Billy Steinberg, who has died at the age of 75, co-wrote Madonna’s 1984 chart-topper Like a Virgin.
All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Martyn Jones.
One man received £150,000 after checking his direct debits following Martin Lewis’ advice and discovering he had an unclaimed critical illness insurance policy
One man shared the remarkable sum of money he received after acting on a straightforward tip from money saving expert Martin Lewis.
Danny said: “I just wanted to share my good fortune thanks to Martin. His advice was to check your Direct Debits to make sure you need what you’re paying for.
“I reviewed a Scottish widows critical illness policy and found it covered me for a heart attack I’d had 10 years earlier.
“I phoned up and they were surprised how long it’d taken me to claim – I received a payment of £150k, including backdated interest. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for the prompt.”, reports the Express.
Danny acted upon Martin’s straightforward guidance, which starts with examining what you’re being charged for.
By accessing your online banking portal or application, you should be able to view your standing orders or direct debits (DDs) displayed, according to Martin Lewis.
Nevertheless, certain payments won’t appear in this category and will merely be recurring transactions. This demands slightly more investigation.
While some banks including Monzo, Revolut, Halifax, Lloyds and HSBC feature a section labelled ‘subscriptions’ or ‘scheduled payments’ – not every bank offers this. Similarly, even if your bank provides one of these sections, some transactions can still go unnoticed.
The most effective approach is to carefully examine your transaction history. Here are some typical companies that frequently use recurring payments – AA, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Audible, AutoAid, David Lloyd, Disney+, Dropbox, Giffgaff, HelloFresh, iD Mobile, Klarna, Microsoft Office, Mubi, Netflix, Now, PureGym, RAC, Spotify, Virgin Active.
If you’re paying for something you don’t require – now is the moment to cancel it. Question whether it’s worthwhile, whether you can afford it and whether you’ll actually use it.
However, before taking action, always verify you’re out of contract and there’s no cancellation charge. The most reliable way to do this is to contact the company directly.
Utilise comparison websites or tools such as Martin Lewis’ Cheap Broadband Finder, Cheap Mobile Finder, Cheap Energy Club and 0% credit card eligibility to determine if you can reduce your expenses.
You can straightforwardly cancel direct debits and standing orders through your bank – however with recurring payments it’s often simpler to cancel through the company itself. Nevertheless, you have a legal right to stop the payments through your bank if you’re experiencing difficulties.
With this in mind, you can occasionally find yourself in a situation like Danny’s and recover substantial amounts of cash. But sometimes smaller sums can come your way too.
It’s more likely to be insurance for white goods and mobile bills you’ve forgotten about.
Avoiding paying these is always preferable, but if you do discover you’ve been paying for something you shouldn’t have, you can politely request your money back.
One man, Joshua, explained: “My partner recently moved in and I helped her review her bills and subscriptions. I noted an odd £19/mth recurring payment since 2020, which she didn’t know what it was for.
“My partner’s dyslexic and didn’t realise she’d signed up to a cashback site subscription from a pop-up. I read your article on their ban (see Complete Savings ads banned) and politely contacted the customer service team. I explained the circumstances, and they agreed to refund all payments back to 2020 – over £850 refunded. Thanks.”
The exception applies to regulated financial products such as insurance, where there’s an argument that firms have a responsibility to offer regular suitability checks.
If a company hasn’t done so, it has a ‘Consumer Duty’ to refund. Should the firm disagree, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Financial Ombudsman.
Emergency services are at the scene of the crash
Alzheimer Scotland have been working collaboratively with our Higher Education Institutions in Scotland to support a “practice ready” allied health professions workforce to be skilled and informed about dementia on graduation. One way we have been supporting this aspiration is to invite some of the AHP students to join us at our Alzheimer Scotland annual conference and then write a blog to share their learning experience. This blog shares the reflections from four AHP students from Edinburgh Napier University.
Orla O’Connell, Occupational Therapy Student
- One thing I liked…
I really enjoyed hearing the guest speakers share their personal experiences of dementia at the Alzheimer’s Scotland conference. Their stories were honest, moving, and incredibly insightful, offering a deeper understanding of the realities of living with dementia. Listening to their perspectives helped highlight the importance of empathy, awareness, and continued support for those affected.
- One thing I learned….
One important thing I learned was how varied each person’s experience of dementia can be, and how vital it is to listen to individuals’ own stories rather than rely on assumptions. Hearing directly from people living with dementia helped me understand the importance of person-centred support and the impact that small changes in communication and environment can have on their daily lives.
