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Edinburgh Live
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Rio Ferdinand's life now with luxury move abroad, famous wife and 'health scare'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Rio Ferdinand has hung up his hat as a pundit on TNT Sports after the Champions League final, closing a chapter of ten years with the broadcaster. Despite being offered a fresh contract months ago, the ex-Manchester United and England star chose not to renew, earlier announcing it was a "difficult" decision to leave. In his farewell note reported by Wales Online, Ferdinand extended his thanks for the chance to talk football over the last decade, tipping his hat to the behind-the-scenes crew essential for their triumphs. "I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes whose hard work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success. To everyone at TNT Sports, we have a brilliant end to the season to look forward to on Saturday and for now all focus will be on what I think could go down as one of the great European finals," Ferdinand remarked. READ MORE - David Tennant's wife reacts to Billie Piper's Doctor Who 'bombshell' READ MORE - The Aldi 33p 'shot' that could help 'obliterate' bad cholesterol from your body He added, "The network continues to thrive with more rights than ever. I know I look forward to following its progress and the exciting future that lies ahead." Ferdinand also took a moment to thank his family and New Era, his management firm, for their steadfast support as he travelled across Europe to follow top-tier players and matches, reports the Manchester Evening News. The 46 year old's decision comes after months of speculation about his potential departure from the broadcaster at the end of the season, with rumours hinting at a move abroad with his wife, Kate. Initial whispers suggested that Ferdinand, who has played for United, West Ham, Leeds, and QPR, might be eyeing opportunities in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, later reports indicated that he and his wife, a former The Only Way is Essex star, were contemplating a move to Dubai, where they first crossed paths through mutual friends nearly ten years ago. Earlier this year, it was reported that the couple had started looking into properties and schools in Dubai, having decided that the time was right for them and their family to make the move. Ferdinand and his wife share two children, and Kate also plays the role of stepmother to his three children from his previous marriage to Rebecca Ellison, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2015. While Ferdinand has not publicly announced his next career move, it is thought that a potential relocation to the United Arab Emirates would involve regular travel between the UAE and the UK to meet work commitments. Kate is the founder of the online platform Blended. This news follows a health scare that forced him to miss out on covering key European football matches. Ferdinand was poised to cover Arsenal's Champions League match against PSG and lend his expert insights for United's Europa League semi-final with Athletic Bilbao but was instead hospitalised due to a crippling virus. Speaking candidly on 'Rio Ferdinand Presents', he recounted the harrowing experience that left him in fear for his life, battling severe migraines, vertigo, and extreme vomiting. "I had a mad virus," shared Ferdinand. "I thought lights were out at some point, I thought it was gonna happen. I thought I was minutes away from lights out, seriously." In narrating the terrible incident, he explained, "I was in my house, I was in my bed like this [pained expression] and I couldn't even open my eyes. Then, the headache I had... I don't get migraines or nothing else so I don't know what they're like. I thought my head was in a vice and my eyes were going to pop out. "Then, I was being sick, projectile vomiting in the toilet, I got back to bed and I was having vertigo," he added, "I was holding onto the sheets, I didn't know where I was. It was crazy." The situation took an alarming turn as medical professionals considered a brain scan, following Ferdinand's earlier offer of an ambulance to expedite his journey to the hospital. "I had to go to hospital and the doctor even said to me, 'Do you want an ambulance?' So that's when I knew," he disclosed. "He went, 'We're going to get your brain scanned'. I thought it was a virus or a flu or something so when he mentioned brain scan and the ambulance, the panic was nuts. "I went to hospital and I was in there for a few days. I couldn't even enjoy the hospital food. The soup and the ice cream normally does wonders."
