Latest news with #OxfordUniversity
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fast Show actor's child took own life at home aged just 25 as dad opens up on ‘incomprehensible tragedy'
HEARTBREAKING LOSS Fast Show actor's child took own life at home aged just 25 as dad opens up on 'incomprehensible tragedy' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE child of a Fast Show actor took their own life aged 25 after a "traumatic" stint in hospital, an inquest heard. Cal Shearer was tragically discovered dead at home in Oxford on October 30. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Cal Shearer was found dead at home in Oxford 5 Cal's dad was Fast Show actor Paul Shearer, who has paid tribute The student's dad Paul Shearer was a regular on comedy show The Fast Show between 1994 to 1997. He paid tribute to Cal, who was transgender, at an inquest into the Oxford University PhD student's death. Paul said: "There were many facets to their personality. 'After their death, Cal's mum in a social media post said they were brave, beautiful and compassionate. 'They were capable of warmth and love. They spent many hours helping at Oxford Nightline. 'Cal's death was a tragedy and incomprehensible to those around them." Oxford Coroner's Court was told Cal had been diagnosed with autism in 2018 and had a "long battle" with suicidal thoughts. From March to May last year, Cal was in hospital, which was described as a "traumatic" experience. The student had received treatment from Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust. The family lodged a complaint with the trust over its handling over Cal's care, saying more should have been done to account for their autism. Cal's wife Imogen Voysey-Shearer told the inquest she did not think the mental health team knew what to do with the student. Paying tribute, she added: "Cal was someone who everyone liked. They helped others in so many ways. 'Cal was kind, funny and compassionate. Cal was liked in every area of their life, but felt their death was inevitable. 'Coming home to Cal was the best part of my day. We played Minecraft together. 'Cal had a long history of difficulties with their mental health. Cal had a rough time getting up in the morning and struggled going into the lab.' Dr Stephen Merson, consultant psychiatrist at the Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, was asked if the care team had been "dismissive" of Cal's autism. He replied: 'No. We are improving our awareness of the implications of autism. I don't think we ignored the risk aspect.' Recording a verdict of suicide, area coroner Nicholas Graham offered his condolences to Cal's devastated family. He added: "Concerns have been raised around Cal's mental health care and treatment. 'The trust has accepted failings in these areas. It was accepted there was an absence of a documented care plan. "The failings contributed to a deterioration in Cal's mental health which ultimately lead to their death.' How to get help EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 Paul was a member of Cambridge University's Footlights ensemble alongside Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie. He starred in the first series of sketch comedy show There's Nothing to Worry About! the following year with the ensemble. Paul is best known for his appearances on the The Fast Show where he played a variety of characters, including a bemused customer in the 'Suit You' tailors segments. Cal's mum and film producer mum Vicky Licorish presented Saturday SuperStore in the 1980s alongside Keith Chegwin and DJ Mike Reid. If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. 5 Cal had struggled with autism and suicidal thoughts 5 The PhD student had been admitted to hospital months before their death
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Fast Show actor's child took own life at home aged just 25 as dad opens up on ‘incomprehensible tragedy'
THE child of a Fast Show actor took their own life aged 25 after a "traumatic" stint in hospital, an inquest heard. Cal Shearer was tragically discovered dead at home in Oxford on October 30. 5 5 The student's dad Paul Shearer was a regular on comedy show The Fast Show between 1994 to 1997. He paid tribute to Cal, who was transgender, at an inquest into the Oxford University PhD student's death. Paul said: "There were many facets to their personality. 'After their death, Cal's mum in a social media post said they were brave, beautiful and compassionate. 'They were capable of warmth and love. They spent many hours helping at Oxford Nightline. 