EXCLUSIVE Read famous toy maker's heartbreaking words to his family about ending his own life
When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years ago, iconic toymaker Mike Wood had a simple request of his beloved family: don't let me languish in the darkness.
And so when the time came, Wood's family traveled with him to Dignitas, the Swiss assisted suicide clinic, to be with him as he ended his life.
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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
UK households told to put plants by windows and doors as June heats up
Experts have urged all hay fever suffers to do one thing with house plants ahead of summer to help alleviate the allergy symptoms in the home and combat the pollen As the warmer weather approaches, all keen gardeners and plant lovers are urged to do one thing before the incoming predicted heatwave. June can be peak hay fever season for those who suffer, but indoor plants may be the answer to combatting the pollen. Hay fever has different peaks throughout summer - tree pollen from March to May, followed by grass pollen until July and then weed pollen from late June to September, and if you suffer, experts recommend investing in some house plants to help ease your symptoms. Grass pollen is the most common hay fever allergy, and certain house plants can help filter air pollutants that may enter the home, as well as trapping pollen and removing it from the air and making symptoms worse. Some of the best house plants to put in your homes include Dracaena plants, Pothos, Peace Lilies and snake plant and by simply placings them on windowsills and by doors, they can help to trap pollen particles that enter your home. Haldi Kranich-Wood, Wool Interiors Specialist at British Wool told The Express: "Make a pollen trap with house plants. Some house plants, like spider plants, peace lilies, or Boston ferns, act like natural air filters and can help trap airborne particles, including pollen. Try positioning a few by your windows and doors to create a leafy line of defence. Just make sure to wipe their leaves regularly, that trapped pollen still needs evicting." This is echoed by experts at online doctor and pharmacy e-Surgery who add: "Certain plants can eliminate toxins in the air so they may be beneficial in reducing allergy symptoms. The best plants to keep in the house are ones that remove formaldehyde and benzene, both of which can be harmful to those that suffer from allergies. Plants that do not flower are best for hay fever sufferers. "Some plants can absorb toxins through their leaves and release moisture which can reduce dust in the air. The best plant for cleaning the air is Aloe as having one of the plants in your house is equivalent to nine biological air cleaners. "Another which is just as good is a spider plant. Spider plants are efficient at getting rid of the harmful compounds' formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide, and benzene. The plants are also super adaptable to living inside as they can photosynthesis under very little lighting. "The snake plant, or also known as Mother-In-Law's Tongue is almost indestructible, so this is a particularly good one if you're not the best at caring for your plants. It's also good at cleaning the air around itself so is perfect for allergy sufferers."
The National
2 days ago
- The National
Scotland's births continue to fall - showing we need more migration
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) published the latest statistics on the number of births and deaths in Scotland in the first quarter of 2025, showing a continued downward trend in the number of children born. Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said the figures showed that Scotland needs migration to support the population, and criticised UK Labour's approach to the immigration system. NRS said that there were 11,431 births registered between January 1 and March 31 2025, 460 below the average of 11,891. In the same period there were 16,721 deaths, 1402 fewer (7.7 per cent) than expected. Scotland's birth rate is also continuing to decline, at 8.4 live births per 1000 population. You can see some of the key figures below. Number of births As the above graph shows, the number of births since 2014, in each first quarter, are on a continual decline. In 2014 there were 13,930 births between January and March, the latest figures show this has now dropped to 11,431. The overall birth rate for the first quarter of each year is also on a decline from 2014 as the above graph shows. In 2014, it was 10.6 live births per 1000 population, and now it sits at 8.4. READ MORE: 'We saw Labour winter fuel U-turn on social media', SNP minister says Deaths Scotland's population is at risk of decline not just because birth rates are falling, but because the number of deaths is currently more than births. This has been a constant trend since 2014, according to NRS figures, which you can see in the graph below. In 2025, the leading cause of death was cancer. Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics at NRS, said: 'Cancer remained by far the leading cause of death with 4118 deaths compared to the next largest cause, respiratory diseases at 2291. 'The top four causes also include Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and coronary heart disease. Together these made up 60 per cent of all deaths.' Why does it matter? The last Scottish Census revealed that if it hadn't been for migration, Scotland's population would have declined. And as we previously told, Scotland needs migration more than the rest of the UK because of its specific circumstances. As the country is facing a population decline, experts have said that tailored migration could in part help to solve the issue. Stewart said of the latest figures: 'The latest statistics highlight what we already know, that without migration, Scotland's working age population will fall as deaths continue to outnumber births. 'Positive net migration is essential for supporting the size of the working-age population in Scotland, which is crucial for economic growth, public service planning, and community cohesion. "Later this week the Scottish Parliament will debate how we can continue to attract and retain the migrants we need as part of a system that works for Scotland. 'We need talented and committed people from across the world to live, work and study here without excessive barriers. A one-size fits all approach to immigration fails to meet the needs of Scotland and much of the UK. 'We are deeply disappointed that the UK Government's white paper on immigration fails to take on board our proposals to help meet Scotland's distinct demographic and economic requirements. 'That is why we are calling on the UK Government to deliver changes to the immigration system that meets the distinct needs of our economy and population, in particular our rural and island communities.' READ MORE: SNP urge Labour to abandon disability cuts after winter fuel U-turn It is understood the Scottish Government is set to publish policy proposals it put to the Home Office while the UK Government was preparing its immigration whitepaper. The Labour Government has taken a hard-line approach to immigration, facing criticism for moving to the right with its proposals to stop small boat crossings, and removing visa routes for those working in the care sector. Repeated calls for a bespoke immigration visa for Scotland to tackle shortages in sectors such as care, agriculture and hospitality, have been blocked in Westminster.
Evening Standard
2 days ago
- Evening Standard
The hottest longevity-focussed London health spas
Once the preserve of Silicon Valley types and sleek Swiss clinics, longevity has landed in London, and it's never looked so good. From hyperbaric oxygen chambers in Kensington, to biomarker analysis in Barnes and mitochondrial makeovers in Mayfair, the capital's wellness temples are delivering the goods. Try these for size:
