A real life BFG who stands at a staggering 7ft 1in struggles to fit in aeroplane seats - but drives around in a TINY smart car
Image by: Lee Mclean SWNS
A real life BFG who stands at a staggering 7ft 1in struggles to fit in aeroplane seats - but drives around in a TINY smart car.
Towering Lydon Sutcliffe, 32, makes his colleagues laugh each morning when he drives into work - after squeezing his huge frame into his mum’s 60-inch high Smart Fortwo.
The friendly giant says he was mocked tirelessly as a boy for being so tall - after hitting 6ft when he was just ten - but his struggles have pushed him to help others.
No order is too tall for Lydon, who splits his time between his job as a disability support worker, a university counsellor and studying psychotherapy.
He had also appeared as an extra in Hollywood blockbuster, Rogue One and as a body double in Solo: A Star Wars story.
And the lofty bloke gets funny looks when he drives around Blackpool, Lancs., where he lives, as he travels in the tiny £16k 2016-model smart.
His Nissan Navara pickup truck broke down sometime in 2016 which left him with no choice but to drive his mum’s Smart - and he’s loved driving it ever since.
Lydon, from Blackpool, Lancs., said: “I bought the Smart four years ago for my mum because she needed a car.
“At the time I was driving a Nissan Navara pick up truck but it broke down and I thought I’d try to drive the Smart - and I fit. So I said why not?
“Everyone keeps asking me when I'm going to get a bigger car but it’s actually comfortable.
“When I get on planes it’s always a struggle because I have to buy extra seats or sit on Business Class just to fit. My legs always stick out.
“But I’ve got no issues with the smart. It’s like driving a go-kart for me and it’s a convertible so I do enjoy sticking my head out.
“People always do double takes when they see me in it, just because of how goofy it is - but I love it.”
The former Wimbledon groundskeeper became a support worker five years ago but said it’s been his lifelong ambition to help people in need.
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
Lydon, who claims to be able to hug 20 people at once, said: “I think it’s so important we talk about our issues and I want to help as many people who're struggling as I can.
“As a tall person you suffer a lot of abuse throughout your childhood, you get mocked a lot and get made to feel horrible about yourself and many suffer with depression.
“But I want to spread positivity, and encourage people to talk. That’s my mission - I’m a big guy, with a big message.
“At work they call me the BFG, and that’s what I want to be. A big friendly giant.”
Lydon, who lives with his girlfriend, has lived an interesting life and has his own big name fans - as tennis legends Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal all approached him for pictures at Wimbledon.
He also played the role of “tall Ant” on ITV’s Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and a tall Jimmy Carr on 8 out of 10 cats.
He’s a big fan of Tyson Fury, who similarly battled his own mental health issues before becoming a boxing world champion, and has met him on several occasions.
The part-time stand-up comic said: “I’ve met Tyson Fury - he’s a great guy and I think it’s nice to see him have success after everything he’s been through with his mental health.
“I’m probably the only person who makes him look small, like a little brother.”
Lydon’s parents aren’t particularly tall, with his dad standing at 6ft 3in and his mum 5ft 6in - but his sister Rachel stands at 5ft 10in and his “little” brother Spencer is a short 6ft 6in.
His striking height means his encounters with people centre around his towering presence.
Lydon, who wears a size 15 shoe, said: "I had a woman recently ask me to pick something up for her at the supermarket, and thankfully she helped me get some of the things on the lower shelves I can’t reach.
“A lot of people will also assume I’m a basketball player or ask if I am one, and I always tell them my preferred sport is actually miniature golf.”
He consumes over 8,000 calories a day to satisfy his massive appetite, but says he’s always been skinny.
Lydon, who weighs 22 stone, said: “I was always really skinny but now I eat a lot. I eat thousands of calories every day, people think I’m greedy but I’m just a big lad.
“If I order a Maccies I’ll get a grand BigMac, three double cheeseburgers, three large fries, 20 chicken nuggets, two cokes and a milkshake to treat myself.
"People don't realise how expensive it is to be tall."
Video by: Ashley Moran
Meet Loki - an overly affectionate raven who likes to CUDDLE
Image by: Elliot Manarin
A filmmaker has become best friends with a raven - and says the bird often comes inside for a cuddle.
The seven-year-old called Loki has grown up in captivity and now has a bond so strong with its owner that it regularly seeks him out for an embrace.
Elliot Manarin was offered Loki by a breeder after its owner passed away - and initially discovered a spiky personality.
