thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer to reach record eighth Australian Open final

Novak Djokovic inflicted another Grand Slam defeat on Roger Federer to reach a record eighth Australian Open final .
And the Serb will now face the winner of Friday 's semi-final between Dominic Thiem and Alex Zverev as the favourite to win his 17th Major title – and close within three of the Swiss superstar .
Djokovic has now won their last six Major meetings , including last year 's Wimbledon final after winning their 50th meeting .
Federer had survived two five-set epics in the two previous rounds and he came into the encounter with doubts over his fitness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennys Sandgren .
There was even a pre-match rumour around Melbourne Park that he would pull out .
But there looked nothing wrong with the 38-year-old when he broke Djokovic twice and raced to a 5-2 lead .
At one stage , he had hit 16 winners to only two from the Serb .
Yet the match turned when Federer served for the first set at 5-3 and started the game with a double fault as he was broken to love .
And just like in the Wimbledon final when the Swiss failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruthless Djokovic was to make him pay for the missed chances .
The defending champion raced to the tiebreak 7-1 to take the topsy-turvy set in 62 minutes .
Federer needed to win the first and unlike his great escapes in his last two rounds , there was to be no coming back from the brink against Djokovic .
The super Serb simply ground down his opponent with brilliant groundstrokes and claimed his first match point when Federer hit a backhand into the net He won 7-6 6-4 6-3 in two hours and @ @ @

Grand Slams in the Open Era: Who has the most titles?
Grand Slams in the Open Era: Who has the most titles?
Serbian Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in straight sets to line up a final showdown with Dominic Thiem or Alex Zverev
Novak Djokovic inflicted another Grand Slam defeat on Roger Federer to reach a record eighth Australian Open final.
And the Serb will now face the winner of Friday's semi-final between Dominic Thiem and Alex Zverev as the favourite to win his 17th Major title – and close within three of the Swiss superstar.
Djokovic has now won their last six Major meetings, including last year's Wimbledon final after winning their 50th meeting.
Federer had survived two five-set epics in the two previous rounds and he came into the encounter with doubts over his fitness after needing treatment on his groin against Tennys Sandgren. There was even a pre-match rumour around Melbourne Park that he would pull out.
But there looked nothing wrong with the 38-year-old when he broke Djokovic twice and raced to a 5-2 lead.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
At one stage, he had hit 16 winners to only two from the Serb.
Yet the match turned when Federer served for the first set at 5-3 and started the game with a double fault as he was broken to love.
And just like in the Wimbledon final when the Swiss failed to take two match points, the ruthless Djokovic was to make him pay for the missed chances.
The defending champion raced to the tiebreak 7-1 to take the topsy-turvy set in 62 minutes.
Image: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/REX) LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/REX)
Federer needed to win the first and unlike his great escapes in his last two rounds, there was to be no coming back from the brink against Djokovic.
The super Serb simply ground down his opponent with brilliant groundstrokes and claimed his first match point when Federer hit a backhand into the net
He won 7-6 6-4 6-3 in two hours and 18 minutes.


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Man Utd offered Odion Ighalo transfer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eyes late addition

Former Watford striker Odion Ighalo is being offered to Manchester United for a last minute loan move .
Nigeria international Ighalo , 30 , is currently at Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua and has enjoyed a successful time in the Far East .
But the Super League has been delayed because of the coronavirus and Ighalo is understood to be flying back to Europe today and could secure a move before Friday ’ s deadline .
Ighalo claimed last year he turned down an approach from Barcelona to be a back-up striker but could now be an option if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United are short of striker options with Marcus Rashford out and Alexis Sanchez out on loan .
Ighalo left Watford in 2017 in a £20m move when several top clubs looked at him but joined Changchun Yatai where he scored 36 goals before moving to Shanghai Shenhua .
They have also been linked with Leicester ’ s Islam Slimani who wants to cut short his loan spell at Monaco to return to the Premier League .
United legend Gary Neville urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to move for a striker before the deadline .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ least two deals in this window , we ’ ll see what happens in the next 48 hours , '' Neville said before the Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City .
`` I think a striker is required now after what has happened with Marcus Rashford .
”

Manchester United are short of options in attack and have been offered the chance to sign ex-Watford striker Odion Ighalo, who is currently in China
Former Watford striker Odion Ighalo is being offered to Manchester United for a last minute loan move.
Nigeria international Ighalo, 30, is currently at Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua and has enjoyed a successful time in the Far East.
But the Super League has been delayed because of the coronavirus and Ighalo is understood to be flying back to Europe today and could secure a move before Friday’s deadline.
Ighalo claimed last year he turned down an approach from Barcelona to be a back-up striker but could now be an option if United do decide to press ahead.
United are short of striker options with Marcus Rashford out and Alexis Sanchez out on loan.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Ighalo left Watford in 2017 in a £20m move when several top clubs looked at him but joined Changchun Yatai where he scored 36 goals before moving to Shanghai Shenhua.
They have also been linked with Leicester’s Islam Slimani who wants to cut short his loan spell at Monaco to return to the Premier League.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
United legend Gary Neville urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to move for a striker before the deadline.
“I thought they would do at least two deals in this window, we’ll see what happens in the next 48 hours," Neville said before the Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City.
"I think a striker is required now after what has happened with Marcus Rashford.”


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Brexit backers and Remainers face a new brutal battle - over the UK Number 1

That 's it - Brexit is unstoppable and we 're leaving at 11pm on Friday 31 January .
The European Parliament marked it by breaking into song with a rendition of Scots farewell ballad Auld Lang Syne .
But there 's another much more important musical announcement on Friday ... the UK official No1 .
And a battle is raging between Remainers and Brexiteers over which one should claim the top spot .
If recent experience is anything to go by , we might see EU anthem Ode to Joy stuck behind on 48 % to 52 % for `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit-themed song by comedian Dominic Frisby .
Despite its morbid speed , clunky lyrics and quirkily-dressed singer , it has had nearly half a million views on YouTube , explaining how `` the British told them to f*** off '' .
As of this morning , a version of Ode to Joy by André Rieu & Johann Strauss Orchestra was at No1 in the British iTunes download chart .
But 17 Million F**k Offs was not far behind , at number three .
And there is barely a day left before the official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Latest overall figures from Official Charts are a bit less promising for either side though .
As of today Ode to Joy is at No27 while the pro Brexit song is at No40 .
Will Remainers finally chalk up a win in their long struggle ?
We 'll soon find out .
It comes after emotive farewell scenes to the UK as the European Parliament officially approved the Brexit deal .
MEPs held hands and sang Robert Burn 's Auld Lang Syne after Britain 's Brexit bill was approved .
Politicians held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after MEPs backed the Withdrawal Agreement , which was approved by Parliament last week , by voting 621 for versus 49 against the Brexit deal , with 13 abstentions .
Euro MPs took part in an afternoon of emotional speeches - with almost every member speaking saying that Britain would be missed after their exit .
MEPs cried as the vote was passed .
As British MEPs arrived in the European Parliament , a sign above the chamber could be seen reading : `` It 's not goodbye , it 's au revoir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nigel Farage was gagged during his last speech in Brussels as the Brexit Party leader waved a Union Flag .
The outspoken politician used his final EU speech to slam the institutions and said that the Brexit Party `` hate the EU but do not hate Europe '' .
Parliament vice-president Mairead McGuinness told him : “ If you disobey the rules , you get cut off .
Could we please remove the flags ?
’ As Brexit Party MEPs gave three hi hip hoorays , she added : “ Please sit down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flags away .
You ’ re leaving and take them with you .
”

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SING AULD LANG SYNE AS IT VOTES TO APPROVE THE BREXIT DEAL
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SING AULD LANG SYNE AS IT VOTES TO APPROVE THE BREXIT DEAL
We've had the European Parliament breaking into song as Brexit happens on Friday. But the day will play host to a far more important musical moment - the Official Chart No1
Brexit backers and Remainers face a new brutal battle - over the UK Number 1
That's it - Brexit is unstoppable and we're leaving at 11pm on Friday 31 January.
The European Parliament marked it by breaking into song with a rendition of Scots farewell ballad Auld Lang Syne.
But there's another much more important musical announcement on Friday... the UK official No1.
And a battle is raging between Remainers and Brexiteers over which one should claim the top spot.
If recent experience is anything to go by, we might see EU anthem Ode to Joy stuck behind on 48% to 52% for "17 Million F**k Offs", a Brexit-themed song by comedian Dominic Frisby.
Despite its morbid speed, clunky lyrics and quirkily-dressed singer, it has had nearly half a million views on YouTube, explaining how "the British told them to f*** off".
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
As of this morning, a version of Ode to Joy by André Rieu & Johann Strauss Orchestra was at No1 in the British iTunes download chart.
But 17 Million F**k Offs was not far behind, at number three. And there is barely a day left before the official No1 is announced at 6pm on Friday.
Latest overall figures from Official Charts are a bit less promising for either side though. As of today Ode to Joy is at No27 while the pro Brexit song is at No40.
Will Remainers finally chalk up a win in their long struggle? We'll soon find out.
It comes after emotive farewell scenes to the UK as the European Parliament officially approved the Brexit deal.
MEPs held hands and sang Robert Burn's Auld Lang Syne after Britain's Brexit bill was approved.
Politicians held scarves that read "Always United" after MEPs backed the Withdrawal Agreement, which was approved by Parliament last week, by voting 621 for versus 49 against the Brexit deal, with 13 abstentions.
Euro MPs took part in an afternoon of emotional speeches - with almost every member speaking saying that Britain would be missed after their exit.
MEPs cried as the vote was passed.
As British MEPs arrived in the European Parliament, a sign above the chamber could be seen reading: "It's not goodbye, it's au revoir."
But Brexiteers were jubilant. Nigel Farage was gagged during his last speech in Brussels as the Brexit Party leader waved a Union Flag.
The outspoken politician used his final EU speech to slam the institutions and said that the Brexit Party "hate the EU but do not hate Europe".
Parliament vice-president Mairead McGuinness told him: “If you disobey the rules, you get cut off. Could we please remove the flags?’
As Brexit Party MEPs gave three hi hip hoorays, she added: “Please sit down, resume your seats, put your flags away. You’re leaving and take them with you.”


