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The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Groom-to-be, 36, dies suddenly just days after sending out wedding invitations
A GROOM-to-be died suddenly just days after sending out wedding invitations with his fiancée. Robyn Parry, 36, was due to marry his partner Bryony on August 21 this year and sent out cards to mark the occasion in March. 3 Robyn Parry tragically died just days after he and his wife-to-be sent out wedding invitations Credit: Daily Post Wales 3 Robyn was born with the extremely rare blood condition called Diamond Blackfan anaemia Credit: Daily Post Wales But days later, the nurse became seriously ill and passed away suddenly on March 17. Robyn was born with the extremely rare blood condition called Diamond Blackfan It stops the bone marrow from making enough red blood cells, leading to anaemia and other health issues that affect daily life. The lifelong genetic disorder affects approximately seven in every million newborn babies worldwide. Read more on rare conditions There is no cure for DBA, and treatment - which can help manage symptoms - ranges from monthly blood transfusions to steroid therapy and in some cases a stem cell transplant. The condition requires lifelong care and monitoring, and the risk of serious complications increases around the age of 25. It can be life-threatening due to severe anaemia and its associated complications. Most read in Health Robyn, originally from Valley on Anglesey, spent long periods of his life receiving treatment for the condition at Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor, Wales. Despite grappling with his condition, he dedicated his life to helping others. My baby girl was just 2 weeks from death due to rare disease - before her dad's last-gap action saved her life In 2018, he decided to train to become a nurse. He specialised in haematology and oncology and worked in both Ysbyty Gwynedd and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd over seven years. Groomsman Glyn Owen had thought his frend Ben Brame was calling about the upcoming stag do, when he had news of Robyn's sudden passing. Glyn, 36, a refugee services caseworker for British Red Cross in Cardiff, told 3 A groom-to-be tragically died just days after the couple sent out wedding invitations. Dedicated nurse Robyn Parry was due to marry his partner Bryony, also a nurse, on August 21 this year. Invitations for the big day were sent out to friends and family in March. But within days he had become seriously ill and […] Credit: Daily Post Wales "When Ben called me, I thought it was to discuss the stag do, and it was the same for all of his other friends. "To go from a moment of excitement like that to finding out the news , was crushing." Glyn and Ben expected to be performing wedding duties in the run-up to August. Instead, they're organising a trek of the Anglesey Coastal Path over nine days (130 miles), in memory of Robyn who was "never one to shy away from a challenge and was always up for an adventure". "The timing of the event will coincide with what should have been the happiest week of Robyn's life; his wedding to fiancée, Bryony," the pair wrote in a fundraiser post. "While that special moment can no longer take place, friends and family may still come together to celebrate the memory of Robyn." What is Diamond Blackfan anaemia (DBA)? Diamond Blackfan anaemia (DBA) is a a rare blood condition where your body's bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells. Your blood is mostly made up of four things: red blood cells, white blood cells, other cells called platelets and a liquid called plasma, which the blood cells and platelets move in. Bone marrow is the spongy part inside your big bones. It is a bit like a cell-making factory where new blood cells are made. When they are first made by the bone marrow they are called stem cells. These stem cells grow into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body, making them necessary for life. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include: Fatigue Headache Loss of appetite Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Skin paleness Swelling in your hands and feet Weakness Currently there is no cure, but DBA is very treatable with help from hospitals. Many people with DBA are treated with blood transfusions, often monthly. Some DBA patients can respond to a high dose of steroids, often taken every-other day. Sources: The walk will raise money for Glyn said: 'We wanted to do something to honour and commemorate Rob, who was a really incredible person. "In terms of his health, he had quite a difficult life, but he never let it affect him; quite the opposite, he had such an appetite for life and really understood the importance of grabbing it with both hands. "We have so many great memories of adventures, parties, camping, beaches and so on. "I have many memories of him swimming in the sea at various places around the island, swimming far out from the shore; I think he loved the freedom and the exhilaration of it.' Ben and Glyn are inviting as many people as possible to join in whatever way they would like during the nine day event - from walking the stunning Coastal Path with them, to swimming and beach BBQs, or a beer or two at the local pubs along the route. The friends also intend to complete parts of the walk in superhero fancy dress in tribute to Robyn's love of comic books, which he would read during the long periods of treatment in hospital as a child. Ben Brame, 34, a watersports instructor and electrician from Y Felinheli, said: 'Look out for Spiderman and Thor rambling through the streets of Beaumaris or Amlwch in August, and please consider donating.' You can check out the fundraiser and get further information about the event