But years of hard work, love and attention has seen the pair become best friends - with the animal even comforting the 33-year-old when his mum died.
Elliot, from Essex, says that ravens are misunderstood creatures and are not too dissimilar to humans.
The duo now exchange gifts and share jokes - growing so close that Elliot no longer sees Loki as a bird.
He said: "Loki's owner had passed away and was left to fend for himself for a few weeks before relatives of his owner eventually discovered him.
"He was returned to the breeder who offered him to us. He had no name and was apparently a well mannered and tame bird.
"This was far from the case. Loki was hyper-aggressive and riddled with chronic anxiety.
"He was scared of humans and acted on fight or flight. His mental health, as well as his physical condition, was very poor, his feathers were matte and he was missing his tail.
"It's taken years to establish a bond with Loki.
"I'm not a corvid expert, but over time I have become an expert on Loki.
"Through trial and error, I had to learn what was triggering his aggressiveness and work with him to build trust and make him feel safe and secure.
"In the early days, it was exceptionally tough and we nearly had to have him rehomed, but we all persevered and now we have a loving bird who is happy, healthy and enjoying life to the fullest.
"He is a truly unique individual bursting with so much character. We often exchange gifts and he loves to play with his puzzle toys.
"He has a taste for trickery and can often be found tormenting some of the staff, undoing their shoelaces and trying to trip them up.
Image by: Elliot Manarin
Image by: Elliot Manarin
Image by: Elliot Manarin
Image by: Elliot Manarin
"If given the chance will steal anything he can get his beak on, money, food padlocks anything.
"If we don't provide him with the adequate currency he will disappear and hide whatever item he has stolen until we provide suitable payment.
"Each item he steals has a value unique to him for example, a cleaning sponge is worth about 3 grapes, a padlock, a chocolate biscuit!
"If we don't provide him with what he wants the item stays hidden, sometimes for months!"
Elliot said he has now grown to view Loki as more than a bird, adding that ravens are much more like humans that we would think.
He said: "Loki is very much like a human, ravens have complex emotions coupled with their exceptional intelligence to problem solve, stimulation and companionship remain a top priority.
"We need to devise new games and tasks for him to work out whilst keeping his mental health in check, not allowing that to overcome him.
"But like most of us, he just wants companionship, he enjoys spending time with us and being in our company.
"People are also fascinated with his vocalisations of which he has many, these all symbolise various emotions from jealousy, fear, anticipation and joy.
"He's been known to laugh and chuckle at the precise moment someone tells a joke, slips over or otherwise endures something humorous.
"If he sees me trying to locate an item he's stolen and having difficulties, the sound of an evil chuckle can be heard coming from his aviary as he watches me bumble around in bewilderment!
Elliott said he has shared numerous moments with Loki - including one that particularly sticks out.
He said: "When my mum passed away two years ago, he knew I was sad. It wasn't emotional mirroring like dogs, this was something much more sentient.
"He walked over to me and locked eyes. He hopped onto my lap and rolled upside down onto his back, legs in the air.
"He rocked side to side whilst cooing the most dainty, affectionate sounds. I'd never heard him make these vocalisations and to this day he's never done it since.
"There is so much going on in their minds we don't really give them credit for. I've learnt so much from him and stopped looking at him as a bird a long time ago."
Loki was rehomed at Coda Falconry in Waltham Abbey, Essex.
Video by: Elliot Manarin
A blind man has successfully prosecuted a fifth Uber driver for refusing to give a ride to his guide dog.
Image by: Colin Perreira
A blind man has successfully prosecuted a fifth cab driver for refusing to give a ride to his guide dog.
Colin Perreira filmed his latest rejection on his smartphone as he ordered the Uber to pick him up at Watford Junction station last summer.
Driver Mohammed Hafiz Raja would not allow the highly trained guide dog into his car and drove off - after the partially-sighted 24-year-old warned he was breaking the law.
In the video, Colin walked up to the blue BMW with his six-year-old guide dog named Sid, who helps him to cross roads and climb steps on trips out.
As soon as the driver saw Colin, he said: “I’m going to pass you to another driver. I ain't going to take your dog.”
When Colin questioned the driver, he said: “It’s my car mate.”
Responding, Colin said: “It might be your car, but you sign up to a specific agreement with Uber. The law states you are not allowed to refuse a guide dog.”
