Whether you’re loving or loathing the heatwave, one non-negotiable if SPF, and Kimberley Medd, Head of Clinic, Face The Future, has advice about sun safety that no one should skip!

Kathryn Eccles and Jamie Dury from Union Quay Dental on North Shields Fish Quay will compete in the event on 16 August, tackling a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and a full marathon (42.2km), all in a single day.

The pair are taking on the challenge in support of The Percy Hedley Foundation, the North East charity that supports children, young people and adults with disabilities through specialist education, care, therapies and supported living services.

Kathryn has already completed several triathlons over recent years, including two Half Ironman events.

She said: “It’ll be my first full Ironman, but I’ve done a few shorter triathlons over the last few years. I completed a Half Ironman last year and another one recently as part of the build-up to Copenhagen.

“I enjoy the variety that triathlon brings. My best discipline is swimming, but I particularly enjoy training for the running and cycling, especially as we move into summer. Living by the coast means I rarely get bored of running up and down the coastline.”

Preparing for an event of this scale requires significant commitment, with both balancing demanding careers alongside an intensive training schedule.

Jamie, who has also completed Half Ironman events, said the challenge represented an opportunity to push himself beyond his comfort zone while supporting an important local cause.

He said: “A full Ironman is one of those challenges that’s equal parts exciting and intimidating. The training has been tough, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. Every swim, cycle and run brings us a little closer to Copenhagen, and raising money for The Percy Hedley Foundation gives us an extra reason to keep going when the training gets difficult. Hopefully we’ll make it to the finish line and raise a decent amount for a fantastic cause along the way.”

As race day approaches, emotions are running high.

Kathryn said: “I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves, probably more nerves than excitement if I’m honest! It’s a huge undertaking, but I’m looking forward to the sense of achievement and the camaraderie that surrounds an event like this.”

The Percy Hedley Foundation has been supporting people with disabilities across the North East for more than 70 years, helping individuals achieve greater independence and fulfil their potential.

Bev Reid, Corporate Relationships Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted to be collaborating with Union Quay Dental. In today’s challenging climate, support like this is more vital than ever.

“Kathryn and Jamie’s brave efforts will enable Percy Hedley Foundation to continue to provide vital services to those who need us most.

This is a powerful example of how community support can drive real, lasting change in people’s lives.  We wish Kathryn and Jamie a safe and successful trip.”

Anyone wishing to support Kathryn and Jamie’s fundraising efforts can donate via their fundraising page HERE

Two dentists from North Shields are swapping drills for running shoes as they prepare to take on the Copenhagen Ironman – a gruelling test of endurance, determination and resilience – while raising funds for The Percy Hedley Foundation.

Kathryn Eccles and Jamie Dury from Union Quay Dental on North Shields Fish Quay will compete in the event on 16 August, tackling a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and a full marathon (42.2km), all in a single day.

The pair are taking on the challenge in support of The Percy Hedley Foundation, the North East charity that supports children, young people and adults with disabilities through specialist education, care, therapies and supported living services.

Kathryn has already completed several triathlons over recent years, including two Half Ironman events.

She said: “It’ll be my first full Ironman, but I’ve done a few shorter triathlons over the last few years. I completed a Half Ironman last year and another one recently as part of the build-up to Copenhagen.

“I enjoy the variety that triathlon brings. My best discipline is swimming, but I particularly enjoy training for the running and cycling, especially as we move into summer. Living by the coast means I rarely get bored of running up and down the coastline.”

Preparing for an event of this scale requires significant commitment, with both balancing demanding careers alongside an intensive training schedule.

Jamie, who has also completed Half Ironman events, said the challenge represented an opportunity to push himself beyond his comfort zone while supporting an important local cause.

He said: “A full Ironman is one of those challenges that’s equal parts exciting and intimidating. The training has been tough, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. Every swim, cycle and run brings us a little closer to Copenhagen, and raising money for The Percy Hedley Foundation gives us an extra reason to keep going when the training gets difficult. Hopefully we’ll make it to the finish line and raise a decent amount for a fantastic cause along the way.”

As race day approaches, emotions are running high.

Kathryn said: “I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves, probably more nerves than excitement if I’m honest! It’s a huge undertaking, but I’m looking forward to the sense of achievement and the camaraderie that surrounds an event like this.”

The Percy Hedley Foundation has been supporting people with disabilities across the North East for more than 70 years, helping individuals achieve greater independence and fulfil their potential.

Bev Reid, Corporate Relationships Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted to be collaborating with Union Quay Dental. In today’s challenging climate, support like this is more vital than ever.

“Kathryn and Jamie’s brave efforts will enable Percy Hedley Foundation to continue to provide vital services to those who need us most.

This is a powerful example of how community support can drive real, lasting change in people’s lives.  We wish Kathryn and Jamie a safe and successful trip.”

Anyone wishing to support Kathryn and Jamie’s fundraising efforts can donate via their fundraising page HERE

The “Step Up for Bears” virtual challenge runs throughout July 2026 and asks supporters to walk 56 miles; that’s 1 mile for each of IAR’s rescued bears in Armenia. Whether tackling the challenge in their local park, walking the countryside or logging miles on a treadmill/gym visits/commuting, every step will help give the bears a second chance at life. 

All of the funds raised by this challenge will go towards lifelong sanctuary, expert veterinary care, food and enrichment toys for IAR’s rescued bears. 

Alan Knight OBE, President of International Animal Rescue said: “The suffering these rescued bears have faced breaks my heart.  Last year we rescued three bears from a back yard.  These were some of the worst conditions I have ever seen. The stench, the filth, the sheer cruelty of locking these animals up in tiny cages and feeding them cola, it was absolutely horrific.  But, thanks to this challenge we can help provide these rescued bears with the care they deserve. Each step participants take will help us to continue to provide sanctuary and specialist care for these animals.” 

The beauty of this challenge is that it’s very flexible and steps can be logged any time between 1–31 July 2026 and the entry fee is just £5. There are also exclusive rewards for those that fundraise, including medals, T-shirts and limited edition Step Up for Bears merchandise. 

You can find out more about International Animal Rescue’s work rescuing and rehabilitating bears in Armenia. International Animal Rescue has been rescuing bears from captivity since 2017 and work closely with local partners to provide them with a place of safety where they can live out the rest of their lives. 

You can sign up for the challenge here: https://shop.internationalanimalrescue.org/collections/events/products/2026-step-up-for-bears

Having raised children through decades of social change; from post-war Britain and rationing to the arrival of the internet and smartphones, residents at Berkley Care Homes have seen fatherhood evolve dramatically.

Yet despite more than 700 years of combined life experience between them, their advice remains refreshingly simple: be present, show love and make the most of every moment.

For David Carr, 90, from Leamington Spa, being a father starts with showing up.

“Be there, be present – bringing up a child is not just the mother’s job.”

That sentiment was echoed by Michael Smith, 98, from Warwick, who believes parenting should always be a shared responsibility.

“Always share the care and don’t leave it all to your wife.”

Several fathers reflected on how quickly childhood passes. Victor Vowles, 94, from Leamington Spa, urged parents to cherish every stage.

“Treasure every moment and don’t wish their childhood away. Time passes so quickly.”

He added:

“Be patient, be kind, teach by example – and love them whatever they do or the choices they make.”

For Mike, 90, from Worcester, the biggest lesson was realising just how fleeting those early years are.

“Be curious and be tolerant of misbehaviour. I wish I’d known how quickly time flies when I first became a father. Being a dad is having the joy of sticking together.”

He also emphasised the importance of patience, affection and keeping a positive outlook.

Meanwhile, Carl Wimperis, 94, from Leamington Spa, said one of the toughest parts of fatherhood is learning when to let go.

“Your children grow up so fast – and letting them make and learn from their own mistakes is very hard for a father, but it’s something you need to do.”

For Patrick, 97, from Chesham, fatherhood is built on authenticity and guidance.