thedailymirror--2020-01-31--Garth - 31st January 2020

Garth - 31st January 2020

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Garth - 31st January 2020 Garth is the Mirror’s time-travelling comic strip superhero. The strip originally ran from 1943 to 1997. Due to public demand, reprints of classic stories began in 2011
Garth is the Mirror’s time-travelling comic strip superhero. The strip originally ran from 1943 to 1997. Due to public demand, reprints of classic stories began in 2011
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thedailymirror--2020-01-31--Brexit: What time will we actually leave the European Union today?

Today is Britain 's last day as a member of the European Union after joining in 1973 .
It has been a tumultuous period of our history - and that is before we get into the 1318 days since Britain voted to leave the EU narrowly on June 23 2016 .
But today is the day that Britain officially leaves the EU - even if not all that much is going to change immediately because of the transition period .
So when is Brexit happening ?
The UK was originally due to leave the EU on March 29 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been extended three times while negotiations about the withdrawal agreement were ongoing .
Boris Johnson had pledged a `` do or die '' Brexit by October 31 , 2019 , but was forced to request a `` flextension '' after a No Deal was taken off the table .
But after the Withdrawal Agreement was agreed by both the EU and Parliament we will leave today January 21 .
What time will the UK leave the EU ?
Brexit will become official at 11pm on Friday , January 31 .
This is because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countdown clock will be projected onto 10 Downing Street from 10pm , followed by a red , white and blue light display .
What is the transition period and when does it end ?
The transition will last until 31 December 2020 and in this time the UK will remain in both the EU customs union and single market .
That means until the transition period ends a lot of things wo n't change - including travelling to and from the EU , freedom of movement , EU-UK trade .

Brexit Day: everything you need to know
Brexit Day: everything you need to know
It has been delayed a couple of times, but today is the last day Britain is a member of the European Union, but what time do we leave?
Brexit: What time will we actually leave the European Union today?
Today is Britain's last day as a member of the European Union after joining in 1973.
It has been a tumultuous period of our history - and that is before we get into the 1318 days since Britain voted to leave the EU narrowly on June 23 2016.
But today is the day that Britain officially leaves the EU - even if not all that much is going to change immediately because of the transition period.
Image: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto Ltd) Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto Ltd)
So when is Brexit happening?
The UK was originally due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019 - but since then out membership has been extended three times while negotiations about the withdrawal agreement were ongoing.
Boris Johnson had pledged a "do or die" Brexit by October 31, 2019, but was forced to request a "flextension" after a No Deal was taken off the table.
But after the Withdrawal Agreement was agreed by both the EU and Parliament we will leave today January 21.
What time will the UK leave the EU?
Brexit will become official at 11pm on Friday, January 31.
This is because it is midnight in Brussels.
A countdown clock will be projected onto 10 Downing Street from 10pm, followed by a red, white and blue light display.
What is the transition period and when does it end?
The transition will last until 31 December 2020 and in this time the UK will remain in both the EU customs union and single market.
That means until the transition period ends a lot of things won't change - including travelling to and from the EU, freedom of movement, EU-UK trade.


thedailymirror--2020-01-31--Andy Capp - 31st January 2020

Andy Capp - 31st January 2020

Andy Capp - 31st January 2020 Andy Capp has been a favourite part of the Daily Mirror since 1957. Enjoy the adventures of Andy Capp and wife Flo every day
Andy Capp has been a favourite part of the Daily Mirror since 1957. Enjoy the adventures of Andy Capp and wife Flo every day. See previous Andy Capp's or visit his Facebook page.
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thedailymirror--2020-01-31--Deadline day: When does the January transfer window close?

Premier League clubs don ’ t have long left as they look to bolster their squads for the final push towards the end of the season .
One of the biggest transfer stories in January has been Manchester United ’ s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes .
The Red Devils ’ attempts to sign the Portuguese international hung in the balance for much of the month before he eventually signed on Thursday , the same day defender Marcus Rojo headed out to Estudiantes .
Arsenal have signed defender Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo while Tottenham have recruited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steven Bergwijn from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven .
Spurs have also been loaning players out with defenders Danny Rose and Kyle Walker-Peters joining Newcastle and Southampton respectively .
Elsewhere Takumi Minamino joined Liverpool on New Year ’ s Day from RB Salzburg ( although that deal was completed the previous month ) .
However there 's still a bit of time left for deals to be done .
When does the transfer window close ?
Premier League and Championship clubs have until 11pm on January 31 to get their transfer targets to commit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks set to go down to the wire then clubs can submit a Deal Sheet between 9pm and 11pm .
They then have until midnight to apply for international clearance where necessary and submit the information needed for FIFA ’ s Transfer Matching System .
In Scotland the transfer window is open for another hour .
Spain , Italy , Germany and France 's windows all close on January 31 too .
However some leagues have a little longer to sign new players .
Clubs in Portugal have until February 2 while those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21 and 27 respectively .
Which transfers have taken place so far this January ?
Bruno Fernandes ' arrival at Old Trafford is the biggest deal so far in January , while Spurs have and Liverpool have bolstered there midfields with the acquisitions of Gedson Fernandes and Takumi Minamino respectively .
Other switches include Aston Villa 's loan deals for Danny Drinkwater and Pepe Reina , striker Cenk Tosun swapping Everton for Crystal Palace and Nabil Bentalab arriving at Newcastle on loan from Bundesliga side Schalke .
A lot of the January transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League , with Inter Milan snapping up Tottenham 's Christian Eriksen , Ashley Young from Manchester United and Chelsea winger Victor Moses .
Other high profile transfers this month include Erling Haaland joining German giants Borussia Dortmund from RB Salzburg and Zlatan Ibrahimovic 's return to AC Milan .

The January transfer window is about to close, leaving Premier League clubs with just a few hours to complete deadline day deals before the final months of the 2019/20 season
Premier League clubs don’t have long left as they look to bolster their squads for the final push towards the end of the season.
One of the biggest transfer stories in January has been Manchester United’s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
The Red Devils’ attempts to sign the Portuguese international hung in the balance for much of the month before he eventually signed on Thursday, the same day defender Marcus Rojo headed out to Estudiantes.
Arsenal have signed defender Pablo Mari on loan from Flamengo while Tottenham have recruited Gedson Fernandes from Benfica on loan and Steven Bergwijn from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.
Spurs have also been loaning players out with defenders Danny Rose and Kyle Walker-Peters joining Newcastle and Southampton respectively.
Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image) Newcastle United via Getty Image)
Elsewhere Takumi Minamino joined Liverpool on New Year’s Day from RB Salzburg (although that deal was completed the previous month).
However there's still a bit of time left for deals to be done.
When does the transfer window close?
Premier League and Championship clubs have until 11pm on January 31 to get their transfer targets to commit pen to paper.
If a deal looks set to go down to the wire then clubs can submit a Deal Sheet between 9pm and 11pm. They then have until midnight to apply for international clearance where necessary and submit the information needed for FIFA’s Transfer Matching System.
In Scotland the transfer window is open for another hour. Spain, Italy, Germany and France's windows all close on January 31 too.
However some leagues have a little longer to sign new players.
Clubs in Portugal have until February 2 while those in Russia and China have until February 21 and 27 respectively.
Which transfers have taken place so far this January?
Bruno Fernandes' arrival at Old Trafford is the biggest deal so far in January, while Spurs have and Liverpool have bolstered there midfields with the acquisitions of Gedson Fernandes and Takumi Minamino respectively.
Other switches include Aston Villa's loan deals for Danny Drinkwater and Pepe Reina, striker Cenk Tosun swapping Everton for Crystal Palace and Nabil Bentalab arriving at Newcastle on loan from Bundesliga side Schalke.
Image: Emilio Andreoli) Emilio Andreoli)
A lot of the January transfer talk has surrounded players leaving the Premier League, with Inter Milan snapping up Tottenham's Christian Eriksen, Ashley Young from Manchester United and Chelsea winger Victor Moses.
Other high profile transfers this month include Erling Haaland joining German giants Borussia Dortmund from RB Salzburg and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return to AC Milan.


thedailymirror--2020-01-31--Perishers - 31st January 2020

Perishers - 31st January 2020

Perishers - 31st January 2020 Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
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thedailymirror--2020-01-31--The Gag Vault - 31st January 2020

The Gag Vault - 31st January 2020

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thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Jake Paul vs Gib LIVE results, start time, TV channel and live stream of YouTube fight

Jake Paul will look to go one better than his older brother Logan tonight when he makes his professional boxing @ @ @ @ @ by bitter rival KSI last November in their rematch in Los Angeles as YouTube boxing @ @ @ @ @ ranks .
Now it is Jake 's turn as he takes on fellow influencer AnEsonGib @ @ @ @ @ world title fights .
The pair have been trading insults all week on South Beach @ @ @ @ @ to the ring at around 4am UK time .
If you ca n't watch the @ @ @ @ @ follow all the action right here ...