The driver insisted he has "the power to" refuse to take him and then drives off, leaving Colin and Sid standing on the pavement on June 27 last year without a ride to his father’s house in Kings Langley, Herts.
Raja, of Watford, Herts, was convicted at Westminster Magistrates' Court on February 13 .
He was ordered to pay more than £1700 in costs and banned from offering rides on Uber.
This is the fifth time Colin has taken this type of case to court, and he has won every time.
Commenting on the latest ordeal, he said: “What angered me most this time is the driver was so blatant in his refusal. Sometimes, drivers give medical or religious reasons.
"But this was the most blatant refusal I'd ever had. He didn't have a reason. I told him I'd report him and he said he didn't want a dog in his car.”
Colin explained that many Muslim drivers have refused to give a ride to his guide dog.
Image by: Colin Perreira
Image by: Colin Perreira
He said: “Most Uber drivers I come across are muslim drivers. Many Muslims seem to think dogs are unclean. It’s against their religion.
"They don’t seem to understand that UK law, under the Equality Act 2010 doesn’t protect them from refusing rides on religious grounds.”
He added: “Other drivers have said they are allergic to dogs, but they must have a valid medical exemption certificate. One driver said he was going to pull over to show me his certificate, and then just drove off.”
Colin said the four previous prosecutions also involved Uber drivers, but has defended his continued use of the app, after he said he social media users had criticised him.
He said: “It’s convenient, cashless and cheap. It makes my life much easier because I don’t have to mess around with coins. Ubers are always around the corner.
"It normally takes about five minutes, compared to 30 minutes for a taxi. Why should I have to stop using the app, because of the way I am treated?”
Colin, of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, said it is important to prosecute to defend disabled people.
He said: “I feel like I am standing up for the disabled people and guide dog owners. I want to show that we won't tolerate this behaviour and that we will stand up to it.
“My message to drivers who refuse to take my guide dog is that I will not tolerate it. I will prosecute. I am not in the business of getting people to lose their jobs, I’m doing it to raise awareness. I have to stand up for members of the blind community.”
Colin, who said he has been refused more than 20 rides, said he is now used to being rejected, but is concerned about the emotional impact it can have on others.
He said: “I don’t take being refused a ride personally, although it does really anger me and confuse me that people don’t seem to understand what a guide dog is.
"I take action because it can have a long-lasting impact if it happens to others. It could stop them from leaving the house.”
Colin added he was grateful for the action taken by Uber and Transport for London but said the ride-hailing company could be more "proactive" to prevent incidents like this instead of reacting to them when they happen.
A spokesman for Uber said: "It is totally unacceptable for drivers to refuse to take a guide dog and we investigate every report.
"Any driver who is found to have refused to take a service animal will permanently lose access to the app."
Video by: Gabriella Petty
Widower transitions to female after the death of his wife - and is now set to marry son's school teacher
Image by: Katie Papilio
A widower transitioned to become a woman after the death of his wife - and is now set to wed his son's female school teacher.
Joel Stottlemire, 49, found the courage to be the person 'he always knew he was' after his wife of five years, Minxi Liu, 41, died of metastatic breast cancer.
Before her death, Minxi supported his decision and helped her then-husband Joel make the transition to become Katie Papilio.
The couple had one child together, Lucas, aged five, who now knows his 'dad' as Katie - and can't remember her ever being a man.
But amidst the transition and grief, Katie never expected to find love again.
Whilst dropping Lucas at school, she was called over by her son's teacher, Beth Davis, 55, and the pair bonded through sharing stories about grief whilst organising playdates for their kids.
Beth had also been grieving after losing her husband Rhon Davis, 58, to a heart attack - just six months before Katie's wife died.
Within a few months, Katie and Beth became more than just friends as romance blossomed.
They went official with their relationship in August, 2019 - much to Lucas' delight - and got engaged in October 2019.
Katie, an author, from Topeka, Kansas, USA, said: "I wasn't looking for anything, but Beth showed up right when I needed her.
"Losing my wife was so hard - and navigating single parenthood was tricky too - let alone on top of transitioning to become a woman.
"Lucas was amazing throughout - and he was all I needed. I never expected to find love and companionship again.
"When I dropped Lucas at school and picked him up, I'd chat to Beth and we realised how much we had in common.
"Having Beth as a friend and someone to confide in was amazing and I was even more blessed when it progressed into something more.
"Now I can't wait to make her my wife."
Beth, a preschool teacher, said: "Right from when I met Katie, I liked her.