“You have to be yourself and be good. You have to look after them and they will come to you for guidance.”

And John ‘JJ’, 86, from Chesham, offered perhaps the most memorable advice of all:

“Make anything to keep them happy, even if it’s green custard.”

Reflecting on his own experience as a father, David summed up what many of the group expressed.

“My children have enriched my life beyond my wildest dreams. I cannot imagine what life would have been without them.”

As Father’s Day approaches, their collective message is clear: childhood passes quickly, perfection isn’t required, and the moments children remember most are often the simplest ones spent together.

Against this backdrop, funeral plan providers like  Celebration of Life — the direct cremation specialist — are seeing growing awareness of the need to plan for costs that sit outside the traditional retirement conversation.

A wave of reforms rolling out between now and the end of the decade will reshape when we retire, how we access our savings, and what we leave behind. On the surface, much of this looks like progress. Pension dashboards promise greater transparency, guidance is evolving, and policymakers say the goal is better long-term outcomes.

But the reality is more demanding.

The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, directly impacting those born from April 1960 onwards. At the same time, access to private pensions is also being delayed, with the minimum age increasing to 57 by 2028. The direction of travel is unmistakable: work longer, wait longer, rely more on your own resources.

And with regular government reviews baked into the system, there is every chance the goalposts could shift again.

It’s not just timing that’s changing — it’s the rules themselves. From April 2027, unused pension pots and death benefits are expected to fall within the scope of inheritance tax, a move that could fundamentally alter how people approach passing on wealth. Meanwhile, potential changes to salary sacrifice and tax efficiencies may quietly erode the incentives many savers rely on.

Even the structure of pensions is evolving. New tools like dashboards aim to simplify planning, but they also expose a deeper truth: retirement savings are often scattered, complex, and harder to manage than ever.

The result is a system in constant motion — one where long-term planning is increasingly difficult because the rules are no longer fixed.

As retirement ages rise and tax advantages come under pressure, pension pots are being stretched further — expected to support longer lives, later access, and greater uncertainty. In simple terms, people are working longer, yet facing more strain on their future income.

And still, one critical issue is often overlooked.

While pensions evolve over decades, some costs arrive instantly — and without warning. End-of-life expenses, including funerals, don’t wait for pension access, policy updates, or financial stability. They arrive at the exact moment families are least prepared, both emotionally and financially.

Peter Shuttleworth, Head of Operations at Celebration of Life, says these changes are already reshaping how people think about planning.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how retirement works. People are being asked to work longer, navigate more complex rules, and make their savings stretch further.

“That creates uncertainty — and when finances are uncertain, the risks for families increase.”

In a world where pension rules can change and timelines can move, very few financial decisions offer genuine certainty.

Planning for end-of-life costs is one of them.

Putting arrangements in place early removes a significant burden from loved ones — regardless of how the wider financial picture evolves.

As Peter Shuttleworth adds:  “We can’t control government policy or future pension rules.

“But we can take control of the things that matter most to our families.

“At a time when retirement is becoming more uncertain, having a plan in place provides something incredibly valuable — peace of mind.

“It ensures that no matter what happens with pensions, finances, or the wider economy, your loved ones won’t be left facing unexpected costs at the worst possible moment.”

As global instability and economic pressures lead businesses, charities and individuals alike to tighten budgets and scale back charitable giving, Kumar Muthalagappan OBE FCA is urging philanthropists not to lose momentum on projects that save lives and create lasting generational change.

Kumar Muthalagappan, who built two clinical research companies from start-up to acquisition by ICON plc — the world’s largest contract research organisation — has served on eight national boards including the Olympic Delivery Authority and founded The KM Foundation alongside his three children.

The KM Foundation supports projects across the UK and India focused on healthcare, education and community development, with an emphasis on long-term, scalable impact rather than short-term intervention.

In the UK, the Foundation has supported a number of education and arts initiatives designed to create opportunities for young people and strengthen access to learning and cultural enrichment.

