following a holiday at a "disgusting" hotel in Turkey, it emerged today.
Little Allie Birchall was struck down by E.Coli poisoning and developed complications after staying at the five Crystal Sunset Luxury Resort and Spa, east of the city of Antayla.
Her family had to make the heartbreaking decision to switch off her life support after she was flown back to the UK and had been rushed to hospital.
The little girl died on August 3 - just three weeks before her third birthday - and less than two weeks after returning home from their holiday at the resort.
Her mum, Katie Dawson, told how all members of the family suffered from gastric symptoms including stomach cramps and diarrhoea during their 10 day stay.
The family had travelled to Turkey with tour operator Jet2 Holidays on 12 July.
Katie said they had concerns over the hygiene at the resort, including faeces in a swimming pool and food which had not been properly heated.
She said: “Food was sometimes left uncovered and occasionally served lukewarm, and there were birds occasionally flying around the food.
“We saw faeces in the swimming pool and I spoke to other holidaymakers who saw the faeces in the pool on more than one occasion, and staff just scooped it out without closing the pool or giving it a thorough clean.
“The walls in the children’s toilets were also smeared with faeces. It was disgusting.
But Allie did not start getting ill until five days after getting back to their home in Atherton, Greater Manchester, when she began suffering with stomach cramps, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and lethargy.
Peppa Pig fan Allie was seen by an out-of-hours GP, but as she got worse she was admitted to Royal Bolton Hospital on July 30 where various tests were carried out.
It was confirmed that Allie had contracted Shiga-Toxin producing E.Coli (STEC), which later led to her developing deadly Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) - a life-threatening complication related to the poisoning.
HUS is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects the blood and blood vessels, resulting in the destruction of blood platelets. It can also cause kidney failure and brain damage.
Allie was moved to the Manchester Royal Infirmary and put in an induced coma on August 1.
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Image by: Steve Chatterley
An MRI scan was carried out, which revealed that she had sustained severe brain trauma and damage. Katie had to make the difficult decision to terminate Allie’s life support following the advice from doctors.
Allie died on August 3.
Katie said: “In sharing Allie’s story, we want to make people more aware of the signs and symptoms of STEC HUS.
"I keep thinking that if I had known about the condition, then I would have probably taken Allie to hospital sooner and it wouldn’t have ended the way it did.
"Allie was such a beautiful, happy girl and we are all utterly heartbroken. We still can’t believe she is gone.
“Allie was an intelligent, beautiful and independent little lady.
"She was always giving kisses and cuddles at home, and always wanted to be sat on someone’s knee or to be picked up and carried around.
“Allie loved baking, playing with her dolls, playing nurse and she was always sticking plasters on us and our dogs.
"I bought her a nurse’s outfit and doctor’s bag full of equipment for her birthday but she never got to see them.
"Allie also loved watching Peppa Pig and singing nursery rhymes.
“There is now a massive hole in our home and our hearts. We all miss her dearly. She should not have died. She had so much to give.
“While nothing will bring her back, we need to know what caused her illness and if anything could have been done to prevent it.
“We all suffered gastric illness and there were a number of people complaining of being unwell during our stay at the hotel, but we didn’t anticipate how serious it could be.”
The family have now instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers, Irwin Mitchell, to investigate what happened.
Public Health England is also currently investigating the matter, and an inquest has been opened to examine the circumstances surrounding Allie’s death.
Jatinder Paul, a Senior Associate Solicitor and specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: “Allie’s family are understandably heartbroken at the loss of their lovely little girl and are struggling to come to terms with what happened.
“Through our work we are sadly only too aware of the potentially devastating consequences of serious illnesses such as STEC and E.coli, particularly for children, which are only highlighted by Allie’s sad death.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare and we are supporting Katie and her family through this difficult time and are now investigating how Allie contracted her illness.
“As part of our investigations, we are looking into the family’s stay at the Crystal Sunset Luxury Resort and Spa and if any issues are identified, we hope that measures will be taken to ensure this does not happen again.”
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
Image by: Steve Chatterley
Katie Dawson went to the all-inclusive resort with partner, Wayne Birchall, 35, and children, Bobbi Birchall, nine, and Casey Calland, 15.
The couple, who both run their own window cleaning business, spent around £4,000 for the 10-day break.
Katie, 35, told how meals were served in a buffet style, with the family eating mostly English food.
Allie was eating chicken nuggets, mash and peas and chips, along with cereal and ice cream.
Katie said: "We all suffered, apart from Allie, from gastric problems while we were away.
"I was bedridden for a couple of days but the others weren't as bad as me.
