Latest news with #Edwina
7NEWS
a day ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Jennifer agreed to be a surrogate for her best friend. One year later, she signed adoption papers
Jennifer McCloy knew she had to step in when she found out her best friend Edwina couldn't have a child. For nine months, she carried baby Angus, a child which was not biologically hers, for Edwina Peach, allowing her friend of more than 30 years the joy of becoming a mother. However, instead of lovingly giving Angus over to his parents after the birth, McCloy was forced to be his legal guardian for a year. As is currently required, the families had to file adoption paperwork before taking custody of Angus. Now, amid the newly announced inquiry into NSW's surrogacy, McCloy wants to see changes. McCloy appeared on Weekend Sunrise, explaining her story. '(When we decided to do this) I was actually pregnant with my son Alfie, and I went to my husband and said, 'Hey, this is something I'm thinking about doing (for Edwina and her husband). What do you think?' 'We did a bucket of research on surrogacy and how it works here in Australia, because there is lot of information. And when Alfie was a few months old, we had the chat with Edwina and Charlie, her husband. 'Alfie had just brought us so much happiness becoming parents. So, we just believed that Edwina and Charlie deserved that too.' McCloy said in her situation, she and Edwina were close friends for many years. However, the adoption laws involving surrogates could have made the process a lot more complicated for other families. 'It's mind-blowing,' McCloy said. 'That's the way that things are here in Australia. And that's a good example of why we are pushing for change. 'I often say this, but I truly believe that parenthood should be an option for every Australian, no matter what that looks like.' McCloy went on to say fertility issues are widespread for Australian couples. 'The statistics now tell us that one in six couples in Australia will face fertility challenges, which is huge. 'Yes, we (Edwina and I) had a truly beautiful experience. We've been friends for over 30 years. Medically, everything went smoothly. 'But our situation, I would say, isn't reflective of the thousands of couples that face fertility challenges every year in Australia.' McCloy said she wanted to see changes across the board, to be more supportive of Aussie families. 'There really needs to be support for Australians to build and grow their families.' McCloy went on to speak about the public inquiry. 'We will be looking into all fertility support,' she said. 'So that's everything from IVF to pregnancy loss to surrogacy to male fertility, which accounts for over 40 per cent of fertility challenges in Australia. 'The current laws in this country around fertility are just not reflective of the way things are today. And that was acknowledged last week in NSW parliament when the inquiry was proposed by Sarah Mitchell, who'll be chairing the committee. 'I've been working with Sarah and her team for the past two-and-a-bit years to make sure we get this right, and the proposal was met with full cross-party endorsement, stating that fertility support in this country needs to change.' McCloy said baby Angus is now a happy and healthy toddler. 'He is fantastic. He's two-and-a-half now, and he's a very happy, bubbly little boy,' she said. IVF failing to pass the pub test Australia's IVF accreditation system fails to pass the pub test, a government minister has said, as discussions continue following multiple embryo mix-ups at one of the nation's largest fertility providers. State and territory health ministers met with their federal counterpart on Friday, where it was agreed that a rapid nationwide review would begin to consider establishing an independent accreditation body. It comes after Monash IVF revealed staff had transferred the wrong embryo to a woman at a Melbourne clinic last week, following a similar blunder involving a separate Monash patient in Brisbane. Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said she hoped the establishment of an independent body could occur immediately, but claimed it was met with pushback from Queensland. 'We've got to move quickly,' she told reporters. 'It's concerning ... there may well be more errors that we don't know about. And that is because the body that currently accredits fertility care providers is made up of fertility care providers. 'That's why I find Queensland's position so perplexing.' A spokesman for Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the minister had 'advocated for an informed understanding' of the accreditation and regulation framework. 'Health ministers decided that Queensland would lead work to understand the issues better and to ensure a strategy would be well-informed,' the spokesman said. The three-month review will consider whether the state regulatory schemes are fit for purpose when it comes to safety and quality. The IVF industry is primarily regulated by states and territories. Clinics must be licensed to operate by the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee. Thomas said the main issue for her was how fertility care was accredited. 'It simply doesn't pass the pub test that the people that provide the service are also the ones that determine who provides the service,' she said. 'We have work to do there.' Embryo mix-ups 'frankly shocking', says federal health minister Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, who used IVF to welcome his third child, described the two recent embryo mix-ups as 'frankly shocking'. 'As governments, we've got a responsibility to see whether there are better levels of regulation that should be put in place, and to inject some confidence back into a system that delivers such joy to so many thousands of families every year,' he told ABC Radio. Monash IVF chief executive Michael Knaap resigned on Thursday after it was revealed staff at a Melbourne laboratory gave a patient one of her embryos, instead of one from her partner as intended. An investigation is under way into how it happened. The company, which has a presence across Australia, apologised to the couple, while the Victorian Health Regulator has also launched an investigation. Monash revealed in April that a woman at a Brisbane facility was incorrectly impregnated with another patient's embryo, which was blamed on 'human error'. The mistake was picked up after the child was born when the birth parents asked for their remaining embryos to be transferred elsewhere and an additional embryo was unexpectedly found in storage. Former Monash director Gab Kovacs, who was involved with developing earlier IVF guidelines, told AAP the mix-up was a 'very rare occurrence'. 'However, with 100,000 cycles of IVF in Australia, even with this occurring very, very rarely, it is inevitable that this will happen,' Kovacs said. 'It is due to human error and this cannot be eliminated. 'The two incidents happened in two separate clinics, 2000km apart ... (involving) different personnel, different lab managers.' About 20,000 babies conceived by IVF are born in Australia each year.