This includes a £100,000 donation to the Chalke Schools History Hub, which has already expanded its reach to dozens of schools nationwide through curriculum-aligned educational resources and events. The Foundation has also committed £90,000 to the London Music Fund to support talented young musicians through fully funded scholarships across London and Birmingham, helping students progress to leading conservatoires and professional music careers.

Geopolitical instability and volatile economies in recent years have contributed to a sharp decline in charitable donations. Figures from UK Fundraising show public donations to UK causes fell from £15.4 billion in 2024 to £14 billion in 2025.

Overseas aid has also seen a significant reduction, with just 11 per cent of donors giving to disaster relief charities and similar causes in 2025, compared with 19 per cent nine years earlier.

The UK itself has also reduced overseas aid spending, increasing pressure on charities working internationally.

Kumar said that while economic caution was understandable, now was not the time for philanthropists and donors to withdraw from international projects already delivering measurable outcomes and building long-term infrastructure.

Rather than reducing funding, he believes philanthropists should focus on projects where communities themselves are actively involved, where expertise is shared sustainably, and where initiatives can eventually become self-sufficient.

He also believes charities should continually review costs and overheads to ensure the maximum possible benefit reaches those in need.

He said: “Philanthropy isn’t simply about filling a financial gap. It is about helping communities build the infrastructure, skills and knowledge they need to transform lives not just today, but for generations to come.

“These are not projects that can be supported temporarily and then abandoned when economic conditions become more difficult. Real progress comes from sustained commitment, collaboration and long-term thinking.

“Even in tougher financial periods, the answer is not necessarily to give less, but to give more intelligently — backing projects where expertise, accountability and local participation combine to create lasting impact.”

Among the projects supported by the KM Foundation is a major cataract screening programme in Tamil Nadu in partnership with global eye care charity Orbis UK.

The KM Foundation has donated £170,000 towards a three-year programme expected to screen around 330,000 people, with approximately 34,500 anticipated to require surgery. The programme will also provide 10,000 pairs of eyeglasses.

Funding has enabled a series of outreach eye camps allowing ophthalmologists to identify patients requiring referral or surgery, while also introducing digital programme management systems to improve patient follow-up and continuity of care.

The programme is expected to deliver significant social and economic benefits, helping older people regain independence, allowing parents to return to work and improving educational opportunities for children.

The Foundation has also funded a major airway, dysphagia and voice programme in Punjab, India, in collaboration with specialists from The London Clinic and Imperial College London.

Supported by £150,000 in KM Foundation funding, Sri Guru Ram Das Hospital in Amritsar is already performing two to three complex airway and laryngology cases each week and evaluating five dysphagia patients daily.

The service has rapidly become one of the largest airway and laryngology centres in the region, providing specialist treatment for patients whose conditions often prevent them from working and supporting their families.

Both programmes are underpinned by significant UK expertise and collaboration, combining British clinical knowledge, training and oversight with local delivery in India to ensure specialist skills and sustainable healthcare systems are developed for the long term.

Dr A.S. Sood, Professor and Head of ENT at Sri Guru Ram Das Hospital, said: “Today, we have become one of the largest airway and laryngology centres in the entire region. We are now catering to all complex airway and emergency cases successfully.”

The longer-term ambition is for the expertise, systems and clinical training developed through the programme to be replicated more widely across India.

Kumar added: “Effective philanthropy creates momentum far beyond the original donation. It is about building knowledge, capability and opportunity that can continue transforming lives long after the initial investment has been made.

“The greatest risk in uncertain times is not that we give too much, but that we stop building the systems and opportunities that allow communities to thrive independently in the future.”

·                National Lottery Scratchcard winners volunteer their time to preserve habitats and monitor red squirrel population numbers following £5M National Lottery funding boost

·                Without urgent action red squirrels could disappear in less than a decade

National Lottery Scratchcard winners from across the country have been playing an important role in helping to preserve the UK’s endangered red squirrel population.

The Red Squirrel Recovery Network, in Northumberland, which has received more than £5M in National Lottery funding, is focussed on securing a long-term future for red squirrels. Without urgent action now, the declining population could completely disappear within 10 years.

