List of All Articles with Tag 'lies'

More than one in 10 women and girls in the UK’s four nations has been a victim of online violence, new research has found. Online violence can includes abuse, unwanted sexual remarks, trolling, threats, and non-consensual sharing of intimate messages and photos. The online YouGov survey, said to be the biggest so far into the issue, found 17% of the women and girls surveyed in Wales and Scotland have experienced online violence, as well as 15% in England and 12% in Northern Ireland. Researchers from the Open University said the findings show the problem is “widespread”. The data came from the 7,500 people aged 16 and over – 4,000 women and girls and 3,5000 men and boys – earlier this year. It also highlighted that online violence was higher among for those aged 16-24 (25%) and for LGBT+ women and girls (35%). The most commonly perceived reasons for why people commit such online violence were the anonymity provided by being online (49%), ease of getting away with it (47%) and misogyny (43%). So what can you do if you’re a victim of online violence? Trolling According to the Crown Prosecution Service, trolling is “a form of baiting online which involves sending abusive and hurtful comments across all social media platforms”. Trolls can be found everywhere on the internet, including forums, blogs, websites and social networks. “Don’t respond,” said Ruth Peters, solicitor and director at criminal defence firm Olliers Solicitors. “Trolls are looking for a reaction. Their aim is to upset and provoke you into making an angry/emotional response. Whilst you can’t prevent a troll from targeting you, you can decide how you choose to react. If you choose not to respond to the abuse, trolls generally give up and go away.” If you are being bullied online or receiving abusive comments, Dr Angela Wilcock, a senior lecturer in criminology at University of Sunderland thinks it’s important to tell a family member or a close friend, so you don’t feel alone and have can their support. The Online Safety Bill (which is expected to be passed at the end of this year) to protect women and girls is key, said Wilcock, “along with education from a young age. Women are continually having to risk assess and protect themselves, but we are not dealing with the perpetrators”. She added: “If women and girls do experience online violence, they must tell someone and seek help immediately from specialist services. To make themselves safer, they can also ensure social media privacy settings are activated.” Don’t forget to record, report and block trolls too. Peters noted. “If someone makes an offensive post, take a screenshot or print the post so that you have proof of it if necessary. “Ask the website moderator, administrator or owner to intervene if the troll doesn’t stop. Most websites/social network platforms have strong anti-abuse policies and, in most cases, trolls are guilty of violating their terms and conditions so will have their accounts terminated. “It’s OK to block those whose behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable and blocking someone on social media is easy.” Threats and abusive communication Set out under the Communications Act 2003 and the Malicious Communications Act 1988, malicious communications can include cyberbullying, harassment online or homophobic, racist, transphobic or misogynistic hate speech. Under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, it is an offence for someone to send a message that is grossly offensive or indecent, obscene or menacing character. “The message does not need to actually reach the intended victim – the act of sending the message is sufficient,” Peters said. “A ‘message’ will cover all forms of messaging so this can mean a text, email, Facebook message, an internet forum, Snapchat message or picture, etc. Any image or message which has been sent electronically will be covered by this act.” Glitch, a UK charity aiming to end online abuse and championing digital citizenship, with a specific focus on black women and marginalised people, published its 2023 Digital Misogynoir Report in July. The findings “illuminate the ways misogynoir shows up in online spaces; the way it spreads and intersects with other forms of white supremacy; and, most disappointingly, how it is still missed in content moderation by tech platforms”, according to founder and CEO, Seyi Akiwowo, “Tech companies must take responsibility for the ways their ‘build first, think later’ approach actively harms black women – online and offline. “And while the pressure we’ve been applying to the UK government has resulted in the welcome and necessary addition of women and girls to the Online Safety Bill, the government has a responsibility to hold tech companies to consistent account for the violence their platforms enable.” Non-consensual sharing of intimate photos and messages In April 2015, the Criminal Justice and Courts Act (CJCA) 2015 made ‘revenge porn’ a specific offence, and it became a crime to “disclose private sexual photographs and films; without the permission of the individual who appears in the photograph or film; with intent to cause distress”, Peters said. “[But] stronger regulation is also proposed surrounding the sharing of sexual images without consent.” The Online Safety Bill, currently progressing through the House of Lords, seeks to specifially criminalise similar offences to revenge porn. “These include sharing ‘deepfakes’ (explicit images which have been altered to look like someone) without consent,” Peters said. “Stronger regulation is also proposed surrounding the sharing of sexual images without consent. The current law requires intention to cause distress in order to be found guilty of this offence, [but] the proposed changes will amend this in order to prosecute more people.” She added: “There will be a ‘base offence’ for sharing intimate images without consent. There will be two more serious offences created if images are shared to cause humiliation, alarm or distress, or for sexual gratification.” But for Wilcock, “women shouldn’t have to ensure our profiles are closed off to the world just so that we don’t endure abuse from trolls and abusers. “It shouldn’t be this way, but that is the sad reality of today’s online world. Until we do more to hold perpetrators to account and deal with them appropriately, it is hard to see how it will get better for victims.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Athlete who ran over 200km through the desert shares advice for running in a heatwave Women being invited to help shape the future of reproductive healthcare – from period pain to menopause How to style your home like a professional

