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IRISH Rail has announced the addition of extra services TODAY as thousands head to a sold-out Dublin concert.

Extra late-night services will now be available for those attending Lana Del Rey’s show.

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Lana Del Rey is set to take to the Aviva today for her biggest Irish show to date[/caption]

Alamy Stock Photo

The US singer will take to the stage at the Aviva Stadium today as part of her highly anticipated 2024 European tour.

Her Dublin show is the biggest Irish performance of her career and the tour also includes headline performances in London, Paris and Berlin.

In anticipation of major demand, Iarnród Éireann has now confirmed it will operate extra trains from Dublin to several destinations after the event.

They said: “Many large-scale concerts and sporting events are set to take place in Dublin and Cork over the summer months and Iarnród Éireann teams across the network are working hard.

“With big crowds travelling please arrive early and allow additional time to get to your event.  

“Always listen to and respect Iarnród Éireann customer experience teams on the ground to ensure safe and enjoyable experience for all.”

A 23:59 service will now depart Dublin Connolly for Belfast to serve passengers travelling north.

There will also be a 00:30 service to Galway from Heuston station for westbound concertgoers.

And an additional 00:40 train will run from Heuston to Cork, with a connection available for passengers heading to Limerick.

These extra services are part of a wider summer transport plan that is set to support major concerts and sporting fixtures in Dublin and Cork.

Iarnród Éireann also confirmed additional capacity will be available for upcoming shows at Malahide Castle, including performances by Duran Duran and Mumford & Sons.

Rail bosses are now encouraging passengers to book online in advance to secure seats and access the best fares.

Attendees are advised to arrive early, allow extra time for travel and follow guidance from on-site staff to ensure a safe journey.

They added: “Booking online well in advance offers the best value for money and ensures you have your ticket home as services sell out fast.”

NEW STATION PLANS

Meanwhile, commuters are set for a major boost as Irish Rail has introduced plans for a new train station in the Cabra area of Dublin.

Irish Rail recently announced that the new station would be located in the centre of Cabra, on the existing Phoenix Park Tunnel line, providing connections within the capital.

The new station is set to provide rail access for up to 26,000 people living within one km of the station.

It comes after a large number of locals asked for a new station at Cabra to be taken into consideration during the Dart+ South West project’s public consultation, which aims to increase the route’s service capacity and frequency.

After the study, Irish Rail has now proposed to progress the development of a new rail station in Cabra and will commence work on their planning application in early 2026.

If the plan is approved, the construction of the new station at Cabra will be delivered together with the Dart+ programme works.

SUE BARKER has returned to Wimbledon to inspect its grass, cakes and flowers.

Her return comes a year after her emotional Centre Court chat with Andy Murray.

X @Wimbledon

X @Wimbledon

She was checking that everything was in order for this year’s tournament[/caption]

The legendary sports presenter, 69, stopped working for the BBC after the 2022 Championships.

She had been the frontwoman for the TV channel for nearly three decades until deciding to retire from broadcasting.

One of Barker‘s key duties was interviewing the winners and losers after each singles final.

Normally, the tears would follow when she asked questions.

This was most notable from Roger Federer and Murray.

Twelve months ago, she interviewed Murray, 38, live on TV following his men’s doubles first-round defeat as the two-time singles champion said goodbye to Wimbledon fans.

Barker, who was replaced by safe pair-of-hands Clare Balding, has now filmed a funny social media video to promote the start of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships.

Sponsored by Emirates airline, staff at the All England Club are warned to await the arrival of “The Perfectionist”.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

Barker, the 1976 French Open champion, is filmed checking the height of the nets, the length of the grass, the colour of the flowers, the cleanliness of the staircase and the bounce of the balls on the courts.

In the two-minute clip, she is also seen giving pronunciation lessons to say Boris Becker and Bjorn Borg – both former champions – properly.

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She interviewed Andy Murray at the tournament last year[/caption]

And to round it off, she tastes the afternoon tea – strawberries and cream, caviar and champagne – while watching moments of her time on Centre Court 50 years ago.

The video ends with her saying: “Excellent service.

“I think we’re Championships ready.”

Wimbledon 2025 LIVE – follow all the latest scores and updates from a thrilling fortnight at SW19

TWO-TIME Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur broke down in tears and left the court in SW17.