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm over 40 and tried new summer bits from Dunnes Stores including fabulous dress with pockets
DUNNES Stores shoppers have been in a frenzy over a new range of summer bits after they landed on racks. Edwina Fitzgerald, who posts under Advertisement 5 Edwina Fitzgerald showed off her favourite new arrivals from €15 Credit: Social Media Collect 5 She picked up the Foldable Navy Tote Bag which is now available online and in stores Credit: Social Media Collect 5 She also tried the H-Front Espadrille Wedge Sandals which are currently priced at €25 Credit: Social Media Collect First up, she picked up the Foldable Navy Tote Bag which is now available online and in stores across the country. It is priced at just €15 and only comes in one size. And the bag is available in three colours - navy, green, red and stone. Advertisement Read more in Fabulous "The sturdy handles ensure comfortable carrying, while the small interior zip pocket provides easy access to your phone or keys. "With its foldaway design, the bag folds effortlessly with a snap button." The In a short video shared on Instagram, Edwina said: "Let's see what's in the bag. I was dying for one of these bags. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous "I think they're so handy, especially for travelling and the fact it folds up and has a button like so. They have them in this [navy], cream and have them in a khaki green and [it costs] only €15. I'm over 40 and found two fab items in Dunnes Stores – they're amazing quality from €15 "This gorgeous dress it's like a t-shirt style dress. I went for the extra small. It was €15 as well and the best part is it has pockets. "Be lovely now if you had a little belt and maybe throw either a denim jacket over it. Absolutely gorgeous." The Cotton Rich Midi T-Shirt Dress comes in two colours - black or khaki. Advertisement But in black only size S is available, while in khaki shoppers can still buy sizes XS to L. The item description reads: "This cotton-rich t-shirt dress features a crew neck, short sleeves, and two subtle side pockets. 'FLATTERING LOOK' "Designed for warmer days, its relaxed fit offers an easy, flattering look." Edwina added: "Next up are these [sandals]. They look like a dupe of a very fancy designer espadrille. They are very soft leather shape." Advertisement The H-Front Espadrille Wedge Sandals are currently priced at €25 and come in sizes 36 to 41. And it is only available in tan. Its description reads: "These sandals feature a classic espadrille sole and a stylish H-front strap design. "The woven wedge heel adds height without compromising comfort, making them your go-to for everything from brunch dates to beach strolls." Advertisement Another item Edwina tried was the Gallery Short Sleeve Shell Top. It is priced at just €15 and it comes in four colours - black, ivory, khaki or stone. The Gallery Short-Sleeve Shell Top comes in sizes XS to XL. 'THEY'RE QUITE NICE' Edwina said: "Last but not least I got this top and they're quite nice. Advertisement "They're just up to your waist and it's quite stretching material. I like the high collar and the little cap sleeve. And these are only a fiver." Fashion fans took to Edwina's comments section to share their thoughts on her new purchases. One said: "You picked up some very nice pieces." Another added: "Great haul. Love the dress with pockets." Advertisement THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people. 5 The Cotton Rich Midi T-Shirt Dress comes in two colours - black or khaki Credit: Social Media Collect 5 Another item Edwina tried was the Gallery Short Sleeve Shell Top Credit: Social Media Collect
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew shares major relationship news after revealing shock living arrangement with husband
Edwina Bartholomew has revealed how her focus in life will now be her relationship with her husband Neil Varcoe. The Sunrise presenter, 41, told The Australian Women's Weekly in a video posted to social media on Tuesday that after her cancer diagnosis, she is keen to strengthen their bond. 'Now I'm just fully focused on family, on what we're creating here, on my husband, our marriage and the people closest to us' she said. 'So just determined to be surrounded by all those people that we love and determined to build the next chapter of our lives'. Edwina had earlier made a shock confession about her unique living situation with Neil following her chronic myeloid leukemia diagnosis. Earlier this month, Edwina confessed that they only see each other on the weekends and public holidays. Neil's chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis prompted him to leave Sydney and relocate to regional New South Wales - a move she claims 'genuinely healed him'. 'That was a decision we had to make for ourselves a few years ago because what we were doing clearly wasn't working,' she told AWW. 'He lives three hours away from us, and we see him on weekends and holidays and back and forth, but it's been the best thing, and probably the only way we would have survived as a family.' The couple share two children, daughter Molly, five, and son Tom, three. Last year, Edwina revealed to Stellar Magazine that she and Neil had entered a long-distance relationship after he moved out of the family home to become a farmer. 'My husband lives in the country with the dog and I live in the city with the kids,' she said. 'Each weekend, we traipse back and forth between the two or meet somewhere in the middle.' It comes after Edwina shared an emotional cancer update at Marie Claire's International Women's Day luncheon in March. The TV star got candid at the event about how CML - a type of blood and bone marrow cancer - had impacted her life. 'I was fortunate that I had a month where I knew about it before I told everyone. I had this experience without having to go through the trauma of chemotherapy,' Edwina began. '[The cancer] was a gift, because it put things into perspective... I didn't have to go through a really intense experience of being 'in' cancer and absorbed by it.' Edwina added she was extremely grateful her symptoms were manageable and she was able to continue with most of the activities in her daily life. 'I had a meeting with my specialist this week and I forgot to go get my blood test. So, it is not front of mind for me,' she said. 'I am so conscious of what a gift that is, that I have been able to continue on semi-normal... I haven't had to tell my young kids, because I still look the same. It's been a real re-think in slowing myself down.' Edwina's diagnosis is a 'mild' form of leukaemia and can often be managed without having to undergo chemotheraphy.
