free web stats Latest News – Page 997 – open Dazem

Latest News

Latest News

What we know about next Hamas hostage release with 6 to be freed over 2 days – as hopes for Bibas boys, 2 & 5, dwindle

THE next set of Israeli hostages to be released from Hamas captivity as part of the fragile ceasefire agreement has been revealed.

Six hostages will be handed back to Israel in two batches this week – but fears loom for the Bibas boys, aged 2 and 5, as it remains unknown whether the young pair are dead or alive.

Woman smiling.
AP
Arbel Yehud, 29, is among the next batch of Hamas hostages set to be freed this week[/caption]
Close-up of a girl's face.
Agam Berger, 21, has been held by terrorists in Gaza since the October 7 massacre
bringthemhome
A woman in olive green clothing exits a vehicle with the International Committee of the Red Cross logo, surrounded by armed personnel.
Rex
Hamas are set to release six hostages this week in two separate groups[/caption] Illustration of a three-phase peace deal for the Middle East, showing ceasefire, hostage release, and border details.

Two of those who are set to be released within a mere few days are women who were horrifically kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attacks.

Arbel Yehud, 29, and IDF soldier Agam Berger, 21, will be freed alongside a currently unnamed male hostage on Thursday, followed by three more unnamed hostages on Saturday.

Israel had reportedly asked Qatari and Egyptian mediators to get proof off of Hamas showing Arbel alive.

Confirmation was handed over as early as Saturday evening, reports the BBC.

On Sunday night it was confirmed that a dispute over the implementation of the ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas had been resolved.

Israel said that Hamas terrorists had sent a list detailing the conditions of the remaining hostages set to be released in the continuing 42-day first phase of the breakthrough ceasefire.

The failure to send the list by Saturday, partnered with Hamas’s failure to free Arbel before IDF soldiers, have been dubbed by Israel as violations of the deal.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the military would now allow hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to the north Gaza Strip, beginning Monday morning.

The office added that Israel had reached the agreement with the terror group following “strong and determined negotiations,” making it clear that it would “not tolerate any violation of the agreement”.

Previous reports emerged from NBC News that US native Keith Siegel, 65, was to be released in the coming week.

Video still of Keith Siegel, a hostage, speaking to the camera.
AFP
A video released by Hamas in April 2024 shows a man who identified himself as Keith Siegel, one of the hostages abducted during the October 7 massacre[/caption]
A woman holds a poster demanding the return of Keith Samuel Siegel (64), an Israeli-American hostage.
AP
Tal Wax holds a poster with a photograph of her uncle Keith Samuel Siegel, an Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks[/caption]

No confirmation has yet been provided and it remains unclear if Keith’s potential release would happen on Thursday or Saturday.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel are to free Palestinian security prisoners, equating to 30 for each civilian and 50 for Agam Berger.

On Saturday, Israel blocked the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza after the release of four female soldiers by Hamas as the terror group have to prioritise the release of civilian women as per the agreement.

One hostage, Arbel, is being held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which had reportedly been falsely describing the 29-year-old as a soldier and demanding more prisoners to be released for her to be returned, Times of Israel reports.

On Sunday, local media said that the Jihad group had agreed to classify Arbel as a civilian.

Hamas gave relief to Arbel’s family on Sunday, saying it had given confirmation that she was alive and safe and would be released soon.

Arbel was abducted alongside her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, from their Kibbutz Nir Oz home during Hamas’s October 7 horror attacks that left over 1,200 people dead.

Her brother, Dolev Yehud, was killed by the terrorists while defending the kibbutz and his remains were identified last June.

Woman holding two young children.
Ian Whittaker
Mum Shiri Bibas was seen desperately clutching to Kfir and his brother Ariel as they were kidnapped on October 7[/caption]
Smiling baby holding a pink stuffed animal.
Baby Kfir is the youngest hostage taken by Hamas as he just turned two years old
Young boy playing with a toy.
Ariel Bibas pictured before the was kidnapped by Hamas
Family in matching Batman pajamas.
Supplied
Yarden and Shiri Bibas with their two young boys before the family became hostages[/caption]

Meanwhile fears have grown over the youngest Israeli hostages still being held in captivity after they were not among the four released in the latest prisoner swap.

Kfir and Ariel Bibas, just two and five years old, were snatched by Hamas terrorists but their family recently revealed they have no idea whether the boys are alive or dead.

The children, along with their parents Yarden and Shiri, are all on the list of are on the list of hostages to be released in the first six-week phase of the fragile ceasefire.

