I know I write about the royals, but this from Aberfan today just broke me.
It’s from Diane Thomas, 78, a rescuer from the Red Cross who was only 18 at the time of the disaster, and spoke to Prince William.
She said: ‘The chapel had been converted into a mortuary so I spent three nights in the mortuary, bathing the children, to try and get slurry off their little faces so their parents could recognise them.
‘I took the anorak off one little boy, put my hand in his pocket and came out [with a note that] he’d had eight out of 10 for spelling. I’ve been trying all these years to think about how I can trace his mum. I can’t but I want to tell her because I was the last person to hold him and bathe him.’
This is why today is so important.
Helford to Porthallow today.. and the final stretch of the Cornish Coast Path. It's been fabulous and I've met some lovely people along the way. A few months off now to plan North Devon for next year.
The Christian community is not a refuge into which we withdraw in order to protect ourselves from our age. On the contrary, like the cathedrals of old, the Church is a place of welcome, respect, revelation, and meaning for everyone. The strength of a living Church lies in welcoming those on the peripheries who already have a place in her heart; welcoming those who are far away but in reality are already near; welcoming the stranger, in whom Christ is already knocking at the door. #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/bqNVwuLgeg
Imagine living suspended between two worlds: mourning and waiting, letting go and holding on, never knowing what comes next.
This is the daily reality for families of the missing: an endless state of uncertainty and hope intertwined.
They deserve clarity. They need answers.
🚨 Flash flood emergency in Rasuwa, Nepal 🚨
The @NepalRedCross has activated its emergency response teams, committed to immediate volunteer mobilization and dispatched relief supplies to the hardest‑hit communities.
The @IFRC is on standby, ready to support the National Society with critical resources and coordination.
Together we’re working fast to protect lives, evacuate vulnerable families, and restore safety along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.
@LucyGoBag Then several minutes for the English version to come through, I think the system needs to get both versions out at the same time or there'll be total panic!
Portloe to Portscatho (8miles) today on the SWCP... I've not.visited the Roseland Peninsular before and it's gorgeous.. one for a return visit once I've completed the rest of the coast path. Now in Truro for the evening.
❗Ukrainian Red Cross mobile health unit vehicle damaged in a Russian air strike in Novomykolaivka, #Zaporizhzhia region! No Ukrainian Red Cross staff members were injured. Our teams continue to provide primary healthcare services to communities despite ongoing risks. #NotATarget
The great Paul Gambaccini reveals he has Alzheimer’s. His response? “As Freddie Mercury once sang, you can’t turn back the clock, you can’t turn back the tide. Ain’t that a shame. There’s no denying it’s a serious condition with an uncertain future, but for now life goes on as normal and I continue to broadcast.” Magnificent.
'When you’re bringing people together, it doesn’t always need to be about overcoming differences. Put joy at the centre, and the connections will bubble up organically.''
Jake Puddle, director of research at British Future
Come on @itvnews it's not just the south of England that Andy Burnham has to win over - it's Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well. He is looking to be elected as UK Primeminister and not just England!