Stephanie Bateman

Three-year-old James called 999 after his mother, Georgia, collapsed unconscious at their South Yorkshire home due to postural hypertension and dehydration. A South Yorkshire Police call handler named Jen kept him calm by turning her instructions into a game, while officers Jordan Kassim and Charlotte Wright attended and helped Georgia receive care. James had learned how to make an emergency call after visiting Sheffield’s Emergency Services Museum, and his parents are encouraging other families to teach children when and how to use 999.

Holiday Inn Express, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, commissioned research into morning routines and breakfast preferences across the UK and Ireland, with comedian Rob Beckett leading its “Great Wake Up Debate.” The findings show widespread differences over snoozing, phone use, preferred sleeping positions, shower timing, pillow arrangements, tea and coffee, and controversial breakfast combinations. Most respondents say their morning routine is important and that nighttime habits affect how they feel the next day. Travel changes but does not eliminate these rituals, with many guests prioritizing hotel breakfast or using the extra time for a lie-in. IHG says amenities such as comfortable beds, pillow choices, blackout curtains, bedside charging and free hot breakfasts are designed to make mornings easier for guests.

Research commissioned by Heathrow Express found that 53% of UK football fans support a second international team, while 37% have secretly backed another country during a tournament. Spain, Brazil and Scotland were the most popular alternative teams, with playing style, star players and underdog stories driving support. Football also influences travel plans: 30% said tournaments made them want to travel abroad, 45% of fans with a second team would consider travelling if it reached a final, and 12% had already travelled overseas to watch a match. The survey also found widespread match-watching in unusual places and matchday superstitions.

A Doncaster father in his 60s and his daughter in her 30s died after being pulled from the sea at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall. Emergency services, including the RNLI and coastguard, responded at about 9:45pm on July 26, but both were pronounced dead at the scene. Police are seeking the return of the daughter’s distinctive orange or peach handbag, which contains sentimental belongings, and are preparing a file for HM Coroner. Newquay Mayor Drew Creek described the incident as devastating for the families and community and praised the rescue teams.