Jake Paul made a statement on his professional debut as he stopped rival AnEsonGib in the first round.
The pair were clashing three months after Jake's elder brother Logan had been beaten on points by KSI in Los Angeles.
And after Paul's dominant performance, he called out KSI for a fight later this year with the pair coming together in the ring.
Gib had touched the canvas twice in the opening two minutes as he seemed to struggle with his balance.
And when he was wobbled again with another right hand, the referee stepped in to put him out of his misery.
Re-cap all the action below...


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Kobe Bryant's decision to not fly with wife Vanessa was 'not fear based'

Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa 's decision to not fly in a helicopter together was 'not fear based ' according to reports in US media .
The 41-year-old NBA icon had come to a pact with his wife that they would `` never fly on a helicopter together . ''
Following the tragic crash in Calabasas , California which killed Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna along with seven others , there has been questions as to whether there was ' a fear ' that there was a problem , which meant that Kobe and Vanessa kept themselves apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling People that the couple `` always considered what was best ” for their daughters .
They went on to say that Kobe and Vanessa 's choices were not `` because you are concerned something will happen , it ’ s just a precaution.
” The source added : `` The decision to not fly together was not fear-based .
It was a decision that they made because they felt it was the best for their family .
`` As very family-focused parents , they always considered what was best for the children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying in the first place .
He wanted to make sure he could work and be the best dad possible . ''
Kobe had started using helicopters after being stuck in Los Angeles traffic which led him to miss a school play .
The father-of-four told Alex Rodruguez in 2018 that after the frustrations with the traffic , he “ had to figure out a way where I could still train and focus on the craft but still not compromise family time.
” Kobe continued : “ I was sitting in traffic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play .
So that ’ s when I looked into helicopters , to be able to get down and back in 15 minutes and that ’ s when it started . ''
A friend close to the Bryant family told People previously : “ He was a very hands-on dad and , like any other father , saw such bright futures for all of his daughters .
`` He was so proud to see them take after not only him and Vanessa , but also grow into their own .
`` He had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughters.
” Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

WAS THIS THE LAST TIME KOBE BRYANT'S HELICOPTER WAS SEEN BEFORE FATAL CRASH?
WAS THIS THE LAST TIME KOBE BRYANT'S HELICOPTER WAS SEEN BEFORE FATAL CRASH?
Kobe and Vanessa Bryant wouldn't fly together in a helicopter as it was 'best for the kids' and not based on any fear of a tragedy
Kobe Bryant's decision to not fly with wife Vanessa was 'not based on fear'
Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa's decision to not fly in a helicopter together was 'not fear based' according to reports in US media.
The 41-year-old NBA icon had come to a pact with his wife that they would "never fly on a helicopter together."
Following the tragic crash in Calabasas, California which killed Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna along with seven others, there have been questions as to whether there was 'a fear' there was a problem, which meant Kobe and Vanessa kept themselves apart.
A source has dismissed this, telling People that the couple "always considered what was best” for their daughters.
Image: Kobe Bryant/Instagram) Kobe Bryant/Instagram)
They went on to say that Kobe and Vanessa's choices were not "because you are concerned something will happen, it’s just a precaution.”
The source added: "The decision to not fly together was not fear-based. It was a decision that they made because they felt it was the best for their family.
"As very family-focused parents, they always considered what was best for the children.
"This is why Kobe started flying in the first place. He wanted to make sure he could work and be the best dad possible."
Kobe had started using helicopters after being stuck in Los Angeles traffic which led him to miss a school play.
The father-of-four told Alex Rodruguez in 2018 that after the frustrations with the traffic, he “had to figure out a way where I could still train and focus on the craft but still not compromise family time.”
Image: Vanessa Bryant /Instagram) Vanessa Bryant /Instagram)
Kobe continued: “I was sitting in traffic and I wound up missing like a school play. So that’s when I looked into helicopters, to be able to get down and back in 15 minutes and that’s when it started."
A friend close to the Bryant family told People previously: “He was a very hands-on dad and, like any other father, saw such bright futures for all of his daughters.
"He was so proud to see them take after not only him and Vanessa, but also grow into their own.
"He had a special bond with each of his daughters.”
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Jermaine Jenas 'lined up to replace Gary Lineker' as BBC's face of football

Jermaine Jenas is reportedly being groomed to replace Gary Lineker as the BBC 's face of football .
Former England , Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder Jenas has impressed as a pundit and presenter on the BBC and BT Sport .
And he is now being lined up to take over as the presenter of Match of the Day and live football coverage once Lineker moves on .
Lineker , the BBC 's highest paid presenter on around £1.75million-per-year , is still highly regarded at the corporation and But Jenas has been earmarked by BBC senior executives as the man to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily Mail .
And the publication says that while no timeframe has been set for that to happen , sources have indicated it could be within two years .
Lineker is reportedly in talks to be the host of a new Saturday night quiz show for ITV for a seven-figure pay deal .
So BBC bosses have begun planning for his succession , and Jenas appears to have leapfrogged other presenters such as Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman .
The 36-year-old already has a hosting role on MOTDx , a BBC2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five Live 's Friday Football Social .
He has also co-hosted Five Live 's 606 phone-in and has fronted BBC documentaries , including an investigation of knife crime in his home city of Nottingham .
The Mail reports that Jenas will triple his current salary of £210,000 should he land the hosting role on Match of the Day .
His paypacket would therefore still be nowhere near that of Lineker , who said in September he had volunteered to take a pay cut following a row over a gender pay gap at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nottingham Forest before a £5m move to Newcastle United , where he won the first of his 21 England caps .
He then spent eight years at Tottenham , but had to retire aged 32 , having failed to recover from a serious knee injury following a stint at QPR .
Jenas moved into media work in 2014 and he has quickly risen to prominence at the BBC .

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker admits he loves a facial live on air
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker admits he loves a facial live on air
Former England midfielder Jenas has impressed BBC bosses and is being primed to take over as Match of the Day presenter with Lineker in talks over ITV quiz role
Jermaine Jenas 'lined up to replace Gary Lineker' as BBC's face of football
Jermaine Jenas is reportedly being groomed to replace Gary Lineker as the BBC's face of football.
Former England, Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder Jenas has impressed as a pundit and presenter on the BBC and BT Sport.
And he is now being lined up to take over as the presenter of Match of the Day and live football coverage once Lineker moves on.
Lineker, the BBC's highest paid presenter on around £1.75million-per-year, is still highly regarded at the corporation and
But Jenas has been earmarked by BBC senior executives as the man to succeed the former England striker, according to the Daily Mail.
Image: Philip Coburn) Philip Coburn)
And the publication says that while no timeframe has been set for that to happen, sources have indicated it could be within two years.
Lineker is reportedly in talks to be the host of a new Saturday night quiz show for ITV for a seven-figure pay deal.
So BBC bosses have begun planning for his succession, and Jenas appears to have leapfrogged other presenters such as Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman.
The 36-year-old already has a hosting role on MOTDx, a BBC2 show aimed at younger viewers, and Five Live's Friday Football Social.
Image: In Pictures via Getty Images) In Pictures via Getty Images)
He has also co-hosted Five Live's 606 phone-in and has fronted BBC documentaries, including an investigation of knife crime in his home city of Nottingham.
The Mail reports that Jenas will triple his current salary of £210,000 should he land the hosting role on Match of the Day.
His paypacket would therefore still be nowhere near that of Lineker, who said in September he had volunteered to take a pay cut following a row over a gender pay gap at the BBC.
Jenas started his career at Nottingham Forest before a £5m move to Newcastle United, where he won the first of his 21 England caps.
He then spent eight years at Tottenham, but had to retire aged 32, having failed to recover from a serious knee injury following a stint at QPR.
Jenas moved into media work in 2014 and he has quickly risen to prominence at the BBC.