"I used to think she was too cool for me. I'd never dated a woman before and was curious about how I felt for her.
"I desperately wanted to be friends with her, and through organising playdates for our kids, I got there - and further!"
Katie and her first wife, Minxi Liu, married in 2012, when Katie was still a man - and had a son together, Lucas, now five, in May 2014.
The family lived happily together until the shock diagnosis of Minxi's cancer in March 2015.
When Katie confided in Minxi about her wanting to transition, she received the full support of her spouse, despite some initial confusion.
Despite chemotherapy and radiation, Minxi's condition deteriorated, and she passed away in December 2017.
Katie said: "All of a sudden I was a single parent. I was overwhelmed with grief and fear, but thinking about my transition took my mind off things.
"Minxi had known about my feelings regarding my gender. Of course, it was difficult for her to get used to, but when she realised how happy it made me, she let me get on with it.
"I was consumed by the transition, constantly attending appointments, therapy sessions, and being a parent for Lucas, that I didn't have time to think about things properly.
"Minxi's death showed me that life is too short to pretend.
"I loved her so much, and thank her every day for allowing me to consider actually doing what I had always wanted to - to begin my transition and become the person I always knew I was."
Image by: Katie Papilio
Image by: Katie Papilio
Image by: Katie Papilio
Katie began her transition in June 2016 - undergoing hormone therapy and surgery and completed it in January 2019.
Katie - who does not have contact with the rest of her family - has never told her son Lucas about her previously being male. He has always known her as Katie and can't ever remember her being a man.
In September 2018, when Katie only had a further six months to wait until her gender confirmation surgery, she enrolled Lucas in preschool.
"The first thing I saw when I walked into the school was this amazing flash of bright blue hair," Katie said.
"I thought: 'That looks like my kind of person,' and went over to speak to her.
"She introduced herself as Beth and when I figured out that she was Lucas' new teacher, the thought of seeing her a lot was nice.
"She seemed like the kind of person I would be friends with.
"Her blue hair and tattoos really appealed to me, and I wanted to get to know her, so over the next week we organised a time to take our kids to the park together on a playdate."
Beth was married to her husband Rhon Davis for 31 years until he passed away at 58 years old from a heart attack.
The couple had four children together - Breanne 29, Lauren, 27, Avery, 25, and Aiyana, nine.
Consumed by grief, the mum-of-four threw herself into parenting and teaching.
When Beth met Katie, the topic of loss didn't take long to come up.
Beth said: "We found out pretty quickly that we were both going through the same thing.
"Our spouses died within six months of one another, and to have somebody else around to relate to was a breath of fresh air.
"I thought Katie was too cool for school.
"Never in a million years would I have thought she would be interested in hanging out with me as a friend, let alone become my girlfriend."
During trips to the park and bowling alley, the friends talked about their feelings and discussed Katie's transition at length.
Katie said: "Beth was always there for me, through what was one of the most confusing points of my life.
"We chatted on the sidelines a lot, whilst we watched the kids play, but never got much chance to talk in private.
"I think we both knew something was going on, but neither of us spoke about it."
One night in July 2019, the pair finally managed to have some alone time.
During an evening in, with the kids being looked after by a childminder, the couple decided to watch a documentary entitled 'Out here in Kansas' about being gay in Kansas, Christianity and the troubles that come with homosexuality and religion - which was created by Beth's cousin Adam Knapp, 49.
This led to a serious conversation about Katie's experiences, and brought the two women closer together.
Katie said: "I think neither of us knew where we stood after that night. All I knew was that things were on a different vibe now.
"And then the next morning, Beth texted me something that blew my mind."
Beth's message read: 'Good morning beautiful.'
"She asked me if I could come over, so I went over during my lunch break," Katie said.
When Katie knocked on the front door, she was greeted by a very nervous looking Beth.
Beth said: "I was so incredibly anxious, but I knew I just had to do it.
"I took her face in my hands and kissed her. That's where it all began."
As it was Beth's first same-sex relationship there was lots of questioning, but the couple worked through it and made their relationship official on August 1st 2019.
They went on their first date a month later, taking a trip to Lawrence, Kansas, where they ate at a Greek restaurant and strolled hand-in-hand.
With their relationship official and the future looking bright, the couple knew that the time had come when they would have to reveal it to their children.
Katie said: "Telling Lucas was easy. I got myself all nervous, but as he was just five years old, he just accepted it.
"I just explained that Beth and I were really good friends, and now we were going to be a bit more than that - he was completely fine with it!"