'Cal's death was a tragedy and incomprehensible to those around them." Oxford Coroner's Court was told Cal had been diagnosed with autism in 2018 and had a "long battle" with suicidal thoughts. From March to May last year, Cal was in hospital, which was described as a "traumatic" experience. The student had received treatment from Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust. The family lodged a complaint with the trust over its handling over Cal's care, saying more should have been done to account for their autism. Cal's wife Imogen Voysey-Shearer told the inquest she did not think the mental health team knew what to do with the student. Paying tribute, she added: "Cal was someone who everyone liked. They helped others in so many ways. 'Cal was kind, funny and compassionate. Cal was liked in every area of their life, but felt their death was inevitable. 'Coming home to Cal was the best part of my day. We played Minecraft together. 'Cal had a long history of difficulties with their mental health. Cal had a rough time getting up in the morning and struggled going into the lab.' Dr Stephen Merson, consultant psychiatrist at the Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, was asked if the care team had been "dismissive" of Cal's autism. He replied: 'No. We are improving our awareness of the implications of autism. I don't think we ignored the risk aspect.' Recording a verdict of suicide, area coroner Nicholas Graham offered his condolences to Cal's devastated family. He added: "Concerns have been raised around Cal's mental health care and treatment. 'The trust has accepted failings in these areas. It was accepted there was an absence of a documented care plan. "The failings contributed to a deterioration in Cal's mental health which ultimately lead to their death.' How to get help EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 Paul was a member of Cambridge University's Footlights ensemble alongside Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie. He starred in the first series of sketch comedy show There's Nothing to Worry About! the following year with the ensemble. Paul is best known for his appearances on the The Fast Show where he played a variety of characters, including a bemused customer in the 'Suit You' tailors segments. Cal's mum and film producer mum Vicky Licorish presented Saturday SuperStore in the 1980s alongside Keith Chegwin and DJ Mike Reid. If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. 5 5 5
Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Meet Malala Yousafzai, again!
Malala Yousafzai is no stranger to the spotlight. Since she first made international headlines at age 15, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist has been a symbol of resistance, education, and resilience. But in a recent Instagram post, Malala offered a more personal portrait of herself – one that goes beyond headlines. In a heartfelt caption accompanying a childhood photo, Malala wrote on Monday, "If you did a school project on me, you probably know me as the 15-year-old who was shot by the Taliban for standing up for girls' right to education. That was 13 years ago. A lot has changed since then, and some things have stayed the same, so here's a reintroduction to who I am today." She began by describing her roots in Pakistan, "which is known for its beautiful mountains and rivers," before tracing her journey to Oxford University. "I made so many friends, had (a bit too much) fun and learned about myself. It's also where I struggled with my mental health, experiencing panic attacks for the first time. Going to therapy really helped me," said Malala of her time in college. Shortly after graduation, she married Asser Malik, who she said "makes me smile every day." Offering a glimpse into her personality and quirk, Malala shared, "In addition to reading and learning new languages, I love working out and playing competitive sports." "Asser calls me a gym bro," she quipped. "I love travelling but I'm not great at trip prep. I throw my clothes in a suitcase ten minutes before the airport and always forget something important. I love trying new cuisine and restaurants. However, I can't cook and my fridge is filled with takeout boxes." Malala's humanitarian work comprises a big part of her life. "I spend most of my time working on girls' education issues around the world, in countries like Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria and Pakistan." The post concluded with a message of hope and continuity: "My life is nothing like I imagined it would be. The girl in this photo wanted to be a car mechanic. But my hope to see every girl in school, able to pursue her dreams and choose her own future, will never change. To the new faces and to those who've been here from the start: thank you for being here."