"Allie was totally fine for the whole of the holiday, she had an absolutely brilliant holiday. She loved it.
"When Allie first got poorly we had no idea it would be linked to the holiday.
"We are hoping to get to the bottom of what caused this."
Today (TUES) it emerged that holidaymakers as far back as two years ago had claimed they found poo in the pool at the resort.
One woman said on TripAdvisor: "They also close [sic] the main pool because their [sic] was poo in the water we also seen [sic] someone change a baby's nappy then washed [sic] the baby's bottom in the pool."
The review was posted on September 8, 2017 and rated the resort as three out of five.
A spokesperson from Jet2.com said: “We are very sorry to hear about these tragic circumstances, and we would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Dawson and her family at this very difficult time. As lawyers have been instructed, it would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment.”
ROUND OF A-PAWS- Harlso the amazing sausage dog attracts huge Instagram following by balancing everyday items on his head
Image by: Paul Lavery
An adorable dachshund has become a viral sensation for balancing a series of random objects on his head.
Paul Lavery, 30, was amazed to discover his dog Harlso's "hidden talent" after jokingly placing a squeaky toy on his head and watching as the pup stood still as a statue.
Wearing a jazzy bow tie, the five-year-old pooch miraculously balances various items on his head including a globe, a glass of water and a stack of doughnuts.
His bizarre talents have catapulted him into internet stardom and he has over 92,000 followers on Instagram alone.
Image by: Paul Lavery
Image by: Paul Lavery
Paul, who lives with his partner Jen Scott, 29, at their home in Belfast said: "We got him five years ago and we just fell in love with him at first sight and brought him home.
"For us, we didn't know he knew any tricks, we tried teaching him to sit, lie down, roll over and he wasn't interested!
"When he was about two years old I sat a chicken toy on his head and he just sat there looking at it really still.
"I called Jen down and said: 'Jen! Harlso has a hidden talent!'"
Soon after, the bewildered couple set up various social media accounts in February 2016, and after nine months Harlso had 14,000 followers.
Paul, a social worker, said: "It really started growing quite quickly. People from all over the world follow him.
"When we created the Instagram account it was mainly just for us, family and friends. We never expected it to take it off.
"I just thought: 'Who is going to be interested in seeing these photos and videos?'
"Harlso's got his very own VIP fan club for the most dedicated fans and we get messages through from people wanting to meet him.
"We got one message from a couple from Australia who said they were in the area and asked if they could pencil in a time to meet him and pet him."
Image by: Paul Lavery
Image by: Paul Lavery
Paul photographs and videos Harlso balancing all sorts of things on his head including a Toblerone, an aubergine and even a slice of watermelon.
He also has impressive array of outfits in the videos and has a selection of over 300 bow ties to choose from.
He explained: "Anything long and tall we like to try and balance on his head. You can put pretty much anything on his head as long as it's not too heavy and too dangerous.
"I get people messaging me asking for training tips like I'm Cesar Millan! I do not know how he does this, one day he might decide to just stop.
"We always try to match his bow tie to what he's balancing on his head. We try to do themes for Halloween, Christmas and Easter too.
"It's amazing because when he was balancing things it used to surprise us but he can balance almost anything and 99 per cent of the time, he manages to do it first time."
Image by: Paul Lavery
Image by: Paul Lavery
Harlso has won a 2019 Webby Award due to his talents and is even listed as one off the Guinness World Records 'Amazing Animals.'
He also recently won Northern Ireland's Social Media Personality of the Year- beating several humans to the prize.
And although Harlso is a pretty big deal now, Paul said the fame hasn't changed him.
He added: "He was always really bossy and a bit of a diva so the fame hasn't changed him because he's always been like that!"
Video by: Paul Lavery
GP TRAGEDY - Dedicated family doctor with 'glistening future' jumped to his death while feeling unable to talk about his own mental health for fear of losing his job
Image by: Steve Chatterley
A dedicated family doctor with a “glistening future” jumped to his death from a bridge while feeling unable to talk about his own mental health for fear of losing his job.
Father-of-two young children Dr Miles Christie, 43, felt he had let his family down before he walked onto Archway Bridge in north London, climbed over the railings and leapt 80 feet to his death.
Shocked onlookers watched in horror as the GP plummeted on to the busy double carriageway on the afternoon of Tuesday May 14th this year, an inquest heard.
He left behind his 40-year-old wife Juliette Stern and their two children, aged just three and five.
Juliette, a producer with animation production company Passion Pictures, told the inquest at St Pancras Coroner's Court that she had been married to her husband for six years.