The Tunisian, 30, appeared to be struggling in the soaring London temperatures as Britain basks in a heatwave.

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Ons Jabeur gets medical assistance during her match against Viktoriya Tomova[/caption]

Wimbledon 2025 LIVE – follow all the latest scores and updates from a thrilling fortnight at SW19

A medical timeout was called as Jabeur buried her head into a towel.

Medics immediately checked her blood pressure before removing the 2022 and 2023 finalist from court.

Her game on a packed out Court 14 with Viktoria Tomova was paused for 14 minutes while she sought attention.

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I LOVE telly – but there are so many apps asking for a chunk of my change every month, my bank can hardly keep up.

So I’ve tried five of the best TV streaming apps out there, in a bid to save you from paying over £220 a year on Netflix. It turns out that you can get thousands of channels, top Hollywood films, brilliant kids TV, and even The Graham Norton Show without paying a penny on telly subscriptions. I’m convinced that one has enough movies, you could even ditch Netflix.

Sean Keach

The Sun’s tech editor Sean Keach dives into the world of free telly – and finds some massive bargains[/caption]

Sean Keach

Even paid-for apps are showing ads these days – so you might as well be watching telly for free[/caption]

The catch is that all of these apps will show you ads – either during live telly or midway through on-demand content.

But regular TV has been showing ads for decades, and the entry-level memberships for Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video all do the same – only with a monthly fee attached too.

So here are some of the best free TV app options out there right now. Maybe you can even cancel your £19-a-month Netflix plan (that’s £228 a year)!

Free TV app #1 – Pluto TV

What is it?

Pluto is one of the big names in free streaming, and it’s got a vast library of content. It’s also available on plenty of devices.

How easy to get set up?

You’re asked to accept or reject some privacy settings with one click – and that’s it. I was watching telly within seconds. 

You don’t need to create an account or add a credit card, and you’re whisked straight into the TV guide. You can scroll through channels or head into the menu for on-demand telly.

How much content is there?

In the UK, Pluto TV has somewhere between 100 and 150 channels – and upwards of 20,000 hours of on-demand telly.

What are the best bits?

For live channels, there’s reality TV (Geordie OGs, Catfish, Teen Mom), sports (UFC, Fifa+), and great kids options including channels for Teletubbies, Bob the Builder, and Arthur.

You also get some classic American telly channels focused on shows like South Park, Judge Judy, and CSI. Plus there’s an entire “paranormal” section. Spooky.

On-demand is a mixed bag, but for TV you’ve got Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and Dog the Bounty Hunter. For movies, you get Cameron Diaz’s What Happens in Vegas, David Bowie’s Labyrinth, and classic horror Halloween.

Parental Controls

Sean Keach

Pluto TV has a decent selection of live TV channels and on-demand telly[/caption]

Sean Keach

Your viewing will be interrupted by ads – that’s the price you pay for free TV[/caption]

It’s not very granular. There’s simply a kids mode that blocks content, locked behind a four-digit PIN. It’s workable but could be better.

Verdict: The live channels are great. On-demand has some gems, but there’s a lot of rubbish to wade through. 

We tried it on an Apple TV box.

Free TV app #2 – Xumo Play

What is it?

Sean Keach

Xumo Play is a good option for background telly[/caption]

Xumo is an American TV company based in California and part-operated by Comcast – but it’s available for Brits too.

How easy to get set up?

The app was already right there on my Sky Stream box – and it took seconds to get in and start watching.

How much content is there?

Xumo Play has north of 75 channels in the UK, with a claimed catalogue of over 15,000 movies and TV shows.

What are the best bits?

There’s a good selection of reality TV channels, including Cheaters, Homes Under the Hammer, World’s Wildest Police Videos, and Mythbusters.

And sports fans might enjoy World Poker Tour or Sky Sports Classics.

Sean Keach

The app is even available on Sky TV platforms[/caption]

Sean Keach

The selection of movies isn’t exactly inspiring – but you might find some cheesy fun[/caption]

For on-demand viewing, the catalogue of movies is very obscure. I struggled to find a single movie that I recognised – but that might make for a laugh if you’ve got pals round.

TV was slightly better with 12 seasons of Unsolved Mysteries, plus five seasons of Andromeada for sci-fi fans. But the mix isn’t great.

Parental Controls

I couldn’t find any parental controls in the app. That’s something to keep in mind if you have kids.

