Prince Frederik of Luxembourg dies aged 22
Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, the son of Prince Robert and Princess Julie, has died at age 22 due to POLG Mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder.
Frederik was diagnosed at 14 and founded the POLG Foundation to raise awareness and find treatments for the disease.
His father shared a tribute describing Frederik's positive spirit and courage in facing the illness.
POLG Mitochondrial disease causes progressive organ dysfunction and failure, with symptoms like muscle weakness and epilepsy.
Frederik's work with the foundation aimed to help others with the disease and find a cure.
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The Courier
29-05-2025
- The Courier
How 83-year-old grandad inspired Stirling student Josh to set up university blood donor squad
Josh Wood has found a special way to connect with his grandad and start a new family tradition – while helping to save lives at the same time. The 26-year-old Stirling University student and his grandad Robert Smith, 83, now give blood regularly. And Josh, who is studying an honours degree in sport and business, has also set up a group at the institution encouraging other young people to roll up their sleeves. 'My grandad is one of my biggest inspirations,' Josh says. 'So it is nice to now be following in his footsteps. 'I had always heard about my grandad giving blood. 'So in 2020 I decided to start donating and he encouraged me. 'He was with me and it was a nice experience to do it together. 'We had a sweet treat afterwards which is usually a Tunnock's Teacake or a KitKat. 'It only took half an hour and it was nice to feel like I was making a difference.' This is why Josh is supporting The Courier's Be Our Blood campaign where we are asking people across Tayside, Fife and Stirling to register here and become a donor. Every blood donation can save up to three lives, but currently less than 3% of eligible people in Scotland give blood. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service needs 500 more people become a donor in our area this year. Josh is one of many locals across Courier country who are backing our campaign which is showing just how many lives have been saved thanks to blood donors. Grandad Robert reveals he was in his late 20s when he started donating. 'I had a lot of mates who were going to give blood so we all went and did it together,' he says. 'But when they stopped, I just kept it going. 'Giving blood saves lives. 'But I also felt it was beneficial for me. 'Because when the nurse takes your blood she checks it and you can find out how your iron levels are. 'So it's like having a health check four times a year.' Robert says he was delighted when his grandson started giving blood too. 'I am really proud of him for becoming a blood donor. He is a wonderful young man. 'It has been nice when we have been able to give blood together.' He adds: 'I try to give blood as many times a year as I can and I will keep doing it until they tell me I can't anymore.' Josh and Robert want to make blood donation a family tradition – with Robert hoping his other grandsons will follow suit. But meantime, Josh reveals that he has managed to persuade his dad Michael to become a blood donor too. Josh was taking part in a blood drive last summer in Ayr with his grandad when he spoke to a representative from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. He then discovered that while some Scottish universities had a 'Bloody Brilliant Uni Squad' (BBUS) initiative – like Dundee and Edinburgh – Stirling University didn't. So he decided to set one up. 'There was an induction day in Edinburgh in August that I went to,' Josh explains. 'I got all the information I needed from the charity Give Blood 4 Good (GB4G) to set up a university squad. 'I then started up a team in October.' The Give Blood 4 Good charity works with universities and other organisations to encourage blood donation among young adults 'I put an advert out at Stirling University trying to recruit new members and had four or five people reply. 'From there we set up educational stalls in the atrium, in the middle of Stirling University, where we tried to encourage people to sign up to become blood donors. 'We would walk them through the process. 'And we also did a quiz about why it is so important to give blood. 'We also try to bust some of the myths that might put people off from giving blood – like being scared of needles. 'It really isn't as bad as people think.' So far the Stirling BBUS – which is part of Give Blood 4 Good (GB4G) – has already made an impact. It's first blood drive last November welcomed 68 donors, 40 of whom were brand new donors giving their first donation. 'The biggest aim we have as a squad is to get people under the age of 24 donating,' Josh explains. 'This is because if we get them starting to do it at a young age they are more likely to continue donating throughout their life. 'The university is a great place to target students. 'And as it is such an active sporting university it's a place where students are more likely to do it. 'A lot of people don't really know about the benefits of giving blood – not only for others but also for themselves. 'One little sample of blood has the potential to save three lives. 'That's why blood donation is so important. 'It's about creating awareness and getting the message out there so we can keep the blood stocks as high as we can across Scotland.' He adds: 'My hope is to target first and second year students so we can get a few committed volunteers. 'So after I graduate there will be other students there to keep the squad going in the future.'