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Swarms of jellyfish ‘the size of dustbin lids' wash up on UK beaches – with MORE dangerous breed to arrive in 33C heat
SWARMS of jellyfish 'the size of dustbin lids' have been spotted washing up along UK beaches – and experts say even more could arrive as temperatures soar to 33C. Beaches across North Wales are currently being hit by swarms of giant barrel jellyfish, some growing to nearly a metre across. Advertisement 2 Several large barrel jellyfish have been photographed on the sand at Colwyn Bay beach, Conwy, in recent weeks Credit: Dawn Roberts/Daily Post Wales Visitors and locals are being urged to take extra care as marine heatwaves draw not only bigger but also more dangerous jellyfish closer to the UK's shores. Social media has been flooded with photos showing huge jellyfish along Gwynedd's west coast, with recent sightings in Conwy and Rhyl, Denbighshire. On July 7, Lisa Whittaker from Manchester discovered several washed up at Rhos-on-Sea beach. Valiantly trying to return one to the water, she soon realised it was likely already dead. Advertisement Read more on News 'Never in my life have I seen one like it – and probably never again,' she said. The recent marine heatwave is being blamed for the surge in sightings. Sea temperatures in parts of the Celtic Sea, English Channel and southern North Sea are currently 1.5C to 3C higher than normal – more like August than early July, according to the Met Office. Marine experts fear this warming is not just a one-off. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Frankie Hobro, director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, warned: 'We're now turning on our water chillers in May. "Ten years ago it was in July. Not only are we starting them earlier, we're having to keep them going for longer.' Bizarre moment Brit hols hotspot beach turns BLUE as it's left totally covered by swarm of stinging jellyfish She believes the jellyfish aren't getting bigger, but more of them are coming closer to shore. 'They are always big specimens out in deep waters,' she said. Advertisement 'But as the sea warms they're venturing closer to coastlines, and so we're seeing more of these bigger jellyfish washing up.' With beaches busier than ever during summer heatwaves, more sightings are being reported. 'With more people going to the coast, and swimming in our waters, it's inevitable that more specimens will be seen,' she added. While barrel jellyfish are mostly harmless – delivering a mild sting at worst – others are far more dangerous. Advertisement Frankie is particularly concerned about rising numbers of Portuguese man o' war jellyfish. What is the Portuguese man o' war? THE Portuguese Man O'War, often mistaken for a jellyfish, is actually a siphonophore – a colony of specialised organisms working together. Known for its deadly sting, this marine menace has tentacles that can stretch up to 30 feet and deliver excruciating pain and permanent scarring. In rare cases it can even cause death, particularly in individuals with allergies. Its vivid blue, purple, and pink hues serve as a natural warning to keep away. Although typically found drifting through the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sightings in the Mediterranean – especially around Mallorca and Menorca – have led to temporary beach closures in recent years. The Man O'War is a carnivorous predator, using its venom to paralyse small fish, shrimp, and plankton before dragging them into its digestive polyps. Despite its fearsome defences, it does have a few natural predators, including loggerhead turtles, blue sea slugs, and the remarkable man-of-war fish, which has evolved to live among its toxic tentacles. 'This was once an occasional visitor, in late August and September,' she said. 'Any that washed up were usually teeny. "Now they've become seasonal visitors, perhaps for several weeks, and we're seeing them earlier in the summer, pushed up by warmer currents and breezes from the Atlantic. Advertisement 'They have long tentacles and their stings are nasty, very unpleasant. "Unlike box jellyfish, the stings are unlikely to be fatal, but Portuguese man o' war are definitely the second nastiest jellyfish in the sea.' Frankie is urging beachgoers to be more prepared when entering the sea. 'We've always been a bit blasé about swimming or paddling in the sea,' she said. Advertisement 'Whereas people arriving here from overseas are more used to the dangers and come prepared. 'You can get sunburnt in the water very quickly and, with new threats emerging, my advice would be to always cover up.' She recommends UV-protective rash vests and swim boots to avoid stings from jellyfish or weever fish. Frankie warned that jellyfish stings are most likely in the surf zone, especially on the ankles – and old remedies like peeing on the sting can actually make it worse. Advertisement Instead, apply vinegar or lemon juice, and use a credit card to scrape off any remaining tentacles. Ice and anti-histamines can help with the pain. She added that jellyfish are sensitive to touch and can sting if handled, so it's best to avoid contact altogether. With marine life shifting rapidly due to climate change, Frankie warns this is just the beginning. 