Jack Whitehall has sung the praises of girlfriend Roxy Horner as the couple announced the arrival of their newborn baby. On Wednesday (6 September), Whitehall posted a selfie to Instagram of himself and Horner smiling as she cradled her baby in her arms. In the caption, the comedian wrote that he is “in awe” of his “amazing” partner. “Well this just happened!” Whitehall wrote. “Utterly overwhelming and joyous in ways I couldn’t have even imagined. In awe of my partner @roxyhorner who has been amazing throughout this journey and is going to be the greatest mum ever.” The Bad Education actor, 35, explained how “excited” he was to have started a family of his own. “Having vowed I’d never be that guy I am now 100 per cent going to be the parent that shows everyone endless pictures of their kid,” he joked. “I also wore Skechers to hospital, I think I must accept I am a full blown dad now.” Whitehall didn’t share the child’s name or gender, instead joking: “Name wise, after this weekend I think ‘rice, rice, baby’ has a nice ring to it.” Sharing the same pictures to Twitter/X, Whitehall quipped: “WARNING: This account is now going to feature exclusively dad jokes.” Horner posted a series of photos to her Instagram in celebration of the milestone moment, in which she was seen holding her baby on her chest. “The love of my life,” she wrote. Horner announced that she was expecting their first child together back in May, posting a series of black and white photos of the pair holding their sonogram photos. “The best news to share,” the model captioned her post. Also sharing the news on Instagram in May, Whitehall quipped: “And I thought I wasn’t getting enough attention when the dog arrived.” The pair started dating in 2020, and live together with their dog Coco. Announcing the news in May, Horner opened up about how having a miscarriage the year before made her “worried” about “telling the world” about her pregnancy. “We had a miscarriage last year and so there was a part of me that was worried to open up too soon about this baby because I was so worried something would happen again and I didn’t want to have to kind of tell the world,” she told Hello! in May. “I think because we did go through that miscarriage you realise how fragile the baby is, and just how common actually a miscarriage is, and that so many women go through it – I had no idea how common it actually was.” She added: “It just makes this feel extra special and you’re more grateful that everything’s fine.” While the pair have kept their relationship private, Horner praised Whitehall back in 2021 after she collapsed during the Brit Awards and was rushed to hospital to find out that she is diabetic. “I’m so lucky and grateful for my man, my biggest support through everything,” she wrote in a sweet tribute after her health incident. “I don’t know what I would have done this past year without you.” Read More Travis Barker speaks out about wife Kourtney Kardashian’s ‘life-threatening’ surgery on her and unborn child Jonas Brothers share ‘emotional’ support for Joe Jonas in first show since Sophie Turner divorce news Trump says he wants to debate Meghan Markle: ‘I didn’t like the way she dealt with the Queen’ Travis Barker speaks out about Kourtney Kardashian’s ‘urgent’ surgery Kendra Wilkinson ‘rushed to hospital’ after panic attack Gisele Bündchen announces new cookbook with family favourite recipes

Travis Barker has spoken out about wife Kourtney Kardashian Barker’s “urgent” surgery on her and her unborn child. The musician, 47, took to X – formerly known as Twitter – on Wednesday (6 September) to open up about his wife’s surgery. His tweet came after the Poosh founder revealed that she was rushed into emergency surgery, in order to save the life of her and her husband’s unborn baby. In his post, he expressed his gratitude for how the procedure went and noted that he’ll be back on stage this week, after postponing a handful of Blink-182 European tour dates due to “an urgent family matter”. “God is great. I flew home for a life-threatening emergency surgery for our baby that I’m so grateful went well,” he wrote. “I want to say thank you for all the support. Tour resumes Friday.” Many fans replied to Barker’s tweet with messages of support during Kardashian’s recovery from the surgery. “Happy to hear man, love from all around the world,” one wrote, while another added: “Great news!” Barker’s tweet comes days after Blink-182 revealed that Barker was returning home to California in the middle of his band’s tour to be with his family. “Due to an urgent family matter, Travis has had to return home to the States,” the band wrote in a tweet, shared on 1 September. “The Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin shows are being postponed. More information in regards to his return to Europe and rescheduled dates will be provided as soon as available.” The three-piece rock group were initially scheduled to perform two shows at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on 1 September and 2 September, followed by concerts in Belfast on 4 September and Dublin on 5 September. On Saturday 2 September, Kardashian and her husband were seen leaving the hospital, in photos obtained by the Daily Mail. It was later confirmed by People on 4 September that the reality star had been briefly hospitalised and on the road to recovery. Two days later, Kardashian shared an update about her health on Instagram, where she posted a black and white photo of herself in a hospital bed while holding Barker’s hand. She began her caption by explaining that she’ll “be forever grateful to [her] incredible doctors for saving [her] baby’s life” and praised her husband’s support while she was in the hospital. “I am eternally grateful to my husband who rushed to my side from tour to be with me in the hospital and take care of me afterwards, my rock,” she wrote. “And to my mom, thank you for holding my hand through this.” In her Instagram post, Kardashian revealed that she underwent “fetal surgery”, which “is a procedure performed on an unborn baby in the uterus to help improve the long-term outcome of children with specific birth defects,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “As someone who has had three really easy pregnancies in the past, I wasn’t prepared for the fear of rushing into urgent fetal surgery,” Kardashian continued. “I don’t think anyone who hasn’t been through a similar situation can begin to understand that feeling of fear. I have a whole new understanding and respect for the mamas who have had to fight for their babies while pregnant.” She concluded: “Praise be to God. Walking out of the hospital with my baby boy in my tummy and safe was the truest blessing.” In June, Kardashian held up a sign at a Blink-182 concert to announce that she was pregnant. The news came six months after she publicly shared that she had stopped in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment because it had taken “a toll” on her physical and mental health. Before Kardashian tied the knot with Barker in May 2022, the reality star previously welcomed three children – Mason, 13, Penelope, 12, and Reign, 10 – with ex Scott Disick. Meanwhile, Barker shares a 19-year-old son, Landon, and 14-year-old daughter, Alabama, with ex-wife Shanna Moakler. He also helped raise Moakler’s 24-year-old daughter, Atiana De La Hoya, from her previous relationship. Read More Kourtney Kardashian reveals she underwent urgent foetal surgery amid pregnancy Kourtney Kardashian was briefly hospitalised amid pregnancy, according to reports Blink-182 postpone UK and Ireland shows as Travis Barker rushes home for ‘urgent family matter’ Kourtney Kardashian reveals she underwent urgent fetal surgery Kourtney Kardashian was briefly hospitalised amid pregnancy, according to reports Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker leave hospital after ‘urgent family matter’