Despite this, relatives have received no information since the ceasefire began on Sunday – the day after Kfir’s second birthday.

Israel said they expect to hear more about the captive family soon.

Despite this, the Bibas family’s relatives said their “world came crashing down” when they discovered the boys and their parents were left off the second hostage release list, according to The Times of Israel.

In a heart-wrenching statement, the family called on local media to not forget about “our pain, our struggle, and, most importantly, the crucial discussion about the complexity and tragedy of them not being on the list.”

The family added: “Does the grave concern for their lives cancel out the fact that they are civilians in captivity who must be brought home?

“Does the grave concern for Shiri’s life mean that there is no longer a need to display her photo as a kidnapped civilian in Gaza whose fate remains unknown?”

The family also recently revealed they have no idea if the young boys are dead or alive, after no proof of life has been provided by Hamas.

On Saturday, Karina Ariev, 20, Daniela Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Elbag, 19, were all handed over to the Red Cross by balaclava-wearing Hamas thugs.

The women were all captured as Israeli soldiers rather than innocent civilians caught in the horror October 7 massacre.

The four brave soldiers revealed to local media about life being held by Hamas – and how they took a brave step to humiliate their evil captors after their release.

The women were captured in footage acting calmly and confidently as they smiled and waved to crowds of gunmen and Gaza civilians.

One of the released hostages told Kan TV news: “We showed them on the stage that we were not fazed.

Large crowd of people gathered outdoors.
AFP
Displaced Palestinians have been forced to wait at the border[/caption]
Four women in military-style uniforms stand behind a table, giving thumbs up.
Reuters
Karina Ariev, 20, Daniela Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Elbag, 19, were handed over to the Red Cross on Saturday[/caption]
Benjamin Netanyahu speaking at a podium.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the extra batch of hostages being released

“It had no impact on us. We are stronger than them.”

Israel went on to delay the return of Gazans to northern Gaza in the as they claimed Hamas breached the ceasefire agreement by the order of the releases.

Arbel’s release on Friday now means the people of Gaza will be allowed to return home, Netanyahu confirmed.

It is believed that thousands of displaced Palestinians had been blocked at the military enforced border for the last two days.

This week will now see the first double releases as pressure mounts to return all the hostages home.

After all six are handed over to the Red Cross, Israel will begin to allow Palestinians to move north on Monday.

The additional Palestinians prisoners will then also be returned to Hamas later in the week, Netanyahu and Qatari officials added.

Brit Emily Damari and fellow Israeli captives Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31 were all also freed in the first exchange last Saturday.

Since the ceasefire deal came into force, more than 200 prisoners have also been given back by Israel.

As Israel pushes for answers, the international community is closely watching the unfolding negotiations, which remain fraught with tension.

Over 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, and the prospect of further polarization looms.

Emily Damari was one of the first three Israeli hostages released in phase one of the ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli-Brit lost two fingers after being shot by Hamas during the October 7 attack on her kibbutz, Kfar Aza, where she was ambushed.

Her long-awaited release comes as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds after months of relentless warfare.

The truce was nearly derailed in the final hours of negotiations, but hostages were exchanged as part of the deal, marking the first step toward a tenuous pause in hostilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear this ceasefire is temporary, emphasising: “We are committed to dismantling Hamas and bringing every hostage home.”

The reunion of the hostages with their families in southern Israel was a moment of raw emotion.

But before escaping terror hell, Emily, Romi and Doron were handed Hamas “gift bags” containing haunting mementos of their captivity.

The bags reportedly included photos of the women during their imprisonment and a so-called “certificate” – acting as a grim reminder of their 15-month nightmare in Gaza.

What happened on October 7?

ON OCTOBER 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on Israel, marking one of the darkest days in the nation’s history.

Terrorists stormed across the border from Gaza, killing over 1,200 people — most of them civilians — and kidnapping 250 others, including women, children, and the elderly.

The coordinated assault saw heavily armed fighters infiltrate Israeli towns, kibbutzim, and military bases, unleashing indiscriminate violence.

Innocent families were slaughtered in their homes, and graphic footage of the atrocities spread across social media, leaving the world in shock.

And as well as attacking people in their homes, they stormed the Nova music peace festival – killing at least 364 people there alone.

The massacre triggered a swift and massive retaliatory response from Israel, escalating into a full-scale war.

The attack not only reignited long-standing tensions in the region but also left deep scars on both sides of the conflict, setting the stage for the 15 months of devastation that followed.

