Danielle Herbert

At 19, Enlli Thompson of Caernarfon was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer after months of severe pain, changing periods and other symptoms that were initially attributed to minor illnesses or anxiety. A hysterectomy and chemotherapy put her into immediate menopause and ended her ability to carry a pregnancy, although fertility treatment enabled her to freeze seven eggs. She now manages hot flushes, brain fog, pain and fatigue, while using her experience to raise awareness, call for younger women to be taken seriously, and pursue a career in cancer care. Medical experts say ovarian cancer is difficult to identify because its symptoms can be vague, but early investigation is important.

Enlli Thompson, a 19-year-old from Caernarfon, was diagnosed with stage-three ovarian cancer after almost a year of severe pain, changing periods and other symptoms that were initially attributed to less serious conditions. Treatment required a full hysterectomy, causing immediate surgical menopause and ending her ability to have children, though fertility treatment enabled her to freeze seven eggs before chemotherapy. Now cancer-free, she manages hot flushes, brain fog, pain and fatigue while raising awareness, pursuing a career in cancer care and urging better recognition of ovarian cancer in young women. A GP and cancer charities stress that the disease is rare in teenagers, can present with vague symptoms and may be harder to treat when diagnosed late.

A nationwide wildfire emergency alert was sent to phones in Wales in Welsh before the English version, prompting criticism from Reform Senedd member Laura Anne Jones and Conservative politician Andrew RT Davies. They argued that alerts should be bilingual in a single message or sent in English first, while former rugby referee Nigel Owens defended the use of Welsh and said the two messages were only seconds apart. The UK government said the Welsh Language Act requires Welsh-first alerts where possible. The warning followed serious wildfires across Wales and England, including evacuations near Llandovery and military support for firefighters in Cwmavon; police also arrested four teenagers on suspicion of arson in connection with a separate blaze.

A nationwide wildfire alert was sent to phones in Wales in Welsh before the English version, prompting criticism from Reform UK’s Laura Anne Jones and Conservative Senedd member Andrew RT Davies. They argued that emergency messages should be bilingual in a single alert or delivered in English first, while former rugby referee Nigel Owens defended the use of Welsh and said the two messages were only seconds apart. The UK government said Welsh-language law requires Welsh-first alerts where possible. The alert was issued as firefighters tackled serious wildfires across Wales and England, including incidents involving evacuations, military support and suspected arson.

The Awen Project, an outdoor school founded by Charlotte Church and Jonathan Powell, operated at a former pig farm in Wenvoe without planning permission. The Vale of Glamorgan Council refused its retrospective application over concerns about noise, residents, pedestrian safety, parking, sustainability, biodiversity and the site's effect on the natural environment. The project has appealed to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales and says it will not close, explaining that it has moved from temporary land to a new site and that Church has not been involved for some time. Its earlier woodland location ended after the Woodland Trust revoked its license over alleged permission breaches and health and safety concerns.

Singer Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known by her stage name Self Esteem, will make her major feature-film acting debut in Mountain, a coming-of-age story set in 1980s Wales. Directed by Celyn Jones and filmed in his hometown of Holyhead on Anglesey, the film follows a neglected boy who seeks friendship and community after meeting a man living alone on a mountain. Peter Mullan, Iwan Rheon and Seth Isaac Thomas are also set to star. Jones described the project as an emotional and spiritual homecoming, while Mullan praised the script. No release date has been announced.

Welsh artist Kevin Sinnott, who was born in Sarn near Bridgend, has died aged 78. He became widely known for his painting “Running Away with the Hairdresser,” held by the National Museum in Cardiff, and achieved major success through exhibitions in London and the United States. His work is held in prominent collections including those of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru. Sinnott continued painting in the Garw Valley until his death and is survived by four children and 11 grandchildren. A planned September exhibition at Celf Gallery in Cardiff will proceed as a tribute to his life and work.

Welsh contemporary artist Kevin Sinnott has died aged 78. Born in Sarn to Irish parents, he became known internationally for his colourful paintings, particularly Running Away with the Hairdresser, which is held by National Museum Cardiff. His work entered major collections including those of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru. Sinnott continued painting in the Garw Valley until his death, and Celf Gallery will proceed with a planned September exhibition as a tribute to his life and artistic legacy.

Screenwriter Russell T Davies described the death of his husband, Andrew Smith, from glioblastoma in 2018 as his greatest loss. Smith was initially given 18 months to live but survived for eight years, choosing not to learn the details of his prognosis. Davies recalled the difficulty of caregiving and praised Marie Curie nurses for supporting Smith during his final weeks at home.

Screenwriter Russell T Davies has described the death of his husband, Andrew Smith, from glioblastoma in 2018 as his “greatest loss.” Smith was initially given 18 months to live but survived for eight years of treatment. Davies discussed the difficulty of caring for him, Smith’s decision not to learn his prognosis, and the crucial support provided by Marie Curie nurses during his final weeks at home.

Four Cardiff grandmothers—Lynn Crawford, Susie Matthews, Rose Sulley and Christine Goodwin—befriended professional wrestler DeReiss Gordon on a flight to Las Vegas while travelling to scatter the ashes of Rose’s late husband. Their unexpected friendship led to a WrestleMania visit, a wrestling showcase in Cardiff and growing attention from fans. Film producer Nick Barton is now discussing a movie based on their story, which both the women and Gordon believe could become a successful film.