Kendra Wilkinson was reportedly rushed to the emergency room after suffering a panic attack on 6 September. A spokesperson for the Girls Next Door alum told TMZ that Wilkinson had recently become overwhelmed in balancing her life, two kids, and her job in real estate. Wilkinson reportedly couldn’t sleep Tuesday night and the following day, she decided that going to the hospital was the best course of action. By the time she arrived at the hospital, an unidentified TMZ source alleged that Wilkinson was desperately pleading for someone to get her a doctor. The Independent has contacted Wilkinson’s representatives for comment. Earlier on Wednesday, Wilkinson had posted a selfie on her Instagram, writing: “Checking out the best Beverly Hills has to offer. Always on the look out for amazing properties for my clients.⁠” The star’s most recent reality TV adventure has been Kendra Sells Hollywood, which chronicles the former Playboy playmate’s journey as she makes her foray into the luxury real estate business with the help of revered real estate power player, Douglas Elliman. Wilkinson has reportedly been learning from Elliman since 2021. In June of this year, the show released its second season on the streaming platform, Max. Throughout her hospital stint, her ex-husband Hank Baskett, 41, has reportedly stayed by her side. The couple share two children, Hank IV, 13, and Alijah Mary, 9. Wilkinson and the former NFL wide receiver married in 2009, but after nearly ten years of marriage, the pair filed for divorce. Combined with the end of her reality show Kendra On Top on E!, Wilkinson admitted on PodcastOne’s On Display with Melissa Gorga, that both endings “triggered [her] depression.” “I went through a divorce, lost everything I knew, which was my TV show. I had a TV show every year until my divorce,” she explained. “Then my divorce happened and all of a sudden, now I’m left with no marriage, I’m left with no show, I had to move into a little house – I didn’t understand what was going on and all of a sudden I had to do some intense healing.” Wilkinson told Real Housewives star Gorga that the end of her relationship began during a four-year period in which she said she “didn’t have fame”. She continued: “I didn’t have everything I knew for a really long time. I didn’t know who I was. I was so lost.” Wilkinson said that her kids were the ones to give her the push to “stay alive, to keep going, to drive them to hockey and basketball and smile and watch them do everything. They’re the ones who kept my heart beating.” Read More Sophie Turner seen partying in Birmingham as divorce from Joe Jonas confirmed Meghan Markle has ‘adorable’ reaction after Prince Harry takes a selfie at Beyoncé concert Why are we assuming Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet are intellectually incompatible? Gisele Bündchen announces new cookbook with family favourite recipes Travis Barker speaks out about Kourtney Kardashian’s fetal surgery amid pregnancy Mother defended after calling daughter’s father ‘creepy’ over name choice for newborn

Gisele Bündchen announced that she would be releasing a cookbook based on family recipes. The supermodel, 43, revealed that she had written her first cookbook, titled Nourish, which will consist of a collection of hearty, healthy meals she loves to whip up for her family. The cookbook will also provide insight into Bündchen’s family dynamics and will reportedly have anecdotes and stories about her family. Below an image of the cover, Bündchen captioned in an Instagram post: "I am so excited to announce my new cookbook. People are always asking me what I eat and how I stay fit. Great food is something I am passionate about, and it is vital for living a healthy lifestyle." The supermodel continued: "In Nourish, I share my family’s favorite simple, nutritious, and delicious recipes and some self-care rituals that help me so much in my life especially as a busy, working mom," she continued. "I am happy that I get to share this cookbook with all of you! Hope you enjoy!" The cookbook – which will be released on 26 March 2024 – will reportedly contain 100 approachable recipes that utilise “body-fueling” ingredients. The recipes consist of a wide range of options from a papaya-almond smoothie to Brazilian cheese bread. The cookbook also includes tips and tricks on how to make meals more “kid-friendly.” The Chanel muse has long been an advocate for a healthy lifestyle. Following her divorce from former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, Bündchen shared on Instagram that leaning on her favourite health and wellness practices provided her some solace through the rough time. "Being healthy is more than a clean diet and exercise. It’s about our attitudes, emotions, beliefs, thoughts and actions," she wrote in an Instagram caption alongside a photo of her practising yoga on the beach. "When life gets challenging, always remember that the sun rises everyday bringing a new opportunity for us to try again and do better." She continued, "It can get intense out there and we can get easily distracted by the noise. Awareness is key. What energy you are nurturing? Remember, we are the co-creators of our own reality, what we believe we create!" Bündchen shares two children with Brady – a son, Benjamin, 13, and a daughter, Vivian, 10 – and she also was a stepmother to Brady’s son with ex Bridget Moynahan, Jack, who recently celebrated his 16th birthday. The model celebrated her former stepson’s birthday in a sweet Instagram post that said, “Happy birthday Jack! I can’t believe that you are turning 16!" She continued to write: “I remember when you were just a little peanut and now you are towering over me. I am so lucky to have you in my life and I will always be here for you no matter what! Love you so much!❤️." In her interview for the April 2023 issue of Vanity Fair, the supermodel noted that Moynahan’s co-parenting relationship with Brady has informed her own co-parenting plan after her divorce from Brady. While she said that now she had a “great relationship,” the two initially butted heads but grew to respect each other as the years went by. Bündchen told the outlet, "Everything in life comes with work. You have to go through the roller coaster. You have moments where you get to the sticky points and you’ve gotta overcome it." Read More Gisele Bündchen auctions off dress for $48k at charity gala Tom Brady pays tribute to exes Gisele Bündchen and Bridget Moynahan on Mothers’ Day

