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Wales

All articles tagged with #wales

UK doctor warns student loan interest could keep him paying for decades
education3 days ago

UK doctor warns student loan interest could keep him paying for decades

A UK doctor says his student loan debt has grown from £55,000 to about £80,000 due to roughly £25,000 in interest, with around £3,000 added this tax year and only half of that paid off. Interest accrues immediately and can reach up to 6.2%, delaying plans like buying a home. Loans are written off after 25–40 years depending on the region, and while the government defends the system as fair, graduates and policymakers are pushing for reform.

Ice baths and resilience: a Welsh man’s battle with trigeminal neuralgia
health22 days ago

Ice baths and resilience: a Welsh man’s battle with trigeminal neuralgia

Gerwyn Tumelty, a Pontarddulais man described as living with trigeminal neuralgia—often called the world’s most painful condition—suffered years of severe facial pain before a 2019 neurosurgery relieved the physical agony. While the pain subsided, he faced ongoing mental health challenges, prompting him to adopt routines like twice-weekly ice baths and outdoor challenges to cope and stay focused. His story, supported by the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK, also highlights the importance of early diagnosis and ongoing support for affected individuals.

Itoje benched as England reshapes backline for Wales opener
rugby-union22 days ago

Itoje benched as England reshapes backline for Wales opener

England name a bench-heavy starting XV for their Six Nations opener against Wales, with captain Maro Itoje starting on the bench after his mother’s funeral and Jamie George captaining the side. Northampton duo Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman win midfield spots (Freeman moving from wing to outside centre), Henry Arundell starts on the left wing and Freddie Steward is at full-back as England plan to counter Wales’ kicking game. The pack is led by Genge and Heyes, with a forward-heavy bench including Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Sam Underhill and Ben Earl; Alex Mitchell and Ford continue the half-back pairing. The match at Twickenham will test England’s evolving cohesion under Steve Borthwick.

Abergele teen confronts rare cold-induced allergy that sparks hives
health1 month ago

Abergele teen confronts rare cold-induced allergy that sparks hives

Sixteen-year-old Amber Woodward of Abergele, North Wales, has cold urticaria, a rare allergy that triggers itching and swelling from cold temperatures (below 12C) and even wind or water, forcing her to miss plans and wear extra layers; after a lengthy path to diagnosis in 2023, she hopes monthly antihistamine injections will ease her symptoms, though there is no cure and she remains hopeful for more research and better treatments.

Two-Michelin-star Ynyshir in Wales receives one-star hygiene rating
food-and-drink1 month ago

Two-Michelin-star Ynyshir in Wales receives one-star hygiene rating

Ynyshir, a Welsh restaurant with two Michelin stars, was handed a one-star hygiene rating by the Food Standards Agency after a November inspection, which found major improvements were needed in food safety management though cleanliness and handling were generally satisfactory. The venue, known for a five-hour tasting menu, has addressed issues and paperwork gaps since the visit; owner-chef Gareth Ward defended their approach to raw ingredients and said standards remain high. CNN notes Ynyshir is Wales’ only two-Michelin-star restaurant.

Father jailed 35 years for brutal attack on baby daughter
crime1 month ago

Father jailed 35 years for brutal attack on baby daughter

A father in Wales was sentenced to 35 years after violently attacking his baby daughter, throwing her at a TV and leaving her with catastrophic injuries. He texted apologetic messages after the incident, and the child now requires lifelong care with irreversible brain damage. The judge said the act showed callousness and self-interest, and the offender will serve two-thirds of the sentence before any release opportunity.

Survey Reveals Mental Health Concerns in Welsh Seven-Year-Olds
health1 month ago

Survey Reveals Mental Health Concerns in Welsh Seven-Year-Olds

A comprehensive survey in Wales reveals concerning levels of anxiety, loneliness, and emotional difficulties among primary school children aged 7-11, with one in seven experiencing significant emotional issues. The survey highlights the impact of social media, online dangers, and pandemic-related isolation on young children's mental health, prompting calls for improved support and interventions in schools.

Wales' Smacking Ban Sparks Debate and Changes Parenting Laws
society2 months ago

Wales' Smacking Ban Sparks Debate and Changes Parenting Laws

A Welsh mother expresses her surprise that smacking was ever legal in Wales, where a ban introduced in 2022 has led to minimal prosecutions and a shift towards positive parenting, with support from child protection advocates. Despite some criticism about resource use, the law is seen as a positive step in protecting children's rights, with calls for similar legislation in England and Northern Ireland.

Man Arrested 30 Years After Couple's Murder
crime2 months ago

Man Arrested 30 Years After Couple's Murder

An 86-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the 1993 murders of Harry and Megan Tooze in Llanharry, Wales, after a forensic review of the cold case. The couple was shot and their bodies moved to a cow shed, with a previous suspect, Jonathan Jones, convicted and later released on appeal. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek more information.

Detectorist uncovers potentially Wales' largest Roman coin hoard of 15,000
world4 months ago

Detectorist uncovers potentially Wales' largest Roman coin hoard of 15,000

A metal detectorist in north Wales discovered up to 15,000 Roman coins in two clay pots, potentially the largest hoard ever found in Wales, which is now being analyzed by the National Museum Cardiff. The find, believed to date from Roman times, could significantly impact Welsh archaeological history and involves legal procedures for treasure reporting and ownership.

England's Dominant Win and Record-Breaking Moments in Football
sports4 months ago

England's Dominant Win and Record-Breaking Moments in Football

England secured a 3-0 victory over Wales in a friendly match at Wembley, with standout performances from Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers, while Jordan Pickford set a record for clean sheets. Player ratings from BBC reflect strong individual contributions, especially from the English side, with Saka earning the highest average rating. Wales struggled defensively and offensively, with some players rated lower for their performances.