Ben Stewart, nicknamed Backwards Walking Ben, successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro backwards to raise money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of his grandfather, Ian. The eight-day trek was challenging due to the terrain, but Ben's training, including neck strengthening, paid off. After this feat, Ben plans to inspire others to stay healthy and enjoy life, possibly through more backward challenges. Jon Frost, BHF Fundraising Manager, congratulated Ben and highlighted the importance of the funds raised for lifesaving research.

Ben Stewart, a personal trainer from Northampton, has become the first person to walk backwards up and down Mount Kilimanjaro, raising money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of his grandfather. The eight-day trek was described as the hardest challenge of his life, involving difficult terrain and emotional moments. Ben's next focus is his upcoming wedding, but he plans to continue inspiring others through future challenges. The British Heart Foundation praised his achievement and the funds raised for lifesaving research.

A new trial involving one hundred patients with sleep apnoea aims to understand the link between the condition and heart disease. Funded by the British Heart Foundation, researchers from the University of Warwick and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust will monitor patients' heart rhythms using implantable loop recorders and Holter monitors. The study seeks to determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias in sleep apnoea sufferers, potentially leading to routine heart monitoring for at-risk individuals. Participants, including Leo Smith from Warwickshire, hope the research will save lives.

Colour Sergeant Stuart Collins is undertaking a 120-mile walk from Staffordshire to London to raise £4,000 for the British Heart Foundation in memory of his father, who died of heart disease in 2019. The journey, which also supports Ukraine Aid, will take him through several counties in England, accompanied by colleagues and supported by his wife. Stuart aims to raise awareness about heart health and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

The British Heart Foundation has awarded nearly £300,000 to Dr. Timothy Saunders and his team at the University of Warwick for a three-year study on fruit fly hearts to understand human heart development. This research aims to uncover how genes interact to form heart cells, potentially solving why some hearts develop abnormally in the womb. The study could inform future treatments for heart disease. Dr. Tian Yu emphasized the importance of this research in improving diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, with the funding made possible by public generosity.

The article discusses the critical yet challenging decision parents must make regarding the guardianship of their children in the event of their death. The author, Clara Wiggins, shares her personal experience of confronting this issue after her brother passed away without a will, leaving behind two children. The article highlights the importance of preparing a will and formally nominating a guardian to ensure that the children's care aligns with the parents' wishes. Legal expert Gina M. Spada emphasizes that without a nominated guardian, the court lacks guidance on the parents' preferences, potentially leading to the children entering foster care. The article advises parents to have candid discussions with potential guardians and to make legal arrangements to avoid leaving the decision to the courts.

Scientists at The University of Manchester, led by Dr Kathryn Hentges, are utilizing artificial intelligence to investigate gene mutations responsible for congenital heart defects. Funded by the British Heart Foundation, this two-year project aims to provide new insights into the causes of these conditions, potentially leading to future screening and better reproductive choices for families. The research seeks to identify specific genes linked to heart defects, offering genetic diagnoses and alleviating parental guilt. Dr Tian Yu from BHF highlights the potential of this research to improve diagnosis and treatment, ensuring better care for affected children.

The article discusses the transformation of Ponte City, a skyscraper in Johannesburg's Hillbrow district, from a symbol of urban decay to one of renewal. Built in 1975, it was initially an upscale residence for whites during apartheid. As demographics shifted, it became notorious for crime and squalor, with services cut off and the building 'hijacked' by criminals. The article describes a tour led by a resident, Franck, highlighting the building's past and present. The tower, once filled with trash and rumored to contain dead bodies, is now a desirable residence with high rents and a waiting list. The tour also explores the surrounding area of Hillbrow, showing signs of urban renewal. Ponte City's latest phase is marked by a large Vodacom billboard, symbolizing its potential as a beacon of hope. The article also provides travel tips for visiting Johannesburg.

The article is a personal narrative of a woman experiencing early pregnancy bleeding and the emotional turmoil that accompanies the uncertainty of her pregnancy's viability. She recounts the initial discovery of the bleeding, the lack of reassurance from healthcare professionals, and the anxiety of waiting for an ultrasound scan. The article describes her fears and hopes, contrasting the clinical responses she receives with her deeply personal experience. Ultimately, the scan reveals a healthy heartbeat, and the pregnancy concludes successfully with the birth of her daughter in December. The story highlights the emotional journey of early pregnancy complications and the significance of each pregnancy to the expectant mother.

The article discusses the challenges faced by 'third culture kids' (TCKs) who grow up in a different country than their nationality and then return to their home country for university. The author shares personal experiences and those of other TCKs, like Lilly El-Jerby, Zachary Rohl, and Spencer Brown, who struggled to fit in with their peers who had not lived abroad. The article highlights the feelings of alienation and the difficulty in answering questions about their origins. The author also speaks with Paula Vexlir, a clinical psychologist specializing in expat support, who provides insights into the adjustment challenges for TCKs and suggests ways for students and parents to prepare for the transition to university life. The article also recommends reading materials for further understanding of TCK experiences.

