A BRAVE young Donegal boy is undergoing a life-saving bone marrow transplant in the Netherlands today.

Zach McCrossan, a native of St Johnston, was recently diagnosed with a rare blood disorder known as Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Family Handout

The syndrome, which affects a person’s bone marrow, progresses into Acute Myeloid Leukaemia if left untreated.

His only chance of survival lies in a bone marrow transplant, which is not available in Ireland.

The devastating health diagnosis came only a year after his mother Patrice was diagnosed with AML.

The mother-of-four, who underwent chemotherapy and a bone transplant for her illness, still receives treatment.

The family have since received a tremendous amount of support from relatives, friends and the local community in the last year and a half.

Zach and his family travelled to the Netherlands last week ahead of his treatment.

And today his grandmother, Kateleen Rodgers posted online asking for support.

She said: “Please pray for my grandson Zach McCrossan today who is having his bone marrow transplant in the Netherlands and for his mammy Patrice as well.”

Zach’s is expected to remain an inpatient at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht, Netherlands for at least three months.

Following his awful diagnosis a GoFundMe was set up in April by the family to cover the costs of Zach’s treatment.

FUNDS RAISED

Within 24 hours the campaign raised over €122,500, smashing their target of €3,500.

In response the family posted on social media saying: “Whether you donated, organised a fundraiser, offered a lift, dropped off meals, minded our other children, shared advice, or simply sent a message of encouragement

“We have felt every bit of your love and kindness.

“It’s because of you… our incredible circle of family, friends, neighbours, and strangers with big hearts…

“That we’re able to be by Zach’s side as he begins treatment in the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht.”

Family Handout

Kaizer Chiefs supporters faced a day to forget. Betway Premiership bitter rivals Orlando Pirates won the race to sign much sought-after Oswin Appollis.

This is why Dustin Yu felt jealous of Will Ashley. Former PBB housemate Dustin Yu confessed in an interview that he felt jealous of Will Ashley for this reason. The last duo to leave the “PBB Celebrity Edition Collab” was DusBi. They almost had it, but fell short in the challenges. Despite what happened, they are ... Read more

The post Dustin Yu Confesses He Was Jealous Of Will Ashley appeared first on PhilNews.

HEATHROW may sue the National Grid after a probe found a fault causing the huge substation fire was identified seven years ago.

The blaze in March halted flights for 24 hours — affecting 270,000 passengers and costing the airport millions.

A probe by the National Energy System Operator found faulty fire safety equipment and moisture in electrical parts flagged in 2018 were not addressed, and maintenance was delayed again in 2022.

The North Hyde substation fire was caused by “catastrophic failure” in a transformer, triggered by moisture entering electrical components.

Heathrow’s network was not designed to recover quickly.

The airport said it was making improvements.

Energy watchdog Ofgem has now launched a probe into the National Grid, which could result in fines.

Heathrow said: “A combination of outdated regulation, inadequate safety mechanisms and National Grid’s failure to maintain infrastructure led to this catastrophic power outage.”

National Grid said it had “taken action”.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband called the findings “concerning” and promised action to prevent similar incidents.

Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, handled over 83.9million passengers in 2024.

AP

Heathrow may sue the National Grid after a probe found a fault causing the huge substation fire was identified seven years ago[/caption]

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THE prison ordeal endured by Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family will be featured in a BBC documentary and drama.

The British-Iranian charity worker was accused of spying and jailed in Iran in 2016, before being released three years ago.

AP:Associated Press

Joseph Fiennes is best known for playing William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love[/caption]

A drama chronicling what happened to Nazanin is being made by the Beeb.

Joseph Fiennes plays her husband Richard, who campaigned for her release so she could be reunited with him and their daughter.

The four-parter is based on forthcoming book A Yard Of Sky, written by the couple, and Nazanin will be played by Narges Rashidi.

In the documentary, which will be screened alongside the drama, the couple talk in detail about what happened and how they are rebuilding their lives.

The BBC has yet to confirm when they will be shown.