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Love Island's Amber Gill 'dating' England and Chelsea footballer Fikayo Tomori

Love Island winner Amber Gill has reportedly coupled up with an England footballer .
It 's said that the Geordie beauty , who won the show last year alongside now-ex boyfriend Greg O'Shea , has been on a string of dates with Chelsea and England footballer Fikayo Tomori .
The pair had already been linked earlier this week thanks to a suggestive comment Amber left on one of his Instagram posts .
But now it 's said that their romance is much more than just a bit of online flirting .
A source close to Amber told The Sun : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dates in as many weeks in London .
`` He ’ s even met her really good friends , so that tells you how serious she ’ s taking it .
They ’ ve been chatting for quite a while now but only recently met properly .
`` They are both really busy and she doesn ’ t go on many dates , so it ’ s a really good sign . ''
The insider added that the fact Amber posted a flirty comment on his Instagram is also a very good sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as she does n't usually show her feelings so quickly .
Amber has been single since her split from Greg , who she says savagely dumped her over text message .
They broke up five months ago , not long after winning the show together .
He came into the ITV2 dating show as a late arrival , mending her heartbreak after she was dumped by Michael Griffiths , who chose another girl over her during the Casa Amor twist .
Fikayo is a regular in Chelsea 's first time this season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ while he was on loan at Derby during the 2018/19 campaign .
The defender first played for England last November in the Euro 2020 qualifiers which saw the team win 4-0 against Kosovo .
Amber , who moved to London after her split from Greg , previously said she had no time for dating .
`` I haven ’ t got time for it , '' she remarked .
`` And I don ’ t want to take the shine off what I ’ m doing because it really is an amazing opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoping to see her couple up with fellow Islander Ovie Soko , but they have insisted all along that they 're just friends .
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

The Geordie beauty, who won the ITV dating show alongside her now-ex boyfriend Greg O'Shea last year, has reportedly enjoyed a string of dates with the football star
Love Island winner Amber Gill has reportedly coupled up with an England footballer.
It's said that the Geordie beauty, who won the show last year alongside now-ex boyfriend Greg O'Shea, has been on a string of dates with Chelsea and England footballer Fikayo Tomori.
The pair had already been linked earlier this week thanks to a suggestive comment Amber left on one of his Instagram posts.
But now it's said that their romance is much more than just a bit of online flirting.
A source close to Amber told The Sun: "They’ve been on two dates in as many weeks in London.
Image: PA) PA)
"He’s even met her really good friends, so that tells you how serious she’s taking it. They’ve been chatting for quite a while now but only recently met properly.
"They are both really busy and she doesn’t go on many dates, so it’s a really good sign."
The insider added that the fact Amber posted a flirty comment on his Instagram is also a very good sign that she's very into him, as she doesn't usually show her feelings so quickly.
Amber has been single since her split from Greg, who she says savagely dumped her over text message.
Image: Matt Frost/ITV/REX) Matt Frost/ITV/REX) Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
They broke up five months ago, not long after winning the show together.
He came into the ITV2 dating show as a late arrival, mending her heartbreak after she was dumped by Michael Griffiths, who chose another girl over her during the Casa Amor twist.
Fikayo is a regular in Chelsea's first time this season. He landed the spot after impressing bosses while he was on loan at Derby during the 2018/19 campaign.
Image: Sure) Sure)
Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
The defender first played for England last November in the Euro 2020 qualifiers which saw the team win 4-0 against Kosovo.
Amber, who moved to London after her split from Greg, previously said she had no time for dating.
"I haven’t got time for it," she remarked. "And I don’t want to take the shine off what I’m doing because it really is an amazing opportunity."
Amber's fans had been hoping to see her couple up with fellow Islander Ovie Soko, but they have insisted all along that they're just friends.
Mirror Online has contacted Amber's representatives for comment.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Nurse still alive 10 years after planning funeral over terminal cancer diagnosis

A nurse who planned her own funeral after being told she had terminal cancer has returned to work ten years after her diagnosis .
Brave Gemma Wensley , 37 , began planning her own send-off after finding out she had months to live due to an inoperable brain tumour .
But against all the odds , she has survived her cancer and nearly five years of treatment - and is now back working part-time at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital .
Although she still has a tumour in her brain , annual scans have continued to show there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of Exeter , Devon , said she remains hopeful that will continue .
To mark the landmark 10th anniversary , Gemma - with the help of family and friends - is now resurrecting a popular fundraising festival which was previously held annually in her honour .
Gemfest , a unique indoor music and performance festival , is being staged at Exeter Phoenix .
And ahead of the April event , Gemma has reflected on her miraculous survival story .
She said she had just turned 23 and was living in London when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend and first began experiencing problems with her sight .
An initial scan showed a benign growth on her brain but she was continually monitored and just before Christmas 2009 something more concerning showed up on a further scan .
She said : `` At that point I was told it was quite bad and that I had an inoperable brain tumour .
I started treatment at the beginning of 2010 .
`` Four months later in May , doctors were saying I was looking at a matter of months left to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Gemma , who had moved in with her aunt in Exeter , began making preparations for her death such as giving back cards and gifts people had bought for her to remember her by , and was planning her funeral .
`` I was very practical about everything , '' recalled Gemma .
`` It was such a strange feeling as all I wanted was to do things so that people did n't have to worry about anything when I was gone .
`` I was really poorly for quite a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bucket list .
As I have lived in different parts of the country , I have friends visit me and I suppose they came to say goodbye . ''
However , Gemma gradually started to get better and the more time that passed , the more hopeful her prognosis became .
She added : `` I had radiotherapy and chemotherapy together for six weeks and then monthly doses of chemotherapy in tablet form .
In total I had just over 50 rounds in four and half years .
`` I lost a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on made me put on a few stone ; I was massive .
`` To this day they still do n't really know what happened to change my diagnosis .
Radiotherapy can cause a tumour to suddenly grow and gradually shrink again , but mine happened so much later .
`` The tumour is still there but it is not growing and it appears to be non-maligant . ''
For Gemma , it has been a long and difficult journey to go from accepting her fate to trying to not live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reveal .
She said : `` It 's been slow , single steps and after every scan I have got a little bit more confident .
For years , every time I had a scan and had previously had earache or a headache , I would get quite panicky and think it had come back .
`` It has been a very gradual process learning to live with still having a tumour , as well as realising it would not kill me .
`` Every year I was a little bit better and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't feel I 'm completely recovered , but I 'm more confident that I will now probably make it to an oldish age . ''
When it comes to birthdays , one Gemma will never forget is her 30th which was two years after her terminal diagnosis .
It was an age doctors never thought she would reach and to mark the occasion , family and friends , including her sister Yazmine Robinson , organised a surprise party dubbed Gemfest .
It was based on Gemma 's love of music festivals and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organise annual Gemfest 's to raise money for Hospiscare 's Exeter day hospice - where she received physical , physiological and emotional support during her darkest days - and for the Brain Tumour Charity .
The first one was held in 2014 and then five more consecutively raising more than £25,000 for the two charities .
It is now back again this year to mark Gemma 's 10th anniversary of being diagnosed .
She said : `` I took a couple of years out as I went back to work part-time as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I really enjoy it so it 's good to be back .
`` I do suffer a bit from short term memory loss and I get very tired very easily as my brain has been through a lot .
`` I also have Type 2 diabetes as a result of the steroids I took and my body is covered in scars .
`` If I look back at pictures from 10 years ago it almost feels like a bad dream and I ca n't quite believe it ever happened .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been a whole decade I 've just got to try my best to put it behind me .
I will never be able to as I have to have a scan every month , and the tumour is still there , but now I 'm not that girl who has a brain tumour ; I 'm just me and I need to adapt back to being that person .
`` It 's a very unique situation because people ask if I have had the all clear .
I will never have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , but I need to get to the point where I try and forget it 's there .
`` In the meantime I 'm really looking forward to organising another Gemfest .
I did not expect to be doing one 10 years later as I did n't expect to be alive .
`` This year will be emotional as it 's a big thing for me .
It will also be sad because it is also being held in honour of my friend Gemma Shire .
We went on our cancer journey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
`` She was always known among my friends as 'the other Gemma ' , but she lost her fight , so this year 's festival is bittersweet , but it will be a tribute to her . ''
Gemfest is being held on Easter Sunday , April 12 , with free , family-orientated events for children of all ages during the daytime from 11am to 4pm , and then in the evening , from 6pm until 12am , there will be an eclectic mix of live music over two stages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gemma 's friend and fellow Gemfest organiser , Susan Luscombe , said : `` We are so very proud of Gemma in all that she has achieved in the last few years .
Returning to work as a nurse has been a huge milestone for Gemma .
`` We all love her dearly and I personally feel very privileged to call her my best friend .
`` To her friends and family , Gemma is a true inspiration ; she has maintained a positive attitude throughout .
`` Gemma was given the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has never given up hope of recovery and look where we are now .
`` After a break from organising the festival so she could return to work , we are now back and hoping for our best year yet ! ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Tom Bevan, Matthew Dresch)

