Burkitt review: Belfast filmmaker's look at legacy of NI medical pioneer is deeply personal and moving
In a sense, Éanna Mac Cana's lyrical and intimately personal documentary Burkitt (TG4, Wednesday, May 21) is really two stories with an unusual connection blended artfully into one.
Mac Cana, from Belfast, was a 19-year-old student studying filmmaking in Manchester in 2017. At home for the summer, he was diagnosed with the relatively rare cancer Burkitt's lymphoma.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Kelsey Parker shares heartbreaking moment she told children about Phoenix's stillbirth
Kelsey Parker sat down with Christine Lampard on ITV's Lorraine this morning as she opened up about the tragic death of baby Phoenix and how she's navigating grief Kelsey Parker sat down with Christine Lampard on Lorraine this morning, as she opened up about the tragic death of baby Phoenix - and how she shared the devastating news with her two young children. The podcast host and widow of The Wanted's Tom Parker sadly announced her third child was born stillborn at 39 weeks in June. Kelsey was looking forward to welcoming her third child, and first with partner Will Lindsay, who she met two years after The Wanted star's tragic death from an inoperable brain tumour in 2022. Now, Kelsey is ready to share her story, telling Christine that she wanted to be honest and open about the devastating ordeal. "I am strong," she said. Kelsey is mum to Aurelia, six, and Bodhi, four, with The Wanted singer, who were just four and two when Tom tragically passed away. "My kids are my everything, and they've got me through the darkest of times. I can't believe I'm back here three and a half years later, I'm dealing with such a loss and devastation." she told Christine. On how she navigated grief with her two young ones, Kelsey said she's done nothing but be honest. "It's being honest. It's telling them facts. Because I never want them to feel like I've not been honest and years later they say, 'Oh but mum, you didn't tell me this and you didn't tell me that!'" "They've lost their dad, they know their dad's with the angels now, so we told them, 'Pheonix has gone with your daddy,'" Kelsey told her children as she shared the devastating news. Kelsey then emphasised how important she felt it was to talk about grief, after she took time off social media to spend time with her family and allowing herself to grieve. The star took to Instagram in January to announce she was expecting her third child, but five months later broke the devastating news that the little boy who they had named Phoenix, was stillborn. She told her son that "you will forever be loved" in a heartfelt poem posted on her social media page. Speaking on the poem, Kelsey said: "That suited us to share our news. It was such hard news to share." "Phoenix Parker-Lindsay, you will forever be loved', she wrote alongside a moving poem, entitled For Phoenix, Born Sleeping, Forever Loved. The poem read: 'The world grew quiet as you arrived, So loved, so longed for, yet not alive. Our precious boy, our angel light, Born with wings, took silent flight. 'We named you Phoenix, brave and bright. A soul of love, of warmth and light Though we never heard you cry, You'll live in hearts that won't ask why. No breath you drew, no eyes to see, "Still, you mean everything to me. You'll journey with us, softly near, In every sigh, in every tear.'
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing's Nadiya Bychkova famous ex and devastating reason for split
Strictly Come Dancing's Nadiya Bychkova famous ex and devastating reason for split Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has had a colourful love life, including multiple engagements and high-profile relationships - take a look inside Nadiya has had a rocky road through love (Image: Getty) Nadiya Bychkova, the Ukrainian-born dancer, has been making waves both on the Strictly Come Dancing stage and beyond. Known for her elegant moves, exceptional talent, and mesmerising performances, she's a firm favourite among fans. However, behind the sequins and spotlights, her personal life is a tale of love, heartache, and unwavering commitment to her profession. She split with her footballer fiancé Matija Škarabot, who is also the father of her daughter, Mila, choosing instead to concentrate on her burgeoning career. This isn't the first time Nadiya's romantic life has taken a backseat to her professional pursuits. From multiple engagements to high-profile relationships, Nadiya's personal journey has been anything but calm, reports the Express. Nadiya and Matija Škarabot with their daughter, Mila (Image: instagram ) We delve into her past romances, revealing the passionate and often stormy path that has shaped her. Nadiya and Slovenian footballer Matija Škarabot seemed to be going strong, even welcoming their daughter Mila into the world. However, the demands of a long-distance relationship eventually took their toll. While Matija stayed in Slovenia with Mila, Nadiya's career kept her in the UK, competing on Strictly. The pressures of distance and work commitments ultimately led to their split, with Nadiya quietly deciding to end the relationship. During a particularly difficult period, Nadiya found solace in her close bond with fellow Strictly professional Kai Widdrington. Amidst the emotional strain of her breakup, insiders