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP to scrap six benefits by 2026 as claimants urged to take action
DWP to scrap six benefits by 2026 as claimants urged to take action The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing to phase out older benefits this year meaning claimants need to take action The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing to phase out older benefits this year meaning claimants need to take action (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) People receiving certain benefits are being urged to act if they wish to continue receiving payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is persisting with the phasing out of older benefits for millions this year. A few years back, the DWP began transitioning individuals on specific benefits, known as legacy benefits, over to universal credit, which was launched in 2013. This process, referred to as managed migration, has been implemented gradually over several years, with individuals being notified that they would be transitioned and, in some cases, would need to make a universal credit claim. Full-scale managed migration kicked off in April 2023, extending to different regions of Great Britain. The six legacy benefits being phased out include: Child and working tax credit Income-based jobseeker's allowance Income support Income-related employment Support allowance Housing benefit Tax credit is the first of 2025's legacy benefit closures. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here . As per the DWP website, the benefit will cease in April 2025, meaning recipients must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits. Those affected have three months from the date on their migration notice to apply for universal credit. Moreover, the planned transition of approximately 800,000 recipients of income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) alone, or income-related ESA in conjunction with housing benefit, has been expedited. This had initially been postponed to 2028/29. The DWP commenced issuing migration notices to these claimants in September 2024, with the goal of notifying all individuals in this group by December 2025. The DWP intends to transfer all legacy benefit recipients to universal credit by March 2026, finalising the rollout and ceasing all legacy benefits by this date. Article continues below Here is the full timeline of managed migration: April 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Income Support, Income Support with Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits with Housing Benefit. Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Income Support, Income Support with Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits with Housing Benefit. June 2024: Migration notices were sent to households receiving Housing Benefit only. Migration notices were sent to households receiving Housing Benefit only. July 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits. Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits. August 2024: Tax Credit claimants who are over state pension age were invited to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Tax Credit claimants who are over state pension age were invited to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit. September 2024: Migration notices began to be sent to claimants of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and those on income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) without Child Tax Credits. Migration notices began to be sent to claimants of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and those on income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) without Child Tax Credits. December 2025: The DWP aims to notify all claimants of income-related ESA only, or income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, by this date, a group previously scheduled for migration in 2028/29. The DWP aims to notify all claimants of income-related ESA only, or income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, by this date, a group previously scheduled for migration in 2028/29. March 2026: All legacy benefit claims are scheduled to be closed
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
We could lose thousands if we lose our street's free parking
We could lose thousands if we lose our street's free parking Traders say the loss of two hours free parking would be a huge loss and could put some at risk of going out of business Alwen Lewis owns Iechyd Da, an eco-friendly healthy food shop on the high street. She says her business could lose thousands if the village is stripped of their free parking. (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Traders have opposed plans to strip a Welsh high street of free parking, claiming it could cost them thousands in lost trade. The car parks surrounding Whitchurch High Street in Cardiff currently have two hours of free parking, allowing locals and visitors to shop without additional charge. The council put a plan to abolish this free car parking in car parks such as Merthyr Road Pay and Display, and Penlline Road Pay and Display, though it has since U-turned on plans to completely scrap it and instead has offered 30 minutes free. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here But business owners operating from the High Street claim the plans would damage their business. Alwen Lewis, owner of Iechy Da, an eco-friendly refill healthy food shop, said she estimates that the decrease in footfall would cause her business an loss of around £7,000 per year. "This is especially concerning for businesses like myself, as my profits mean I am earning less than minimum wage as it is. My staff earn more money than I do, and that is how I keep my business open," she said. "I figured out that the customers I would be losing if that happens are the customers that are spending under £2. If I lose, then I have calculated that I would lose about £7,000 per year. "Those are the customers that come in and spend under £2 but they are popping in all the time and it mounts up. Now why would you spend another pound on parking if you are only buying a pound worth of porridge. You wouldn't, would you? It would double the value of what you're buying." 