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Sainsbury’s 50p buy will get rid of stubborn scuffs on your grubby patio – and you can find it in your child’s schoolbag

YOUR patio will look sparkling and brand new with the help of a 50p Sainsbury’s buy.

With temperatures set to soar again this week, many Brits are likely making plans to have friends over for cocktails in the sun.

Woman pressure washing patio in rubber boots.
Getty
It can be tricky to keep your patio clean[/caption]
Tablet eraser in packaging.
Sainsburys
Experts have revealed you can use a rubber to remove patio scuffs[/caption]

But before you invite anyone over, you may want to give your patio a bit of a scrub, to make sure it’s looking shiny and brand new.

Your first thought might be to use a pressure washer, but these can be incredibly pricey, and can even end up damaging your slabs.

However, Sam Stevens, a garden expert from Pergolux UK revealed a budget-friendly method, which you may be able to find in your kids’ pencil case.

“Cleaning the garden doesn’t have to be an expensive job. We all love a cheap and cheerful hack and the good news is that there are plenty of items you’ll already have in your home that can be used in the garden,” he said.

How To Use An Eraser To Clean Your Patio

Although traditionally used by schoolkids to rub out spelling mistakes and maths errors, Sam revealed that you can use an eraser to help clean your patio.

The expert explained that if plant pots have left any marks on the patio, you can simply buff the scuffs using a rubber.

If the marks aren’t too stubborn, they should come away, leaving your patio sparkling.

Rubbers are super cheap, and if there isn’t one in your kids’ schoolbag, you can pick one up from Sainsbury’s for just 50p.

More Patio Cleaning Hacks

 Council house mum Evie,  recently revealed her struggle with her patio slabs, admitting that despite her best efforts with a jet washer, it “hardly did anything.”

Frustrated but determined, Evie stumbled upon a life-changing tip during a casual scroll through the comments section on cleaning TikToks.

A recommendation buried within the comments caught her attention – someone suggested using a 69p bottle of Aldi bleach as a simple yet effective solution for sparkling patios.

She poured the bleach over the slabs, letting it soak in for around five minutes without scrubbing or extra effort.

Then, she fired up her jet washer again – and the results were nothing short of incredible.

Christie, who is known as @christiestimson11 on TikTok also recently revealed her budget friendly hack for scrubbing her slabs.

How to repair broken patio slabs

THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff.

The experts advised: “If you have a loose paving slab, then it’s unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio. 

“To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose. 

“Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio.

“As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath. 

“When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.” 

 She explained that she simply uses a mop and bucket, which she fills with Flash floor cleaner, along with bicarbonate of soda and boiling water.

Sharing a video of her demonstrating how it’s done to her 3,501 TikTok followers, she showed how she used a mop and the mixture to clean the patio slabs.

Christie explained that the process is “satisfying” and that it is “easy” to “get all of the mud and dirt off of it.”

Plus, Molly Woodward-Moor, Creative Director at Stone Superstore, revealed that washing Up Liquid can be used to care for stone tiles as well as lift dirt or stains that may build up on them.

To use the product on the patio, the liquid can be diluted in warm tap water.

Then using a soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge, the solution can be scrubbed into areas that need cleaning.

This is a gentle method for stones, that avoids scratching their surface or causing damage to tiles.

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Major ‘everyone at risk’ warning for Irish tourists as popular hotspots including Spain set for 44C heat this week

IRISH holidaymakers are being warned of very high temperatures set to hit popular sunshine spots this week.

Spain has seen a number of weather alerts in place in the coming days.

Map of Spain, Portugal, and France showing maximum temperatures.
X/CarlowWeather
Temperatures are set to rise again to near-unbearable heights in Spain[/caption]
Illustration of a weather map showing maximum temperatures in Spain, Portugal, and France.
X/CarlowWeather
AEMET has several warnings in place for the heat[/caption]
Upper air temperature anomaly chart showing warmer than normal air over parts of Europe.
X/CarlowWeather
There is a ‘significant risk’ of temperatures reaching up to 39C today in some parts of Spain[/caption]

It means that Irish holidaymakers hoping to enjoy a summer getaway will likely find themselves disappointed in unbearable heat.

And now, temperatures are set to rise again to near-unbearable heights.

Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather shared an urgent warning to tourists planning on heading to the popular sunshine spot.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he shared some pictures of red hot weather graphs for the upcoming days.

He said: “Upper air temperature anomaly charts show how much warmer than normal the air will be over parts of Europe in coming days.

“Heading for Spain, Portugal or France this weekend? Prepare for some hot weather, could hit up to 44C in parts of Portugal and Spain and up to 40C in parts of France.

“Yes I know it’s summer and yes these countries do get hot but this is a little early to see these temps and us Irish aren’t built for that heat.”

AEMET, the country’s meteorology department, has several warnings in place for the heat.

There is a “significant risk” of temperatures reaching up to 39C today in Mallorca, Ibiza, Malaga, Barcelona and Valencia.

But the forecaster is also warning of possible heavy downpours today in some areas.

And 25mm of rain could hit this afternoon in Asturias and Cantabria.

Taking to X, AEMET warned: “June 2025 will most likely be the warmest on record.

“In addition, starting this weekend, temperatures will reach well above normal levels for several days.

“The first heat wave of the summer is likely to occur.”

France’s national weather agency, Météo-France, has also issued a similar weather warning due to the high temperatures

It added that the high temperatures are set to put “everyone at risk, even healthy people” as the western and central parts of the country will see highs of 44C.

And Portugal recently recorded its highest temperatures this year with 40.5C this week as the country is currently under a heatwave.

The advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs for Irish citizens is to make sure you’re monitoring the conditions before you jet off.

On the DFA website, they warn: “Spain can at times experience extreme weather conditions, including flooding, which can adversely affect travel plans.

“You can monitor information and alerts, including severe weather warnings, on the website of the Spanish Meteorological Agency, AEMET.

“Citizens are advised to check the latest weather information before they travel and to follow the advice of the local authorities.”

Girl with hand fan in Madrid during heatwave.
Spain has seen a number of weather alerts in place in the coming days
Getty Images - Getty

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Tragic rock star’s daughter gives birth to first baby

A TRAGIC rock star’s daughter has given birth to her first baby.

Tiger Lily Hutchence, 28, has been spotted out in London pushing a pram, confirming the birth of her first baby, with partner Ben Archer.

Woman holding a small glass of liquid.
Instagram
A tragic rock star’s daughter has given birth to her first baby[/caption]

Tiger Lily is the daughter of rock star Michael Hutchence,

Unlike half-sister singer Pixie, 34, Tiger Lily has chosen to stay out of the limelight.

Earlier this year,  the daughter of late Paula Yates and Michael Hutchence tied the knot at a ceremony in East ­London where she was joined by her adoptive dad, Bob Geldof.

Tiger Lily and Ben started dating in 2023 and announced that they were expecting their first child in February of this year, via an art flyer where she showed off her bump.

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Lotto bosses reveal where life-changing €500k EuroMillions ticket sold as players urged to check slips

A LUCKY Lotto shop that sold a winning EuroMillions ticket worth €500k has been revealed.

The National Lottery is urging players to check their tickets to see if they are the lucky winner.

Green National Lottery balloon.
Lotto.ie
One lucky punter was rolling in the cash as they had the winning numbers[/caption]
Irish Lotto ticket with numbers.
A Dublin Player has won the EuroMillions Plus top prize of €500,000 after matching all numbers on Tuesday’s draw
Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin

The winning numbers are 16, 20, 38, 41 and 50.  

The Quick Pick ticket was purchased on the day of the draw from Centra, North Terenure Road, Dublin 6.  

The latest EuroMillions Plus top prize win brings the total number of EuroMillions Plus wins of €500,000 to 22 so far in 2025.

Bringing the total prize money won in the EuroMillions Plus top prize to an incredible €11,000,000.

National Lottery spokesperson, Darragh O’Dwyer said: “While there was no winner of the EuroMillions jackpot, over 39,000 players in Ireland won prizes in both the EuroMillions and EuroMillions Plus draws.

“With our Dublin player taking the top prize of €500,000 in the EuroMillions Plus draw.

“This is Dublin’s sixth EuroMillions Plus top prize win of 2025, and the 22nd EuroMillions Plus win so far this year.”  

They advised if you are holding a winning ticket to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222.

Or you can email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.  