Read More »

Mel B stalked by giant crocodile with 10-foot beast ‘seconds from attack’ during Celebrity Bear Hunt

A CROCODILE chased Scary Spice — before bottling it when it got near the pop star.

Crew on Bear Grylls’ TV show looked on nervously as the 10ft beast stalked Mel B through the Costa Rican jungle.

Screengrab of Mel B looking surprised while participating in a bear hunt.
Mel B legs it in the jungle on Celebrity Bear Hunt
Crocodile's head and jaws emerging from the water.
Getty
The crocodile has been dubbed ‘Juvenile Julie’, because she is younger than her century-old counterparts[/caption]
Bear Grylls riding a motorcycle.
PA
Bear Grylls on Celebrity Bear Hunt[/caption]

But they were relieved when the croc suddenly darted away from the Spice Girl, one of a dozen stars taking part in Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt.

An insider said: “All the crew were joking that even this terrifying man-eater knew it might have met its match with Scary, so performed a swift exit.

“But for a while there were some seriously twitchy producers because, unlike shows like I’m A Celebrity, the crocs on Bear Hunt don’t have their jaws tied shut.”

The creature lives in the jungle and has been dubbed “Juvenile Julie” because of her relative youth compared to other crocs, who can live to be over 100.

Viewers can watch the chase on the show — hosted by Holly Willoughby — when it drops on February 5.

The eight-parter sees famous faces — including Shirley Ballas, Lottie Moss and Boris Becker — trying to evade capture by TV survival expert Bear in a sectioned-off part of the jungle.

Bear said: “There are ‘created elements’ within it, but it is a naturally constrained area that genuinely has a crocodile in it, who we’ve nicknamed ‘Juvenile Julie.’

“I think the crocodile getting so close to Mel B when she was trying to escape was the gnarliest thing that happened during filming.

“We got brilliant footage of the crocodile just lasering into her.”

Juvenile Julie is just one of the show’s potentially deadly creatures, including scorpions, tarantulas and snakes.

Exec producer Ben Mitchell said: “All the animals that are in there really are just living there – it is genuinely terrifying.”

Mel B performing at the BRIT Awards 1997.
Getty
Spice Girl Mel is one of a dozen stars taking part in Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt[/caption]

Read More »

‘We are blown away’ – Arthur Gourounlian and Brian Dowling thank fans for ‘incredible support’ on major passion project

ARTHUR Gourounlian and Brian Dowling have said they are “blown away” by the “incredible support” they’ve received from fans for their recent passion project.

The Dancing with the stars judge and his Six O’Clock Show host husband first launched The AG in 2022 as a unisex sock brand.

Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian posing together.
Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian recently expanded The AG’s range
Michael Donnelly - The Sun Dublin
Cream-colored fleece zip-up jacket with a blue heart pattern.
Instagram
The pair thanked fans for their ‘incredible support’[/caption]

Since they have established the line, Brian and Arthur expanded The AG’s range into hoodies and sweatshirts.

The new unisex half-zip fleeces, featuring a stunning heart print, are available to buy in a variety of different colours.

Since their release just over a week ago, the stylish pieces have been a huge hit, with fans raving about them.

Arthur and Brian took to their Instagram page to express their gratitude for the overwhelming support and excitement surrounding the collection.

The pair also teased some exciting updates on what’s next for their fashion project.

The caption read: “We want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your incredible support and for ordering our very first fleeces.

“We are absolutely blown away by your amazing response and couldn’t be happier to see how much you’re loving them.

“To answer the question many of you have been asking: Yes, there will be more fleeces coming in the future!

“However, they will feature new designs. As you know, all our clothing is unisex and part of a limited-edition collection we never repeat the same designs.

“We are honestly at a loss for words. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your enthusiasm and support.”

Fans and friends all flocked to the comment section to share their love for the clothes.

‘DELIGHTED’

Denise said: “I love mine. Great service and quick delivery. Well done.”

Dee wrote: “Absolutely love my two – so cosy and warm.”

Charlotte gushed: “Absolutely love my fleece so comfy, stylish and romantic all in one.”

Paula commented: “Love our two fleeces we bought love the style and the quality is absolutely.”

Another added: “Just ordered my today can’t wait so delighted guys.”