disclosed that Nadiya was determined to concentrate on her professional life. "She's fiery, passionate, and stunningly sexy," an insider confided to The Sun. Nadiya split from dance partner Miha (Image: Getty) "She approaches her love life the way she approaches the dance floor." Nadiya's romantic history has been closely linked with her fervour for dancing, starting with her initial romance with Miha Vodicar. Together, they not only shared a personal connection but also dominated the dance floor, securing the world champion title in 10 Dance in both 2014 and 2015. Yet, their union faced challenges in 2010 when Nadiya took part in Slovenia's version of Strictly, Star Dance. After their split, Miha later conceded their relationship was "tempestuous" and it "broke [his] heart." Despite the upheaval, Nadiya and Miha continued their dance partnership even as she navigated through the pregnancy with Mila. Miha reflected on the experience: "It took maybe a year for us to really get past it." Ultimately, Nadiya's unwavering commitment to her craft led her to move forward from Miha in both her personal and professional life, maintaining their dance partnership well beyond the end of their romance. Kai Widdrington provided her with much-needed support during this challenging time (Image: Getty) In a touching letter penned to Miha whilst expecting Mila, Nadiya poured out her profound respect and appreciation for their partnership. "When we first danced together, I knew we could succeed," she wrote. "We reached high, more than that, basically everything. In the most beautiful embrace, we danced to the very top. "Now, when our paths diverge, I want you, from the bottom of my heart, to achieve all the goals that you have set yourself," Nadiya penned. Nadiya's love life has witnessed numerous relationships and matrimonial ventures. Following her separation from Peter Klinc, she embarked on a brief romance with renowned Slovenian musician Jan Plestenjak, although their connection proved fleeting. Before long, Nadiya discovered romance once more, this time with Russian performer Sergey Konovaltsev. Their passionate courtship culminated in a spectacular proposal when Sergey theatrically dropped to one knee at a dance competition prize-giving event. Caught off guard by his audacious gesture, Nadiya said yes, subsequently declaring: "I think I've found everything." Nevertheless, their union proved short-lived and the pair separated in 2015. Following this, she sought comfort with businessman Anzet Cerin, although their liaison was similarly fleeting. Article continues below Professing her affection for him openly, Nadiya posted on Facebook: "Since I've met you, there's no one worth thinking about." Yet within 12 months, the relationship had ended.
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Harry's response to charity row is typically him – blame others and then flounce off instead of trying to fix things
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRINCE Harry has flounced out – yet again. This time, not from the monarchy. Not from a podcast deal. Not from the Army, that many believe he quit too soon. 6 Prince Harry's response to the Sentebale row is typically him Credit: PA:Press Association 6 Harry exited the charity following an ugly row with the chair of trustees, Dr Sophie Chandauka Credit: PA 6 Harry co-founded the charity in memory of his mother, Princess Diana Credit: PA:Press Association This time, from Sentebale – the worthy African children's charity he co-founded in memory of his mother, Princess Diana. Once a passion project. Now just another scorched bridge. The exit wasn't quiet or dignified. It followed an ugly row with the chair of trustees, Dr Sophie Chandauka, a punchy Zimbabwean-born lawyer and major donor. Several trustees stepped down, too. What followed was familiar: leaked emails, bullying allegations, duelling statements and headlines Harry tried — and failed — to control. Now comes the Charity Commission's verdict: No laws broken. But the rebuke was clear: governance failures, damaging behaviour and a serious lack of leadership. Harry insists he was forced out. That the chair was impossible to work with. That the environment had turned toxic. What else could he do? Harry always throws toys out of pram - latest charity move is childish But leadership isn't about walking away when the mood turns. In any serious institution — royalty, the boardroom or charity — you don't storm out. You stay in the room. You resolve the problem for the greater good. Instead, Harry bailed. Same old story. And like so many of his recent exits, this one fits the pattern. When pressure mounts and compromise is needed, he withdraws. Rather than engage, Harry flushed red and scarpered back to the luxury of Montecito, and Megs to mop his furrowed brow Robert It's a shame. Because Sentebale mattered. Founded in 2006, it provides long-term support to children in Lesotho and Botswana affected by HIV and poverty. It wasn't a vanity project. It was purposeful — touching the lives of 100,000 youngsters — and at one point, so was Harry. I travelled to Lesotho with him twice. I saw the work up close. Those children in need of help didn't see him as a prince. They saw someone who listened, who cared, somebody who came back. His presence wasn't performative. It was real. His royal rank and media profile opened