Due to her children being older, telling them about her relationship with Katie was something Beth was afraid of.
"When I told Breanne, I had got myself all nervous and worked up," Beth explained.
"But she just said: 'Yeah, we already know that mum!' it was a huge relief!"
Since the couple becoming partners, they have bought a new house in Topeka together, where they will live with Aiyana and Lucas.
In October 2019, Katie needed to buy a new car, due to her brakes not working. Whilst looking for a new car, the couple realised that they may as well buy one together.
Katie said: "I don't know why, but this just confirmed things for me. Buying a car together is a big, long-term commitment. And the fact that we were both so happy to do that just proved it to us.
"When we were driving home, I looked at Beth and told her I didn't want to be her girlfriend anymore."
Beth said: "Hearing that was incredible. I told her I didn't want to be her girlfriend either.
"I wanted to be her wife."
The couple bought matching engagement rings and have set the date for their wedding in June 2020.
"I never thought I could feel this comfortable in my life and in myself," Katie said.
"When Minxi passed away, I thought that was the end of everything for me.
"I have found myself, but I have also found love."
This pet raccoon rides in a boat, uses a litter box and is best friends with a golden retriever
Image by: Caryn Williamson
Meet Rebel - the pet raccoon who rides in a boat, uses a litter box and is best friends with a golden retriever.
“For most people, a raccoon is not a good pet,” said Rebel’s owner, Caryn Williamson, 44, who lives in Hudson, Indiana.
“They require constant supervision and they are so much more intelligent than a dog or cat.
“They can literally unlock your front door and walk right out.”
Rebel’s full name is Rebel Raccoon the Bush Brat.
“But he also answers to Booby or Booby Baby or Boobear,” said Caryn, who is the manager of an HVAC company for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
“Most raccoons won’t answer to their owners but he will answer me and come when I call him, it’s pretty cool!”
Caryn says she adopted Rebel, who will be a year old in April, from a breeder in Ohio via the United States Department of Agriculture.
“I got him September 9th of 2019 and I’m currently on the list for a baby raccoon, from the breeder.
“We got him from a young couple when he was just under five months old.
“Exotic pets like raccoons can’t be brought to a shelter or humane society and they can never be released into the wild.
“They are euthanized unless you can find someone willing to adopt them. We took on the challenge!”
Rebel quickly settled into Caryn’s home and became firm friends with her eight-year-old golden retriever Remington.
“Rebel and our dog Remington get along great.
“They are best friends, so much so that when Remington goes outside, Rebel paces back and forth at the door chattering until his friend is back.”
Image by: Caryn Williamson
Image by: Caryn Williamson
Image by: Caryn Williamson
As for Rebel’s day-to-day care, Caryn confirmed that raising a raccoon comes with certain complications.
“Raccoons are pack animals so being alone is not good for them,” she said.
“They need either animal or human companionship at all times.
“Rebel lives indoors at all times unless he is outside under our supervision. We live on a lake, and he goes for boat rides all summer. He is neutered, and has all recommended vaccines, and regular veterinary check ups.
“In order to maintain our exotic pet permit we are required to have vet checks and home checks by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“Raccoons can’t live in cages. They get too stressed. But we do have to have a safe place to put him away and secure him for our permit.
“He has a Critter Nation enclosure that has a hammock in it that he likes to sleep in, and he goes in there when he wants to be left alone.
“He also has a feeding cage. Raccoons are messy eaters so I stay a step ahead.
“Raccoons eat what we eat, it’s a balance of meat and protein and fruits and vegetables.
“He loves eggs, and eats one every day for breakfast. He also gets a raw chicken leg once a week and eats it bone and all.”
Caryn’s lifestyle in rural Indiana allows her to keep Rebel without incident, but she doesn’t believe the species is ready to be fully domesticated.
“Maybe in a few hundred years,” she said.
“Rebel uses a litter box just like a cat and they are trainable to an extent, but raccoons are very stubborn and will only listen to commands when they want to.
“To live with a raccoon you must live on their time and their schedule. I have a very flexible schedule, so it works…but it wouldn’t work for the average person.
“Living with a raccoon is learning their moods and body language. It’s a daily struggle to entertain them.
“But the cuteness and love they exude far outweighs the trouble and mischief they cause.”
Video by: Gabriella Petty
Meet the skateboarding cop who shreds at the skatepark - in full uniform
Image by: Craig Hanaumi
Meet the “the coolest cop ever” a skateboarding police officer who is a star at the skatepark - in full uniform.