'Triggerfish, pufferfish, sunfish – even the Shortfin mako, the world's fastest shark – are making themselves more at home in UK waters,' she said. As Britain's seas warm up, holidaymakers may need to start treating our coastlines with the same caution as tropical ones. Advertisement And it's not just North Wales feeling the sting. Across the UK and even abroad, jellyfish sightings have been making headlines, with experts and beach patrols issuing warnings as unusual species wash up in growing numbers. In Cornwall, Meanwhile, in other coastal resorts, beachgoers were warned after deadly Advertisement Experts have also flagged a rise in What to do if stung by a jellyfish Cornish Watersports issued the following advice on Facebook after thousands of the stinger jellyfish washed up: 1. Rinse the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) 2. Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card. 3. Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it. 4. Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. 5. Obviously, if you are prone to have an allergic reaction to any stingers go straight to A&E. Cornwall Watersports also advice that those who get stung call NHS 111 for further advice. 2 Jellyfish are sensitive to touch and can sting if handled, so it's best to avoid contact altogether Credit: Lisa Leetz Whittaker
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Swarms of jellyfish ‘the size of dustbin lids' wash up on UK beaches – with MORE dangerous breed to arrive in 33C heat
One woman tried to push one back in JELL NO Swarms of jellyfish 'the size of dustbin lids' wash up on UK beaches – with MORE dangerous breed to arrive in 33C heat Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SWARMS of jellyfish 'the size of dustbin lids' have been spotted washing up along UK beaches – and experts say even more could arrive as temperatures soar to 33C. Beaches across North Wales are currently being hit by swarms of giant barrel jellyfish, some growing to nearly a metre across. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Several large barrel jellyfish have been photographed on the sand at Colwyn Bay beach, Conwy, in recent weeks Credit: Dawn Roberts/Daily Post Wales Visitors and locals are being urged to take extra care as marine heatwaves draw not only bigger but also more dangerous jellyfish closer to the UK's shores. Social media has been flooded with photos showing huge jellyfish along Gwynedd's west coast, with recent sightings in Conwy and Rhyl, Denbighshire. On July 7, Lisa Whittaker from Manchester discovered several washed up at Rhos-on-Sea beach. Valiantly trying to return one to the water, she soon realised it was likely already dead. 'Never in my life have I seen one like it – and probably never again,' she said. The recent marine heatwave is being blamed for the surge in sightings. Sea temperatures in parts of the Celtic Sea, English Channel and southern North Sea are currently 1.5C to 3C higher than normal – more like August than early July, according to the Met Office. Marine experts fear this warming is not just a one-off. Frankie Hobro, director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, warned: 'We're now turning on our water chillers in May. "Ten years ago it was in July. Not only are we starting them earlier, we're having to keep them going for longer.' Bizarre moment Brit hols hotspot beach turns BLUE as it's left totally covered by swarm of stinging jellyfish She believes the jellyfish aren't getting bigger, but more of them are coming closer to shore. 'They are always big specimens out in deep waters,' she said. 'But as the sea warms they're venturing closer to coastlines, and so we're seeing more of these bigger jellyfish washing up.' With beaches busier than ever during summer heatwaves, more sightings are being reported. 'With more people going to the coast, and swimming in our waters, it's inevitable that more specimens will be seen,' she added. While barrel jellyfish are mostly harmless – delivering a mild sting at worst – others are far more dangerous. Frankie is particularly concerned about rising numbers of Portuguese man o' war jellyfish. What is the Portuguese man o' war? THE Portuguese Man O'War, often mistaken for a jellyfish, is actually a siphonophore – a colony of specialised organisms working together. Known for its deadly sting, this marine menace has tentacles that can stretch up to 30 feet and deliver excruciating pain and permanent scarring. In rare cases it can even cause death, particularly in individuals with allergies. Its vivid blue, purple, and pink hues serve as a natural warning to keep away. Although typically found drifting through the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sightings in the Mediterranean – especially around Mallorca and Menorca – have led to temporary beach closures in recent years. The Man O'War is a carnivorous predator, using its venom to paralyse small fish, shrimp, and plankton before dragging them into its digestive polyps. Despite its fearsome defences, it does have a few natural predators, including loggerhead turtles, blue sea slugs, and the remarkable man-of-war fish, which has evolved to live among its toxic tentacles. 'This was once an occasional visitor, in late August and September,' she said. 