Read More »

Як доглядати за кактусами, щоб вони розквітли: поради квітникарів

  Якщо у вас вдома ростуть кактуси й ви ще не бачили їхнього цвітіння, то це означає, що квітці чогось не вистачає. У подробицях читайте поради. Подробиці Першою причиною може бути неправильний догляд в осінній та зимовий час, коли на рослині утворюються квіткові бруньки. Саме в цей період треба поставити квітку в добре освітлене місце […]

Read More »

Три помилки водіїв, які провокують корозію в автомобілі

Корозія – одна з головних причин передчасного зносу автомобіля. Вплив погодних умов, солі та хімічних реагентів на дорогах може істотно скоротити термін служби вашого транспортного засобу. При цьому деякі водії самі ж провокують появу цієї проблеми, припускаючись типових помилок під час обслуговування та експлуатації машини. Експерти виокремили три таких помилки, які категорично не варто робити. […]

Read More »

Трамп і Стармер поговорили телефоном та домовилися про зустріч

Президент США Дональд Трамп і прем’єр-міністр Британії Кір Стармер обговорили телефоном торгово-економічні відносини між країнами та домовилися про особисту зустріч. Про це йдеться в повідомленні уряду Великої Британії, передає Укрінформ. Зазначається, що Стармер віддав належне ролі Трампа в забезпеченні припинення вогню та звільненні заручників у Газі. При цьому лідери двох країн підкреслили важливість спільної роботи […]

Read More »

Illegal gold miners resorted to CANNIBALISM gorging on legs, arms & ribs while sealed underground during police siege

SURVIVORS who were trapped in one of the deepest gold mines in South Africa have spoken out about turning to cannibalism to survive.

The illegal gold miners had been trapped in the abandoned Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, 150km from Johannesburg.

Rescued illegal gold miner on a stretcher.
EPA
An emancipated miner is carried on a stretcher after being rescued from underground[/caption]
Rescued miners escorted by police.
EPA
Survivors and bodies were pulled from the disused gold mine shaft in Stilfontein, around 150 km southwest of Johannesburg[/caption]
Rescued miner being assisted by emergency personnel.
AP
Survivors have spoken out about their desperate efforts to stay alive as they grew weaker and weaker from lack of food and water[/caption] Map showing the location of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in South Africa, where rescuers pulled bodies and survivors from a mine shaft.

Hundreds of men were trapped nearly a mile underground for nine months during a standoff with police, which saw some hack off the limbs of their colleagues for sustenance.

Rescuers found 78 bodies and pulled 246 survivors from the depths of the shaft last week, two of whom have spoken out about the desperate measures they took to survive.

Speaking to The Telegraph, two weak survivors quietly revealed that many of the men turned to cannibalism to not die of starvation.

One said that police prevented their access to food and water, and that some of his fellow miners “resorted to cannibalism.”

The man who refused to be named said: “They cut parts of legs, arms, and ribs for sustenance.

“They decided it was their only remaining option for survival.”

While the survivor said he himself did not resort to such a taboo act for survival, he and another survivor said that they had to eat cockroaches.

A rescuer who spoke to the BBC revealed more about the horrific conditions underground that mean he will no longer eat meat.

He found rotting bodies after entering the mine and also made claims of cannibalism.

“Those bodies really smelled bad… they told me some of them had to eat other [people] inside the mine because there was no way they could find food,” he said.

“And they were also eating cockroaches.”

The two survivors who have spoken out both entered the mine in July 2024 to work on supplying those below with more food and drink using ropes.

This saw them earn around £400 per month, according to The Telegraph, money they say they hoped to use for driving licenses and security guard certificates.

The blockading of food by police started in August in an attempt to “smoke out” the illegal miners who enter disused gold mines to try and profit from the remnants.

Such operations are usually run in the confusing underground maze by armed criminal gangs, the police said, which made it too dangerous for them to go in and confront them.

While over 1,300 miners willingly came out of the disused mine, the authorities cracked down on those left, but always claimed they could make their own way out.

During the months-long stand-off it was further claimed by officials that those who stayed underground were attempting to avoid arrest and deportation.

However, several agencies and groups, including unions argued that the remaining miners were too weak due to the food blockade to make their own way out and so needed help.

Courts eventually ordered aid to be sent, which saw a mining company haul scores of body bags and emaciated miners to the surface.

Images from the rescue showed miners on the brink of death being pulled out on stretchers after being found too weak to move on their own.

The rescuer told the BBC: “They were very dehydrated and had lost weight so we managed to fit more into the cage, because they wouldn’t have survived another two days down in the hole. 

