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Terminally ill James Whale, 74, ‘feels happy to go now' after moving to a hospice

Terminally ill James Whale, 74, ‘feels happy to go now' after moving to a hospice

The Irish Sun6 days ago
TERMINALLY ill James Whale has heartbreakingly admitted he feels "happy to go now" after moving into a hospice.
The broadcaster, 74, previously confessed he "probably won't be here next week" after re-locating to the end of life facility.
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James Whale has issued an emotional update amid his terminal cancer battle
Credit: Instagram/@jameswhaleradio
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The broadcaster told how he is 'at peace' and 'ready to go now' after moving into a hospice
Credit: X/@THEJamesWhale
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He was diagnosed with kidney cancer back in 2020
Credit: PA
James has terminal kidney cancer and recently celebrated his "last birthday" surrounded by loved ones after stopping his treatment.
Back in May, the TALK radio host revealed his long-running programme could be coming to an end as he reached the final stage of his battle.
James was first diagnosed with kidney cancer back in 2020 yet the disease then spread to his brain, lungs and spine.
He has now admitted he "feels at peace" in his new facility after being told he has weeks to live.
The charity fundraiser wrote in a new newspaper column: "What's surprised me most is how much better in myself I feel since finally moving into a hospice near my home in Kent a week or so back."
He added in his peace for the Daily Express: "I began to feel better immediately. More positive.
"I feel at peace here, even though I'm not a religious person.
"I know I've reached the end of my life but I'm quite sanguine about it.
"Despite everything, I'm happy to go now and a lot of that is due to the people who work here, because they make dying as peaceful and pain-free as possible."
TalkTV's James Whale shares emotional cancer battle update as he says 'I haven't got much longer' in heartbreaking video
One of the country's most revered radio personalities, James has been in the business for 50 years and, in 2023, received the first ever TRIC Recognition Award for his outstanding work.
He's helped countless others too, having launched the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer in 2006 - now known as Kidney Cancer UK - the nation's leading specialist charity of its kind, after beating the illness two decades ago.
He then urged fans to support the hospice as he outlined the range of activities they plan for guests.
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Back in 2023, James told how he planned to have two funerals - so he could attend one of them.
Yet last month he gave a worrying update as he admitted he was struggling to talk and breathe.
Speaking on his podcast Tales of the Whales alongside his co-host wife Nadine in July, they spoke about his conditions.
He also admitted his speech has become very slow and he is forgetful, while suffering with painful pressure sores.
On the emotional recording, he said: "I can't breathe, I can't think, I can't talk.
"Anyway. Good morning. Welcome to Tales of the Whales, our weekly podcast. I have terminal 5 cancer. Can you get 5?"
Nadine explained: 'You're getting quite tired, so from next week, we're restricting visitors to just very close friends and family.'
He added: 'The most tiring thing I found… I still can't hear very well, which is more frustrating than anything else.
"I've become very slow in my speech and then forgetful and everything else."
Talking about his pressure sores he said: 'I'm tootling along, which is all you can do really, trying to get my breathing sorted and the mark on my bum.'
He humbly asked: "People have to go through a lot worse, don't they? Do they?"
The poignant conversation concluded: "Anyway. I don't feel I can go on much more...
"The other thing is, my energy levels have gone completely.
"So I wish everybody well, and let us hope we go through these phases as quickly as we can."
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He moved into the Kent hospice last month
Credit: x/TalkTV
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In his podcast with wife Nadine, he told how he had difficulties breathing
Credit: Rex
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I'm a cosmetic cowboy victim & had kitchen lip filler – she was only qualified to work in McDonald's, says Faye Winter
I'm a cosmetic cowboy victim & had kitchen lip filler – she was only qualified to work in McDonald's, says Faye Winter

The Irish Sun

time2 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

I'm a cosmetic cowboy victim & had kitchen lip filler – she was only qualified to work in McDonald's, says Faye Winter

Read on to find out why that 'bargain Botox' is NOT worth the risk WILD WEST I'm a cosmetic cowboy victim & had kitchen lip filler – she was only qualified to work in McDonald's, says Faye Winter WHEN I hear stories about the horrors of 'cowboy' cosmetic surgery, it makes my blood run cold. There's the utterly horrifying and tragic death of Alice Webb, a 33-year-old mother of five who died after a non-surgical butt-lift. 5 Faye Winter has revealed her experience with 'cowboy' cosmetics Credit: Getty 5 She entered the Love Island villa in 2021 Credit: Rex 5 Faye believes that it's about time that the government took notice Credit: Getty Then Sasha Dean, a 53-year-old mum from Bedfordshire, who was left in a coma after a liquid BBL performed by a practitioner who was not a qualified surgeon. Speaking after the incident, she said: 'It's like playing Russian roulette with your life. If I'd known there was even 1% chance of dying, I'd never have done it.' 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Danielle Lloyd back in hospital for new cancer op as she hits out at stars who spread misinformation over SPF
Danielle Lloyd back in hospital for new cancer op as she hits out at stars who spread misinformation over SPF

The Irish Sun

time4 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

Danielle Lloyd back in hospital for new cancer op as she hits out at stars who spread misinformation over SPF