Gemma Wensley, 37, from Exeter, Devon, was told she had months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, however she is still alive today and has even returned to work
A nurse who planned her own funeral after being told she had terminal cancer has returned to work ten years after her diagnosis.
Brave Gemma Wensley, 37, began planning her own send-off after finding out she had months to live due to an inoperable brain tumour.
But against all the odds, she has survived her cancer and nearly five years of treatment - and is now back working part-time at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Although she still has a tumour in her brain, annual scans have continued to show there is no change in the mass and Gemma, of Exeter, Devon, said she remains hopeful that will continue.
Image: SWNS) SWNS)
To mark the landmark 10th anniversary, Gemma - with the help of family and friends - is now resurrecting a popular fundraising festival which was previously held annually in her honour.
Gemfest, a unique indoor music and performance festival, is being staged at Exeter Phoenix.
And ahead of the April event, Gemma has reflected on her miraculous survival story.
She said she had just turned 23 and was living in London when she came back to Exeter for the weekend and first began experiencing problems with her sight.
An initial scan showed a benign growth on her brain but she was continually monitored and just before Christmas 2009 something more concerning showed up on a further scan.
She said: "At that point I was told it was quite bad and that I had an inoperable brain tumour. I started treatment at the beginning of 2010.
"Four months later in May, doctors were saying I was looking at a matter of months left to live because the tumour had tripled in size."
Gemma, who had moved in with her aunt in Exeter, began making preparations for her death such as giving back cards and gifts people had bought for her to remember her by, and was planning her funeral.
"I was very practical about everything," recalled Gemma. "It was such a strange feeling as all I wanted was to do things so that people didn't have to worry about anything when I was gone.
"I was really poorly for quite a while so I couldn't achieve a bucket list. As I have lived in different parts of the country, I have friends visit me and I suppose they came to say goodbye."
However, Gemma gradually started to get better and the more time that passed, the more hopeful her prognosis became.
She added: "I had radiotherapy and chemotherapy together for six weeks and then monthly doses of chemotherapy in tablet form. In total I had just over 50 rounds in four and half years.
Image: Lewis Clarke/Geograph) Lewis Clarke/Geograph)
"I lost a lot of my hair and the steroids I was on made me put on a few stone; I was massive.
"To this day they still don't really know what happened to change my diagnosis. Radiotherapy can cause a tumour to suddenly grow and gradually shrink again, but mine happened so much later.
"The tumour is still there but it is not growing and it appears to be non-maligant."
For Gemma, it has been a long and difficult journey to go from accepting her fate to trying to not live in fear of what her next scan could reveal.
She said: "It's been slow, single steps and after every scan I have got a little bit more confident. For years, every time I had a scan and had previously had earache or a headache, I would get quite panicky and think it had come back.
"It has been a very gradual process learning to live with still having a tumour, as well as realising it would not kill me.
"Every year I was a little bit better and now 10 years on I still don't feel I'm completely recovered, but I'm more confident that I will now probably make it to an oldish age."
When it comes to birthdays, one Gemma will never forget is her 30th which was two years after her terminal diagnosis.
It was an age doctors never thought she would reach and to mark the occasion, family and friends, including her sister Yazmine Robinson, organised a surprise party dubbed Gemfest.
It was based on Gemma's love of music festivals and it sowed the seed of an idea to organise annual Gemfest's to raise money for Hospiscare's Exeter day hospice - where she received physical, physiological and emotional support during her darkest days - and for the Brain Tumour Charity.
Image: SWNS) SWNS)
The first one was held in 2014 and then five more consecutively raising more than £25,000 for the two charities.
It is now back again this year to mark Gemma's 10th anniversary of being diagnosed.
She said: "I took a couple of years out as I went back to work part-time as a recovery nurse at the RD&E. I really enjoy it so it's good to be back.
"I do suffer a bit from short term memory loss and I get very tired very easily as my brain has been through a lot.
"I also have Type 2 diabetes as a result of the steroids I took and my body is covered in scars.
"If I look back at pictures from 10 years ago it almost feels like a bad dream and I can't quite believe it ever happened. It's a funny feeling.
"Now that it has been a whole decade I've just got to try my best to put it behind me. I will never be able to as I have to have a scan every month, and the tumour is still there, but now I'm not that girl who has a brain tumour; I'm just me and I need to adapt back to being that person.
"It's a very unique situation because people ask if I have had the all clear. I will never have it because the tumour will always be there, but I need to get to the point where I try and forget it's there.
"In the meantime I'm really looking forward to organising another Gemfest. I did not expect to be doing one 10 years later as I didn't expect to be alive.
"This year will be emotional as it's a big thing for me. It will also be sad because it is also being held in honour of my friend Gemma Shire. We went on our cancer journey together and she passed away in August 2018.
"She was always known among my friends as 'the other Gemma', but she lost her fight, so this year's festival is bittersweet, but it will be a tribute to her."
Gemfest is being held on Easter Sunday, April 12, with free, family-orientated events for children of all ages during the daytime from 11am to 4pm, and then in the evening, from 6pm until 12am, there will be an eclectic mix of live music over two stages, a silent disco and other entertainment.
Gemma's friend and fellow Gemfest organiser, Susan Luscombe, said: "We are so very proud of Gemma in all that she has achieved in the last few years. Returning to work as a nurse has been a huge milestone for Gemma.
"We all love her dearly and I personally feel very privileged to call her my best friend.
"To her friends and family, Gemma is a true inspiration; she has maintained a positive attitude throughout.
"Gemma was given the worst possible news 10 years ago but she has never given up hope of recovery and look where we are now.
"After a break from organising the festival so she could return to work, we are now back and hoping for our best year yet!"


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Best shampoo for dry hair - top formulas to restore your locks

There are a number of reasons why you might get dry hair , with an addiction to ghds ( we 've all been there ) and the weather being just two of them .
External aggressors like the sun , wind , and central heating can strip your strands of their naturally-occurring oils , leading to dry and stressed tresses .
The best shampoos for dry hair will lift lifeless locks , add shine to a dull , dehydrated mane , minimise breakages and help fortify your crowning glory .
Whether you 're looking to restore shine and get good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a more manageable mane , ingredients like argan oil and shea butter have got you covered .
Keep scrolling for our pick of the best shampoo for dry hair that will take you from lacklustre to luminous in two shakes of a ponytail .
Get set , glow ...
This reviving shampoo combines vitamins A and E to smooth dry strands , with moisture-attracting red algae for hair that looks and feels healthier , smoother and shinier .
Gentle enough for daily use , it provides optimal hydration for both normal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sulphates , phosphates and parabens .
Price : £19.95 , Look Fantastic - buy here now Dealing with hair that wo n't repair ?
This shampoo will become your mane girl .
Created by Jen Atkin - hairstylist to the likes of the Kardashian Klan - the Ouai haircare line has gained something of a cult following .
This shampoo is perfect for dry and damaged locks , and works to fortify strands , minimise breakage and enhance shine .
It 's also free of nasties like parabens and sulphates .
Fight the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specially developed for dry , unruly hair and is suitable for natural , chemically-treated , coloured and heat-styled hair ( it 's easy to get carried away with those ghds ) .
Enriched with black castor oil , shea butter and plant keratin , the formula gently yet effectively cleanses your hair , leaving it looking strong and healthy with an added shine-boost .
Say bye to brittle hair and hello to a soft , smooth and more manageable mane .
Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo is ideal for adding a hydrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it of its natural moisture .
Argan oil is a naturally nourishing ingredient that will leave stressed tresses happier and healthier .
Keep your mane 's moisture levels topped up with this super-hydrating shampoo that quenches thirsty tresses without weighing it down .
A blend of buriti oil and pomegranate will leave you with supple strands , while a relaxing floral aroma blend with certified organic palmarosa , ylang ylang , rose geranium , and vanilla will create a nose-pleasing perfume wherever you go .
Destress your tresses with a high-quality moisture-rich shampoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of shine to dull , dehydrated locks .
Rocket extract packed with essential fatty acids is mixed with vitamins C and B to boost vitality .
Sweet almond proteins bond with your hair 's natural keratin to form a protective layer against external aggressors , leading to stronger , smoother strands .
Make your weekly grocery shop more exciting by adding a lovely - and affordable - shampoo to basket .
A nourishing shampoo for dry and damaged hair that contains pro-vitamin B5 , wheat proteins and arginine to help minimise breakage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbeatable price .
Works to strengthen your hair over time for stronger strands that do n't snap .
Give lacklustre locks the kiss of life with this shine-boosting shampoo .
Coconut extracts and hair hero argan oil create a healthy cocktail for your hair , cleansing and moisturising for soft-to-touch tresses .
A lovely vegan product that 's natural and cruelty-free , all at a palatable price , too .