The article discusses the challenges of parenting and offers a personal coping strategy used by the author. The author describes moments of frustration and anger when dealing with the mess and disobedience of children. To cope with these challenges, the author 'channels' two figures: a real-life friend named 'Lisa' who has faced significant hardships, and an imagined woman who lives in extreme poverty and works tirelessly. By comparing their situations to her own, the author gains perspective and is able to manage her frustrations better. The article suggests that thinking of someone who has it worse can help put one's own problems into perspective and make them seem more manageable.

Clare Wiggins provides a travel guide for a weekend in Bradford on Avon, a historic town in Wiltshire, UK. She highlights the town's transformation from its 17th-century textile industry roots to a destination with charming hotels, restaurants, and shops. Wiggins recommends staying at Timbrell's Yard, dining at The Bear Inn and Pizzeria Amici, and visiting local attractions like the 14th-century bridge, St Laurence's church, and the Tithe Barn. She suggests activities such as walking by the river, exploring the town's historical sites, and cycling along the Kennet and Avon rivers. Local businesses like Bramley and Megs Cottage Fudge are mentioned for their contributions to the hotel amenities. The article is a comprehensive guide for tourists looking to explore a less-discovered English town near Bath.

The article is a personal account of a mother's struggle with breastfeeding her second child. Despite her previous experience, she faced significant pain and challenges, including mastitis. The midwife's visits were infrequent, and the author felt alone in her struggle. She considered using bottles and formula but persisted in trying to breastfeed. Eventually, she sought help from a lactation consultant named Elizabeth, who identified the issue with the breastfeeding technique and provided guidance that helped alleviate the pain. The author emphasizes the difficulty of early motherhood and breastfeeding, advocating for seeking support when facing challenges.

The author shares her personal struggles with breastfeeding her second child, despite expecting it to be easier based on her first experience. She describes the pain, isolation, and various attempts to alleviate the discomfort, including using a nipple shield and considering formula. The turning point comes when she consults Elizabeth, a lactation consultant, who identifies a simple adjustment that significantly improves the situation. The narrative highlights the challenges and emotional toll of early motherhood, emphasizing the importance of support and proper guidance.

The article is a travel piece by Clara Wiggins, detailing a family bike tour in Soweto, South Africa, organized by Lebo's Backpackers. The tour, led by a local guide named Linda, offers different durations and covers various historical sites, including the Hector Pieterson museum, which commemorates the Soweto uprising. The article describes Soweto's transformation from an apartheid-era township to a place of cultural pride, with thriving local businesses and a safe environment for tourists. The author also mentions the convenience of flying to Johannesburg with Virgin Atlantic and provides accommodation options, including Lebo's Backpackers and the 12 Decades Art Hotel in Maboneng.

The article discusses the common occurrence of lions and other animals straying from Kruger National Park in South Africa, as explained by SANParks' chief scientist Danie Pienaar. Despite public concern, Pienaar emphasizes that animal movement beyond park boundaries is normal and not typically dangerous to humans unless provoked. He grew up in the park and understands the risks and behaviors of wildlife. Pienaar is focused on community engagement, particularly with impoverished areas surrounding Kruger, to ensure the park's future and address issues like unemployment and animal-human conflict. The park has initiatives like educational visits for local children and compensation programs for farmers who lose livestock to predators. Pienaar reassures that predators do not hunt humans and usually avoid them, mitigating fears related to wildlife encounters.

A personal narrative detailing the emotional journey of a woman experiencing early pregnancy bleeding. The story captures her fears, hopes, and the eventual relief upon discovering a healthy heartbeat. It highlights the emotional turmoil and the support from her husband, contrasting the sympathetic sonographer with the dismissive duty doctor. The narrative concludes with the successful birth of her daughter, emphasizing the emotional significance of early pregnancy.

A mother reflects on the lessons learned from her nine-year-old daughter while painting her room. Despite initial attempts to guide her daughter towards perfection, the mother realizes the value of allowing her daughter to take pride in her own work, even if it isn't perfect. The narrative contrasts societal pressures for perfection with the importance of personal effort and satisfaction. The story is set against the backdrop of the family's return to the UK after living in South Africa, highlighting the significance of reclaiming personal space and identity.

A mother reflects on the lessons learned from her nine-year-old daughter while painting her room. Despite initial attempts to guide her daughter towards perfection, the mother realizes the importance of allowing her daughter to take pride in her own work, even if it isn't perfect. The narrative touches on broader themes of societal pressures for perfection and the value of personal accomplishment over flawless results.

The article discusses the experience of French expat Julie Plas, who moved to Johannesburg with her husband. While they prepared thoroughly by researching housing, schools, and security, they overlooked the necessity of investigating work permit regulations in South Africa. As a result, Ms. Plas found herself unable to work due to the country's restrictive work-permit policies. This oversight had a significant impact on her transition to life in South Africa.

French expat Julie Plas and her husband prepared thoroughly for their move to Johannesburg, but overlooked the possibility of her working in South Africa due to restrictive work-permit regulations. This oversight significantly impacted her life as an accompanying spouse.