Officer Craig Hanaumi skates in full uniform, shredding at the skatepark with with the kids of Bellevue, Washington, USA.
“I always have my skateboard in cop car,” said Hanaumi, 44, who has been working in law enforcement for 16 years.
Hanaumi has been skating since he was a little kid growing up in 1980s Hawaii, but he took a 25 year break to train to be a cop and move to Washington.
In 2015 he got a nuisance call about skaters doing tricks in the parking lot of a bank.
Before he politely escorted them off the property Hanaumi asked the kids what tricks they were doing and even tested out one of their boards.
A video of the interaction hit YouTube, gathering over 150,000 views with comments calling Hanaumi the “coolest cop ever.”
“When I was a kid the only contact I had with cops was when they were kicking us out of places for skating, which is fair enough,” he said.
“But now the kids in our community...their first contact with a cop might be to actually skate with one.
“We want people to forget the uniform, I would hope that skating helps to humanize the badge.
“When I can show up to the park and have people acknowledge that, other than the uniform, I’m just an old guy skateboarding, then I have succeeded.”
Hanaumi now hits the skate park every week, does flips off his cop car and, occasionally, he even skates around the police station.
“There aren’t too many good spots in the police station, it’s all flat ground, there are much better places in the city to skate - we have three world class skate parks in this city,” he joked.
The cool cop also imbues his law enforcement activities with ’aloha spirit' – a combination of kindness, modesty, respect, patience and perseverance.
“I try to share the aloha spirit in every interaction I have,” he said.
Adding: “I’m not that good at skating, I’m good for a 44-year-old police officer, if there was a category for that I’d be ok!
“I actually haven’t improved much at skating since I was nine-years-old, but I haven’t got worse either, so that’s good.
“I don’t think the kids are that impressed by my skill, but I think they appreciate that I am out there doing it, I’m not trying to show off."
Image by: Craig Hanaumi
Image by: Craig Hanaumi
Image by: Craig Hanaumi
Image by: Craig Hanaumi
Like most skaters, Hanaumi isn’t too afraid of getting hurt.
“I have had a lot of accidents and injuries, you can’t be a skateboarder without having injuries, it’s impossible,” he said.
“You have to fall down thousands of times to gain any kind of proficiency, you can’t get around that, you have to keep getting back up.
“The scars and abrasions you get from skateboarding are like badges you wear with a bit of honor.
“In 2016 I attempted to drop in on a Vert Ramp and I slammed twice, really, really hard both times, that hurt so much, my hip and my front elbow were so bruised!
“A video of it got shared on Thrasher magazine’s Instagram, that's like the bible for skaters, it was very funny.
"After that I knew I had to go back and try and get it right. I got there in the end!
“The skateboarding mindset is that you keep doing it until you get it right.”
Despite the bumps and bruises Hanaumi’s superiors are very supportive of his activities.
“I’ve had really fantastic bosses over the years. However my current supervisor Sgt Ben Jones took it to the next level.
"Not only does he support the skate outreach, he’s out there skating with me whenever he can. It’s fantastic.
“We have city-run skate camps, how cool is that?”
Hanaumi uses a board made by the acclaimed skate company Street Plant, run by skate legend Mike Vallely, who is also the lead singer of the hardcore punk band Black Flag.
“Mike Vallely actually donated ten boards which we gave away to kids in the community,” said Hanaumi.
“For someone of his stature to collaborate with someone in law enforcement was very significant.
“He has such a great ethos, he’s always said that skateboarding is for everyone who gets on a board, it doesn’t matter who you are, or how good you are.
"That's the way I see it too."
Video by: Gabriella Petty
Icy conditions cause a water ball to instantly freeze in a mesmerising pattern
Image by: Carol Bauer
This is cool footage of the icy conditions that causes a water ball to instantly freeze in a mesmerising pattern.
The footage was captured on a frosty February morning by 55-Year-Old Carol Bauer in her hometown of Graceville, Minnesota, USA.
Carol said: “In the winter I like to photograph snowflakes, frosty trees, sundogs and when it is extremely cold I experiment with hot water freezing as it comes out of hot cup and I’ve even shot it out of a squirt gun and like to see how it freezes in mid air.
“I would say though frozen bubbles are one of my favorite. I like to try to make them look unique by utilizing every day items I have such as unique glass, glass flowers petals, crystal balls that I use for some of my other photography set ups.