Take your hair from dull to dazzling with these top shampoos for dry and dehydrated locks
Best shampoo for dry hair - top formulas to restore your locks
There are a number of reasons why you might get dry hair, with an addiction to ghds (we've all been there) and the weather being just two of them.
External aggressors like the sun, wind, and central heating can strip your strands of their naturally-occurring oils, leading to dry and stressed tresses.
The best shampoos for dry hair will lift lifeless locks, add shine to a dull, dehydrated mane, minimise breakages and help fortify your crowning glory.
Whether you're looking to restore shine and get good gloss, strengthen and nourish, or create a more manageable mane, ingredients like argan oil and shea butter have got you covered.
Keep scrolling for our pick of the best shampoo for dry hair that will take you from lacklustre to luminous in two shakes of a ponytail. Get set, glow...
Best shampoo for dry hair
Treat thirsty, dehydrated hair to a reviving formula infused with antioxidant-rich Argan oil.
This reviving shampoo combines vitamins A and E to smooth dry strands, with moisture-attracting red algae for hair that looks and feels healthier, smoother and shinier.
Gentle enough for daily use, it provides optimal hydration for both normal and colour-treated hair, and is free from sulphates, phosphates and parabens.
Price: £19.95, Look Fantastic - buy here now
Dealing with hair that won't repair? This shampoo will become your mane girl.
Created by Jen Atkin - hairstylist to the likes of the Kardashian Klan - the Ouai haircare line has gained something of a cult following.
This shampoo is perfect for dry and damaged locks, and works to fortify strands, minimise breakage and enhance shine. It's also free of nasties like parabens and sulphates.
Price: £32, Amazon - buy here now
Fight the frizz with this shampoo that's been specially developed for dry, unruly hair and is suitable for natural, chemically-treated, coloured and heat-styled hair(it's easy to get carried away with those ghds).
Enriched with black castor oil, shea butter and plant keratin, the formula gently yet effectively cleanses your hair, leaving it looking strong and healthy with an added shine-boost.
Say bye to brittle hair and hello to a soft, smooth and more manageable mane.
Price: £5,49, Superdrug - buy here now
Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo is ideal for adding a hydrating boost and cleansing dry hair without stripping it of its natural moisture.
Argan oil is a naturally nourishing ingredient that will leave stressed tresses happier and healthier.
Price: £6.49, Holland & Barrett - buy here now
Keep your mane's moisture levels topped up with this super-hydrating shampoo that quenches thirsty tresses without weighing it down.
A blend of buriti oil and pomegranate will leave you with supple strands, while a relaxing floral aroma blend with certified organic palmarosa, ylang ylang, rose geranium, and vanilla will create a nose-pleasing perfume wherever you go.
Price: £23.84, Amazon - buy here now
Destress your tresses with a high-quality moisture-rich shampoo that gently cleanses while adding a dash of shine to dull, dehydrated locks.
Rocket extract packed with essential fatty acids is mixed with vitamins C and B to boost vitality.
Sweet almond proteins bond with your hair's natural keratin to form a protective layer against external aggressors, leading to stronger, smoother strands.
Price: £16.90, Cult Beauty - buy here now
Make your weekly grocery shop more exciting by adding a lovely - and affordable - shampoo to basket.
A nourishing shampoo for dry and damaged hair that contains pro-vitamin B5, wheat proteins and arginine to help minimise breakage, this is a fantastic product at an unbeatable price.
Works to strengthen your hair over time for stronger strands that don't snap.
Price: £1.50, Sainsbury's - buy here now
Give lacklustre locks the kiss of life with this shine-boosting shampoo.
Coconut extracts and hair hero argan oil create a healthy cocktail for your hair, cleansing and moisturising for soft-to-touch tresses.
A lovely vegan product that's natural and cruelty-free, all at a palatable price, too.
Price: £5.99, Amazon - buy here now


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Love Island couples demonstrate bizarre sex positions including 'the wheelbarrow'

Love Island viewers were confused by the challenge in Thursday night 's episode where contestants were asked to out out bizarre sex positions .
Siannise Fudge and Luke Trotman read out names of wild sex positions while the couples attempted to guess what they were .
They included `` the candle '' , `` the mermaid '' , `` the wheelbarrow '' and `` the butter churner '' .
The islanders screamed and laughed as they attempted the acrobatic positions , including Shaughna Phillips and Callum Jones , who won with their correct demonstration of the butter churner .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it or not , '' pondered Callum .
Unimpressed viewers took to Twitter to complain about the challenge , which takes place every year .
`` What the f**k is this ?
!
I 've no fucking clue of these sex position names '' , ranted another .
The faster couple to act out the sex position correctly was the winner - and it certainly allowed Nas Majeed and Demi Jones to get tactile with one another .
It turned out to be the warm up they needed , as shortly afterwards they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kiss .
Meanwhile , Mike Boateng is making it clear he 's putting all his eggs in Jess 's basket ... despite coupling up with Sophie in last night 's explosive episode .
Mike lays his cards down by telling Jess he has feelings for her and savagely admits Leanne 's exit is a `` kick up the bum '' for him .
But it was just yesterday when Mike made his feelings for Sophie clear , hinting at the fact he always found her attractive before coupling up with her .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple up with this girl as she has been here since the beginning and I believe that her journey is n't finished and she has the qualities to make any man happy .
But the next day , he pulled Jess aside several times and told her he was dedicated to winning her over , much to the anger of Luke Mabbott , who is coupled up with her .

Love Island's couple's challenge in Thursday's episode was to act out a series of baffling and acrobatic sex positions
Love Island viewers were confused by the challenge in Thursday night's episode where contestants were asked to out out bizarre sex positions.
Siannise Fudge and Luke Trotman read out names of wild sex positions while the couples attempted to guess what they were.
They included "the candle", "the mermaid", "the wheelbarrow" and "the butter churner".
The islanders screamed and laughed as they attempted the acrobatic positions, including Shaughna Phillips and Callum Jones, who won with their correct demonstration of the butter churner.
Image: ITV) ITV)
"I don't know if she enjoyed it or not," pondered Callum.
"No," confirmed Shaughna.
Unimpressed viewers took to Twitter to complain about the challenge, which takes place every year.
Image: ITV) ITV)
"Sex position task is cringe", wrote one.
"What the f**k is this?! I've no fucking clue of these sex position names", ranted another.
The faster couple to act out the sex position correctly was the winner - and it certainly allowed Nas Majeed and Demi Jones to get tactile with one another.
Image: ITV) ITV)
It turned out to be the warm up they needed, as shortly afterwards they snuck off together to share their first kiss.
Meanwhile, Mike Boateng is making it clear he's putting all his eggs in Jess's basket... despite coupling up with Sophie in last night's explosive episode.
Mike lays his cards down by telling Jess he has feelings for her and savagely admits Leanne 's exit is a "kick up the bum" for him.
But it was just yesterday when Mike made his feelings for Sophie clear, hinting at the fact he always found her attractive before coupling up with her.
He said: "I would like to couple up with this girl as she has been here since the beginning and I believe that her journey isn't finished and she has the qualities to make any man happy.
But the next day, he pulled Jess aside several times and told her he was dedicated to winning her over, much to the anger of Luke Mabbott, who is coupled up with her.


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Love Island's furious Luke M storms over and intervenes in Mike and Jess' cosy chat

Furious Luke Mabbott finally snapped tonight as he spotted Mike Boateng and Jess Gale having a cosy chat .
The heating engineer , 24 , stormed over after spotting Mike curl an arm around Jess underneath the covers .
Mike appeared taken aback as Luke sat down on the day bed opposite the pair before pulling Jess away for a chat .
As Mike re-joined the other Islanders , he said mockingly : `` Lukey boy just started the game ! ''
`` I was just trying to keep it civil , '' Mike added .
`` It 's good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bite , he 's going to need it ! ''
Meanwhile Luke told Jess he was angry over how Mike was dealing with the situation .
`` I just feel like he 's mugging us off quite a lot , '' he said .
`` I do n't want you to look like a mug as well because he did n't pick you at the start And in a preview for tomorrow night 's episode , it looks like Luke was right to be worried .
As she chats to the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to fancy Luke . ''
Meanwhile Luke T warns Luke M that Jess is n't giving him the `` full picture '' .
And when Mike sits down with Luke M , he says : `` If she 's not told you then I 'm telling you - there 's definitely something there between me and her . ''

Furious Luke M confronts Mike and pulls Jess away as he slams him for being 'muggy'
Furious Luke M confronts Mike and pulls Jess away as he slams him for being 'muggy'
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Heating engineer Luke, 24, stormed over after spotting Mike curl an arm around Jess underneath the covers
Love Island's furious Luke M storms over and intervenes in Mike and Jess' cosy chat
Furious Luke Mabbott finally snapped tonight as he spotted Mike Boateng and Jess Gale having a cosy chat.
The heating engineer, 24, stormed over after spotting Mike curl an arm around Jess underneath the covers.
Mike appeared taken aback as Luke sat down on the day bed opposite the pair before pulling Jess away for a chat.
As Mike re-joined the other Islanders, he said mockingly: "Lukey boy just started the game!"
"I was just trying to keep it civil," Mike added. "It's good to seeing he's got a bit of bite, he's going to need it!"
Image: ITV) ITV) Image: ITV) ITV)
Meanwhile Luke told Jess he was angry over how Mike was dealing with the situation.
"I just feel like he's mugging us off quite a lot," he said. "I don't want you to look like a mug as well because he didn't pick you at the start
Image: ITV) ITV) Image: ITV) ITV)
And in a preview for tomorrow night's episode, it looks like Luke was right to be worried.
As she chats to the other girls, Jess confesses: "I want to fancy Luke."
Meanwhile Luke T warns Luke M that Jess isn't giving him the "full picture".
And when Mike sits down with Luke M, he says: "If she's not told you then I'm telling you - there's definitely something there between me and her."
*Love Island returns tomorrow at 9pm on ITV2


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--Coronavirus whistleblowers 'arrested for spreading rumours' when warning of virus