Niamh Cahalan, Occupational Therapy Student
- One thing I liked…
What I liked most about the Alzheimer’s Scotland conference was hearing from speakers with lived experience. Their voices brought a powerful authenticity that grounded the discussions in real life rather than theory. Dementia is not something that affects only the individual, it reaches across the whole family and wider support network. Listening to people who are living with dementia, and those who care or cared for them, highlighted the emotional, practical, and social realities that professionals don’t always see. Their insights reminded me how essential it is for services, policy, and research to be shaped by the people directly impacted.
- One thing I learned…
The most valuable insights often come directly from people with lived experience. Hearing their stories deepened my understanding of dementia beyond clinical knowledge, showing how it affects identity, relationships, and daily life which are areas that are central to occupational therapy. As a future occupational therapist, this perspective reinforces the importance of seeing the person first, understanding what truly matters to them, and supporting meaningful occupations. It highlights why person-centred, strengths-based approaches are essential in dementia care and why involving individuals and their families in decision-making leads to more effective, holistic interventions.
Alicia Le Bars, Physiotherapy Student
- One thing I liked…
One aspect of the Alzheimer Scotland conference that I particularly enjoyed was the discussion on brain health. I found it really interesting to learn about how brain health is being prioritised in the workplace by encouraging certain behaviours such as mindful walking and other small, sustainable lifestyle changes. This made me more aware of the importance of incorporating small protective habits into daily routines. It was also interesting to learn more about what predispositions there are for Alzheimer’s disease, both in terms of modifiable and non-modifiable factors. It made me more aware of how certain environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors may influence cognitive outcomes.
- One thing I learned…
Another thing that I learned was about the charity, Playlist for Life. I was not previously aware of this, but I enjoyed learning about how personalised music playlists can support people who are living with dementia. This highlighted how important person-centred care is for individuals even if it is not strictly medical.
Katie Drummond, Physiotherapy Student
- One thing I liked…
As an MSc Physiotherapy student currently on placement in a care home, one aspect of the conference that I particularly appreciated was the strong emphasis on person-centred care. Despite the growing attention around disease-modifying drugs, the speakers reinforced that current research shows that high-quality, person-centred support remains just as important, if not more so, for people living with dementia.
I regularly interact with residents with a diagnosis of dementia whose needs are complex and varied, and this focus really resonated with me and reinforced the value of the therapeutic relationships we build as part of rehab and daily care.
- One thing I learned…
A key thing I learned was: the significance of brain-health awareness and risk-reduction messaging across the lifespan. The discussion about the modifiable factors influencing brain health, alongside the message that it is “never too early, never too late,” highlighted the importance of proactive, preventative approaches.
This broadened my perspective beyond supporting individuals diagnosed with dementia to also understanding the role physios can play in promoting lifestyle changes, physical activity, and education to reduce risk and support healthier ageing.
CARDINALS
Masquerade (So Young)
After a year of touring and steadily building their reputation, Cork indie band Cardinals’ debut album encapsulates the energy of the October live show I caught in Cardiff. Masquerade is an album full of fluctuating intensity, bringing both the calm and the storm.
Opener She Makes Me Real is a national anthem-like introduction, led by bold brass instrumentation and quickly accelerating into a classic indie rock ballad. St. Agnes’ upbeat chords are contrasted against dramatic, passionate vocals: the song plays with dynamics brilliantly, typifying an album of emotional highs and lows. The title track is relaxed at first, though still delivering its share of distorted guitar, and when it threatens to sink too deeply into melancholy, an unexpected accordion outro lifts the mood.
The accordion proves to be a standout feature of Cardinals’ music: on Over At Last, its eerie droning notes fill the silence in quiet vocal focused sections before the compelling, booming choruses. Lonely, tender lyrics accompany its romantic tone, hopefulness steeped in longing, and lead singer Euan Manning’s vocals carry a feeling of raw desperation.
The mid-album Anhedonia injects fresh energy and a Fontaines D.C.-esque edge, racing, repetitive instrumentation alongside storytelling lyrics. The intensity peaks with Burning Of Cork, a nod to the band’s hometown and Masquerade’s heaviest moment. Six-minute album closer As I Breathe brings things back down to earth, feeling like a moment of contemplation before speeding up and swelling in volume.