Verdict: Xumo Play is perfectly fine for a bit of background telly. It’s the sort of thing you stick on with friends round while you chat. Just don’t plan your Friday night around it.

We tried it on a Sky Stream box.

Free TV app #3 – Tubi (TOP PICK FOR FILMS)

What is it?

A major US player that recently launched in the UK, Tubi is the best option for movies – so it’s the Netflix killer on the list.

Sean Keach

Tubi is a movie lover’s dream – especially if you’re on a budget[/caption]

How easy to get set up?

You make a privacy setting choice, and the app loads up straight away. You don’t need to sign up, log in, or add any financial details to start watching.

How much content is there?

In the UK, Tubi serves up somewhere in the region of 40,000 movies and TV episodes.

Sean Keach

You’ll want Tubi loaded up for movie night[/caption]

That’s impressive since the launch roster was half that when Tubi debuted in Britain in July 2024.

What are the best bits?

You’ve got some movie night classics like Memento, Elysium, The Girl Next Door, and several Resident Evil movies.

There’s also Bad Neighbours 1 and 2, the 2016 Ghostbusters, District 9, and ‘90s cult classic Cruel Intentions.

THere’s some captivating reality telly, including Masterchef UK, Cheaters, Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, and Jerry Springer.

And as a bonus treat, you’ll also find The I.T. Crowd and all nine seasons of Peep Show on Tubi too.

Parental Controls

You can set up parental controls on the website, allowing you to choose specific content levels. It’s a rare level of detail for parents, so this is a big upside.

Sean Keach

Tubi is constantly adding new content to its library[/caption]

Verdict: This is the movie night app. It’s quick to start, has loads of top flicks, and a decent selection of on-demand binge-worthy TV too. Just keep in mind there are no live telly channels (unlike in the US).

We tried it on an Apple TV box.

Free TV app #4 – Rakuten TV

What is it?

Owned by a Japanese tech giant, Rakuten TV has both live channels and on-demand telly too.

Sean Keach

Rakuten is where you’ll be able to find The Graham Norton Show re-runs[/caption]

How easy to get set up?

Once you pick your privacy settings, you’re straight in. No sign up or credit cards – just instant telly.

How much content is there?

In the UK, Rakuten offers more than 150 channels, plus over 10,000 movies and TV episodes.

What are the best bits?

For on-demand, you’ve got some fun content for kids, including Postman Pat The Movie, Barbie Dreamtopia: Festival of Fun, and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.

There’s also After Earth, Gone Girl, and Mile 22, which tick the action or thriller boxes.

There are Baywatch, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Ninja Warrior channels.

Sean Keach

Gordon Ramsay fans will be able to enjoy Hell’s Kitchen USA on Rakuten too[/caption]

But the highlight is probably the dedicated The Graham Norton Show channel.

Parental Controls

There weren’t any parental controls in the version of the app that I tested.

Verdict: Great for Graham Norton re-runs, and some good child-friendly movie options too.

We tried it on an Apple TV box.

Free TV app #5 – Plex TV (TOP PICK FOR LIVE TV)

What is it?

Plex began life as a way to stream your own saved media files (like a home movie) to your TV. But now it offers free telly supported by ads.

How easy to get set up?

Sean Keach

Plex started out as a home streaming app – but it’s now a free Netflix rival[/caption]

I click the app open, choose my ad privacy consent, and then free telly materialises before my very eyes.

How much content is there?

Plex promises more than 600 TV channels in the UK, plus north of 50,000 on-demand movies and TV shows.

What are the best bits?

There are loads of live TV channels, including Fear Factor, Pointless, Fifa+, and Baywatch – plus Arthur, Mr Bean, and Smurf TV for the kids.

It’s live TV where Plex has the edge.

The on-demand selection is OK: you get Hell’s Kitchen, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes on the telly front.

And on-demand movies include The Boondock Saints, Big Momma’s House, and Jumper.

Sean Keach

Plex has plenty of movies and TV shows on offer[/caption]

Parental Controls

I couldn’t find any parental controls on the TV version of the app.

Verdict: Plex has a top-notch selection of live TV channels – but the on-demand library is extremely forgettable.

We tried it on an Apple TV box.