And the hunt is still on for the one winner who has just one day left to claim a half a million euro.

The National Lottery is urging players to check their tickets from the 2pm draw on Friday, March 28.

Another city win as the Quick Pick ticket was sold at Tesco in Stillorgan Shopping Centre, Co Dublin, on the day of the draw.

The winning numbers were 17, 22, 23, 25, 30, 37 and the bonus number was 32.

Players have 90 days from the draw date to come forward, meaning the deadline is this Thursday, June 26.

If unclaimed by the deadline, the €500,000 prize will go back into the National Lottery fund.

National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan said they are keen to hear from anyone who may have the winning ticket.

She encouraged players in the Stillorgan area to carefully check any tickets they may still have.

Meanwhile, the record-breaking €250m winning EuroMillions ticket was sold at Clifford’s Centra on Shandon Street in Cork, as the manager admitted: “I was convinced it was a wind-up”.

Crowds gathered outside Clifford’s, which has been open since 1930, as the green Lotto balloons were put up blocking out the full window and the champagne corks popped.

Excited store manager Simon Champ somehow managed to drop one of the bottles on the pavement, spraying the drink everywhere to great amusement.

But no one had any idea who the lucky winner of the life-changing millions is, although speculation ranged from a syndicate to a tea lady working with the HSE.

Irish Lottery Manager, Cian Murphy, said: “A win of this size is life-changing.

“It is a celebration for the Lottery, the shop, the community and the winner. It is fantastic as it makes someone’s dream come true.”

ensures that the name does not get out into the public arena.

He said they were unable to contact the owner Ted Clifford to inform him his Centra store had sold the winning ticket, but they did tell the store manager Simon Champ, who initially reacted with disbelief.

Once convinced by the caller that it was true he was delighted.

Long-time customer Noreen Kenny, who lives across the road from the store, said she was thrilled for everyone.

She has been shopping since she was a small child and revealed this was the third-generation member to run the store.

The 76-year-old beamed: “I am so delighted for them, Ted is such a dote.

“He is lovely as are all his staff who just can’t do enough to help customers.

“If you have heavy things they get the young fellas to bring them over for you.

“Or people getting their packs of coal are helped home with it.

“The shop is well worth supporting. It has been here for donkey’s years.”

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Huge boost for snooker fans as free-to-air channel snaps up rights to broadcast major events for first time ever

A NEW TV deal has ensured three major ranking snooker tournaments will remain on free-to-air TV.

The British Open, Players Championship and Tour Championship will all be broadcast live on 5 next season.

Ronnie O'Sullivan playing snooker.
Getty
Three major snooker ranking events are staying on free-to-air TV[/caption]

The WST has penned the “pioneering agreement” with the terrestrial channel.

It will see all three tournaments broadcast on 5 from 2026.

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer, 5 and Paramount UK commented: “We are delighted to bring the World Snooker Tour to 5.

“The Tour Championship, Players Championship and British Open are top ranking tournaments featuring the world’s best players and making them available to view on free-to-air TV continues our mission to keep elite live sport accessible for fans across the UK.”

WST Chairman Steve Dawson added: “We are delighted to be working with 5 for the first time and to add a new broadcaster to our tour.

“Snooker has a long history of providing fans with free-to-air events with extensive live coverage so this is fantastic news for everyone who follows our sport.

“The Players Championship and Tour Championship are elite events contested only by the best of the best.

“Players are striving all season to climb the one year list and earn a place in these prestigious tournaments.

“And from 2026, 5 will also broadcast the British Open which is a historic event with its own unique identity including a random draw.

“We look forward to working with the 5 team on these events and ensuring that an outstanding product is delivered to snooker’s consistently huge audience.

“Our sport had incredible viewing figures throughout last season and we expect to see that trend continue as we grow across the world.”

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

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2 rescued from ravine after motorbike crash near Patong

A dramatic rescue unfolded early this morning as two people were safely retrieved from a deep ravine after their motorbike crashed along the road to Tri Trang Beach, south of Patong. The Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation received an emergency call at 3.05am today, June 25, alerting them to the accident in which a motorbike had plunged …

The story 2 rescued from ravine after motorbike crash near Patong as seen on Thaiger News.

