Latest news with #GCSEs
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Max remembers little girl who 'saved his life' 5 years on from organ donor bill
Five years after it came into force, Max and Keira's Law is still helping to save or transform lives, say campaigners The Mirror-backed Max and Keira's Law has just marked its fifth anniversary after helping to save thousands of lives. Our campaign to bring in opt out in England was successful thanks to Max Johnson, just nine years old when he received the heart of Keira Ball, who tragically lost her life in a car accident. Despite his tender years, he asked that she be included in the name for the new legislation, and it was named Max and Keira's Law in their honour. Opt out means people no longer have to carry a donor card, and all adults in England are considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups. Last year, there were 1109 cases where deemed consent was applied, NHS research revealed. Max's parents Paul and Emma told how their son, now 17, had grown into a young man with a job and a driving licence. They said that it was all thanks to the selfless decision of Keira's dad Joe Ball to donate his daughter's organs as her mum Loanna lay in a coma following the car accident. The Mirror joined Max on the River Weaver in his hometown of Winsford, Cheshire, as he told us of his love of fishing, his new car and his first job. He has never forgotten the debt owed to the donor family who have made his life possible. He said: "I think it's brilliant because even now, recently, we got an email saying how the law still makes a difference. "It's nice to know that it's helped people down the line." On the day of his heart transplant, in August, 2017, he remembers giving his dad a hug in case he 'did not see him again'. "I do remember the downsides, the drive line that you have to carry around with you," he added. "But I also remember the positives. It is good to know that the law will save lives. "I remember giving my dad a hug. I think even at the age of nine I was thinking that I might not make it. So of course I'm going to hug my dad." He paid tribute to the skill of surgeon Asif Hasan, and remembers seeing his heart being removed and replaced as it was filmed for a TV documentary, another historic world first. He is still in touch with Keira's family, her parents Joe and Loanna, Bradley, 15, Katelyn, 19, and 20-year-old Keely. He had a 'moving' first meeting with them as Keira's siblings listened to their sister's heart beating in his chest using a stethoscope. And he made sure that Keira was named in the law after making an appeal to Prime Minister Theresa May. "I'm glad she listened," he said. "She did think about my request and gave her full credit." Now, he is studying for GCSEs before he intends to do an engineering qualification, and may yet try to become a fireman. "I think that would be an exciting job," he said. "I would like to help save lives." Experts believe the law in Max's name is already doing just that, with an extra 700 lives saved or transformed every year; the percentage of the population signing up for organ donation has grown from 33 per cent to 45 per cent. His mum Emma said: "It is really important that people make their decision and then record their decision on organ donation through the national register and then share that decision with their family. So if this law change has become a springboard to people making those decisions, then I am incredibly proud of Max and Keira." Max's dad Paul, 51, a civil servant, recalled the day of his son's operation, admitting that they knew he was in the last chance saloon and might not make it. He added: "It's hard to imagine that it has been five years since the law changed. In that time, Max has grown into a young man, with a weekend job, GCSEs to sit and a driving licence. "Our thoughts never stray far from Keira and the Ball family, because none of this would have happened without them. Thanks to the tireless work of NHS Blood and Transplant, numerous brilliant charities, an army of volunteers and, of course, The Mirror, organ donation remains in the public consciousness. "If the law change has helped with this work, then we are delighted and humbled. Please, have that conversation, so that you leave those that matter certain about your wishes." Keira's mum Loanna, 40, of Barnstaple in Devon, told the Mirror that her daughter's name 'will live on forever' in the new law. She said: "It means that her life was not wasted. So much good has come from that devastating loss for us, she has benefited so many people by donating her organs. "I would still choose for her to be here with us, but the law change and the donations were a marvellous thing because I hear of Max and Keira's Law and we know that it took the two of them to make that happen. "I see photos of Max now and he is a young man, he is all grown up, he is not that little boy any more. Keira saved his life and will never be forgotten." There are around 277 children in the UK waiting for an organ transplant, according to the NHS. That includes 141 who need a kidney, 76 waiting for a liver and 43 who need a heart transplant with many children on the waiting list relying on organs from a child who has died. Anthony Clarkson, Director for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant said: "The opt-out legislation is an important piece of the whole jigsaw to improving organ donation, transplant, and consent rates. "We continually develop our regular training programmes in consent skills for our specialist nurses and work closely with bereaved families to better understand donation decisions. "As with our partnerships with the DVLA, Passport Office and the NHS App, the change in the law is another tool in helping garner as much support for organ donation as possible and educate the public on why it is so important. "It's important to remember that deemed consent was not introduced as a replacement for expressed consent. Many people still want to record their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. "Families value this confirmation when supporting donation, making the decision a lot easier at an already very difficult time. "The best way to ensure your organ donation decision is supported when you die is to declare it on the NHS Organ Donor Register." Almost 90 percent of families supported their loved one's organ donation last year when they had expressed their decision to donate before their death, whether through the NHS Organ Donor Register or verbally to their family.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Seven in 10 parents have taken time off work to revise for their kids' GCSEs
A study of 500 parents with children taking exams this year found they actively started getting their own heads GCSE-ready three months ago. An astonishing seven out of 10 parents have taken time away from work to hit the books alongside their children preparing for GCSEs, reveals a study of 500 parents with kids facing exams this year. It turns out they started to revise some of the subjects three months back, in an attempt to get their head around the curriculum. Despite their best efforts to familiarise themselves with the current GCSE syllabus, half of all parents polled have struggled to get their heads round what their children are supposed to be learning. While 69% admitted their kids are stressed about the weeks ahead. In a bid to be supportive, nearly half made up a study schedule, 16% delved into 'An Inspector Calls', and 12% endeavoured to memorise 'Macbeth'. A third have been companions during study sessions, 16% turned to audiobooks, while 12% have pulled all-nighters. This insight comes courtesy of a study conducted by MyEdSpace, an online education portal now offering free 'Exam Cram Courses' complete with live three-hour tutorial sessions, set to prime students ahead of Maths, English and Science exams. Co-founder of MyEdSpace, Sean Hirons, said: "Understandably, parents just want to help their kids when it comes to exam season – especially those intense few days just before a big test. But that doesn't have to mean pulling all-nighters themselves or learning Macbeth off by heart." "Right now, the best thing parents can do for their kids is keep calm, give them some space and make sure they're not forgetting to do the basic things like eating regularly or getting a good night's sleep while they prep." "We don't want any students, or parents, to be feeling overwhelmed or unsupported during this extremely stressful time of year." 'Math-fluencer' Neil Trivedi, who is part of the MyEdSpace team and has streamed revision classes, reaching more than 43,000 students, said: "Bedding in knowledge evenly across the year is obviously the best way to learn. "There are ways to optimise the revision process. One way to try and solidify your knowledge is to try and explain your work to a peer, those who study together, succeed together." Parent's efforts to help manage their kids through this daunting period are welcome for the most part as 65% 'actively' want their mums and dads to help them with revision. Although the research, carried out through OnePoll, found 19% would prefer it if they didn't. Reasons why include wanting to be independent (46%), thinking they can revise better on their own (36%), and 28% wanting to prove themselves (28%). Kharis Yanakidis, co-founder of MyEdSpace which aims to defuse the stress of exam season, understands the pressure, stating: "GCSE season can be overwhelming for students and families, so making revision fun and enjoyable can make all the difference. "That's why our team is made up of expert teachers - many of them previous examiners - who last year helped MyEdSpace students achieve grades 7-9 at more than double the national average." DON'T SPEND HOURS REMEMBERING FORMULAS: I've never used a formula booklet in my life, I was able to learn all the relevant formulas from practicing questions, you too will naturally remember them with practice. Even better, you learn to recognise which problem they should be used for. TEACH TO REMEMBER: Teach a friend, sibling, or even a stuffed animal a concept you're struggling with - it forces you to consolidate your knowledge. EVERSE ENGINEER EXAM PAPERS: Start with the answer, then work backward to understand how to solve the problem. FOCUS ON PAST EXAM PAPER QUESTIONS: Textbooks are fine to practice specific mathematics skills - however, during exam season it is most important to gain exam specific exposure. For written subjects, study mark schemes to see exactly what your exam board is looking for. ADDRESS EVERY MISCONCEPTION: Do not accept incorrect answers without explanation - if you get a question wrong, make sure you fully understand where you made mistakes and what to address. Do the question again to prove to yourself you have understood your mistake.