Collapsed abandoned mine shaft.
Alamy
A total of 246 survivors and 78 bodies were brought to the ground over a three day rescue[/caption]
A man being carried on a stretcher near an ambulance, surrounded by people.
Getty
Police had blocked off access to food and water to ‘smoke out’ the remaining miners[/caption]
Rescue workers at a mine rescue operation.
Getty
Workers barricaded themselves in the mine in a nine-month stand-off allegedly to avoid capture during a police raid on illegal mining[/caption]
Two men stand near an abandoned mine shaft after a rescue operation.
Reuters
Mandla Charles with Mzwandile Mkwayi volunteered to go in and rescue the starved miners underground[/caption]

“They would be dead if we didn’t get them out as soon as possible.

“Those people were desperate for help, they were dying.”

“I have to tell you, I am traumatised. I will never forget the sight of these people for the rest of my life,” he added.

Rescuers could fit 13 emaciated men into a cage designed to hold just seven due to their condition. 

Those who died are believed to have done so from dehydration or starvation, Sabelo Mnguni, a spokesman for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action Group (MACUA) said.

The government has been accused of carrying out a “massacre” with politicians calling for an investigation.

One of the country’s largest trade union federations called it “one of the most horrific displays of state wilful negligence in recent history.”

Despite the criticism, the government’s mining minister Gwede Mantashehe said: “If you go to a dangerous place such as a neglected mine and stay there for about three months, starving yourself to death, how does that become the responsibility of the state?”

Further criticism has been levelled at the authorities after corrupt police officers helped the supposed kingpin of the entire Buffelsfontein operation escape custody.

James Neo Tshaeli from Lesotho who is alleged to have run the illegal operation is also said to be responsible for deaths, assaults, and torture at the mine.

Tshaeli, known as “Tiger,” also allegedly kept food away from his workers, but the two miners who spoke to The Telegraph said he was “brutal” in his treatment of the miners.

The pair have been charged with illegal mining and possession of gold and are now on bail.

Police have not commented specifically on the cannibalism claims but told the outlet that the investigation would look into all avenues.

Rescued illegal miners escorted by police officers.
AP
Those who surfaced alive were taken into police custody[/caption]
South African police officer at an illegal mining rescue operation.
Getty
Officials have been accused of carrying out a ‘massacre’ on the illegal miners[/caption]
Rescued miners escorted by police officers in Stilfontein, South Africa.
AP
An investigation is ongoing regarding the police siege and the illegal miners[/caption]

Read More »

Shoppers Are Abandoning Costco for Sam’s Club: “I’m Absolutely Fed Up”



The popularity contest between Costco and Sam’s Club continues, with the latter Walmart-owned company apparently in the lead. In the last year, more and more shoppers have canceled their Costco memberships in favor of Sam’s Club’s high-tech improvements, including its Scan & Go app and AI-powered exit archways. Now, Costco members are airing out their grievances on Reddit. In a new thread, customers say shopping at Costco is a "horrible store experience" and share why they consider Sam’s Club to be "far superior."

RELATED: "Never Again" Buy Tires From Costco, Shoppers Say: "Simply Horrendous."

Sam’s Club has a streamlined checkout process, unlike Costco.

sam's club in folsom, california iStock

The checkout experience at Costco is “awful” and “chaotic,” according to some members. Conversely, shoppers find Sam’s Club’s self-checkout process via the Scan & Go app effortless enough to abandon Costco altogether.

“The scan 'n go is such a time saver for sure, and so easy to use. I have both but am now going to let my Costco expire without renewing,” admitted one Redditor.

“It's a nightmare just to walk in Costco whereas Sam's I was able to actually walk down the main aisle. The scan as you go option is more convenient for me and faster for Sam's. All around the vibe of the store is much calmer and less chaotic too,” reads another comment.

A third person said, “I love scan and go! Every time I go to Costco, it’s always a hassle.” As someone else pointed out, it comes down to the fact that “Sam’s Club trusts their customers at self checkout,” whereas “Costco is not fun as a customer.”

RELATED: Costco Shoppers Are Abandoning These Kirkland Products: "Worst Things I’ve Ever Tasted."

Costco is notoriously known for its long lines.

During certain parts of the day, long lines at the deli counter and cash register in any grocery store are to be expected—but at Costco, shoppers say the wait times never let up.

“Costco checkout lines stress me out enough to keep me out of the store. Especially when the lines are so long they spill into the shopping aisles and have to funnel through into the main checkout area,” wrote a frustrated customer.

“The Costco parking lot always looks like they're having a going out of business sale,” said someone else, referencing the warehouse’s heavy foot traffic. A Reditter wrote back in response, “The parking lot at costco is always fuller because everyone is standing in line waiting to check out instead of scan and go.”