Blending indie rock energy with moments of vulnerability and bold, distinctive instrumental touches, Masquerade captures a band fully stepping into their own sound. Cardinals are a name worth remembering.
words CEIRIOS BEBB
They said their three-bed apartment was less than half what they paid in the UK
A couple have ditched the “miserable” weather and skyrocketing rent in the UK for 28C winters in Egypt and say their rent is now less than half the price. Kelsey O’Mahoney, 26, and her partner, Russell Edwards, 41, a taxi driver, decided to move to the popular tourist destination of Hurghada in January 2025, after enjoying a few blissful holidays there.
The duo, originally from Cannock, Staffordshire, swapped their £820 a month rent for a two-bed flat for a swish three-bedroom apartment that costs just £300 and now spend their days relaxing in the sun and exploring their surroundings. Kelsey, who previously worked as a PA back in the UK, is now aiming to build a career as a full-time content creator by sharing insights into her new life of leisure.
The pair, who have been together for five years, said they were desperate to escape the “depressing weather” and “expensive rent” in the UK and decided to relocate 2,600 miles away for a new life in the sunshine.
Kelsey said: “We’d been on holiday to Egypt a few times and Russ’ parents have lived there for over seven years, so we thought we’d make a go of it ourselves. We fancied a change, a challenge and a new life.
“It was hard saying goodbye to family, as we’re all so close, but I’ve said they can visit anytime, it’s only a flight away. Every day here is so busy.
“We love the heat, the views, the clear blue skies, we don’t miss the depressing UK weather. I think people think in January and February it will be cold, but today has been 28C.
“Renting was so expensive in the UK, we were paying £820 a month; our new apartment is £300. Food is so cheap too, a punnet of fresh strawberries at the market is 40p and a two-course meal costs less than £10.
“The people here are so welcoming, Egyptians are amazing people. Our aim is to become content creators and promote Egypt worldwide.”
Kelsey and Russell fell in love with Egypt after holidaying there when visiting Russell’s parents, who have lived in the North African nation for seven years. Attracted by the hot weather, friendly locals and low price of renting, they packed their bags in January 2025 and headed to Hurghada, a city along the Red Sea coast.
Saying goodbye to friends and family was hard for the couple, but they promised their relatives they could come and stay with them anytime. The pair were paying £820 a month in rent back in the UK, but are now living in a plush two-bed apartment for just £300 a month.
Kelsey and Russell aren’t currently working in Egypt, but have been using their social media platforms to promote the country and to help tourists book onto excursions, with the aim of becoming full-time content creators.
“We’re trying to create content with local people to get the word out on how cheap things are, and to encourage people to come on holiday,” she said.
They also spend just £20 a month on household bills, including wifi, electricity and water, compared to the £380 a month they were paying back home. Their favourite thing about the country is the people, who they say are so welcoming and kind.
Despite a few language barriers, the couple haven’t had any struggles so far and are hoping to live in Egypt long term. They share their story on @kelsinegypt and @edhertz.
Kelsey and Russell’s costs in the UK and Egypt
Rent in UK: £820
Rent in Egypt: £300
Bills in UK: £380
Bills in Egypt: £20
Weekly food shop in UK: £80
Weekly food shop in Egypt: £40
Meal out in UK: £70
Meal out in Egypt: £10
Tributes have been pouring in for the teenager
Demi Edmunds has been described by her childhood friends as bubbly, smart and strong-minded(Image: Emily Jo)
The family and friends of a teenager who died in a crash in south Wales said she was someone no-one could forget. Demi Edmunds, 17, from Caldicot, died on the A4042 in Cwmbran following a crash which involved three cars. She hadn’t been driving at the time and was a pedestrian, Gwent Police said in a statement.
The dual carriageway was shut for more than 10 hours on Thursday, February 12, following the incident. Demi’s family, including her brother Jake, have paid tribute to her.
Jake said Demi was the “best sister” and was “funny, kind and caring”. “We were very close,” he said. “She was like a best friend to me that I could trust with anything and everything, but she’s no longer with us anymore. Hopefully she’s in heaven somewhere better.”
In a statement Demi’s family said: “Demi was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, and niece. She loved her friends and she was loved by all.”
Speaking about Demi, her childhood friend Emily Jo, 18, described her as a bubbly person who was smart and strong-minded. Emily said: “It really took a lot to bring her down – she was a very strong-minded girl. She was very smart – she had her head screwed on more than most adults.
“We were both in the same primary school. When I had to move there I met Demi (and) I knew straight away that she was always going to be my best friend.