doors. His conviction helped break stigma of HIV/AIDS, just as his late mother had done right at the outset of the fight. For years, he gave Sentebale visibility and momentum. It was, without question, his most meaningful contribution. But cracks appeared. His decision to quit royal life was costly. In 2023, Dr Chandauka initiated a financial review. She flagged a sharp drop in donations following Harry's withdrawal from royal duties; income fell to £2.39million in 2020, though later rebounded. She reportedly labelled his image a 'reputational risk' and raised questions about whether he was now more liability than asset. Rather than engage, Harry flushed red and scarpered back to the luxury of Montecito, and Megs to mop his furrowed brow. No formal rebuttal. No quiet diplomacy. No attempt to repair. He threw his toys out of the pram. He could have shown resolve, offered solutions, and strengthened the structure. Instead, he vanished. And that's what makes this so frustrating. Harry had no shortage of templates to help lead through turbulence. His grandfather, Prince Philip, oversaw the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for more than six decades — often in silence, always with rigour. His son Edward, the new Duke, is its leader. His father, King Charles, spent years building The Prince's Trust — now the King's Trust — from a niche programme into a national institution. 6 Harry listens to American PR consultants and is guided, above all, by his Duchess, Meghan Markle Credit: Instagram His sister-in-law, Catherine, champions important causes such as early years development with longevity, consistency and focus. His brother, William, leads Earthshot, a well-structured mission with financial backing. None of them walked out mid-crisis. They worked through it. Harry could have done the same. He could have stayed on the board in a non-executive role. Helped recruit new trustees. Brought in independent mediators. Stabilised the organisation rather than adding to the unrest. But that would have required discipline — and a willingness to listen. 'Squandered legacy' Instead, he defaulted to the same script: leave, blame, reposition. And this time, the people most affected weren't palace courtiers or out-of-pocket podcast executives. They were the children of Lesotho — many living with HIV, others orphaned, some still stigmatised. Those were the ones who stood to lose most. The pattern goes back further. His early exit from the Army — ten solid years of exemplary service, but he chose not to be a career soldier and go on, to rise further through the ranks and gain his braided uniforms on merit rather than royal birthright. His abrupt departure from working royal life. His mudslinging. His family ties frayed. Promises to reinvent himself in California have mostly yielded media spats, stalled projects and carefully lit documentaries. What's missing is institutional maturity. And staying power. This isn't about empathy or charisma; Harry has plenty of both. But he's never learned to sit with discomfort, to fix what's failing. Instead, he blames. Then bails. Since relocating to Montecito, his inner circle of advisers has narrowed. 6 The Prince defaulted to the same script: leave, blame, reposition, pictured with charity leaders and Dr Chandauka far right Credit: Getty He listens to American PR consultants and is guided, above all, by his Duchess, Meghan Markle — who built her brand around control and survival, not compromise or tradition. The problem is that leadership — particularly in the charitable sector — requires grit, continuity and people willing to challenge you, not flatter you. It's not that Dr Chandauka is beyond reproach. Under her tenure, annual accounts remain unpublished, and the next set is delayed until 2025. She may face valid questions. But here's the telling detail: the Commission didn't ask her to go. She stayed. Harry didn't. Now his team says Harry will support African kids 'in new ways.' In practice, that means nothing. His seat at the Sentebale table is empty. His voice, once essential, is absent. It's the institutional equivalent of ghosting. And this wasn't just another cause. This was personal. A living tribute to his mother. One of the few initiatives he helped build from the ground up. He could have pushed for reform. Brought in fresh trustees. Set a better standard. The Harry I saw in Lesotho back in 2006 –- he had a purpose. A spark. A sense of something larger than himself. Now, all we're left with is another clean break, and another promise unkept Robert The options were there. What they didn't need was drama. What they couldn't survive was abandonment. This isn't scandal. It's waste. A squandered legacy. A cautionary tale. Another institution left to sweep up the debris of brand-driven burnout. The headlines will fade. The charity may recover. But something has shifted. The Harry I saw in Lesotho back in 2006 –- he had a purpose. A spark. A sense of something larger than himself. Now, all we're left with is another clean break, and another promise unkept. When Harry chose the name Sentebale, it meant forget-me-not — a tribute to Diana and her favourite flowers. It was a promise never to let her memory fade. Well, sadly, it looks like he's done just that. Robert Jobson is a royal editor and the No1 bestselling author of Catherine, The Princess of Wales – The Biography
