Charlotte Cox

Emily Torode became the first woman to win Guernsey’s Donkey Drop Out backyard ultra marathon after completing 26 four-mile laps, covering more than 100 miles. She credited her family, including her grandmother Sylvia’s potatoes, for helping fuel her through the night. Torode said she felt capable of running farther but was stopped by the event’s rules, and plans another 100-mile race later in the year.

Guernsey’s healthcare service missed key performance targets in 2025, with patients medically fit for discharge accumulating 298 hospital days against a monthly target of fewer than 100. Although delayed discharges fell from 338 days in 2024, the problem has remained above target for seven consecutive years and is reducing bed availability. Only 61% of outpatient and inpatient waiting-time targets were met, compared with a 91% target, while Emergency Department targets were met 88% of the time. Formal complaints increased by 27%, but the Medical Specialist Group said this could indicate a more accessible feedback system rather than a worsening service. Health officials cited capacity constraints, limited resources and the need for closer cooperation between healthcare, social care and the wider community.

Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood acknowledged that passengers are right to be disappointed by unreliable services, cancellations, overcrowding and uncomfortable seats. He said GWR is working with Network Rail and Alstom to resolve problems affecting its Class 175 fleet, while replacing worn seat cushions and adding carriages and services to increase capacity. The Mid Cornwall Metro is expected to expand in 2027, linking Newquay with Truro and Falmouth. GWR reported profits of just over £20m on £1.4bn turnover and is due to enter public ownership in December, ahead of the planned creation of Great British Railways. Hopwood said improving punctuality and reliability remains the company’s priority, although some problems may take longer than a year to resolve.

Demand for certified eclipse glasses has surged in Cornwall ahead of the partial solar eclipse, with 80 pairs distributed by a Looe tourism organisation selling out within 10 minutes and some business orders unlikely to arrive in time. Ophthalmologist David Jones of Royal Cornwall Hospital warned that looking directly at the Sun can burn the retina and recommended ISO 12312-2-certified glasses or indirect viewing methods such as a pinhole viewer. Peter Smith, who suffered eye damage during the 1999 eclipse, described continuing symptoms. The eclipse is expected to be visible across Devon and Cornwall from around 18:18 to 20:10 BST, with related events planned in both counties.

Women in Guernsey describe years-long delays in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, with significant impacts on their health and fertility. New draft guidance from NICE proposes non‑invasive tests—Endotest and Endosure—to speed diagnosis through a three‑year GP trial in England and Wales. Patients welcome the potential alternative to invasive surgery, while Guernsey health officials say they will assess the tests’ suitability as evidence develops and commit to improving support and diagnostic pathways.

England’s over-75s football captain Geoff Martel says his team is prepared to deliver a standout performance in a commemorative match against Germany marking the 60th anniversary of the 1966 World Cup final. The squad has completed a training camp, been followed by Sky Sports for filming, contributed to a documentary by St John’s University, and recorded a team song. The match, refereed by former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher, will be played on 30 July at Oldham Athletic FC and will go to penalties if tied after 90 minutes.

Former Plymouth Raiders basketball player Kinu Rochford died after being shot at a New York streetball tournament. Team chairman Ross Mackenzie expressed grief, recalling Rochford’s charisma and impact during his 2018 season in Plymouth. The New York Police Department reported he was taken to hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead, with two others injured and no arrests yet made. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for an end to the violence. The Raiders plan to commemorate Rochford at the start of their upcoming season.

Cam Treble returned to ocean sport through para surfing after an accident left him partially paralysed, competing at the English Para Surfing Open in Cornwall. Surfing England highlighted medal wins by Team England Para Development Squad members Abbie Potts and Finn Jones and praised Treble’s strong performance in only his second para surfing attempt. Organisers described a supportive atmosphere and broad disability classifications designed to make the sport accessible. Athletes travelled widely to compete, and Surfing England expressed optimism about the future of English para surfing.

Firefighters in Devon and Somerset responded to four grassland fires in a single day as hot, windy conditions intensified the blazes. Crews tackled major incidents in Collaton St Mary, Chudleigh, Marldon and Ilminster, with the largest fire scorching hundreds of metres of dry grassland. Additional teams and local farmers supported containment efforts, while a separate clifftop fire the previous day was linked to an improperly extinguished open fire. Authorities urged the public to avoid open flames in the countryside.

Fire crews in Devon and Somerset responded to at least four grassland fires during hot, windy conditions, with the largest blaze spreading across fields in Collaton St Mary. Additional incidents occurred in Chudleigh, Marldon and Ilminster, requiring extended operations to control and extinguish the flames. A separate clifftop fire near Torquay was linked to an improperly extinguished open fire, prompting warnings against outdoor fires and barbecues in the countryside.

Residents of Haytor Vale express shock and fear following the suspected murder of former government minister Ann Widdecombe, whose body was found at her Dartmoor home. Police maintain a cordon and continue door‑to‑door inquiries as a manhunt remains underway. Neighbours and local villagers describe Widdecombe as a kind and well‑liked member of the community, with tributes also coming from Buckfast Abbey and her longtime driver. The normally quiet village is unsettled as residents await further updates from investigators.

Residents of Haytor Vale remain shocked following the suspected murder of former government minister Ann Widdecombe, whose body was discovered on Thursday. The small Dartmoor village, known for its sense of safety, has been transformed by a major police presence as officers conduct door‑to‑door inquiries and pursue an active manhunt. Neighbours and local residents have expressed grief and fear, describing Widdecombe as a well‑liked community member. Tributes have come from villagers, her driver, and Buckfast Abbey, where she worshipped. As investigations continue, the community awaits further updates.

A new purpose-built freight vessel, the Menawethan, has been officially named, marking a significant upgrade to transport links between the Isles of Scilly and Penzance. Developed by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group as part of a £40m investment, the ship replaces the aging Gry Maritha and promises improved reliability and capacity. Constructed in Vietnam and rerouted around Africa due to regional instability, the vessel offers enhanced cargo space, improved facilities, and year-round passenger accommodation. The launch ceremony highlighted its importance to island communities as older vessels, including Scillonian III, are retired and put up for sale.

Cornwall Air Ambulance collaborated with representatives from several Formula 1 teams to improve emergency response efficiency, adopting practices focused on precision, discipline and continuous improvement. The initiative, led by chairman and former F1 team leader David Richards, reduced average helicopter takeoff time by 30% through refined procedures, better equipment organisation and enhanced teamwork. Leaders at the service expect the changes to speed up critical care delivery, and national media coverage of the project has increased public awareness of the organisation.

Staff and union representatives at the University of Exeter are opposing proposals to cut about 150 roles, as a petition gathers nearly 20,000 signatures. The University and College Union reports a vote of no confidence in the vice-chancellor and is preparing for a potential strike ballot. Critics argue the cuts lack financial justification and threaten academic offerings, research capacity, and the regional economy, while the university maintains the plans are preliminary, aim to avoid compulsory redundancies, and will preserve a large humanities and social sciences faculty.