The 150 Britons airlifted out of coronavirus hotbed Wuhan are due back in the UK from China today and will be quarantined for 14 days .
They will not be allowed to see friends or family and anyone showing symptoms will be isolated in a separate unit .
Their return comes as the Chinese authority 's attempts to suppress news of the viral outbreak became known .
The UK risk level was raised from low to moderate yesterday as ministers were urged to “ plan for all eventualities ” .
The World Health Organisation last night declared the outbreak an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adhanom said the decision was made “ not because of what is happening in China but because of what is happening in other countries ” .
More than 8,100 people globally have been infected .
France confirmed its sixth case yesterday as Italy confirmed its first two .
Those boarding the evacuation flight last night had to sign a form consenting to a fortnight ’ s isolation on their return and agree to any treatment recommended by UK experts .
After landing at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire they were to be taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wirral for tests .
They will stay in former student accommodation at Arrowe Park Hospital in Birkenhead until the potential 14-day incubation period for the disease is over .
They will have internet access and will be able to contact their loved ones .
Staff at the secure facility will wear protective clothing , according to sources .
Some expats refused to join the flight amid fears they could not bring spouses or children who are not British citizens .
Chris Hill , a Brit living in Wuhan with his wife and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stayed put as the Foreign Office could not confirm the youngster would be allowed on board .
Jeff Siddle , of Northumberland , said he and his nine-year-old daughter were told they could fly back – but not his Chinese wife .
Officials are still trying to find around 500 at-risk recent arrivals from Wuhan to the UK who are still within the potential incubation period .
As of last night 161 had been tested and given the all-clear .
Yesterday Drew Bennett , 39 , quarantined for three days in Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was told he does not have it .
The Staycity apartment hotel in York was put on lockdown yesterday after a man , believed to be a Chinese national , was taken to hospital after falling ill on Wednesday .
And a British Airways plane landing at Heathrow from Hong Kong was locked down after two passengers complained of feeling unwell .
BA has grounded flights serving mainland China until at least the end of next month .
Virgin Atlantic has suspended its daily operations to Shanghai for two weeks from Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A British teacher in China described living in a city hit by the virus .
Andy Nesbit , 36 , works in Chengdu , in the south-western Sichuan province of China , which like Wuhan has been put on lockdown after 59 people were diagnosed with the virus .
The dad-of-two , from Leith , Edinburgh , told of motorways closed and people being attacked for not wearing face masks in public .
He said sons Alan , eight , and Jack , four , have not left their flat in Chengdu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Some main motorways out of the city have been closed .
Going to the supermarket the roads were so quiet and on that short trip five ambulances went screaming by with sirens on .
You can ’ t help but feel a bit freaked out .
It ’ s a bit like a zombie apocalypse .
“ I saw a video yesterday of a big fight between two women because one had refused to wear a mask on the subway.
” A leading UK expert on China claims whistleblowers who warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s live animal market were arrested for “ spreading rumours ” , the Mirror can reveal .
A legal document seen by the Mirror appears to be signed and finger-printed by citizens promising to stop discussing the outbreak .
Their whereabouts now are not known .
Dr Yukteshwar Kumar of the University of Bath , who obtained the document , said eight were held for talking about the outbreak on Chinese messaging service WeChat .
He told the Mirror : “ They were asked to sign a confession stating that they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had taken steps earlier the situation could have been better because they did know about it .
“ People could have been made aware in late December .
The authorities could have stopped people travelling earlier .
“ I highly appreciate the efforts made by the government of China in locking down the whole city .
However , if they ’ d listened to the advice of these eight people and some scientists the situation would have been perhaps better.
” Tests on nine of the first-infected Chinese patients have confirmed it spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan ’ s Huanan seafood market .
The outbreak is only the fifth declared a public health emergency by the WHO in its seven-decade history , after ebola , swine flu , polio and zika .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said : “ The safety and security of British nationals is our priority .
Our embassy in Beijing and consular teams remain in close contact with British nationals in the region to ensure they have the information they need.
” The demand for face masks in the UK has risen , despite expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
• The first person-to-person case in the US has been confirmed after a man in Chicago was infected by his wife who travelled to China .
The woman in her 60s was diagnosed after her return from Wuhan on January 13 .
The couple are both in isolation .
It is the sixth case reported in the US .

Student filmed being marched out of London university accommodation by paramedics in hazmat suits following coronavirus fears
Student filmed being marched out of London university accommodation by paramedics in hazmat suits following coronavirus fears
EXCLUSIVE: A leading UK expert on China claims whistleblowers who warned last month about the outbreak at Wuhan’s live animal market were arrested for “spreading rumours”, the Mirror can reveal.
The 150 Britons airlifted out of coronavirus hotbed Wuhan are due back in the UK from China today and will be quarantined for 14 days.
They will not be allowed to see friends or family and anyone showing symptoms will be isolated in a separate unit.
Their return comes as the Chinese authority's attempts to suppress news of the viral outbreak became known.
The UK risk level was raised from low to moderate yesterday as ministers were urged to “plan for all eventualities”.
The World Health Organisation last night declared the outbreak an international public health emergency. Boss Tedros Adhanom said the decision was made “not because of what is happening in China but because of what is happening in other countries”.
Image: CHINE NOUVELLE/SIPA/REX) CHINE NOUVELLE/SIPA/REX)
More than 8,100 people globally have been infected. France confirmed its sixth case yesterday as Italy confirmed its first two.
Those boarding the evacuation flight last night had to sign a form consenting to a fortnight’s isolation on their return and agree to any treatment recommended by UK experts.
After landing at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire they were to be taken by bus to an NHS facility on the Wirral for tests.
They will stay in former student accommodation at Arrowe Park Hospital in Birkenhead until the potential 14-day incubation period for the disease is over.
They will have internet access and will be able to contact their loved ones.
Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO) LIVERPOOL ECHO)
Staff at the secure facility will wear protective clothing, according to sources.
Some expats refused to join the flight amid fears they could not bring spouses or children who are not British citizens.
Chris Hill, a Brit living in Wuhan with his wife and four-year-old daughter Renee, a Chinese national, stayed put as the Foreign Office could not confirm the youngster would be allowed on board.
Jeff Siddle, of Northumberland, said he and his nine-year-old daughter were told they could fly back – but not his Chinese wife.
Officials are still trying to find around 500 at-risk recent arrivals from Wuhan to the UK who are still within the potential incubation period. As of last night 161 had been tested and given the all-clear.
Yesterday Drew Bennett, 39, quarantined for three days in Birmingham amid fears he had the virus, was told he does not have it.
Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO) LIVERPOOL ECHO)
The Staycity apartment hotel in York was put on lockdown yesterday after a man, believed to be a Chinese national, was taken to hospital after falling ill on Wednesday.
And a British Airways plane landing at Heathrow from Hong Kong was locked down after two passengers complained of feeling unwell.
BA has grounded flights serving mainland China until at least the end of next month.
Virgin Atlantic has suspended its daily operations to Shanghai for two weeks from Sunday, but said flights to Hong Kong continue.
A British teacher in China described living in a city hit by the virus. Andy Nesbit, 36, works in Chengdu, in the south-western Sichuan province of China, which like Wuhan has been put on lockdown after 59 people were diagnosed with the virus.
Image: Jetphotos) Jetphotos)
The dad-of-two, from Leith, Edinburgh, told of motorways closed and people being attacked for not wearing face masks in public. He said sons Alan, eight, and Jack, four, have not left their flat in Chengdu for nearly a week.
He said: “Some main motorways out of the city have been closed. Going to the supermarket the roads were so quiet and on that short trip five ambulances went screaming by with sirens on. You can’t help but feel a bit freaked out. It’s a bit like a zombie apocalypse.
“I saw a video yesterday of a big fight between two women because one had refused to wear a mask on the subway.”
A leading UK expert on China claims whistleblowers who warned last month about the outbreak at Wuhan’s live animal market were arrested for “spreading rumours”, the Mirror can reveal.
A legal document seen by the Mirror appears to be signed and finger-printed by citizens promising to stop discussing the outbreak.
Their whereabouts now are not known. Dr Yukteshwar Kumar of the University of Bath, who obtained the document, said eight were held for talking about the outbreak on Chinese messaging service WeChat.
He told the Mirror: “They were asked to sign a confession stating that they will not spread false news. If they had taken steps earlier the situation could have been better because they did know about it.
“People could have been made aware in late December. The authorities could have stopped people travelling earlier.
“I highly appreciate the efforts made by the government of China in locking down the whole city. However, if they’d listened to the advice of these eight people and some scientists the situation would have been perhaps better.”
Tests on nine of the first-infected Chinese patients have confirmed it spread to humans from an animal sold at Wuhan’s Huanan seafood market.
The outbreak is only the fifth declared a public health emergency by the WHO in its seven-decade history, after ebola, swine flu, polio and zika.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “The safety and security of British nationals is our priority. Our embassy in Beijing and consular teams remain in close contact with British nationals in the region to ensure they have the information they need.”
The demand for face masks in the UK has risen, despite expert advice casting doubt on their effectiveness against coronavirus.


thedailymirror--2020-01-30--'We must act now to save our hospices - or children will go without care'