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A drama chronicling what happened to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is being made by the BBC[/caption]

A Grand return by Kevin

GRAND Designs: House Of The Year is back as Kevin McCloud takes us on a tour of more of architectural gems.

He will be joined by experts Damion Burrows and Natasha Huq to scour the Royal Institute of British Architect’s shortlist of projects.

PA

The final episode of the four-part series will then unveil the winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2025.

Kevin said: “This series celebrates a sparkling range of what’s possible in domestic architecture today. It’s a great privilege to be able to help uncover these gems of creative imagination – and of course it’s a complete joy to be back presenting House of the Year alongside Natasha and Damion.”

The series will hit our screens on Channel 4 later this year.

Phyllis clues up with Kev

PHYLLIS LOGAN got to spend more time with her husband than she bargained for – after he was cast as her love interest.

She stars as Cora – aka the Puzzle Lady – in whodunnit detective series Murder Most Puzzling on Channel 5 opposite hubby of 14 years

Channel 5

Phyllis Logan stars as Cora – aka the Puzzle Lady – in whodunnit detective series Murder Most Puzzling[/caption]

The role is opposite Kevin McNally, her husband of 14 years.

They had already appeared together as man and wife in BBC One historical drama Miss Austen last year, then got to do it all over again months later.

Phyllis, who will be in the third and final Downton Abbey movie playing housekeeper Mrs Carson this September, said: “I had no idea that he was being offered the part and was surprised and delighted, since I’d been away from home for ages.

“It was lovely to have him visit and to bookend the year by working together again.”

The latest episode of Murder Most Puzzling is on today at 8pm.

Rider’s murder riddle

SKY will delve into the shocking death of showjumper Katie Simpson in a new documentary.

When the promising young rider died unexpectedly aged 21 in 2020, it was believed she had taken her own life.

Then a local journalist in Northern Ireland realised there were similarities between her death and another cold case murder, which led to Jonathan Creswell, the partner of Katie’s sister, standing trial.

He denied charges of rape and murder but was found dead at home shortly after the trial began in 2024.

The three-parter, Death of A Showjumper, which lands on Sky and NOW on July 16, will tell the story through personal accounts from friends and family, and insight from the investigation team.

Sacha a hairy scary

SACHA BARON COHEN is seriously scary after finally being unveiled as evil adversary Mephisto in Disney+ Marvel miniseries Ironheart.

The Ali G and Borat comic is revealed as the soul-manipulating demon in the series finale, complete with long hair and beard.

TNI Press

Sacha Baron Cohen is looking seriously scary in his latest role[/caption]

TNI Press

Sacha has finally been unveiled as evil adversary Mephisto in Disney+ Marvel miniseries Ironheart[/caption]

The show is based around teenage genius Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, who has created her own version of the Iron Man suit made famous by Robert Downey Jr in the movies.

Mephisto appears to tempt Riri to change her troubled past – and make her suit even more powerful with his magic.

TNI Press

The comic is revealed as the soul-manipulating demon in the series finale[/caption]

This July on Muvhango, secrets unravel, relationships are tested, and the royal family faces their darkest moments yet. While Nomvula juggles two suitors, Teboho and Mulalo resort to drastic measures to save their son. From ghostly messages to underground kidnappings,...

The post Muvhango July 2025 Teasers appeared first on StudentRoom.co.za.

A TV chef has left fans gutted as he pulled out of a public appearance, just days before hitting the stage.

James Martin took to social media to share the news, as he issued a statement against a black background. 

Instagram

A TV chef has left fans gutted as he pulled out of a public appearance, just days before hitting the stage[/caption]

Instagram

James issued a statement to his legion of fans[/caption]

The 53-year-old penned to his 761,000 Instagram followers: “I’m so sorry but unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of my control, I will no longer be appearing at the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival.” 

He continued: “Please contact the organisers if you have any questions.” 

The comments section were flooded with messages of disappointment, from fans hopeful to see James at the event – but his comments have now been switched off.

