Paul and Fiona Henry’s 60th birthday celebration
– Saturday 2 August 2025
By Butterfly 1965
To show the need for change, Butler demonstrated the challenges she faces at the Downtown Hattiesburg Post Office. Themainentrancehasstairs,forcingher totakealongdetourtoabackramp.
Along the way, she struggled with cobblestone paths and still needed assistancetogetinside.“Thesearethings that we can think about improving so that we can all have inclusive access to buildings that we use on a daily basis,” shesaid.
The national competition will also feature a People’s Choice Award, with voting open until Aug. 22. Smiling, Butler pointed to herself as the one to votefor.
Father, son, and grandson unite in fight for life-saving kidney transplant
Despitethesetbacks,Ben tries to maintain a positive outlook and continuestobeasource of strength and encouragement to those around him. His determination to live isn’tjustforhimself—it’s forhiswife,hischildren, grandchildren, especially his grandson, whom he hopestoseegrowup.
Blake,Ben’sonlyson,hastaken
an active role in finding a solution. After learning he wasn’t a direct match, Blake immediately volunteered for a donorexchangeprogramcalled National Kidney Registry (NKR). In these types of programs,livingdonorsgivea kidney to a stranger in need, and in return, their loved one receives a compatible kidney from another donor in the chain. It’s a powerful act of sacrifice and strategy, offering hope to multiple families at once
University of Exeter honours Sharjah Ruler and expands Arab and Islamic Institute
The partnership builds on joint initiatives such as a marine science degree with the University of Khorfakkan,environmentalresearchinAlDhaid,and specialeducationprogrammeswithSharjahEducation Academy. Sheikh Sultan inaugurated a dedicated section at the Institute's library featuring his 118+ publications, alongside a wide-ranging historical archiveontheGulfregion.
He encouraged students to apply their knowledge in service of their communities. Professor Lisa Roberts andstudentspraisedHisHighness'svisionarysupport of education and long-standing commitment to the University.
She highlighted how their partnership has created valuable academic programmes and continues to supportresearchandstudentopportunitiesworldwide.
Midlands Media Awards set to return this year
AAirCommodoreSoniaPhythian
OBE ARRC KHN has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Birmingham City University (BCU) in recognition of her outstandingcontributiontopublic life and exemplary leadership in DefenceHealthcare.
A Veterans Charity Trustee, Air Cdre Phythian has enjoyed a trailblazingcareerspanningnearly three decades, holding a number ofseniorstrategicroleswithinthe Ministry of Defence and serving asHeadofRAFMedicalServices fortwoyearsfrom2022.Fromher roots as a Registered General Nurse in Lancashire, Air Cdre Phythian has commanded operations around the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan, andservedoverseasastheMedical Advisor to the Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas and Commander British Forces Cyprus during the COVID pandemic.
Reflectingontheaward,AirCdre Phythian said: “Receiving this Honorary Doctorate is a huge honour, and I feel pride and humility.
“My decision to train to become a nurse was the start of my journey - thirty years later,Icanreflectonavariedandfulfilled military nursing career.” BCU has a longstanding relationship with Defence Healthcare,hostingtheDefenceSchoolof Healthcare Education, which trains hundreds of military Nurses, Operating Department Practitioners, Radiographers, andAlliedHealthProfessionals.
In her role as Head of RAF Medical Services,AirCdrePhythianoversawmany of the RAF personnel who study and graduateatBCU.Inamessagetothenext generationof healthcareprofessionals,she said: “I hope receiving this award shows the next generation that all roles in healthcare can, and are, making a difference.
“It’simportanttorecognisethatthereisa place for everyone, and we all have something to offer. All who work in healthcare, regardless of role, are valued and needed to improve the patient’s experience.”
ShealsohasthefollowingadviceforBCU healthcare graduates: “Never forget there isapatient,aperson,attheendof allthat you do. Continue to be inspired to learn, be humble in all that you do, guard your integrity,andtakecareof yourself.
cityandthewiderregion through artwork in the terminal,creatingagreater sense of place for Birminghamandhisfans.” Osbourne died on Tuesday, July 22, just weeks after his last performanceatVillaPark Stadiuminfrontof40,000 fans.Hewas76.
The UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer just revealed her response to theIMFWEO(WorldEconomicOutlook).
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said: “The IMF’s forecasts show that the UK remains the fastest growing European economy in the G7despitetheglobaleconomicchallengeswearefacing.
“However, I am determined to unlock Britain's full potential, which is why we are investing billions of pounds through our Plan for Change - in jobs through better city region transport, record funding for affordable homes, as well as backing major projects like Sizewell C to drive economic growth and put more money into people'spockets.”
Anditcomesafterthepasttwo years, which have been full of challenges, tears, lessons, and growth.“Noneof thiswould’ve been possible without the supportof myteachers,friends, andfamily,”shesaid.“Ihaveto say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone close to me - for believinginme!
“And to everyone who have received their exam results recently, it’s a big ‘congratulations.Andremember, gradesarejustonepartofyour story. Your determination and resilience matter matter even more.
A first look at Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel in ‘Born With Teeth’ A first look at Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel in ‘BornWith Teeth’
Kericho Peace Festival inspires children with values, culture, and community spirit
Baja California Sur enforces new mandatory tourist tax for international visitors