'Any that washed up were usually teeny. "Now they've become seasonal visitors, perhaps for several weeks, and we're seeing them earlier in the summer, pushed up by warmer currents and breezes from the Atlantic. 'They have long tentacles and their stings are nasty, very unpleasant. "Unlike box jellyfish, the stings are unlikely to be fatal, but Portuguese man o' war are definitely the second nastiest jellyfish in the sea.' Frankie is urging beachgoers to be more prepared when entering the sea. 'We've always been a bit blasé about swimming or paddling in the sea,' she said. 'Whereas people arriving here from overseas are more used to the dangers and come prepared. 'You can get sunburnt in the water very quickly and, with new threats emerging, my advice would be to always cover up.' She recommends UV-protective rash vests and swim boots to avoid stings from jellyfish or weever fish. Frankie warned that jellyfish stings are most likely in the surf zone, especially on the ankles – and old remedies like peeing on the sting can actually make it worse. Instead, apply vinegar or lemon juice, and use a credit card to scrape off any remaining tentacles. Ice and anti-histamines can help with the pain. She added that jellyfish are sensitive to touch and can sting if handled, so it's best to avoid contact altogether. With marine life shifting rapidly due to climate change, Frankie warns this is just the beginning. 'Triggerfish, pufferfish, sunfish – even the Shortfin mako, the world's fastest shark – are making themselves more at home in UK waters,' she said. As Britain's seas warm up, holidaymakers may need to start treating our coastlines with the same caution as tropical ones. And it's not just North Wales feeling the sting. Across the UK and even abroad, jellyfish sightings have been making headlines, with experts and beach patrols issuing warnings as unusual species wash up in growing numbers. In Cornwall, thousands of venomous Mauve Stingers with 10ft tentacles caused what locals described as 'apocalyptic scenes' as they washed ashore. Meanwhile, in other coastal resorts, beachgoers were warned after deadly Portuguese man o' war jellyfish were found on the sand, prompting safety cordons and urgent alerts. Experts have also flagged a rise in Compass, Lion's Mane, and Moon jellyfish across the south coast as sea temperatures climb. What to do if stung by a jellyfish Cornish Watersports issued the following advice on Facebook after thousands of the stinger jellyfish washed up: 1. Rinse the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) 2. Remove any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card. 3. Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes – use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it. 4. Take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. 5. Obviously, if you are prone to have an allergic reaction to any stingers go straight to A&E. Cornwall Watersports also advice that those who get stung call NHS 111 for further advice.
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Wales Online
This seaside village has sandy beaches, dolphins and one of Wales' best ice creams
This seaside village has sandy beaches, dolphins and one of Wales' best ice creams Come here on a balmy day when the skies are blue, and the sea is sparkling, and you'll see why Abersoch attracts thousands of visitors Located on the dreamy Llŷn Peninsula, the coastal town of Abersoch is one of the most lovely spots along the Llŷn. (Image: Gascoigne Halman ) One of Wales' top seaside towns has sandy beaches, resident dolphins and a swish ice cream parlour that's just been named one of the best places for ice cream in the UK by the Sunday Times. Located on the Llŷn Peninsula, or Pen Llŷn, the coastal town of Abersoch is one of the most lovely spots along the Llŷn. This peninsula in northwest Wales is packed with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and dreamy beaches. Surrounded by the sparkling clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, this area of Wales is a perfect alternative for a holiday abroad, where you'll find plenty of activities, accommodation and indie restaurants and cafes. There are remains of Iron Age forts and islands to discover, sweeping stretches of sandy beaches and plenty of cute coastal villages and historic sites to visit. Known as the 'Welsh Riviera,' Abersoch, on the southern part of the Llŷn, is widely known for its sandy beaches, internationally recognised sailing waters, and small high street filled with trendy bars, restaurants, big brands, and independent shops. Come here on a balmy day when the skies are blue and the sea is sparkling, and you'll see why Abersoch attracts thousands to this scenic corner of Gwynedd every summer. Article continues below This coastal bolthole is also renowned for its water sports, especially paddleboarding. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of resident dolphins slicing through the clear waters. This coastal bolthole is also renowned for its water sports, (Image: Daily Post Wales ) The sheltered bay provides perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders, and the village hosts several events and competitions throughout the year, attracting enthusiasts from all over the UK. You can book a SUP session at Abersoch Watersports, where expert instructors will guide you around the beautiful coastline, pointing out marine life and coastal features. New to paddleboarding? You can dive into the #SUP life and learn to paddleboard with their ISA-qualified instructors using the top-of-the-range Red Paddle Co paddleboards. You'll be coached in the bay and learn correct paddle techniques to build confidence and develop your SUP skills so you can get out of the water and start looking for dolphins. Dophins are regularly spotted in Abersoch (Image: Andy Huddlestone ) One of the town's other main draws is the large sandy beach, which the AA previously named one of the 'best seaside destinations'. The AA described Abersoch Beach as a picturesque Welsh location. "The top place goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also manned by lifeguards. There are two nearby tourist attractions: the Porth y Swnt Interpretation Centre and Nant Gwrtheyrn, which is home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre." Nearby is Harbour Beach, a strip of sand on the River Soch between the harbour and Warren Beach. If you fancy a bit of a challenge, Porth Ceiriad is a secluded beach that can be tricky to find Despite being near popular Abersoch, this idyllic spot remains less frequented, a fact that regulars undoubtedly appreciate. As reported by North Wales Live, its deceptive closeness to Abersoch and the enveloping cliffs add to the mystery of finding this secluded beach. The adventure of discovering Porth Ceiriad is well-known locally. It earned the moniker of the "Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour" because of the curious case of disappearing tourists led astray by unreliable Satnav directions and confounding maps. Beautiful Porth Ceiriad beach lies on a remote stretch of coastline on the Llŷn Peninsula (Image: Google ) After exploring Abersoch's dreamy beaches and coastline, make sure to go for ice cream at Two Islands, a small-batch ice cream parlour that's just been named one of the best places for ice cream in Wales. Locals and tourists have been raving about this lush ice cream spot since it opened in 2018, and the Sunday Times has now given it its seal of approval. Their Journalists named it one of the top spots for a cone and urged readers, "Don't miss the raspberry ripple." This small-batch ice cream parlour makes the ice cream on-site using local and natural ingredients, including Welsh free-range eggs and organic and fair-trade produce from SUMA, a co-op that sets the standard for fair and equal working conditions. Inspired by their trip to parlours on the west coast of the USA, the small business aims to create rich textures and original flavours using the best produce with a Welsh twist. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Jack Pollitt from Two Islands Ice Cream in Abersoch (Image: Daily Post Wales ) Their small but ever-changing menu focuses on seasonality, but you will always find their unique take on a few of the classics. Salted Coffee is a favourite Two Islands Flavour, with a distinctive blend of Coaltown espresso and HALEN MôN sea salt, while marscapone and blackcurrant is a standout choice when it graces the menu. Two islands also have an eco-friendly ethos: "Everything they are involved in - from pod picking to package recycling - is as sustainable, ethical and conscientious as possible." "We use real vanilla from LITTLE POD," their website states, "an amazing independent company that has been awarded the Queen's Enterprise Award in sustainability." Article continues below
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Wales Online
Police appeal after 85 sheep stolen from field in Wales
Police appeal after 85 sheep stolen from field in Wales They suspect the sheep could have been stolen by another farmer The sheep were stolen from land in south-mid Wales (Image: Daily Post Wales ) Police have issued an appeal for information after 85 sheep were stolen from Welsh farmland. Dyfed-Powys Police said the sheep, which are a mixture of Welsh mountain ewes, lambs, and some shorn earlings, were stolen between May 15 and June 25, 2025 from Cwm Llwyd Folds, Cennen Valley and Gwynfe Black Mountain. The force said it suspects the culprits could have been farmers as they would have been experienced in moving flock, using trailers and other farming vehicles as part of their criminal operation. It is also believes that those who stole the animals would have a "working knowledge of sheep movements and farming." Officers ask that anyone who may have any information that could assist them in their enquiries to contact them. A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: "We are appealing for information following the theft of 85 sheep from common grazing land in/around Cwm Llwyd Folds /Cennen Valley and Gwynfe Black Mountain. "These sheep thefts are made up of a mixture of Welsh mountain ewes and lambs and some shorn earlings. Article continues below "These sheep and lambs have distinctive red DM and red dot, red '8' and black 'W' pitch markings and all were ear tagged to their relevant CPH farm and flock numbers. "It is suspected that those responsible would have a working knowledge of sheep movements and farming and would have needed to access to vehicles and trailer/s for transportation of the stolen sheep. "It is suspected that this theft has taken place between May 15-June 25. "If you have any information that might help our investigation, please get in touch by visiting our website, emailing 101@ calling 101 and ask to contact Rural Crime Officer PC 610 Jones quoting the reference 25000545221 / 25000545112 and 25000543200. "Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . Article continues below We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