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
KGMU performs partial knee replacement using microplasty technique
Lucknow: Doctors at KGMU's department of orthopaedics successfully performed a partial knee replacement using the microplasty technique—a significant shift from traditional total knee replacements. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The microplasty targets only the damaged portion of the knee, preserving healthy tissue and bone. Based on modern computer navigation, it allows for precise alignment and faster recovery with minimal cuts and reduced blood loss. The surgery was conducted by senior orthopaedic surgeon Prof Shailendra Singh on a 52-year-old woman from Sultanpur earlier this week. The patient was operated on under the Ayushman scheme of the govt. Prof Shailendra Singh said, "This is the future of knee surgery. Instead of replacing the entire joint, we now fix only the damaged part. Recovery is faster, pain is less, and the results are long-lasting." It will cost around Rs 80,000-Rs 90,000. He added that patients can often begin walking within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. "For carefully selected individuals, implants may last over 15 years, with many returning to regular physical activity or sports in a short time," he said. This technique is especially suited for individuals with localised medial compartment osteoarthritis, intact ligaments and stable joints—typically those who remain active even beyond the age of 40. The surgery involved a small incision of around 6-8 cm, guided instrumentation for accurate placement and the use of the Oxford Knee implant—a proven device developed by Oxford University in partnership with Zimmer Biomet. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The implant's hallmark is a mobile bearing design that mimics natural knee movement and allows most patients to begin walking within 24 to 48 hours. HoD orthopaedics department Prof Ashish Kumar said: "KGMU plans to expand the use of microplasty as a preferred treatment option in early-stage osteoarthritis, particularly among younger, active individuals. The university is also preparing to organise workshops and clinical sessions to train surgeons in this advancing technique." The surgery team included anaesthesiologists Prof Vineeta Singh and Prof Manoj Chaurasia, as well as orthopaedic colleagues Prof Ravindra Mohan, Dr Deepak Chawda and Dr Ankur Maan.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
From Oxford University to century on 'emergency' India Test debut in Manchester – the story of Abbas Ali Baig
Haryana's sprightly pacer Anshul Kamboj is likely to make a stunning Test debut on Wednesday for India, hampered by several injuries, during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England in Manchester. Old Trafford has witnessed the first steps of nine India Test cricketers before, with legendary spinner Anil Kumble being the last of those during his debut in 1990. But none could match up to the whirlwind story of Abbas Ali Baig's debut in Manchester in 1959, stunning one and all. Like Kamboj, a 20-year-old Baig was nowhere in contention when the tour began, but for an injury to batting mainstay Vijay Manjrekar leading up to the fourth Test of the 1959 tour had India scrambling for options. While having started his First-Class career at only 15 years of age, Baig would have remotely thought of being drafted into the national side while studying at Oxford University. A prodigious talent indeed, Baig had once scored 308 runs in a First-Class match (221 and 87), an Oxford record that has remained for more than 60 years. Replacing Manjrekar in the XI, Baig had a nimble first essay on the Old Trafford strip, falling for 26 while batting at No. 3 to Ray Illingworth. After India made only 208 all out in response to England's first-innings score of 490, the hosts set a daunting 548-run target for India. Baig soon hit his straps under pressure as he carved a fantastic century in his second innings on debut. Aged 20 years 151 days, Abbas Ali Baig had become only the fourth Indian to score a century on Test debut and the youngest to achieve the landmark at the time. Incidentally, Baig's valiant century was also the first Test hundred by a debutant batter in the fourth innings of a match. The SOS call to India's request made Baig an instant hero as he was later bestowed with the Indian Cricketer of the Year – 1959 award. Baig's international career would, however, taper off as he would win only nine more caps across the next eight years. Baig could only add two more fifty-plus scores in his career and was famously remembered for an unprecedented on-field 'kiss'. During the Brabourne Test against Australia in 1960, Baig was walking off the field for the tea-break after scoring a fighting half-century before being stopped by a girl in her 20s for a moment that would make for debates and discussions thereafter. 'I was returning to the pavilion at tea when this girl jumped the fence and kissed me,' Baig would describe. After winning one more cap for India, Baig went onto become a First-Class heavyweight for Hyderabad alongside the likes of MAK Patudi, Abid Ali and ML Jaisimha. Across a 20-year career that ended in the 1975-76 season, Baig inished with 12,367 runs at 34.16 and 21 hundreds. He would return to the national set-up as the head coach during India's 1991-92 tour of Australia and the subsequent 1992 World Cup. As Kamboj gears up for a debut exactly 66 years later, Abbas Ali Baig's unique Test initiation at the very same ground in Manchester marks for a special recall.