“This year I tried something new and set a rose that I received for valentines in a glass and encased it in a frozen bubble.
Image by: Carol Bauer
Image by: Carol Bauer
''I try different objects and then since sunrise and sunset are my favorite things to photograph I like to do it at that time of day to give it that unique glow that only sunrise and sunset can give.
''The temperature ideally should be below zero for the crystals to freeze quickly.”
“I mix up my solution with water, corn syrup, and sugar. I then set it outside for it to cool a bit before I begin.
''I place solution in desired object and take a straw and blow the bubble and let nature take its course. It not only has to be cold but it needs to be have fairly calm winds otherwise it will pop too quickly.
“I did not have a lot of opportunities to get out an do frozen bubble this winter as it was busy with a lot of family things going on and on the day I did this video it was going to be one of the last cold days to do this and the temperature, the wind speed and sunset all came together to make it work.
''I should also note you do not need an expensive camera for this. I have nice cameras but for this I used my iphone. So it is a very inexpensive way to have some fun.''
Video by: Carol Bauer
This is the moment a man who has spent 13 years in a wheelchair took his first independent steps - after defying doctors and walking again
Image by: Liam Critchett
This is the moment a man who has spent 13 years in a wheelchair took his first independent steps - after defying doctors and walking again.
Liam Critchett, 24, was able to stroll unaided along his favourite childhood beach.
Doctors doubted he would be able to walk again after being diagnosed with spinal cancer aged 11.
The diagnosis saw him wheelchair-bound throughout his school years and spending the majority of his youth in hospital undergoing a whopping 50 operations to try and rid his body of the cancer.
But in January 2018 doctors told Liam his tumour started to grow back.
But now Liam is in his third year of intense physiotherapy and last summer took his first independent steps on a beach - the first time in over a decade.
He is now hoping to raise £13,500 to continue his private physio sessions to reach his goal of being able to walk again unaided.
Liam, from Scarborough, said: "Despite what I've been through and what I was told, I was just dead set on one day being able to walk again.
"Growing up I spent my time constantly in and out of hospital. I've had so many operations I've lost count but it's somewhere at the 40-50 mark.
"This past year has been incredible and I've made a lot of progress and want to keep that going.
"After years of hard work I was able to take my first steps outside on crutches.
"I also walked across the beach where I would spend my childhood summers.
"Not a lot of people will say this but coming home to find sand in your shoes and socks was quite a remarkable feeling. I haven't felt anything like that in years!
"I hope to show you can change almost anything through hard work."
Liam was diagnosed with a spinal cancer aged 11.
Image by: Liam Critchett
Image by: Liam Critchett
He started 14 months of chemotherapy but during the last cycle his body went into septic shock and doctors decided to stop.
He underwent two 14-hour operation to reduce the tumour and was fitted with spinal rods which had to be refitted every six months as he continued to grow.
In 2008, he was fitted with permanent rods but within six months they became infected and had to be removed.
Liam was then told he would have to have his spine fused, which stiffened his movement.
Liam said: "I remember I kept feeling very ill and kept waking up with bad headaches.
"At the time I was a really active and sporty person.
"I was really into football, tennis, cricket - I was always running about and seeming healthy.
"Then I started noticing I was struggling to walk so I was referred by the doctors to go to hospital and have a scan.
"I remember being with my aunt because my parents were in London but as soon as they were told they took a taxi to Leeds.
"At the time I didn't know what was going on but I remember them crying.
"It was just such a shock.
"The rods ended up causing a lot of nerve damage from my hips down and I had to keep going back up to Leeds for orthopaedic procedures and surgeries.
"When I had my spine fused it meant it wouldn't develop any curvature and made everything in a more fixed position.
"I managed to fight through and still sit my exams. I even made it to prom which meant an awful lot."
Image by: Liam Critchett
Image by: Liam Critchett
After finishing college, Liam started a full-time job as a tendering engineer and decided to take up sports again to help build his stamina so he could pursue a more intense physio course.
But during his road to recovery Liam was dealt another devastating blow in January 2018 when he told his cancer had returned.
Liam said: "For it to grow back ten years after being stable was just heartbreaking.
"It was extremely hard to take but with the support of my family and friends I got through it.
"Remarkably it was the first time I had made a full and speedy recovery.
"I continued with the high-intense physio plan which was great.
"I even had a football back at my feet for the first time in ten years.