1,386 individuals have signed a petition against the proposed changes with people being asked to give their views on the plans on RoadTrafficOrderObjections@ Last week Cardiff council announced a U-turn on plans to scrap all the free parking from its city car parks and announced some is set to remain with up to 30 minutes free as well as the possibility of a reduction in Sunday parking charges. "We thought we were being extremely reasonable in our response," Alwen said. "What we as traders are asking for is an hour free, rather than two, because within an hour you can support maybe three local businesses within that time. "You can pop and get your fruit and veg, you can pop here to get porridge and pasta, and then you could pop to the post office or grab a newspaper. "Having a shop, or an independent business like this, anyone can tell you, does not make a living at all - you're not doing it for the money." Councillor Marc Palmer said the council would propose 30 minutes free instead of zero after listening to local concerns. He said: "Following feedback from local residents, businesses, and councillors on the proposed removal of the two hours free parking in some district car parks, Cardiff Council will be making a change. "We're pleased to confirm that, instead of removing free parking entirely, the Council is now looking to offer the first 30 minutes free at the affected car parks. This will help support quick visits such as school drop-offs, collecting prescriptions, takeaways, or picking up a newspaper — without the need to pay. "They will also be keeping other measures, like community group permits, to help reduce the impact of the changes. "To implement this, they will need to carry out a revised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation — details will be shared soon, so until further notice the current two free hours will remain." A spokesman for Cardiff Council said: "Following public consultation on removing two hours of free parking in specific district shopping centres, the council is now progressing a new traffic regulation order (TRO) to allow free parking for 30 minutes at these car parks. "While the legal order is still progressing two hours of free parking will remain in place at these locations." Article continues below "In addition to the proposed 30 minutes free parking at these locations, as part of the TRO process the council will also be consulting on proposals to reduce parking charges on Sundays – where applicable, issuing additional weekend-only season tickets, increasing the charge for long-stay parking, and extending the time period for pay and display from 5pm to 6pm. "At this stage these are only proposals and they will be determined through the legal process. Further information will be provided when the legal process is complete."
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The fitness craze taking over Cardiff that everybody seems to be doing
The fitness craze taking over Cardiff that everybody seems to be doing 'We've got people in their 60s, single mums, young and old people, literally every type of person you can think of doing it.' The B42 gym in Cardiff Bay, one of the first gyms in Wales to offer Hyrox training (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Hyrox is a sporting test which has taken over social media and this weekend it's Cardiff's turn. Ben Noel, 28, and Ffion McGowan, 26, own the B42 gym in Cardiff Bay, one of the first gyms in Wales to offer Hyrox training. This weekend, they and 60 others from their gym will compete in the functional fitness event inside the hallowed walls of Cardiff's Principality Stadium: for many of them it will be their first time. Hyrox is a fitness race consisting of eight 1km runs interspersed with eight functional workout stations. The couple have each raced in four events before and have well and truly succumbed to the Hyrox bug. Speaking to Ben and Ffion, their passion for the sport and the community it fosters is clear. Despite both coming from sporty backgrounds - Ben was a national-level sprinter and Ffion competed nationally in dance - they are keen to stress that Hyrox is for everyone. Don't miss a rugby story, sign up for our newsletter . Ben explained: "We've got people in their 60s, single mums, young and old people, literally every type of person you can think of doing it. It's nice to have people of different ages and abilities jumping in. That creates the community." "Even people who haven't done a parkrun are now doing Hyrox. That feeling of nervousness before the race in the start tunnel, they're feelings you may not have experienced before and it becomes a bug." Content cannot be displayed without consent Ffion explained it's not about your time, but just doing it. "You go on social media you see big influencers doing super quick times that are crazy and then that's that's all you see but it's a very small portion. That's the top 10% or even less and that's not the ethos." Ffion explained it wasn't until the sport boomed on social media that everyone wanted to get involved. She said: "When we first started we had a Hyrox class and it was our least popular class and now it's our most popular." Ben added: "The sport and the brand has grown and people have realised it's accessible. We get 30 people at six, 30 people at seven and 30 people at half nine so it's just grown rapidly." Content cannot be displayed without consent When Ben and Ffion first raced last October, only they and one other woman at the gym had completed a Hyrox before. Ffion said as soon as she finished she knew she wanted to do it again. This January in Manchester 20 members competed, last month 30 went up to London and in Cardiff they have around 60 competing. They say it's been a knock-on effect with everyone their gym keen to