“She loved travelling to places to see friends, she loved drawing and baking things. There will never be another Demi – she was one of a kind.”
Demi’s friends have organised a balloon release in her memory which will be held at the Oasis Fields in Cwmbran on Saturday, February 21 at 2pm.
Gwent Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward to help with their investigation.
A statement reads: “Enquiries continue and anyone with relevant information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact us via our website, call 101 or DM us on our Facebook or X social media pages, quoting log reference 2600046163.”
Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
A person with dementia should be encouraged to be as independent as possible for as long as possible. If the person is in the early or mid-stages of the condition, they will still want to accomplish tasks and feel valuable. Here’s why you should encourage the person to be active and keep busy.
We often talk about the importance of staying active – getting out for a walk, seeing people, having a chat, eating well, and keeping the body moving. These may seem like small things, but they play a huge role in physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Sometimes people think, “What’s the point?” especially if mobility has become limited. For example, if a person can’t walk very far, and can only manage a slow walk around the block, they may not think it’s worth it. But even a five-minute walk around the block, or in the garden has benefits. It gets the heart pumping, muscles working, and gives the person a sense of purpose. Five minutes of movement is better than none.
Focus on what can be done
It’s all about the person doing what they can. A walk around the block, a trip to the corner shop for milk, or taking the dog out – all of these small actions help maintain independence and routine. You don’t have to do everything. Just doing a little bit of something makes a real difference.
So, if you’re supporting someone with dementia, encourage them to keep moving in small, manageable ways. A short stroll or carrying out a simple errand can boost confidence, improve health, and lift the spirits.
Even simple, everyday tasks can help someone with dementia feel capable and independent. Nicola Booton is a Dementia Adviser for Alzheimer’s Society in Warwickshire. She often visits people with dementia in their homes. Nicola says: ‘I remember visiting a woman at home, and she kindly offered me a drink. “Would you like tea or coffee?” she asked. I said coffee would be lovely. Then she paused and said, “I don’t know why I offered you coffee – I don’t know how to use the coffee machine. My husband bought it, and we don’t have any regular coffee.”
‘I reassured her that tea was perfect, and she agreed. Then she said, “You’ll have to bear with me – it might take me a bit longer to make it.”
Don’t take over tasks
Nicola adds: ‘It would have been easy to step in and say, “Don’t worry, I’ll do it.” But instead, I just stood nearby and said, “Would you like me to chat while you make the tea, or would it help if I stay quiet so you can think it through?” She replied, “If you don’t mind staying quiet, that’ll help me work out what I need to do.”
‘That small moment really showed the value of giving someone time and space,’ adds Nicola. ‘Yes, it might take five minutes instead of two, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that she did it herself. She made the tea, and she was really pleased with that.’
It’s a good reminder: encouraging independence, no matter how long something takes, can have a big impact on confidence and wellbeing. Sometimes, the best support is simply standing back and allowing someone to do things in their own time.
Synth artist Look Mum No Computer is described as “a bold and brave choice” to represent the UK.
Here’s who can claim the cash
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an alert about unclaimed funds worth ‘around £2,200’. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said in September an estimated 758,000 people had yet to claim their entitlement.
These savings accounts were set up under a scheme launched by a former Labour government in 2005. The Government made an initial contribution of £250, or £500, per child depending on family circumstances. Parents and carers could top up the account as they wished, with withdrawals not allowed until the child turned 18.
The tax-free long-term savings accounts were opened for every child born between September 1, 2002, and January 2, 2011. HMRC said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “Your child could have an average of £2,200 sitting unclaimed.
“If your child has recently turned 18, they may have a Child Trust Fund waiting for them. Find out if they qualify.” Information found by clicking a link included in the alert further explains that the funds are held with banks, building societies or other savings providers, remaining in the account until withdrawn or reinvested.
You can use an online Gov.uk service to locate their Child Trust Fund provider. After using the online tool, HMRC will send a letter containing the Child Trust Fund provider’s details, usually within three weeks of the initial enquiry.
If you haven’t received a response within six weeks, you should write a letter to HMRC and include your reference number if you have one. Parents can continue to contribute up to £9,000 annually to an existing Child Trust Fund account.
The funds belong to the child and they can only withdraw them when they turn 18.
They can assume control of the account when they reach 16. There’s no tax to pay on the Child Trust Fund income or any profit it generates, and it doesn’t affect any benefits you receive.