"I was being pushed out my comfort zone but I knew I needed to do that if I was going to see any progress.
"Taking my first learning steps in an open space felt like a miracle.
"This was something doctors said I would never do again.
"This has made me determined to never give up."
Image by: Liam Critchett
Image by: Liam Critchett
Doctors performed a six-hour operation and Liam begun physiotherapy just four weeks later.
He continued his intense physio and became determined he would walk independently again.
Last summer Liam took his first steps on his hometown beach in just over a decade.
Liam said: "At the moment I'm 75:25 in terms of being in my wheelchair and walking on the crutches.
"It's more of a psychological thing to have someone nearby.
"But I managed to do it all myself.
"Not a lot of people will say this but coming home to find sand in your shoes and socks was quite a remarkable feeling. I haven't felt anything like that in years!"
Liam is now fundraising to continue physiotherapy costing £13,500-a-year.
He said: "I'm really pleased with my progress and continuing with the sessions will help to push my body to the maximum.
"Unfortunately due to the strain on specialist physiotherapists in the NHS and the sheer amount of patients they have to attend to the help I need isn't available on the NHS.
"My walking technique is improving during every single session.
"Last summer I was able to take outdoor walks unaided.
"Almost 11 years hometown beach every day of my childhood summer. It was a special moment for me.
"It has just completely boosted my confidence. I am just so grateful for those who have supported me in my progress. I would have never have got this far.
"My physios saying we are half-way through and everything going in the right direction.
"The best thing is hearing other people starting their own journeys after watching my videos."
To donate to Liam's Just Giving page visit; www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/liam-critchett
Video by: Gabriella Petty
This fearless videographer shoots winter sports while skiing at 55mph
Image by: Alexander Rydén
Meet the videographer who shoots these stunning winter sports videos - while SKIING at up to 55mph.
Alexander Ryden is an action director, cinematographer and gimbal operator from Sweden.
He chases world class athletes down steep slopes with full-size cinema cameras - making the viewer feel immersed in the action.
Alexander said: "With a camera in my hands, I ski, jump and climb, next to some of the best athletes in the world.
"I follow them on adventures in the mountains, where few people can go to. I want to get as close to the real action as possible in the most extreme locations in the world.
"At the same time, I want to inspire people. To be outside and to see new possibilities."
Image by: Alexander Rydén
Image by: Alexander Rydén
Image by: Alexander Rydén
Alexander uses a rig called a gimbal - an electronic cage that stabilises the camera and costs up to $80,000.
"The image can be perfectly stable, even if I sometimes ski 100km/h," he said.
Alexander has worked with brands like Red Bull, Ford, BWM, Toyota, Peak Performance, Discovery, Huawei and Unibet.
He said: "I have to be at the right place, at the right time, at the right speed and keep the object in the camera frame.
"If I can’t keep up with the athletes I’m working with, it could be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
"That’s why training and staying in shape is very important to me. I need the strength and endurance to be able to film the way I do.
"I know inside my mind, that sometimes a slight mistake could be catastrophic.
"That’s why I prepare myself, until I know I won’t do that mistake. I have been competing in both skiing and climbing.
“Some people are impressed and think it’s cool. While some say that I’m crazy and the things I do are dangerous. They say I should stop before I hurt myself.”
Video by: Gabriella Petty
Hilarious video shows moment show-off teen tries to do 'parkour' front flip off bench - but falls flat on his face
Image by: Jordan Mackay
This is the hilarious moment a show-off teen tries to do a 'parkour' front flip off a bench - but ends up flat on his face as the bench COLLAPSES underneath him.
Jordan Mackay, can be seen leaping onto the park bench with a determined look on his face, as he stretches up his arms to launch into a flip.
But instead, the teen got an unexpected shock - when the square bench gave way beneath him, sending him sprawling onto the grass.
Two friends stood by and filmed the cringeworthy moment that wooden planks from the bench went flying into the air, before sailing down onto Jordan and hitting him in the face.
But Jordan, 19, from High Wycombe, Bucks., said that ultimately, he and his friends were left laughing about the incident, and he got straight back on his feet and ran off.
Jordan said: "When the bench gave way we were all shocked but ultimately just laughed at the whole thing.
"The fall itself didn't hurt - the board which flew up did hit me in the face, but no serious injuries sustained from that, just a scratch.
"I used to do a lot of stuff like that because I trained in gymnastics when I was younger - but I don't do it so much anymore."
Video by: Gabriella Petty