The event takes place between July 18 and 20 at Aireville Park in Skipton, and TV favourite James was due to be one of the main draws of the festival. 

The popular event didn’t take place last year, after first launching in 2016, and so eager fans are looking forward to attending, with music performances from the likes of The Feeling and Go West. 

Jon Arrowsmith, managing director of The Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival, has since shared a statement with the Yorkshire Post, upon the news that James will not attend. 

He said: “We’re absolutely gutted that James has decided not to join us this year, we know how popular he is and understandably his fans will be disappointed by his decision.

“Running festivals is not for the faint-hearted and it certainly has its ups and downs. We’ve worked hard to rebuild the festival after it collapsed and we knew it would come with its challenges – maybe not as many as we’re facing – but we’re working through them.

“Please bear with us as we finalise our line-up and hire a replacement chef. But let me reassure everyone, we remain as committed as ever in our promise to deliver a festival Yorkshire will be proud of and one everyone will enjoy.”

James has been a popular face on television screens for a long time, due to his culinary prowess. 

Before his popular ITV series, James presented Saturday Kitchen, Home Comforts, James Martin’s Great British Adventure, Islands to Highlands and James Martin’s French Adventure.

He has also published over 20 best-selling cook books.

James has been through a tough time of late as he faced brutal health battles.

He was first diagnosed with cancer six years ago – but kept it secret from fans.

James underwent surgery but it returned on “several occasions”.

In November 2023, James revealed he was taking a break from work after he was diagnosed with facial cancer in 2018. 

At the time, he explained: “I was then diagnosed with cancer on my face, and I had to have surgery, which I couldn’t do until two days before Christmas when we had finished filming.

“Since then, it has returned on several occasions, and I have to have regular treatments.”

Rex

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ANTHONY JOSHUA ‘squared up’ to the teenage boxer who’s tipped to be his successor as they came face to face for the first time.

Leo Atang, 18, is being branded “AJ’s heir” after being snapped up by Eddie Hearn ahead of his pro debut this Saturday.

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Anthony Joshua broke the ice with teenage boxer Leo Atang[/caption]

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Atang is making his professional debut on the Eubank vs Catterall undercard[/caption]

Awestruck Atang, who calls Joshua his idol, was taken aback when the two-time heavyweight world champion threw air punches within seconds of meeting.

AJ broke the ice with the gag as he gave the young fighter his seal of approval.

The former world champion told Atang: “The world is yours.”

But the heavyweight isn’t ready to bow out quite yet, despite his knock-out by Daniel Dubois in September.

Speaking at the unveiling of Matchroom Boxing‘s rebranding, AJ said: “For the first time in about 12 to 13 years as a professional, not even including the amateur stuff, I took a year out to get my body right.

“I’m at a different stage in my career where I can look at time a bit differently.

“I’ve not got all these years in front of me like the main man here [Atang], so I’ve got to make really executive decisions about what I do next.

“So the minute I come back, you know I’ll come back with a bang rather than just keep rolling.

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“I just thought, let me take some time out so when I do come back I come back fully active and ready to go and take the division by storm again.”

Meanwhile Atang is preparing for his pro debut on the Jack Catterall vs. Harlem Eubank card in Manchester this Saturday.

Sharing a picture of himself with AJ and Frank Bruno on Instagram, Leo wrote: “The past, present and the future.”

Atang – a former rugby league winger from York – is a five-time national champ.

He won the World Boxing Under-19 world championships last year – stopping Korean Lee Geon Hui inside the first round.

Soon after turning pro under Hearn, the promoter said: “He’s the guy in my opinion to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua.

“And ignite the heavyweight division to all kinds of fanbases across the country.

“Young man, plenty of work to do, we’re going to box him all across the country, all over the world.

“Seven, eight fights a year but remember what I say, everybody in this arena, everyone tuning in on DAZN, follow this young man, remember the name.

“This is the future of British boxing and the future of the heavyweight division.”

Over 185 000 people applied to join SAPS in two days, with women leading applications and Gauteng topping provincial numbers.