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Major rule change to parking at Tesco, Asda & Sainsbury’s pushes ahead – and could save you from being slapped with fine

SHOPPERS at Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s might need a special permit for parking to avoid being slapped with a fine.

A new petition is being pushed ahead which demands a permit for parent and child parking bays to stop “misuse”.

ASDA supermarket entrance with cars parked.
Getty
A new petition calls for a special permit for parents with young children[/caption]

Juggling grocery bags and young children running around can be an overwhelming experience.

That is why many supermarket parking areas have parent and child bays which are located closer to the entrance.

However, these spots are often “misused” and taken up by childless drivers.

Petition calls for new permits

Frustrated parents have now called on UK government to introduce a major rule change to stop that from happening.

The petition, created by Laila Noonan, reads: “I am calling on the government to introduce a permit that allows access to parent and child parking bays from 20 weeks of pregnancy until the child turns 8 years old.

“Pregnant individuals and parents of young children may face mobility and safety challenges that require accessible parking.”

“In the later stages of pregnancy and throughout early childhood, we think additional space and proximity to entrances are essential for safety and accessibility.

“We think this permit would support the practical needs of expectant mothers and parents managing young children, ensuring safer, more equitable access to essential facilities and stop this misuse of these bays.”

Current rules

Although it isn’t illegal to park in parent and child bays, these spots are designated for guardians with at least one child under the age of 12.

Childless drivers could risk being hit with a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) when leaving their car in these bays.

The RAC points out the uncertainty surrounding pregnant women’s eligibility for these places and advises to check with specific store managers about their policies.

Supermarkets are largely responsible for reinforcing these rules with Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl and Tesco confirming they’re constantly monitoring the parking areas.

The RAC said: “Supermarket car parks are private property. Any rules about their use will be enforced by the supermarket themselves or by a private firm allocated to manage them.

“Many of these firms are members of the British Parking Association (BPA) and must adhere to the organisation’s operator scheme code of practice.”

The Rac warns against self-reinforcement

The RAC cautions parents against taking the matter in their own hands and confronting the violator.

They said: “In the frustrating event that you spot someone misusing a parent and child bay, it’s best to talk to a store manager.

“Approaching somebody using a dedicated bay without young passengers could lead to a hostile situation, so try not to get carried away by the injustice of it all.”

Everything you need to know about parking

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I went to bed feeling fine but woke up paralysed – doctors blamed it on constipation but the truth was horrifying

AS a parent with a full-time job and a busy social life playing football and seeing friends, Adam Dawer always had somewhere to be.

But when he went to bed feeling perfectly well one night and woke up unable to stand, it was the start of a nightmare which would lead to a shattering diagnosis for the busy father of five.

A man and woman in a wooded area; the man is seated on a mobility scooter.
Cover Images
Adam Dawer was a busy dad of five and always had somewhere to be[/caption]
A man and woman in a wooded area; the man is seated on a mobility scooter.
Cover Images
Then his life turned upside down when he began experiencing vomiting and visual disturbances – 18 months later he was diagnosed with MS[/caption]

Adam, 47, began experiencing vomiting and visual disturbances and initially thought he might have caught a bug.

But his symptoms didn’t subside and continued for weeks.

Unable to stand up without being sick and increasingly concerned, he decided it was time to seek medical help.

“I was starting to worry it was cancer as cancer is a thing that has taken half of my family,” Adam, from Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, said.

“But no-one could give me an answer, no matter where I went. I went to the GP first and I was told ‘it could be this, it could be that’.

“The only one I really remember is ‘you might be heavily constipated’. When he said that, I couldn’t believe it. I said to my wife Sharon ‘we need to go somewhere else’.”

It took Adam 18 months to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and, surprisingly, he felt relieved.

“When the doctor said to me, ‘It sounds to me like multiple sclerosis,’ I said, ‘Thank God!’” Adam recalled.

“And he said ‘You do know what MS is?’ And I said ‘yeah, but it’s not cancer.’

“We were at a different hospital and the minute we walked in there, it was as if somebody flicked a switch. From that moment on, life just got better. Regardless that I’ve got MS, at least I know what I’m dealing with.

“I felt a big relief because I was thinking it was something that was going to kill me.”

Adam began to research the condition and decided to learn as much as he could.

In denial

MS is an often disabling disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

He admits for the first two to three years he was in denial and believed that his life didn’t need to change.