DANIELLE Lloyd revealed she was back in hospital to remove another mole after her recent skin cancer battle. The model, 41, was diagnosed with melanoma in February and had the suspicious mole near her collarbone removed earlier this year. 7 Danielle Lloyd revealed she was back in hospital to have a suspicious mole biopsied Credit: Instagram 7 The model shared a photo of the changing mole Credit: Instagram 7 Danielle documented the procedure from her hospital bed Credit: Instagram 7 The mum-of-five posted a picture of the mole before the minor procedure Credit: Instagram 7 The TV personality then shared a snap of the scar after the op Credit: Instagram Danielle, who is now cancer-free, was not taking any chances and had a biopsy on another unusual mole on her stomach on Tuesday. The star shared a photo of the mole in question and snaps of her on the bed ahead of the minor surgery procedure. She wrote: "It only looks small but it's definitely changed in colour and size." Documenting her time in hospital, she said: "I was a little bit apprehensive when I was waiting but then I was absolutely fine going in.' She then shared a picture of the mole following the op with stitches in place. Danielle continued: "When I got home I was a little bit sore and a little bit swollen but overall I'm just looking forward to getting some positive results." The mum-of-five described the experience as quick and painless but said she would now have a two month wait until she gets the results. She then urged her followers to beware of their changing moles and to continue to protect yourself with SPF. She added: "Trigger Warning. Today I had another surgery to remove another mole — this time on my stomach. "We're hoping it's just a precaution, but I'll be waiting 8–10 weeks for results. 'My world fell apart' Danielle Lloyd bravely opens up on 'living nightmare' cancer battle "Please don't ignore any changes to your skin. 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The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to be sun safe - wear SPF every day, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun in the hottest hours. It is also advised to avoid sunbeds. People who are fair-skinned, have blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and a large number of freckles or moles are more likely to get skin cancer. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, particularly if it is found early. This will involve removing the affected tissue in the skin. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used to try and stop the cancer from growing. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. What are the symptoms? The key thing to look out for are changes to an existing mole, or a new mole on your skin. Most experts recommend using the simple 'ABCDE' rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body. There are five letters/words to remember: Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. But other signs to look out for include moles that are: Swollen and sore Bleeding Itchy Crusty How deadly is it? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. The outlook of a person's disease depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Survival is better for women than it is for men. 'We don't know exactly why this is. It may be because women are more likely to see a doctor about their melanoma at an earlier stage,' says Cancer Research UK. 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Melanocytes are cells in the skin that give us the colour of our skin because they produce a pigment, known as melanin. When you sit in the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment (a sun tan), which spreads to other skin cells to protect them from the sun's rays. But melanocytes are also where cancer starts. Too much UV causes sunburn, and this is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA. The UV triggers changes in the melanocytes, which makes the genetic material become faulty and cause abnormal cell growth. People who burn easily are more at risk of skin cancer because their cells do not produce as much pigment to protect their skin. Those with albinism are at the most risk because their skin produces no pigment at all. Danielle said the Macmillan nurses at the hospital had "really supported" her after being "shocked" by the health news. She added: "Just honestly, not what I expected today. And I suppose not what anyone expects. "But please guys look after your skin. Stay off sunbeds, wear factor 50. Just look after yourself because honestly you never know what's going to happen." The appearance of a lump or discoloured patch on the skin that continues to persist after a few weeks can be a sign of a form of skin cancer according to the NHS website. A new mole or a change in an existing mole may also be signs of skin cancer. Danielle rose to prominence as a beauty queen who was crowned Miss England 2004 and later Miss Great Britain 2006. 7 Danielle said the procedure was painless but she has a two month wait for the results Credit: Instagram

30 strangers come together to run from Galway to Dublin
30 strangers come together to run from Galway to Dublin

Extra.ie​

time5 days ago

  • Extra.ie​

30 strangers come together to run from Galway to Dublin

A group of 30 strangers gathered in recent weeks to run the 232km from Galway to Dublin — with the funds raised set to 'save lives.' Trasna 2025 took place on Saturday and Sunday (July 26 and 27), following a call-out from Kildare duo Killian and Aby. The duo, who are running coaches and fitness instructors, put an appeal on social media for runners who wanted to get involved with the relay-run, with all funds raised going to Grow Mental Health. A group of 30 strangers gathered in recent weeks, where they risked dehydration, to run the 232km from Galway to Dublin — with the funds raised said to 'save lives.' Pic: Provided Speaking to Aby explained they wanted a 'big event' for people to get involved and 'build a community around going through something difficult.' Seven teams of five people ran from West to East, with each participant essentially running an Ultramarathon. The organisers explained how the charity event was set up so that each person would have to help a member of their team, and also be able to accept help and work as a team — with the event a representation of mental health and the need to help and receive help when struggling. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trasna Na Tíre (@trasna_2025) Aby and Killian work in The Shed, Naas and also operate running club, The Coffee Run, so they had the expertise to create plans for participants running to Dublin. 'We had people who were running in the middle of the night, and then getting up in the morning and doing a run at 4am and then 9am just to try and get used to the fatigue element,' Aby explained. Asked how it was to train with a group of strangers for such a landmark event, Killian admitted it was a 'massive boost' to have a team around pushing you through, but also able to give proper advice on when to take it easy. Aby and Killian work in The Shed, Naas and also run run club, The Coffee Run, so had the expertise to create running plans for participants running to Dublin. Pic: Provided The relay run kicked off at 12am Saturday, with the first runners leaving Spanish Arch in Galway with their sights set on Dublin. The relay run took an average of 24hours per team, with other participants following in vans to rest and recuperate before their stints. With almost €30,000 raised at the time of writing, the organisers revealed their initial goal was €10,000. 'It was massively bigger than what we expected,' Aby confirmed, adding it was 'a lot more difficult than we expected.' Sheila from Grow Mental Health waited for all the teams at the finishing line, which was at Poolbeg Lighthouse. 'This level of money will save lives,' she confirmed, adding that a number of runners were emotional at the finish line. To check out footage from the relay run, go here, and to donate, go here.

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