It is estimated there are just 287,000 red squirrels remaining in this country and this figure is declining every year. This compares to a population of more than 2.7 million grey squirrels. 

The group of winners, who regularly support good causes and a variety of charities throughout the year, spent the day at Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre near Amble, working with the Red Squirrel Recovery Network team.

The Scratchcard winners were joined by other National Lottery winners from across the country and all dedicated their time to preparing the best possible environments for red squirrels to thrive; installing a specialist camera enabling the population to be closely monitored; building feeders to donate to local squirrel groups and managing woodland through checking tree health and thinning.

Abbie McQueen from the Red Squirrel Recovery Network said, “The work which winners have helped with will support local volunteer groups in the area who undertake the majority of red squirrel conservation work, while also supporting healthy red squirrel habitats.

“Both the funding which we have received from The National Lottery and the hard work from all of the winners is crucial for helping to preserve this declining population.

“Without support like this, we could literally lose all of our red squirrels in less than a decade. The work which has been carried out to protect and expand red squirrel habitat and ensure the area is attractive to the red squirrels is essential.”

The work by winners marked a key anniversary as The National Lottery celebrates three decades since the launch of Scratchcards.

Kate Donaghey, from Newcastle, who won £1M on a National Lottery Scratchcard with husband, Darren, was among the winners taking part on the day.

She added, “It has been wonderful to spend a day learning more about red squirrels and in particular what we can do to protect them and prevent them becoming extinct and disappearing from our planet.

“They are beautiful creatures and it is important we do all we can to preserve them for generations to come.”

Other National Lottery Scratchcard winners joining Kate and Darren, included: Ian and Sandra Black, from Cumbria, who won £2M and Natalie and Andrew Cunliffe, from Blackpool, who won £1M.

And building up the National Lottery winner army were Alex and Liana Best, from Leeds, who won £1M on EuroMillions; Elaine and Derek Thompson from Newcastle, who won £2.7M on Lotto; Gary Henry, from Durham, who won £4.4M on Lotto; Ceri and Paul Roscoe-Roberts, from North Wales, who won £1M on EuroMillions and Sarah and Aldan Ibbetson, from Leeds, who won £3.1M on Lotto.

Further details on what you can do to help to preserve red squirrels is available from: https://www.nwt.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/rsrn

Monday 18th May 2026 – Regatta Great Outdoors is hitting the road next week with a road trip to bring complimentary gelato to communities across England and Wales. To kick off the start of an adventure-filled summer, the brand’s nationwide tour will give families and outdoor enthusiasts the chance to enjoy free gelato and sorbet, lawn games, and product giveaways – with the first 25 visitors at each stop taking home an exclusive gift.

Celebrating its latest campaign, It’s Time to Getta Regatta, the nostalgic branded ice cream van will visit seven locations across five days with the first stop in the Lake District timed to coincide with the Bank Holiday weekend and the start of the school holidays – when the call of the great outdoors is at its loudest.

From the Lakes to the Cotswolds, the Time to Getta Regatta van is ready to serve a scoop of summer for the Great British public to help us all celebrate spontaneous summer adventures and feel-good moments.

The locations: 

Grasmere, Moss Parrock, Monday 25th May 12-4

Castleford, Junction 32, Wednesday 27th May 12-4 

Manchester City Centre, New Cathedral Street, Thursday 28th May 12-2.30

Betws-y-Coed, Holyhead Road (& Conwy), Friday 29th May 12.30-2.30

Cotswolds, Cotswolds Designer Outlet, Sunday 31st May 12-4

The highlights: 

Free gelato and / or sorbet.

Summer-inspired pop–up with games and giveaways.

Building community and bringing joy with family games and fun.

Visitors to the pop–up will have the opportunity to sign up to Regatta Rewards, a membership that offers exclusive perks such as member-only prices, early access to sales, free delivery, and birthday discounts – plus tickets for future pop–ups, community events and more.

www.regatta.com

@regattaoutdoors