Travis Barker has spoken out about wife Kourtney Kardashian Barker’s “urgent” foetal surgery amid her pregnancy. The musician, 47, took to X – formerly known as Twitter – on Wednesday (6 September) to open up about his wife’s surgery. His tweet came after the Poosh founder revealed that she was rushed into emergency foetal surgery, in order to save the life of her and her husband’s unborn baby. In his post, he expressed his gratitude for how the procedure went and noted that he’ll be back on stage this week, after postponing a handful of Blink-182 European tour dates due to “an urgent family matter”. “God is great. I flew home for a life-threatening emergency surgery for our baby that I’m so grateful went well,” he wrote. “I want to say thank you for all the support. Tour resumes Friday.” Many fans replied to Barker’s tweet with messages of support during Kardashian’s recovery from the surgery. “Happy to hear man, love from all around the world,” one wrote, while another added: “Great news!” Barker’s tweet comes days after Blink-182 revealed that Barker was returning home to California in the middle of his band’s tour to be with his family. “Due to an urgent family matter, Travis has had to return home to the States,” the band wrote in a tweet, shared on 1 September. “The Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin shows are being postponed. More information in regards to his return to Europe and rescheduled dates will be provided as soon as available.” The three-piece rock group were initially scheduled to perform two shows at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on 1 September and 2 September, followed by concerts in Belfast on 4 September and Dublin on 5 September. On Saturday 2 September, Kardashian and her husband were seen leaving the hospital, in photos obtained by the Daily Mail. It was later confirmed by People on 4 September that the reality star had been briefly hospitalised and on the road to recovery. Two days later, Kardashian shared an update about her health on Instagram, where she posted a black and white photo of herself in a hospital bed while holding Barker’s hand. She began her caption by explaining that she’ll “be forever grateful to [her] incredible doctors for saving [her] baby’s life” and praised her husband’s support while she was in the hospital. “I am eternally grateful to my husband who rushed to my side from tour to be with me in the hospital and take care of me afterwards, my rock,” she wrote. “And to my mom, thank you for holding my hand through this.” In her Instagram post, Kardashian revealed that she underwent foetal surgery, which “is a procedure performed on an unborn baby in the uterus to help improve the long-term outcome of children with specific birth defects,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “As someone who has had three really easy pregnancies in the past, I wasn’t prepared for the fear of rushing into urgent foetal surgery,” Kardashian continued. “I don’t think anyone who hasn’t been through a similar situation can begin to understand that feeling of fear. I have a whole new understanding and respect for the mamas who have had to fight for their babies while pregnant.” She concluded: “Praise be to God. Walking out of the hospital with my baby boy in my tummy and safe was the truest blessing.” In June, Kardashian held up a sign at a Blink-182 concert to announce that she was pregnant. The news came six months after she publicly shared that she had stopped in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment because it had taken “a toll” on her physical and mental health. Before Kardashian tied the knot with Barker in May 2022, the reality star previously welcomed three children – Mason, 13, Penelope, 12, and Reign, 10 – with ex Scott Disick. Meanwhile, Barker shares a 19-year-old son, Landon, and 14-year-old daughter, Alabama, with ex-wife Shanna Moakler. He also helped raise Moakler’s 24-year-old daughter, Atiana De La Hoya, from her previous relationship. Read More Kourtney Kardashian reveals she underwent urgent foetal surgery amid pregnancy Kourtney Kardashian was briefly hospitalised amid pregnancy, according to reports Blink-182 postpone UK and Ireland shows as Travis Barker rushes home for ‘urgent family matter’ Kourtney Kardashian reveals she underwent urgent fetal surgery Kourtney Kardashian was briefly hospitalised amid pregnancy, according to reports Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker leave hospital after ‘urgent family matter’

A mother has been defended after she explained why she called her daughter’s father “creepy” over the name he gave to his newborn child. In a recent post shared to the popular “Am I the A**hole?” Reddit forum, the woman – who goes by the username u/Aggressive_Buy4075 – asked if she was in the wrong for criticising the name choice. She started off her post by providing context about the situation, explaining that she got pregnant with her now 10-year-old daughter after “a drunken hook-up with a friend in her mid twenties”. While noting that the pregnancy wasn’t “the most glamorous or flattering truth,” she and her friend still “decided to keep the child and co-parent”. She also acknowledged that she and her pal were “never a couple” and “didn’t want to be one either”. The woman continued her post by explaining that when her friend and his longtime girlfriend were expecting baby, she’d “been supportive to them both” as much as possible, “without crossing any lines”. She then explained how she wanted her 10-year-old to get to know her soon-to-be half-sibling. “I’ve encouraged my daughter to help out whenever she’s staying with them during the pregnancy and to behave. I’ve also made it clear that I want the children to have a close relationship, despite having different mothers,” she wrote. “I’ve even said that if they were comfortable with it, on nights I have my daughter [and] if they ever want time alone, I’ll babysit once they have the baby. So my daughter can spend time with her sibling.” She added that while she “thought everything was great” and was excited for her “daughter to have a sibling,” that ultimately changed when her friend and his partner had their baby - and she learned the newborn’s name. “They’d named [her] using my daughter’s name,” the Reddit user continued. “[My friend’s girlfriend] didn’t seem to have any issue with this when she introduced the baby bold as brass. My friend seemed uncomfortable and wouldn’t look at me directly. I asked them what they were playing at, at which point my friend’s father said he’d take my daughter down to the cafeteria to get something to eat and left with her.” The Reddit poster noted that during the conversation, her friend told her to “calm down and not overreact”, while “his girlfriend told [her] she didn’t see the issue and it was a pretty name”. She continued to explain how she still asked the couple why they chose a name that was the same as her daughter’s. “I asked them if they’d named the baby for my daughter, trying to understand the logic here, but his girlfriend said that no it was just a pretty name she liked,” she continued. “I then asked if they planned to use a nickname or a middle name when addressing her on a daily basis and her response was that she didn’t see a need for that.” She went on to detail how she criticised the couple for their baby name choice, specifying that she told them it was a “creepy” decision to use the name. “I told them they were being ridiculous and that they couldn’t do this, I then told his girlfriend that I found this frankly creepy and told my friend he was being spineless if he was happy to go along with this,” she continued. While her friend claimed to her that their daughter “could use a nickname or something,” the woman shut that idea down by asking: “Why was it more reasonable for a girl who has used that name for a decade, to [be shamed] for her name, compared to a baby who had no concept of what a name was?” She concluded her post by noting that her friend’s girlfriend call her a “b****” for talking to her like that, after “she just gave birth”. The woman added that the new mother “asked the nurses to remove [her], saying that [the Reddit poster] was being disruptive”. “Maybe my temper is running a little too hot though and I was too harsh on her when she just gave birth. It’s just so f***ing weird,” the woman continued. She later made an edit to her post, reiterating that, although it wasn’t her decision to name the newborn, her daughter’s name shouldn’t have been an option. “I know that what they want to name their child is their choice, they could have called her Dinosaur for all I care but this is one name that should be off limits or adjusted, they even have the same surname as they have the same father,” she wrote. She claimed that she questioned her friend’s girlfriend’s intentions in the situation, adding: “Something about it just felt malicious and deliberate, as if she’s trying to replace my daughter and for them both to spring it on us like that at the first meeting? No, that was weird.” The Reddit post has since amassed more than 23,800 upvotes. In the comments, readers went on to defend the woman and question the couple for using the same name as her daughter. They also described what potential issues could arise when two half-siblings have the same first and last name. “From the outside it sure reads like she wants to replace her partner’s affection for his first daughter with his new baby. Of course it’s creepy,” one wrote, while another added: “And the suggestion that the 10 year old should use a nickname? Wow. Talk about audacity.” “Imagine two girls, same name, same city, possibly close enough to attend the same high school eventually, same parent. Imagine one has a warrant, or something that comes up on a background check for employment,” a third wrote. “Or can call and access accounts that just need an ID with the name on it and don’t verify SSN or biometrics.” Other people continued to claim that the couple’s name choice was “manipulative”, while encouraging the original poster to take legal action against her daughter’s father. “Worse than creepy. Calculated and manipulative. She wants to get rid of OP and choose the nuclear option by attacking her daughter,” one user claimed. “While no name can be claimed, this is a move full of hate and spite,” another wrote. “I would tell your daughter’s father that you will be going for full custody of your daughter and taking him for child support because you can no longer trust him to do the right thing by your daughter, how can you trust that he wouldn’t allow his gf to treat your daughter poorly based on this behaviour.” The Independent has contacted u/Aggressive_Buy4075 for comment. Read More Barbie? Ken? Venezuela?: Why baby names won’t be boring for much longer Adele says she wants to have a baby with boyfriend Rich Paul ‘soon’ TikTok theory on why there are so many girls named Bella at Bama Rush goes viral Khloe Kardashian officially changes son Tatum’s last name Grandmother and grandson who had sepsis at same time ‘lucky to be alive’ Cancer-hit dad who planned own funeral outlives three-week prognosis

A grandmother who contracted sepsis which made her hallucinate, have “blotchy skin” and turn the “colour of stone” later found out that her four-year-old grandson had the condition and Strep A at the same time as her, with the pair being “lucky to be alive”. Lorna Conaghan, 63, a retired business control analyst from Gourock, Scotland, and her grandson, Alfie Crawford, four, had sepsis at the same time, and Lorna “just couldn’t believe it”. In September 2022, Lorna was due to have a shoulder replacement, but on the morning of the surgery, she “did not feel right” and felt “on edge and weak” – but put it down to nerves. Little did she know this was her first warning sign of sepsis. After informing the doctors, they soon realised that one of her organs was infected and she was admitted to the hospital’s high dependency unit. The following day, Lorna was diagnosed with sepsis as her skin began to look mottled, and doctors told her that she “would have been dead” if it was caught any later. After having antibiotics and a few more hospital visits, Lorna began to recover, but it has taken her 11 months to “go back to normal” and have regulated blood pressure. When Lorna was in hospital, her grandson Alfie, who was three at the time, had chicken pox and a cold, which developed into sepsis and Strep A. Lorna thinks that because Alfie’s mum knew about her symptoms of sepsis, it helped her realise something was wrong. Alfie’s lungs were “full of pus”, so he was put on a ventilator and was in an induced coma for over a week. He also had to “learn to walk again”, and slowly has been able to make a full recovery – with Lorna saying the family are “so lucky to still have him”. Lorna told PA Real Life: “Alfie got sick when I was in hospital, and when I found out I just couldn’t believe it. “I think me having sepsis made Alfie’s mum realise that he had more than just a cold and chicken pox. “We’re both so lucky to still be here and that Alfie is back to running around and having balls of energy.” On July 4 2022, Lorna broke her arm after slipping on her dog’s tennis ball and ended up needing a shoulder replacement. On the day of the surgery, September 30 2022, at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Greenock, she began to “not feel right” but put it down to nerves. She said: “I told the doctors and they tested me for Covid, but I was negative, and after a few more tests they thought one of my organs might be infected. “They thought it was my heart to begin with, but they couldn’t figure out what organ it was. “The biochemist worked out which antibiotic