In a statement read to the hearing, she said: “He was a hugely charismatic, kind, positive and gentle soul.
“He was adventurous and had a genuine interest in life and in people.
“He had the ability to engage with people from all walks of life.
"It is very difficult to come to terms with how someone can unravel like this."
The inquest heard that on the day of his death Dr Christie had planned to go swimming with his brother and left his home in Muswell Hill, north London, with his swimwear in his pocket.
He was later seen pacing up and Archway Bridge at around 3.30pm wearing a blue T-shirt and jeans, before climbing onto the railings and jumping to his death.
Dr Christie died at the scene despite paramedics desperate attempts to save his life, the inquest heard.
The inquest heard he had struggled with work-life balance while caring for patients at two separate practices, and feeling increasingly anxious about financial pressures.
Dr Christie worked day and night at the Burnley Medical Practice NHS surgery in Willesden, north west London, and at the private Knightsbridge Doctors in west London which he planned to move to full-time, the hearing was told.
But the inquest heard that after resigning from his position as an NHS practitioner, he became increasingly anxious and expressed concerns about the contract and overhead costs related to taking over the Knightsbridge practice.
He began working longer hours and lost around eight kilos (17.6 lbs) in weight, the inquest heard.
In the days leading up to his death, he was also sent five invoices mistakenly informing him he owed money to cover a gap in his Medical Protection Society (MPS) membership, totalling around £48,000 - despite only owing £3,000.
The global organisation offers protection for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals and helps them to understand and navigate the challenges of modern practice.
The inquest heard that a fellow young doctor at the the Knightsbridge practice spoke often with Dr Christie who said he had been suffering from headaches, poor sleep and night sweats which appeared to be due to anxiety.
Dr Christie was accompanied by his father Dr Peter Christie, a retired paediatrician, to see a psychiatrist days before his death.
But he denied having suicidal thoughts because of his two young children, when speaking with a psychiatrist two days prior to his death on May 14.
Coroner Mary Hassell concluded that Dr Christie had taken his own life.
Several friends, relatives and colleagues left the inquest in tears.
Summing up, the Coroner said: "He was an excellent doctor.
"He was very in demand. He had quite obviously a tremendously loving family and everyone wanted to help him out."
She said she believed Dr Christie "could not see the wood for the trees" after becoming so "poorly" with his mental health.
She added: "There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he did take his own life.
"I don't think that the money worries or the work worries or any of the worries explain why."
Speaking after the hearing, Dr Christie's brother told of the stigma surrounding doctors and mental health.
Phil Christie, 39, said: "There is a stigma surrounding doctors and mental health.
"As people become more aware of mental health in society, we have got to become more aware of the people who are taking care of us.
"Who are looking after the people who take care of us?
"They are working in very tense environments and they are not mental health themselves."
Speaking afterwards, Dr Christie's widow, Juliette, says more needs to be done to support medical professionals who are reluctant to seek help for their mental health for fear it could go on their record and prohibit them from practicing.
She said: "Suicide is far more prevalent in the medical profession generally.
"We need to understand why this might be and getting them support rather than being concerned with their ability to practice."
Describing her husband, she added: "He was deeply concerned about a mental health diagnosis going on his record and affecting his ability to work."
Phil added: "Miles touched the lives of so many people as a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend and as a caring doctor to the thousands of patients he looked after as a General Practitioner.
“Miles lived a wonderful life, seeking out and soaking up all experiences London and the world had to offer.
“We will remember his beaming smile, infectious charm, his brightest of minds, and especially the sight of him unable to speak or breathe through laughter.
“The outpouring of love since Miles’s passing has been incredible, illustrating the joy he brought to so many people’s lives.
“He leaves a huge hole and will be dearly missed, but always remembered.”
A Memorial Fund in Dr Christie's name has already raised more than £34,000 to support his widow and their two young children.
SPEED DATE - A couple who met on a dating app got engaged after ONE month and then tied the knot just four weeks later.
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
A couple who met on a dating app got engaged after ONE month and then tied the knot just four weeks later.
Christopher Rimmer and Viktorija Vakulenko, both 34, met through an app called Christian Dating for Free and arranged to meet face-to-face after a month of chatting online.
Viktorija, originally from Latvia, travelled to the UK for work and met Chris in his hometown in Southport, Merseyside, where they discussed the idea of marriage on their first date.
Despite feeling an instant connection, the pair abstained from having sex, and after dating for one month, Chris popped the question on Southport Pier where they had one of their first dates.
The pair set a date for June 2019 – two months after they first met – and tied the knot at Shoreline Church, Southport, surrounded by 60 family and friends.