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
April left reeling in Emmerdale as disgusting character from her past returns
April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) is so close to being back on her feet but a completely chance encounter will set her right back to square one in Emmerdale. Her time on the streets has left her with a dark past, of which dad Marlon (Mark Charnock) only knows a smidgen. Since returning to the village, she's battled the loss of her stillborn baby, been shunned by her friends at school, and now she's feeling the impact her time away has had on her prep for her GCSEs. As she goes to sit her exam, she's completely overcome with panic. Belle (Eden Taylor Draper) gently suggests redoing the year might be her best bet. While April figures it all out, she decides she wants a summer job and Belle is there to help – offering her a trial shift at take a vow. It's the perfect distraction while giving her a slice of normality. Her trial involves filming a Christening, simple enough. The job is just what she needs to get her back on track, but there's a cruel twist ahead. More Trending As the Christening gets going with April filming the beautiful event, the teen finds herself suddenly frozen with fear as she recognises the baby's father. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! She's suddenly transported back to her days on the streets when a vile man threatened to urinate on her. The baby's dad is that man. Marlon and Mary (Louise Jameson) are completely oblivious to April's fresh turmoil as she struggles to continue with this man in her midst. View More » Will Marlon realise before April freaks out completely? MORE: Emmerdale boss confirms another unexpected return – and chaos ensues
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Soaps spoilers for next week: Emmerdale killer exposed and EastEnders heartbreak
Heartbreak is on its way to soapland next week, from Emmerdale to Albert Square and Weatherfield. But small soaps are also expected to deliver their own bombshells. One killer in the Yorkshire Dales decides it's time to come clean next week in Emmerdale, while another Corrie favourite could make a huge move to Thailand. Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver is on her way out of the ITV soap after portraying Eileen Grimshaw for more than two decades. And with her son Jason (Ryan Thomas) back on the cobbles, she may receive an offer that's too good to refuse in upcoming scenes. Back in the Dales, Ruby Miligan (Beth Cordingly) has struggled to cope in the aftermath of her father Anthony's murder. But when a body is dredged out of the lake next week, she believes walls are closing in on her and makes a clear-headed decision that could have dire repercussions. In EastEnders, Peter Beale (Thomas Law) is reeling from the discovery that his new-born son Jimmy, was diagnosed as severely sight impaired - and Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) pays the price. Meanwhile, more twists are ahead in Hollyoaks, Neighbours and Home and Away. Emmerdale Ruby, Cain (Jeff Hordley), Caleb (Will Ash) and Chas (Lucy Pargeter) are terrified that the body found in the lake is Anthony. Fears are fueled when Chas learns the body had been under the lake for months. Ruby decides to confess but Caleb suggests they both flee. She agrees, but soon slips out. At the police station, Ruby opens up about the years of abuse she endured and makes it clear Caleb had nothing to do with Anthony's disappearance. Before long, the body in the lake is revealed to be Nate's. The police arrive to give Tracy (Amy Walsh) the bad news. Cain and Moira (Natalie J Robb) are blindsided when DC Cole also reveals that the body is so decomposed, Cain can't even visit his own son. But soon, Cain is under scrutiny when Tracy recounts Nate's last days in the village. April (Amelia Flanagan) is struggling to revise for her GCSEs and Marlon's (Mark Charnock) heart breaks when she panics during an exam. Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) suggests that April might benefit from redoing the year. The teen wants a summer job and bags a trial shift at Take A Vow. She soon finds herself at a christening, where she's caught up by a ghost of her past. Elsewhere, Eric (Chris Chittell) shuns Tracy's offer to help but he regrets his decision when he falls and there is nobody around to help. Coronation Street Eileen shows George (Tony Maudsley) and Jason an article on her phone. Reading it, George realises it implicates them in an insurance scam, potentially ruining the business. Jason calls in the Rovers and after chatting up Danielle (Natalie Anderson), he leads her into a booth. Jason mentions his brother Todd (Gareth Pierce) and Danielle is shocked. When Jason suggests Eileen moves to Thailand to be his business partner, what will she say? Tracy (Kate Ford) flirts with Carl (Jonathan Howard) at the garage to make Steve jealous. When Carl receives a text from Fiona telling him they should meet, a jealous Abi (Sally Carman-Duttine) assumes it's a girlfriend. Fiona later calls at the garage and Tracy is intrigued to hear Carl describe himself as the boss. Abi then watches as Carl cosies up to Tracy and when he leaves, she makes out that Carl is a serial womaniser and it'd be best for Tracy to steer clear. A stressed Sean (Antony Cotton) warns Lou (Farrel Hegarty) that Dylan (Liam McCheyne) is due home from the STC and he doesn't want any trouble from Brody. Sean wants to celebrate Dylan's release with a special lunch but Dylan suggests a low-key meal at the cafe instead. Brody enters the cafe and Sean promises Dylan that he'll protect him. Dylan tells his dad that Brody's the one who should watch out. EastEnders Harvey (Ross Boatman) comes up with a new business venture and tries to buy a limo from an old acquaintance. Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) bursts his bubble when she says she doesn't have the cash to buy it. Kat (Jessie Wallace) rails at the couple but Alfie (Shane Richie) interjects to defuse the situation. Later, Harvey tries to recruit some of Kat's drivers as investors but she overhears and scuppers his business plans. Nicola (Laura Doddington) gives Harvey advice and he asks Kat to be his business partner. Tension builds up between Lauren and Peter as he struggles with baby Jimmy's diagnosis. Lauren is overwhelmed by well-wishers in Walford and tries to get Peter to join her, but he dismisses her pleas. Cindy (Michelle Collins) and Kathy team up to help the couple but things take a turn for the worse when Peter blames Lauren for Jimmy's health and she heads out to drown her sorrows. Peter then makes a decision he could later regret. Meanwhile, George (Colin Salmon) tries to help Cindy get the family back on side as she prepares for The Albert's re-launch. But George delivers a bombshell when he tells her Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford) won't be attending. With Felix (Matthew James Morrison) and Freddie's (Bobby Brazier) help, she tries to get residents talking about the launch, but things quickly turn sour. Hollyoaks The village reels after a recent tragedy, and Detective Donny Clark takes on the case while a shellshocked Nancy searches for answers to the devastation. Meanwhile, Sienna is distraught when she finds out her granddaughter has been in the custody of corrupt cop DI Banks. At the hospital, Misbah rushes to Ste with urgent news about Lucas. Elsewhere, Grace is met with a ghost of her past as the identity of Mrs Banks is finally revealed. And a surprise return leaves Mercedes with a choice. Neighbours Paul is devastated when a letter from Jefferey arrives. Terese takes action to get the truth about Thomas. Karl begins to probe Darcy and hatches a plan to expose him. Things go from bad to worse for Darcy when a familiar face shows up. Elsewhere, Byron and Sadie bicker over Amanda's will as she admits she's started to question their relationship. She later makes a shock decision. Meanwhile, Wendy tries to reconnect with Andrew after the catfishing ordeal - but she soon starts to do some digging on his biological family. Home and Away Leah asks Theo about the girl he's been texting - and she later offers him a warning. Theo then drops a bombshell on Sonny… Before paying the ultimate price. Harper and Eliza take a bush walk, ignoring Marilyn's frenzied calls. But when Harper feels a painful kick from her baby, she struggles through agonising contractions. Meanwhile, tension rises between Roo and Marilyn over concerns for Eliza. Elsewhere, Eden conceals her true feelings when she's caught looking at her old engagement ring. Remi and Bee later catch her on the edge of a spiral.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Hempsted parents call for 'temporary measure' on canal bridge
Parents are calling for temporary measures to reopen a damaged bridge amid school run Hempsted Bridge, which previously provided pedestrian access over the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, was closed by Gloucestershire Highways on April 22 due to safety found the tarmac on the structure had worn away, exposing the wooden Kirsty said the closure is placing added strain on her son, who is preparing for his GCSEs, as he now faces an extra 30-minute walk each day. But, a Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson said the bridge is likely to remain closed until planned work is completed in July. And a Canal and River Trust spokesperson has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the closure, the Local Democracy Service reported. They said: "Having secured the funding needed, we're currently waiting for specialist material to be delivered before we remove the current bridge surface and deck and replace it with a new timber deck on behalf of the council." Kirsty, whose children attend Ribston High School and Crypt School in Hempsted, said the closure has created a "long old walk" for her kids."My son is in the middle of his GCSEs - the additional pick ups have had a real impact on all our lives," she said. Jasmine's son also attends The Crypt School and is completing his GCSEs. She told the BBC the bridge closed with "no warning" just before children returned back to school after the Easter said: "My son is doing 25 GCSE exams this summer - adding extra stress by him having to walk a long distance to school isn't needed."The solution for us would be a temporary fix [of the bridge] over the May half term - kids could then utilise the bridge for the remainder of the term and elevate the pressure on parents and students." Grandmother Jen, whose grandson attends The Crypt School, said she's had to cancel her holiday to be readily available for pick said: "It's now virtually impossible for children to walk to and from school."Dibs Bucknell, the Hempsted Residents Association's Highways representative, said residents are disappointed that despite constant emails over three years, nothing was done before about the deteriorating state of the said: "Only when the Hempsted Residents Association involved the media did anything happen.""Surely a thin steel plate can be laid in the centre to allow access. We have written to our MP to ask him to follow it up," he added.