support each other. Ben explained the training has being a mix of running and endurance and strength elements like pushing and pulling. With Hyrox events all over the world, the gym owners couldn't hide their excitement about it coming to Cardiff. Ffion said: "For people who can't necessarily travel to other events because of children or financial reasons, it's great for it to be on their doorstep. It just opened up a whole new gateway to new people. And people are like, yeah, I'll give it a go." The pair shared their tips for people competing in the Welsh capital this weekend. Ben said: "Enjoy every minute of it and don't worry about how you feel in a race because you will get it done through determination and willpower so keep your headstrong." Ffion added: "Make sure you fuel up and soak up every single moment of it, don't beat yourself up over a time or a station just enjoy being there and enjoy every second of it." B42 run Hyrox classes multiple times a week. You can find out more on their website. Article continues below
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
DWP £441 payment due in days if you suffer from one of 57 common health conditions
DWP £441 payment due in days if you suffer from one of 57 common health conditions The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers a payment of more than £110 a week to certain people with specific health conditions - and it's due to increase in line with inflation this year This month individuals with certain health conditions are being urged to verify their eligibility for a vital support payment (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) This month individuals with certain health conditions are being urged to verify their eligibility for a vital support payment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) identifies 57 medical conditions that could make you eligible for a payment of £441 every four weeks. The DWP provides an attendance allowance to those with a disability severe enough to require another person's assistance for care. The amount you receive depends on the level of care your disability necessitates. If you're physically or mentally disabled, or of state pension age or older, you might qualify for this payment. Like other benefits, the attendance allowance saw an increase in April. Last November, the government announced that state benefits would rise by 1.7% from April. This means that from April 2025, if you qualify, you'll have more money in your pocket. Here's everything you need to know about the attendance allowance, including how to apply and how much you could receive. What is attendance allowance? Attendance allowance is a benefit provided if your disability is severe enough that you need someone to help take care of you. It's paid at two different rates, and the amount you get depends on the level of extra care you need. Attendance allowance isn't determined by your income or savings, and it doesn't cater to mobility needs. However, other benefits you're receiving could see an increase if you qualify for attendance allowance. The lower rate is granted if you need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night. The higher rate is given if you require assistance or supervision both day and night, or if a healthcare professional has suggested that your life expectancy might be less than 12 months. In April 2024, both rates experienced a 1.7% rise after the DWP adjusted most benefits in line with September's CPI inflation figure. In 2025/26 the Attendance Allowance rates are £110.40 per week for the higher rate and £73.90 per week for the lower rate. The payment is given every four weeks which adds up to around £441 in a four-week period. What health issues could make you eligible for attendance allowance? The DWP provides a list of common health conditions that might qualify you for attendance allowance. They are as follows: Arthritis Spondylosis Back pain – other/precise diagnosis not specified Disease of the muscles, bones or joints Trauma to limbs Visual disorders and diseases Hearing disorders Heart disease Respiratory disorders and diseases Asthma Cystic fibrosis Cerebrovascular disease Peripheral vascular disease Epilepsy Neurological diseases Multiple sclerosis Parkinson's disease Motor neurone disease Chronic pain syndromes Diabetes mellitus Metabolic disease Traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia Major trauma other than traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia Learning difficulties Psychosis Psychoneurosis Personality Disorder Dementia Behavioural disorder Alcohol and drug abuse Hyperkinetic syndrome Renal disorders Inflammatory bowel disease Bowel and stomach disease Blood disorders Haemophilia Multi system disorders Multiple allergy syndrome Skin disease Malignant disease Severely mentally impaired Double amputee Deaf/blind Haemodialysis Frailty Total parenteral nutrition AIDS Infectious diseases: viral disease - Covid-19 Infectious diseases: viral disease - precise diagnosis not specified Infectious diseases: bacterial disease – tuberculosis Infectious diseases: bacterial disease – precise diagnosis not specified Infectious diseases: protozoal disease – malaria Infectious diseases: protozoal disease – other/precise diagnosis not specified Infectious diseases - other / precise diagnosis not specified Cognitive disorder - other / precise diagnosis not specified Terminally Ill Unknown How can I apply for attendance allowance? You can apply for attendance allowance by post click here. You'll receive notes along with a form guiding you on how to fill it out. Article continues below Send the completed form to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. There's no need for a postcode or a stamp. You can ring the attendance allowance helpline to request a copy of the form in different formats, such as braille, large print or audio CD. The helpline number is 0800 731 0122 and it operates from 8am to 6pm. Discover everything else you need to know about attendance allowance here.