Meanwhile at Sam’s Club, customers say they “never wait in any line.” One post reads, “Sam’s has made shopping very easy and fast for me.”

RELATED: Costco Shoppers Slam Popular Products: "Looks Like Shrinkflation to Me."

Sam’s Club may offer an overall superior shopping experience.

“Costco still has a few items I prefer, but overall, the shopping experience at Sams is light years ahead of Costco,” praised one customer, with whom many Reddit users agreed.

Elsewhere in the thread, someone said they can only tolerate going to Costco “once every other month or so” because “it takes forever.” However, they shop at Sam’s Club weekly. “It’s so easy to shop there that I can go in for just a few items and it’s just as fast and easy as a regular grocery store,” they noted.

Plus, “the early hours for Sams plus members is a huge plus. Costco may have better products but Sams is far superior in shopper experience,” added another.

“The customer experience just eclipses costco,” wrote one Sam’s Club member, who ditched Costco three years ago.

Read More »

Danity Kane alum D. Woods reveals her ‘troubling interactions’ Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Danity Kane alum D. Woods claimed the girl group’s founder, Sean “Diddy” Combs, was predatory and created a verbally abusive work environment. The singer broke her silence on her traumatic experience working with the rapper during her appearance on “Good Morning America.” Watch what she said in the clip.

Read More »

I was accused of marrying a teenage boy… now I’m begging strangers on the internet to donate to my £9k IVF babies

A COUPLE who went viral for their wedding photos are now asking the public for help buying baby essentials.

The pair announced they are expecting triplets after receiving backlash over their nuptials.

Two people taking a selfie in a mirror.
instagram/lozgetssleeved
Lauren and her wife Hannah previously faced online criticism when they were mistaken for mother and son[/caption]
Ultrasound image showing triplets.
instagram/lozgetssleeved
Shortly after tying the knot, the couple embarked on an IVF journey abroad and are now expecting triplets[/caption]

Lauren Evens, 31, and her wife Hannah, 29, were mistaken for mother and son when they first shared images of their engagement.

Online users branded Lauren a “paedophile” due to her partner’s youthful appearance.

Despite being just three years younger than her wife, specialist engineer Hannah is often assumed to be a 10-year-old boy.

Shortly after tying the knot in July 2024, the couple announced they were embarking on an IVF journey in Cyprus.

Lauren, who is mum to two children aged 10 and nine, is now expecting triplet girls after the treatment.

She explained that she opted to carry the babies, which were created from Hannah’s eggs, so they could be “biologically related.”

The 29-year-old underwent a stimulation cycle to help her body produce the maximum number of eggs.

Meanwhile, Lauren underwent womb stimulation to prepare her body for pregnancy.

“We chose a Swedish sperm donor because he was the closest match to our skin tones and looks,” Hannah said.

After Lauren recently became redundant, the couple decided to raise money for their future family, reports the Daily Mail.

They have already forked out £9,000 for their IVF treatment and are now looking for the public’s help in raising day-to-day spending money.

The couple explained that they are hoping to raise £3,000 to purchase baby essentials.

They also hope to put some of this money towards flights and accommodation for when their babies arrive in June.

Due to Lauren’s high-risk pregnancy, she is scheduled to undergo a C-section at 34 weeks.

The expectant mum explained her family’s financial bind since she lost her job.

IVF statistics

Figures cited by the NHS, show the following results for mums who underwent IVF and went on to have a live birth:

  • 32.2% for women under 35
  • 27.7% for women aged 35-37
  • 20.8% for women aged 38-39
  • 13.6% for women aged 40-42
  • 5% for women aged 43-44
  • 1.9% for women aged over 44

“We’ve had to move back to Hannah’s parents – until we can save for a deposit or for private rent. We’ll need four to five bedrooms,” she said.

As well as their financial struggles, the couple are still facing judgement when they go out together in public.

“We went to Boots last week. The lady asked if I had a Boots card and said it would be worth getting one,” Lauren recalled.

“I said she [Hannah] has one. She said: ‘But your little boy can’t be with you all the time’.

“‘I said: ‘It’s my wife.'”

Couple announcing pregnancy with a close-up photo showing an engagement ring.
instagram/lozgetssleeved
Lauren has opted to carry the babies, which were conceived using Hannah’s eggs[/caption]
Two brides posing for a wedding photo.
Jam Press/@lozgetssleeved
The couple are now asking strangers online for help purchasing baby essentials after forking out £9,000 on their IVF treatment[/caption]

Read More »