For two-year-old Jude Wigley and his family , Acorns Children ’ s Hospice is a lifeline .
At four months old , the little boy with an infectious smile was diagnosed with the rare , life-limiting brain disorder lissencephaly .
“ I can ’ t praise Acorns enough , ” says his mum Hayley , 28 .
“ In difficult times they ’ ve been there for us as a family , giving us the support we need .
“ It ’ s a home-from-home environment , full of smiles , courage and laughter .
All the nurses at Acorns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family want for Jude ’ s third birthday tomorrow is for their local Acorns in Walsall to stay open .
One of many hospices across the country threatened with closure as Britain faces an end-of-life care crisis , Acorns ’ shortage of NHS funding means it is increasingly reliant on donations and charity shops .
It needs to raise £2million to continue to support families across the Black Country .
“ If Acorns closed , we , as a family , would be devastated , ” Hayley says .
“ The hospice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respite for Jude , it provides emotional support for my entire family , especially our other two children.
” As part of its long-term plan , NHS England has pledged to raise funding for children ’ s hospices to £25million in 2023/24 , and the Conservative Party pledged to “ support our precious hospices ” in its election manifesto .
But hospice and healthcare charity Sue Ryder says this is a “ sticking plaster ” and that “ warm words do not begin to address the underlying problems ” .
This week Sue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a stark warning : “ Without radical reform , UK hospices providing end-of-life care to the terminally ill and support to their families , can not survive , ” she said .
“ In short , people who need palliative care will not receive it.
” Travis called for an “ urgent , detailed review of funding for the UK ’ s hospices ” and an end to “ the postcode lottery of palliative care ” .
A report from Together For Short Lives , a group which represents hospice users , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ palliative care workforce crisis ” .
It says services are at “ breaking point ” because of a growing shortage of palliative care doctors and nurses .
The report shows there are just 15 children ’ s palliative care consultants in the UK when there should be 40 to 60 .
Meanwhile , one in eight nursing jobs in the sector are currently vacant .
The Royal College of Nursing recommends there should be around 5,500 community children ’ s nurses in England , but the NHS only has 574 .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at breaking point , ” says Together for Short Lives ’ boss Andy Fletcher .
“ Terminally ill children and their families are missing out on the round-the-clock care they need .
Services are struggling with a dangerous mix of growing staff shortages and rising caseloads.
” Hospices UK says funding for the end-of-life care system as a whole is “ broken ” .
And eight in 10 charitable hospices surveyed by Hospices UK say they are planning a deficit budget this financial year .
Meanwhile , Professor David Clark at the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ propping up the NHS to the tune of £1billion in care ” every year .
Acorns supports 200 children and their families at its Walsall hospice each year , and 900 in total here and at its other two hospices in Selly Oak , Birmingham , and Worcester .
Staff provide day , end-of-life and overnight care , as well as bereavement counselling .
For Rachel O ’ Donnell and Jonathon Waring , the hospice is how their family survives .
Rachel has multiple sclerosis .
Their seven-year-old son , Charlie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means he needs round-the-clock , one-to-one care .
Acorns provides the respite care that allows the family to keep looking after Charlie at home .
“ It is exhausting looking after Charlie , ” Rachel , 28 , says .
“ I have MS and some days I find it hard to get out of bed .
We had help from the Hospice at Home service , where carers would come in while we had a bit of respite , but due to funding cuts this is no longer available .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Acorns .
This allows us to spend time with our younger daughter .
“ When I ’ m hospitalised with my MS , I know they can support us .
If it closed it would be impossible for us to travel to Worcester or Birmingham.
” Mark Lyttle and his ex-partner Jen Dalton turned to the Walsall hospice when their three-year-old daughter , Isabella , was diagnosed with cancer .
By the time she passed away aged 11 , the hospice had become their second home .
“ Without Acorns , we wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Mark , 43 .
“ Jen and myself gave up work to look after Isabella .
We were so exhausted , some days I could not even remember my own name.
” But Acorns ’ chief executive Toby Porter says in the past year the hospice faced the “ perfect storm ” .
“ We saw a sharp decline in our shop income as well as in donations from big businesses , ” he says .
“ There was uncertainty around Brexit too.
” A spokesman for the Department of Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life care is vitally important , and the NHS is committed to caring for people from cradle to grave .
Last year the Prime Minister announced a £25million cash injection to protect hospices and palliative care services so people across the country will have the best , most personalised and dignified choices when they die.
” What any new NHS funds will mean in Walsall , is as yet , unclear .
In a campaign backed by celebrities including actress Julie Walters and singer Beverley Knight , Acorns has reached a quarter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something deeper broken .
For the country ’ s sickest children , and for disabled kids who need the most support , austerity remains a daily reality .
As Dr Rachel Clarke , palliative care doctor and author of Dear Life , says : “ People assume palliative care is NHS-funded , like any other part of medicine .
But it is only between 25 % -33 % of palliative medicine that is NHS-funded .
There is no other part of medicine where our ability to provide good care depends on how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Ros Wynne Jones)

Children's hospices across the UK are facing closure amid a shortage of NHS funding, with centres becoming increasingly reliant on donations from the public to stay open
'We must act now to save our hospices - or children will go without care'
For two-year-old Jude Wigley and his family, Acorns Children’s Hospice is a lifeline.
At four months old, the little boy with an infectious smile was diagnosed with the rare, life-limiting brain disorder lissencephaly.
“I can’t praise Acorns enough,” says his mum Hayley, 28. “In difficult times they’ve been there for us as a family, giving us the support we need.
“It’s a home-from-home environment, full of smiles, courage and laughter. All the nurses at Acorns make every moment count.”
Now all the family want for Jude’s third birthday tomorrow is for their local Acorns in Walsall to stay open.
One of many hospices across the country threatened with closure as Britain faces an end-of-life care crisis, Acorns’ shortage of NHS funding means it is increasingly reliant on donations and charity shops.
Image: Collect) Collect)
It needs to raise £2million to continue to support families across the Black Country.
“If Acorns closed, we, as a family, would be devastated,” Hayley says. “The hospice doesn’t only support and provide respite for Jude, it provides emotional support for my entire family, especially our other two children.”
As part of its long-term plan, NHS England has pledged to raise funding for children’s hospices to £25million in 2023/24, and the Conservative Party pledged to “support our precious hospices” in its election manifesto.
But hospice and healthcare charity Sue Ryder says this is a “sticking plaster” and that “warm words do not begin to address the underlying problems”.
This week Sue Ryder’s chief executive Heidi Travis issued a stark warning: “Without radical reform, UK hospices providing end-of-life care to the terminally ill and support to their families, cannot survive,” she said. “In short, people who need palliative care will not receive it.”
Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror) Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Travis called for an “urgent, detailed review of funding for the UK’s hospices” and an end to “the postcode lottery of palliative care”.
A report from Together For Short Lives, a group which represents hospice users, warns of a “children’s palliative care workforce crisis”. It says services are at “breaking point” because of a growing shortage of palliative care doctors and nurses.
The report shows there are just 15 children’s palliative care consultants in the UK when there should be 40 to 60. Meanwhile, one in eight nursing jobs in the sector are currently vacant.
The Royal College of Nursing recommends there should be around 5,500 community children’s nurses in England, but the NHS only has 574.
“The children’s palliative care workforce is at breaking point,” says Together for Short Lives’ boss Andy Fletcher.
“Terminally ill children and their families are missing out on the round-the-clock care they need. Services are struggling with a dangerous mix of growing staff shortages and rising caseloads.”
Hospices UK says funding for the end-of-life care system as a whole is “broken”. And eight in 10 charitable hospices surveyed by Hospices UK say they are planning a deficit budget this financial year.
Meanwhile, Professor David Clark at the University of Glasgow has estimated hospices are currently “propping up the NHS to the tune of £1billion in care” every year.
Acorns supports 200 children and their families at its Walsall hospice each year, and 900 in total here and at its other two hospices in Selly Oak, Birmingham, and Worcester. Staff provide day, end-of-life and overnight care, as well as bereavement counselling.
Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning) Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
For Rachel O’Donnell and Jonathon Waring, the hospice is how their family survives. Rachel has multiple sclerosis.
Their seven-year-old son, Charlie, suffers from a rare chromosome disorder which means he needs round-the-clock, one-to-one care. Acorns provides the respite care that allows the family to keep looking after Charlie at home.
“It is exhausting looking after Charlie,” Rachel, 28, says. “I have MS and some days I find it hard to get out of bed. We had help from the Hospice at Home service, where carers would come in while we had a bit of respite, but due to funding cuts this is no longer available.
“The overnight respite is when Charlie comes to Acorns. This allows us to spend time with our younger daughter.
“When I’m hospitalised with my MS, I know they can support us. If it closed it would be impossible for us to travel to Worcester or Birmingham.”
Mark Lyttle and his ex-partner Jen Dalton turned to the Walsall hospice when their three-year-old daughter, Isabella, was diagnosed with cancer. By the time she passed away aged 11, the hospice had become their second home. “Without Acorns, we wouldn’t be here today,” says Mark, 43.
“Jen and myself gave up work to look after Isabella. We were so exhausted, some days I could not even remember my own name.”
Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning) Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
But Acorns’ chief executive Toby Porter says in the past year the hospice faced the “perfect storm”. “We saw a sharp decline in our shop income as well as in donations from big businesses,” he says. “There was uncertainty around Brexit too.”
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “End of life care is vitally important, and the NHS is committed to caring for people from cradle to grave. Last year the Prime Minister announced a £25million cash injection to protect hospices and palliative care services so people across the country will have the best, most personalised and dignified choices when they die.”
What any new NHS funds will mean in Walsall, is as yet, unclear.
In a campaign backed by celebrities including actress Julie Walters and singer Beverley Knight, Acorns has reached a quarter of its £2million target. But there is something deeper broken. For the country’s sickest children, and for disabled kids who need the most support, austerity remains a daily reality.
As Dr Rachel Clarke, palliative care doctor and author of Dear Life, says: “People assume palliative care is NHS-funded, like any other part of medicine. But it is only between 25%-33% of palliative medicine that is NHS-funded. There is no other part of medicine where our ability to provide good care depends on how much the jumble sale raised on Saturday.”