For the first few years he had Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) and he had several disease-modifying drugs to help slow down the progression of the illness.

“Some worked and some didn’t,” he said.

“Many of the treatments have side effects that make you feel even worse on top of already being ill.

“Now I have Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS), which means I have moved onto the next stage, unfortunately. But I take medication and hopefully this will slow down the progression.”

If I have to go to the kitchen, it might take me five minutes – but I’m OK with that

Adam Dawer

Adam had to give up his job as a graphic designer and accept a slower pace of life.

“If I have to go to the kitchen, it might take me five minutes – but I’m OK with that,” he said.

“The main thing is: I’m still alive, I’m still breathing, so all is good.

“My wife is now my full time carer and I’m extremely lucky that she helps me get out and about.

“I still drive on occasion, it’s the only thing that makes me feel normal like everyone else but mostly Sharon does it now.”

Sharon helps Adam with all the practicalities of MS, such as preparing his scooter, wheelchair or rollator and sorting routes, finding out where is accessible or where might have dodgy pavements.

“She deals with all of that so I don’t need to because I can’t anymore,” Adam added.

“I wouldn’t leave the house, the anxiety of all of that on top of being ill would be crippling.

“In short, she just lets me concentrate on the MS itself.”

‘It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing with MS’

More than 150,000 people in the UK live with MS and many of them are unable to leave their house without help.

According to research by The MS Trust, 94 per cent of patients said their condition has affected their mental health with 60 per cent experiencing low self esteem.

Half of MS patients report feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Adam wants people to be aware that MS can present very differently in each person.

“There’s not a set pattern to it,” he said.

“There could be a guy with MS who runs marathons and there could be someone in a wheelchair. It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing.”

Man with multiple sclerosis using a rollator.
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Adam had to give up his job as a graphic designer and accept a slower pace of life[/caption]
Photo of a woman and a man sitting together.
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His wife Sharon is now his full time carer[/caption]
Man with MS giving thumbs up while sitting on a mobility scooter.
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Despite his diagnosis Adam is happy about life and makes sure he’s still present for his five children[/caption]

He is positive about his life and happy he’s been able to be an active and present dad for his five children. “When MS announced itself into my life, the youngest was five,” he said.

“I’m glad that my kids were of an age that my declining health wasn’t going to impact them so much. They weren’t going to grow up seeing dad be heavily disabled.

“I got to be a proper parent. I really didn’t want MS to rob me of being a parent or to rob my kids of having a dad who was there.

“By the grace of God, it worked out and they’re all doing their own things now. The youngest will be 20 this year. The oldest is in another country.

“I honestly haven’t been happier and mentally clearer in my life. I just had this mental clarity one day: everything’s going to be OK.

“It was like a massive weight came off me. I really can’t explain it. It kind of is a spiritual experience – I think having MS has been like a superpower – for my mind, the way I think.

“Everyone’s got problems. But when a problem comes up for me, I think, ‘Is anybody going to die? No? Then there’s no problem. We can fix it.’”

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. 

It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (myelin) around nerve fibres. 

This disrupts the flow of electrical signals and causes a range of symptoms that can vary wildly from person to person. 

The good news? MS isn’t a death sentence, and with advances in treatment, many people live full and active lives.

In the UK, over 130,000 people are living with MS, and around 7,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. 

It’s typically diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, with women three times more likely to develop it than men. 

Despite its challenges, many with MS find strength and resilience they never thought possible.

Common symptoms of MS are:

  • Fatigue: Not your average tiredness—this is bone-deep exhaustion.
  • Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, or even temporary vision loss.
  • Numbness and tingling: Often in the face, arms, or legs.
  • Muscle weakness: Making everyday tasks feel like climbing a mountain.
  • Mobility issues: Trouble walking or balancing.
  • Cognitive difficulties: Memory lapses or a “foggy” brain.
  • Spasms and stiffness: Muscles that just won’t cooperate.
  • Bladder and bowel problems: A less glamorous but common challenge.

MS is unpredictable—you might have periods of remission where symptoms vanish, followed by flare-ups when they return. 

This “on-again, off-again” nature can be frustrating and means people can be in anticipation of a flare. 

While there’s no cure yet, treatments like disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and slow progression. 

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