Chris and Vicktorija have now returned from their honeymoon in Barcelona and can’t wait to start the rest of their lives together.
Vicktorjia, said: “The moment I saw his profile I felt a connection to him – his photos made him look open and kind.
“I spoke to a few people on the site but after I met Chris on there I stopped my other conversations and put all my attention onto him.
“He had such a strong passion for ministry and it just felt right.
“I knew there was something special and we went for it.”
Vickorija, from Riga, Latvia, joined the dating site in March 2019 after her sister encouraged her to sign-up.
She had only been on the site for two weeks when Chris came across her profile and struck up a conversation with her.
The pair felt an instant connection and arranged to meet up for their first date in Chris’ home town Southport, in Liverpool, after Vickorija moved to the UK looking for work.
She said: “I wasn’t sure about joining the dating site but I’d moved home after travelling in Thailand and my sister suggested it would be a good way to meet people – even just to make some friends.
“I spoke to a few people and then Chris started a conversation with me and it just felt right.
“To be honest I was planning to stay alone for a while – I didn’t expect to meet someone so quickly.
“At the time I started applying for jobs in the UK and I planned to go over for the some interviews.
“It tied in together and I could also finally meet Chris.
“I remember being at the airport with my mum and she could already see how happy I was, giggling on the phone to him.
“I already felt like I was in love with him when we were talking online.”
Smitten Vickorija moved to Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, to stay with a friend, before travelling up to meet Chris first the first time over Easter Weekend in April 2019.
She said: “There was a postcard in my host’s house of Southport and thought: ‘That looks so nice, what a cool place.’
“It felt like there were lots of signs for us to be together and I was taking those signs as direction.
“I was super nervous but there were lots of sparks the moment we met at the train station.
“He took me to the pier and it was such a romantic first date.
“We started talking about marriage that day – we both knew that’s what we wanted.
“We joined that dating app because we were hoping to meet someone to have a future and because we’re both have the same faith.
“Chris had a spare room for me to stay in that weekend and we knew nothing else romantic was going to happen.
“We were both prepared to wait until we got married because it felt right.”
Image by: Chris Rimmer
Image by: Chris Rimmer
Image by: Chris Rimmer
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
After their first weekend together, Vicktorija started looking for work in Southport so she could be closer to Chris.
Chris decided to pop the question on May 15 – less than four weeks after they first met face-to-face.
He hatched a plan to take her to the pavilion restaurant, Southport, where they had one of their first dates and he asked staff to film the moment he popped the question.
Vicktorjia said: “I knew we were going to get married because we talked about it but I didn’t know when it would happen.
“Chris took me to the restaurant and it was a beautiful sunset.
“When he asked me I was so surprised and excited - it was all perfect.”
The couple couldn’t wait to make things official and set a date for the big day on 15 June 2019 – less than two months after they first met.
They held the ceremony at Shoreline Church, Southport, in front of around 50 family and friends, followed by a reception at
She said: “My mum and sister came over from Riga but my dad couldn’t make is so Chris’ dad offered to walk me down the aisle.
“We had only just met and he said I was ‘perfect’ for Chris – it meant so much.
“Everyone had a great day and although it started cloudy it got sunny.
“It was a perfect day and it never felt like it was too soon, it felt like it was just the right time.
“We want children and I’m looking forward to the future and for now we’re looking for a place to live and focusing on our ministry.”
Chris, who had been on the dating site for a couple of years, recalls the moment he first came across Vicktorija online.
He said: “We were both of the site because we wanted to meet someone and get married, I just hadn’t met that person yet, not until I found Vicktorija.
“The moment I saw her pictures I thought: 'Who is this girl? I have to speak to her.’
“We were so similar and we both had a strong belief in our Christian faith which bought us closer together.
“The moment I met her I knew were going to get married – we wanted to get to know each other a bit and become best friends.
“The day I proposed I didn’t have much of a plan, I just knew I wanted to take her to the pier where we had one of our first dates.
“The sunset was incredibly and I knew I had to do it then.
“I told the staff I was going to propose and asked them to film us.
“It was perfect and they helped make the day really special for us.
“The wedding day was perfect – I felt like the luckiest man when I saw her walking down the aisle.
“After the big day we headed off for our honeymoon in Barcelona and did some trekking and exploring.
“ Vicktorija loves her food and we definitely put some weight on.
“Everything’s a bit up in the air at the moment, we’re looking for somewhere to live to get settled.
“We’re taking each day at a time and enjoying getting to know each other more.”
Video by: Gabriella Petty