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew sells Woollahra apartment for $1.57million - days after sharing health update following cancer diagnosis
Seven's Edwina Bartholomew has sold her gorgeous apartment in Sydney 's eastern suburbs. The 41-year-old Sunrise star bought the two-bedroom, one bathroom flat in Woollahra in 2009 for $660,000. She reportedly sold for a whopping $1.57million - way more than the $1.35million she hoped for when when it went to auction on April 12. 'I'm sad to see it go,' Bartholomew admitted, having rented out the home for between $900 and $1000 per week. Edwina confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that she plans to put the profits into her latest renovation project in regional NSW. Edwina and her husband Neil Varcoe have ambitious plans to convert what was once a dilapidated country pub into a boutique hotel. The TV star bought the 177-year-old building in Carcoar in May 2022 for $2.1million. Edwina told the publication that she was 'sad' to list her old flat, which she lived in for nine years before buying a three-bedder in Dulwich Hill for $1.59million. Located 5km from the CBD, the Woollahra property is on the top floor of a delightful art deco block situated in one of Sydney's most sought after postcodes. Features include timber floorboards, French doors and a freshly renovated marble kitchen. Other highlights include a new bathroom with aged brass fittings and a 'natural' stone vanity. According to the listing, the property is worth as much as $900-a-week as a rental. Days ago, Edwina had given a very hopeful health update about her recent heartbreaking cancer diagnosis. The Sunrise star, 41, revealed she had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)—a type of blood and bone marrow cancer—live on air in September. In a joyful Instagram post on Thursday, the TV presenter has revealed she is nearing 'molecular remission', saying her leukaemia is 'almost undetectable now'. 'I am almost in what they call molecular remission,' she wrote. 'So that means, thanks to my daily medication and my incredible specialist, and also really the gift of time that I've been given by Seven, by working part-time here at Sunrise to focus on my health, the leukaemia has essentially been eradicated from my body to the point that it's almost undetectable now.' Edwina went on to say she is still required to take medication for at least the 'next few years', but doesn't let that overshadow the 'fantastic news'. 'I still need to take tablets for the next few years' she said. 'But it is fantastic news, and I do share it this morning knowing lots of people are watching this going through their very own serious cancer battles, so it's not lost on me how extraordinarily lucky I have been,' she said. It comes after Edwina revealed at Marie Claire's International Women's Day luncheon in Sydney just how much the cancer diagnosis has impacted her life. 'I was fortunate that I had a month where I knew about it before I told everyone. I had this experience without having to go through the trauma of chemotherapy,' Edwina began. '[The cancer] was a gift, because it put things into perspective... I didn't have to go through a really intense experience of being 'in' cancer and absorbed by it.' Edwina added she was extremely grateful her symptoms were manageable and she was able to continue with most of the activities in her daily life. 'I had a meeting with my specialist this week and I forgot to go get my blood test. So, it is not front of mind for me,' she said. 'I am so conscious of what a gift that is, that I have been able to continue on semi-normal... I haven't had to tell my young kids, because I still look the same. It's been a real re-think in slowing myself down.' Edwina's diagnosis is a 'mild' form of leukaemia and can often be managed without having to undergo chemotherapy and dealing with the disease's more severe symptoms. The TV presenter shares two young children—Molly, five, and Tom, three—with her husband Neil Varcoe. In September, Edwina revealed live on-air she had been diagnosed with cancer in a tearful admission. 'I have been diagnosed with cancer. That's a shock and hard to say,' she told viewers. 'It is a really good kind. It is called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself, I will be completely fine.' The veteran TV star then began to break down in tears before telling the audience: 'I thought I could keep it together.' According to Mayo Clinic, CML is an uncommon type of cancer in the bone marrow and is very slow to progress. Advances in treatment have improved the prognosis of people with CML and most people diagnosed with it can achieve remission and live for many years.