would best kill the infection, so I was put on that straight away.” Lorna stayed in the hospital for nine days, with seven of them being on the high dependency unit. She said: “They thought it was my kidneys, so they were trying to get them functioning again. “With hindsight, it was terrifying, but I didn’t realise how serious it was at the time. “I was a strange colour, the colour of stone, and I was all blotchy. “Doctors said if they caught it much later, or if I wasn’t in hospital, I would have been dead.” Four weeks later, Lorna was admitted to the high dependency unit again after her GP noticed she had extremely low blood pressure and low heart rate. She said: “I was so confused – when family members would visit me, I’d ask them to leave because I was hallucinating and didn’t want them to see me like that. “I thought there was a castle outside the hospital – I thought I was seeing it outside my window, and I remember thinking that we’ll have to go there once I’m out of hospital.” Since then, it has taken Lorna 11 months to get “back to normal” and her blood pressure regulated. She said: “I’m still having problems with my liver, but now I’m just tired. It’s really taken it out of me. I can only take the dog so far, I’m just so tired all the time.” While Lorna was in hospital, Alfie’s mum informed her that he was feeling unwell. Stephanie did not want to worry Lorna when she was already sick, but it turned out that Alfie, who was three at the time, had also contracted sepsis. Lorna said: “He came home from nursery with chicken pox, and also had a bit of a cold. “Then it just got worse – he was having terrible pains in his back, and I think Stephanie had just listened to what I had said about my symptoms, and it made her realise subconsciously that he might be more unwell than he is coming across. “They called the paramedics, and that night he got a lot worse – when they arrived at A&E, she took him up to the desk and said, ‘We’re going to have a dead child if we don’t do something’.” Within half an hour, Alfie was admitted to intensive care at Glasgow Children’s Hospital and doctors soon realised his lungs were “full of pus” and that he had sepsis, which had turned into Strep A. So, Alfie was put on a ventilator and was in an induced coma for over a week. “Doctors made it clear to Alfie’s family that it was indeed life-threatening and that he was very lucky to be alive Lorna Conaghan Lorna said: “He had to learn to walk again – he was so weak after he woke up. “Doctors made it clear to Alfie’s family that it was indeed life-threatening and that he was very lucky to be alive. “His legs were so weak – he hadn’t eaten much while being poorly.” After having antibiotics and being in the induced coma, Alfie is now “running around”. Lorna said: “With me, I’ve had a good life, but it was so unfair to think that little Alfie could have died – he hasn’t had a life yet. “We’re just so lucky to still have him with us. “This whole experience has made me appreciate everything – when I take the dog for a walk I have a sit down on the bench and take in all the lovely scenery. “I have treated every day since Alfie and I got better as a bonus day in my life.” Read More Amy Dowden reveals ‘life-threatening’ sepsis diagnosis amid cancer treatment BBC Radio 2’s Tony Blackburn reveals he had sepsis and pneumonia in health update Martha Mills: Parents of girl who died after NHS mistakes call for new right to get second opinion Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

A father-of-three who was told he looked like “Casper the ghost” before being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and given three weeks to live, meaning he has planned his own Requiem Mass and funeral, has defied doctors’ expectations by outliving his prognosis by more than a year and said he is going to “keep fighting”. Dennis Blackman, 62, a former chartered building surveyor and carer who lives in Eltham, London, said he has always been active – playing rugby, lifting weights, and going to the gym at least three times a week. However this all changed when he suffered an unexpected stroke in 2015. His health deteriorated over the following years, he had a hip replacement at 58, and after experiencing symptoms of extreme exhaustion, cold hands, and muscle weakness in early 2022, his wife Sally, 62, a former flooring showroom manager, suggested he book a doctor’s appointment. After weeks of blood tests and blood transfusions in hospital and being told he looked like “Casper the ghost” because he was so pale, he underwent a bone marrow biopsy, and this led to the devastating news in March 2022 that he has AML – a type of blood cancer – and three weeks to live. Dennis told PA Real Life: “I just broke down and I had this unbelievable feeling of guilt because I said to the consultant: ‘What have I done wrong? How do I tell my children and wife?’ “It’s a huge burden to put on someone, to tell them that you’re dying and it’s going to be very quick. “We had many dark days, and every time I looked into my children’s eyes I just burst into tears… it was a very emotional period for all of us.” Dennis, who has lost 50kg (7st 9lbs) since his diagnosis, did not start chemotherapy until months later due to him being too weak, and in January 2023, he was told the chemotherapy was “not working any more”. From that point on, he said he wanted to “enjoy each day” rather than pursuing more aggressive forms of treatment – and since then, he has planned his own Requiem Mass with hymns such as How Great Thou Art and Ave Maria (As I Kneel Before You), as well as the arrangements for his funeral. Now, Dennis continues to drive, go shopping, and enjoy time with his family, and he said he is going to “keep fighting” during the time he has left as “you only have one life”. “Every day you go to bed and you think: ‘Am I going to wake up tomorrow?’ And then each morning you think: ‘Is it going to be today that I’m going to die?’” Dennis explained. “It was extremely difficult in the beginning and I tried to shut the world out… but as time went on, I realised you can’t live like this forever. “You only get one life, so I’m going to do everything I can to keep fighting.” During his 40s and early 50s, Dennis said he enjoyed going out for meals with his wife Sally, playing rugby with his sons James, 37, and Joe, 31, and keeping fit by going to the gym several times a week. He foresaw spending his days in retirement with his family, out in the garden, or fishing, but he said this all changed when he had a stroke in 2015, aged 54, and his health declined from then on. In early 2022, he spent six weeks at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in London after noticing some unusual symptoms and was told: “You look like Casper (the ghost), you’re very anaemic.” He then underwent several blood tests and blood transfusions, and although he had “an idea” that he may have cancer, he said he could never have prepared himself for his diagnosis on March 31 2022. “About one o’clock, I had a knock at the door and I thought: ‘That’s ominous’,” Dennis said. “The consultant and the specialist nurse came in and they said: ‘Unfortunately it’s bad news, you’ve got severe AML and there’s not a lot we can do at this stage.’ “’You’ve got three weeks to live, and I’d advise you to go home and tell your wife and family, and make sure everything’s in order because you haven’t got long left’.” Given Dennis has severe neutropenia as well – a low number of white blood cells – he is at a higher risk of contracting serious infections, and this meant he missed several family celebrations in the months that followed, including his grandson’s birthday party and stepdaughter’s wedding. He developed multiple chest infections and fevers and was not deemed fit enough to start chemotherapy straight away, and he ended up spending three months in hospital from July to October. “We thought we were going to lose him, he was so ill,” Sally, who has been married to Dennis for 10 years, explained. “Even the consultant thought we were going to lose him. “I was scared because I just thought: ‘How can this be happening when we’ve only just met each other?’ We just thought we were going to have the rest of our lives together.” However, Dennis, who is Catholic, said he “fought and prayed every day”, adding: “I said to the consultant: ‘If you promise to me you won’t give up on me medically, I promise I’ll fight this all the way.’” Dennis was determined to get better and, with the help of a physiotherapist, he built up his strength – and at one point, he was walking 10,000 steps a day along the hospital corridor. Towards the end of October 2022, Dennis said “everything seemed hunky dory” and he commenced the first of four rounds of chemotherapy, where he experienced nausea, exhaustion, and “tremendous leg bone pain”. By January, he was told the chemotherapy was “not working”, but rather than trying other forms of treatment, he said he wanted to “enjoy the little things” and the time he has left. He has planned his own Requiem Mass and funeral to relieve any pressure from his family, but also to give him “strength” and some control over his destiny – and aside from his regular check-ups and blood tests each week, he is setting himself small milestones, such as attending a Madness concert at the O2 in December. Although he is “struggling to survive”, he said he would do “anything to get another day” – and that is why he is holding onto hope and wants to encourage others never to give up. “Even though I pray every day, not once have I asked God to take it away from me – all I ask is that He’s with me when I need him, to give me the strength to carry on fighting,” he said. “Leukaemia is painful and every day I question whether I’ll see another day, but we just try and keep going and I hope that my story gives hope to others. “I’ve still got lots of memories to make yet, so I’m going to fight this all the way.” For more information and support, visit Leukaemia Care’s website at leukaemiacare.org.uk Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live One in 10 ‘spending beyond their means’ – try these 7 cutbacks guaranteed to save families money What is combination cholesterol therapy, as study suggests it could save lives? 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Seal has spoken about his close relationship with his and his ex-wife Heidi Klum’s 19-year-old daughter, Leni Olum Klum. The musician, 60, took to Instagram on 4 September to share a snap of him and his daughter in New York City together. In the caption, he described how Leni has ultimately shaped his life, and pointed out how grateful he was for her. “In NY with the young woman who changed my life for the better 19yrs ago. Thank you Leni for making me a better person,” he wrote, before signing the tribute with: “Love you, - papa.” In the comments, Leni expressed her love for her father’s post, writing: “So cute! I love you papa,” along with a red heart emoji. Many fans of the singer went to the comments to praise his sweet relationship with Leni. “So much love in this photo! Have a wonderful time together!” one wrote, while another added: “Daddy and Daughter. Beautiful!!” The young model was born in May 2004, right after Klum split from Leni’s biological father, Italian businessman Flavio Briatore. In December 2009, Seal legally adopted Leni when she was five years old, while the singer and supermodel were still married. The former couple went on to have three more children: sons Henry, 17, and Johan, 16; and daughter Lou, 13. Klum filed for divorce in April 2012. This isn’t the first time that Seal has shown his support for the 19-year-old. During an interview with E! News in March, he spoke out about Leni’s career, as she has followed in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a model. While he noted that he’s “so proud of everything that Leni has done”, he’s “more proud of everything that she is”. “She walks through life with this type of humility that allows her to move so gracefully through it all and she has an innate understanding of people in general and people’s feelings,” the singer explained. “So I’m kind of more impressed with everything that she is.” Seal - whose real name is Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel - also spoke candidly about co-parenting with his ex-wife, adding: “I’d like to think, as a parent, that we have - between her mother and myself - that we’ve instilled some of that in her. But she can do no wrong in my eyes and she’s quite wonderful.” Earlier this year, Klum applauded her daughter for working on her mode;ling career while studying in college. “I’m very proud of my daughter and her modelling. And she’s studying at the same time, she’s juggling already,” the America’s Got Talent judge said during an interview with People in March. Meanwhile, Leni has also spoken out about working in the modelling industry as the child of two famous parents. During an interview with People in October 2022, she acknowledged that she “got a lift into” the modelling world due to her upbringing. “It’s just a fact. My parents are famous,” she said. However, when she was asked about the infamous “nepotism baby” label given to children of celebrities, Leni said it’s her own work ethic that has helped build her career thus far. “I did get help starting off, and I know that people would dream to start off with what I had,” the college student explained. “I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to take what was gifted to me by my mom. But I am doing the work and putting in the time. Now I’m working on my own, travelling alone, going to school. My mom and I just have the same love for the same thing.” Although she said that her own ambition has led her to success in her career, she still credited her parents for instilling a strong work ethic in her at a young age. “They have both taught me to be myself, and to do what makes me feel comfortable,” she said. “You can tell if you’re not comfortable and then the best of you isn’t brought out. I just think you should be open and honest with what makes you comfortable, be yourself, do what you love.” Read More Heidi Klum opens up about her and husband Tom Kaulitz’s 16-year age gap Heidi Klum’s model daughter Leni shows off grisly burn after admitting she ‘didn’t use enough sunscreen’ Heidi Klum gushes with pride over daughter Leni for ‘juggling’ modelling and college Heidi Klum denies she counts calories after report she eats 900 calories a day Sleeping pill could reduce levels of Alzheimer’s proteins Marathon runners on why autumn is the best time to start running