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire blood cancer patient taking on a coast-to-coast cycling challenge for charity
When Robert Howat told his wife Suzanne he planned to cycle 250 miles across Scotland just months after being diagnosed with blood cancer, she thought he was 'nuts'. A Renfrewshire blood cancer patient is set to take on a coast-to-coast cycling challenge for charity. This June, Robert Howat and two friends will set off on a coast-to-coast cycling challenge from Stranraer in Wigtownshire to Eyemouth, Berwickshire, all to raise money and awareness for Blood Cancer UK. And when the 50-year-old told his wife Suzanne he planned to cycle 250 miles across Scotland just months after being diagnosed with blood cancer, she thought he was 'nuts'. Robert, from Kilbarchan, was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in 2024. 'I was quite fatigued, quite a lot of the time, me being me, I didn't tell anybody I wasn't feeling great,' Robert explained. 'I didn't want to feel embarrassed; I'd fall asleep sitting on the couch, I was dizzy all the time, and out of breath. My wife is a nurse practitioner, she took my stats, she didn't understand how I was still standing!' CLL is a slow-growing type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells and can often go unnoticed until it reaches a more advanced stage. Diagnosed while on oxygen in the hospital after a week, Robert admits his blood cancer diagnosis has been a shock for the family. He said: 'It's been a shock for the family, but I'm still trying to process why it's happened. I did everything right, I'm fit and healthy, I don't smoke, yet I've been dealt this hand.' Despite the shock, Robert's response is to carry on and be optimistic. He explained: 'When I got the diagnosis, I thought, 'What can I do to show people you can still live fully and help others while you're at it?' I'm on watch and wait, so I go in for check-ups every few months, and I want to show people what you can do with a blood cancer.' As a former police officer now working at Glasgow Airport, Robert is to take on an endurance challenge that would test even the fittest riders. Yet Robert's diagnosis of a blood cancer does mean that he's not able to train as much as he'd like. 'I have to be careful, CLL affects your immune system, so I need to avoid infection and balance exercise with recovery. I can't train like I used to,' he said. The 250-mile ride will take place over two days and include hills, wind, rain, and midges but Robert is looking forward to it. Setting off from Stranraer, the first day will take them to Newcastleton before the final leg to Eyemouth the next day. He's not doing it alone – he'll be joined by friends and fellow cyclists and supported by family and friends. His wife, Suzanne, despite calling the challenge 'mad', will be cheering from the sidelines, along with their daughters Eve and Adeline. Robert added: 'When I was well in the past I've run marathons, done tough mudders, and long bike rides but this is different. This one means more. I'm doing it show people you can still live with a cancer diagnosis.' The fundraising campaign has already began with over £1,000 coming into his JustGiving page. You can donate online by visiting Speaking about the challenge, Mairead Macleod, Blood Cancer UK's Scotland fundraising manager, said: 'Having a chronic leukaemia, a blood cancer, can be hard enough to navigate, and it's incredible Robert is still able to push himself to raise awareness and funds for Blood Cancer UK. 'Blood cancer is the UK's fifth most common blood cancer. It's because of the determination of people like Robert, we are able to fund more research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of blood cancers. 'He's pedalling us closer to the day where we beat blood cancer for good.'
Metro
30-04-2025
- Metro
Owning dogs cuts risk of dementia by 40% - having cats makes no difference
Dogs and cats are two of the UK's most popular pets and are known to bring joy to their owners, relieve stress and be great companions. But did you know that dog ownership can help reduce the risk of developing dementia in adults over 50 by up to 40% compared to those without pets? The findings published by Japanese researchers looked at 11,194 adults and also found that dog owners who are social and exercised regularly experienced a 20% decrease in dementia risk. But it is not good news for cat owners. The same study, published in 2023, found that owning a cat didn't quite have the same effect. Another study last year looked at the link between pet ownership and cognitive decline of 7,495 adults in the UK over the age of 50. As part of the study, people did psychological tests which assessed their memory, verbal fluency, and thinking eight years apart. This particular study found that owning cats and dogs reduces cognitive decline among people who live alone. Those who live alone showed no significant benefit. This means that owning cats and dogs could reduce cognitive decline for people who live alone. According to Alzheimer's Society, people with dementia can experience an improvement in their self-esteem or confidence when they have a pet and can also improve quality of life and independence. Looking after a pet may help those with dementia stay more engaged and involved if they are having trouble communicating with others. Animals can also be a source of love and laughter for those who have dementia. But the charity says there are a number of things to consider if somebody with dementia is looking to get a pet. Does the person have the mental capacity to decide if they want a pet – This is to make sure there is a level of understanding about the responsibility and commitment involved. Will the person be able to meet the needs of the pet – This includes the ability to feed and hydrate their pets, take them out for exercise, to the vets, and clean them. Where to get a pet from – Some breeders, rescue centres or pet shops may refuse to sell a pet to somebody who has dementia. The feelings of the person with dementia – Not everybody with dementia will want a pet so individuals needs will have to be considered. Would the person benefit from semi-interactions with a pet instead – This could be in the form of animal visits rather than owning one. Would a robotic pet or cuddly toy help instead – Some people with dementia benefit from robotic pets or teddy bears. This is because a fake pet can create many of the same calming qualities associated with a real pet. One man, 88-year-old Robert Wyatt, who had dementia, loved cats and had a robotic pet during his last few days alive. More Trending The toy feels and acts like a real cat and it was specifically designed by Joy For All Cats to bring companionship and comfort to elderly people with dementia. Robert, from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, named it Buddly and he was convinced it was real. He cuddled the toy every day until he passed away peacefully with the cat in his arms in 2020. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Europe's best seagull impersonator has been crowned – a 10-year-old boy from Derbyshire MORE: Deep in Canada's wilderness, I got a glimpse into another life MORE: Boy, 7, killed by scorpion that crawled into family car