Charlene Dowsell's family said they were in shock and heartbroken after her death following an altercation in Newport. They described her as a much-loved mother of four and said her children had been left without their mother. Armed police attended an incident on St Vincent Road in the early hours of 18 July, while Dowsell died nearby on Chepstow Road. Albert Williams, 66, of Newport, has been charged with murder, and police enquiries remain ongoing.

A golden retriever puppy from Aberystwyth required five surgeries and extensive treatment over ten months after a suspected adder bite caused severe swelling and tissue damage. His owners sought multiple veterinary opinions before receiving anti-venom and long-term care at Ystwyth Veterinary Practice. Vets described significant toxin-related injury but noted the puppy’s cooperation throughout treatment. The case prompted renewed warnings about adder risks to dogs in Wales, where sightings have recently increased.

Five people were taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital following a crash outside a McDonald's in Llandudno. Emergency services, including North Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service and two air ambulances, responded late Saturday morning. Authorities dismissed social media speculation and confirmed there was no risk to the public.

A Llangedwyn cat rescue reported the rare birth of a Janus kitten with two noses and two mouths caused by diprosopus. Named Gemini, the kitten was rejected by its mother and is now being bottle-fed and monitored continuously. Rescue founder Shelley Jones described the survival of such kittens as extremely rare and expressed both shock and a sense of privilege in caring for the newborn. The rescue relies on public donations to provide support for cases like this.

A hosepipe ban will begin on 19 July affecting 33,000 properties in parts of west Wales after weeks of exceptionally high water demand. Welsh Water cited unprecedented usage and anticipated pressure from summer tourism as reasons for the temporary restrictions, which allow fines for violations under the Water Industry Act. The company said the ban will be lifted once demand returns to sustainable levels. Local farmer Gavin Young warned that ongoing dry weather could harm grass growth and livestock welfare, potentially forcing supplementary feeding if conditions do not improve.

A bound album of 41 original bird watercolours by Welsh ceramicist William Weston Young is expected to sell for up to £25,000 at a Rogers Jones auction in Cardiff on 27 July. Young, known for his work at Cambrian Pottery and Nantgarw China Works and for innovations in ceramics, produced scientifically detailed depictions of Welsh nature. Auctioneer Ben Rogers Jones highlighted the rarity and historical significance of the works, noting their strong appeal to collectors of Welsh ceramics.

A bound volume of 41 original bird watercolours by Welsh ceramicist William Weston Young is expected to fetch up to £25,000 at a Cardiff auction on 27 July. The works, which informed porcelain produced at the Cambrian Pottery and Nantgarw China Works, are rarely seen on the market. Auctioneer Ben Rogers Jones cites their rarity, Young’s influence on Welsh ceramics, and the natural‑history subject matter as key factors driving collector interest.

BBC director‑general Matt Brittin said the organisation is working on the future direction of Doctor Who as the series enters a transitional phase marked by the cancellation of consecutive Christmas specials and the departure of showrunner Russell T Davies. The franchise is being put out to competitive tender, and the BBC emphasised that the decision to cancel the 2026 Christmas episode aims to support long‑term planning. Production company Bad Wolf will no longer create the intended special, while an animated Doctor Who series for CBeebies remains in development. The show's history and previous regenerations were highlighted as signs of its capacity for renewal.

The BBC is preparing to reshape Doctor Who following the departure of showrunner Russell T Davies and the cancellation of the 2026 Christmas special. Director-general Matt Brittin said the franchise is being offered to other platforms as part of a competitive tendering process, describing the show as capable of regenerating creatively. The decision to cancel the planned special was made jointly by the BBC, Davies and Bad Wolf to focus resources on long-term plans for future series. An animated Doctor Who project for CBeebies remains in production, while the franchise awaits its next major iteration.

The singer of Bowling for Soup said his 13-year-old son was fine after being accidentally dropped during his first crowd surf at a Cardiff Castle concert. Fans quickly helped him up, but he later received treatment after hitting his head on a cable cover. Despite the fall and a minor injury, he intends to try crowd surfing again.

Construction has begun on a £49m downhill karting and adventure tourism development on Swansea’s Kilvey Hill despite opposition from environmental groups concerned about the loss of wildlife and green space. Skyline Enterprise says the project, which includes a cable car, zipline and other attractions, is being guided by environmental consultants and will maintain public access where possible. Swansea Council, which approved the plans in 2025, expects significant economic benefits including job creation. Opponents argue the hill is a vital tranquil space for the city, while developers say biodiversity commitments and habitat restoration will be delivered as work continues toward a 2028 opening.

A Newport couple transformed their mid‑terrace garden into a tropical-style space inspired by their travels and a growing interest in exotic plants. Dave Robinson and Gemma Furby incorporated global plant varieties, many of which now survive in the UK due to milder winters and hotter summers. Their seven‑year‑old son Arlo helps maintain the garden and proudly identifies the more hazardous species. The pair source unusual plants from specialist nurseries, plant swaps and an online gardening community they established, which now has 700 members. They open the garden to the public to raise money for charities, including a children’s hospice, while highlighting the mental‑health benefits of gardening.

A viral video filmed in Cardiff’s Cathays area shows seagulls swarming around overflowing bins as students move out, highlighting long-standing concerns over rubbish on the streets. Students and residents describe frequent trash build-up, while the council says it has increased outreach, waste disposal support and enforcement to manage end-of-term waste. Recycling officers have engaged thousands of students and carried out clean‑up operations, with efforts continuing to limit litter and seagull disruptions.