Whether you have fallen out of love with running, or have always been curious about giving it a go, finding the right time to start can feel like the biggest obstacle to getting going. With the heat of summer behind us, and winter not fully on our doorstep yet, autumn could be ideal. Here, seasoned marathon runners share why right now is the best time to get into jogging… The weather is ideal Instinctively, you may feel it’s not the best time to start training as the weather begins to get colder and wetter, and the days get shorter. “However, the cooler temperatures can offer a range of benefits,” says Tahir Shams, founder of Tooting Run Club, who ran the 2023 TCS London Marathon. These include a “reduced risk of overheating and dehydration, and it supports increased endurance which is vital for longer runs”, Shams adds. Autumn training brings opportunities for different kit and environments, too. Marathoner and Human Disco Ball fundraiser Freya Morgan enjoys the change of weather. “I get to leave behind the sticky summer weather and busy parks and go back to fresh morning runs right as the sun rises,” explains Morgan, who recently completed a 200km run for Bail for Immigration Detainees. “In the autumn, I might still head out in a T-shirt and then as the weather gets colder, a long-sleeved layer, and then will take another long-sleeved top or jacket with me, and tie it around my waist or cram it into my hydration pack,” she adds. Kit could be cheaper Exercise kit is at its most expensive generally in January, when everyone and their mum is trying to tackle a new fitness goal! Getting in there a bit earlier and snapping up some end-of-season summer gear that’s on sale, before the new season’s clothing and shoes come in, may help you build a running wardrobe you love. If you look good, you feel good, after all. The race calendar If singing up for a race will help keep you motivated to keep running, starting in autumn could put you in a good position to take on a challenge in spring. Plenty of races happen as the seasons change from the cool of winter, with the London, Tokyo and Paris marathons all taking place in spring. Half marathons take place in cities across the UK in spring too, in locations from London to Inverness. Plus you’ll find plenty of 5k and 10k options. Creating a mood-boosting routine “In September, kids go back to school and the summer is over, so it is a kickstart for your health and fitness goals,” explains Ania Gabb, an ASICS Frontrunner who has completed more than 30 marathons. “Many people may want to get into a consistent fitness routine after the excess of summer and before the winter starts,” she notes. This can be especially important ahead of the dark days of winter, which as Shams notes, “can often feel like a gloomy time of the year… Endorphins released during running is a good way to banish the winter blues.” There’s less pressure than January Finally, it can particularly helpful for beginners to start in autumn – skipping the pressure of the new year. “If you are a beginner, autumn is a really nice time of year to pick up running. You are away from the pressure of January resolutions, and the crowds of the summer, and still have some fair weather days and sunlight to get you motivated,” says Morgan. “By the time the darker bits of winter roll around, you will hopefully be in enough of a running routine to use those runs to power through the dark and soggy days. I have been running for 11 years and when my mental health dips, running has always helped.”

Adam Thomas has admitted that he’s “struggling” and in “pain” after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis ahead of his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. The Waterloo Road star is one of the 15 celebrities preparing to put themselves to the test as they compete on the 21st series of dance competition series Strictly. Just days after it was announced that he had joined the cast, Thomas shared on his 35th birthday that he had recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. An autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It usually affects the hands, feet and wrists and can cause flare-up periods where symptoms become worse for a period of time. On Sunday (3 September), the former Coronation Street star posted a shirtless selfie to Instagram following a swimming session. Writing in the caption, Thomas said that he was posting the image “to get comfortable feeling uncomfortable”. “Am not in the best shape of my life, but I could be worse,” he wrote. “This year has been tough there’s no doubt about that… but I’ve just got to stay focused now! I’m still struggling and the pain is still there but I’m putting on a brave face I’ve got to stay strong [sic]!” Thomas continued: “Swimming helps me so much with my arthritis, I mean as much as it kills me getting my top off and going for a swim, I know it’s helping me and I know it’s also helping me deal with the issues I’ve got with me and my body. Which is a good thing!” “Got a feeling am going to get a lot more out of the next few months than I bargained for [sic]! Let’s go!” Thomas announced that he had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last month, explaining that he had “been in a lot of pain since January”. “It started with my knees and then travelled to my wrists, fingers and now ankles and toes,” he wrote. “I never knew what was happening and finally after several blood tests and back and forth to doctors and hospitals, I’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid Arthritis!” The actor had originally said that he signed up for Strictly – which begins later this month – in order “to be able to move again, get fit and do it, all with a smile on my face”. Strictly Come Dancing returns in September on BBC One. Read More Kanye West and ‘wife’ Bianca Censori banned from Venice boat company after ‘obscenities’ on board Yellowstone season 5: Kevin Costner finally explains why he quit the show Fyre Fest 2.0? Chris Rock and Diplo escape Burning Man festival as 70,000 stranded in desert How to look after your joints, as women experience ‘significantly higher’ pain than men How can parents and children battle back-to-school anxiety? Khloe Kardashian officially changes son Tatum’s last name