Sean Keach

I tested the TV apps using Sky Stream and Apple TV plug-in boxes[/caption]

Sean Keach

Sky Stream is just one way to watch free TV apps – but most smart TVs and streaming gadgets offer the same selection of services too[/caption]

DUNNES Stores fans are rushing to buy funky new trousers for summer after they landed on racks.

The Gallery Leopard Side Stripe Trousers are available in stores and online now.

They are priced at just €25 and come in sizes 8 to 18.

Dunnes said: “These printed trousers are a bold addition to your wardrobe.

“Cut to a comfortable wide-leg with plenty of built-in stretch, they feature an elasticated waistband, side pockets, and two sporty side stripes.

“Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”

The trousers are easy to style and could be paired with a white, black or red top.

They can also be dressed up with heels or worn with trainers for casual days.

Meanwhile, a fashion fan has created a gorgeous summer outfit using items from Dunnes Stores – and the whole thing cost just €50.

Warmer weather means the perfect opportunity to step out in style and make use of lighter colours and softer fabrics.

Beige, whites, and creams are all popular for the likes of garden parties or family events.

And fashion-obsessed Yvonne O’Connor has found the ideal outfit for bargain prices.

The style queen recently took to Instagram to show off her buys.

Posting under @stridetostyle, Yvonne posts all things affordable fashion.

In a new video, she posed in the Gallery Alba Cornelli Top from Dunnes Stores paired with the Gallery Lyocell Blend Utility Trousers.

Yvonne said: “Gorgeous. I wasn’t expecting it to be as nice actually.

“It’s really lovely, I love that little embroidered stitching on it.

“And I forgot to mention you have buttons the whole way down at the back.

“Trousers are extremely comfortable, they’re elasticated at the back, flat at the front, with pockets.

“For €50 I think you’ve a very classy looking outfit.”

The Gallery blouse is priced at €25 and can be found in sizes 8 up to 18.

And it’s available in two colours, blue and cream.

According to Dunnes Stores: “Cut to a lightweight, boxy fit, this top from Gallery features a flattering v-neckline for a touch of allure, and voluminous sleeves that create a sense of movement.

“It is intricately adorned with all-over abstract embroidery.

“Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”

The trousers also cost €25 and are available in sizes 8 up to 18, although size 18 has sold out online.

They can be found in ivory and green.

DANIELLE Lloyd has shown off her huge new home and joked that building it has been “harder than childbirth”. 

The TV star, 41, took to Instagram to share progress of the build and revealed her massive swimming pool. 

Instagram

Instagram

Instagram

Mum-of-five Danielle’s snap showed builders still hard at work on the impressive property and told fans that they’ll be able to move in soon. 

She said: “Building this place has been the craziest adventure—harder than childbirth, for sure! 

“But look at what we’ve created so far… so proud and so excited to finally live in our dream home. Just a little more patience and blood sweat & tears and it’ll be all ours!”

Danielle, who is married to Michael O’Neill, was flooded with comments from followers. 

One wrote: “Your new home is absolutely stunning. Can’t wait to see the end project.”

Someone else said: “Stunning! Will be worth every stress.”

And a third added: “What a dream. Congratulations.”

Danielle shares sons Archie, George, and Harry with ex-husband Jamie O’Hara, while she and Michael are parents to Ronnie and Autumn Rose. 

It’s been a tough year for the former model, who was diagnosed with skin cancer in February. 

Danielle is now cancer free but she previously revealed fears she’d die. 

She told The Sun: “Being a mum, I was trying to put a brave face on for everyone, but inside I’ve been crumbling. 

“I was worried every single day that I was going to die. 

“I’ve been through a lot in my life and I’m a strong person but just looking at my kids and worrying that I wouldn’t be there for them.”

Instagram

JAMES Norton bravely opened up to Glastonbury festival goers about his heartbreaking split with his celebrity ex.

The Happy Valley star, 39, also revealed how this actress actually dumped HIM.

TikTok/@lifebylauraa

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The Happy Valley star split from fiancée Imogen Poots last year after six years[/caption]

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The actor revealed how Imogen had dumped him[/caption]

James made the big revelation during a Glastonbury talk at the weekend.

Speaking on the stage as revellers watched on, the actor talked about his break-up with actress Imogen Poots.

“This is going to sound ridiculous but I got broken up with and it was massive,” James shared.

“We should rename this talk Heartbreak and it was on Heartbreak Therapy.”

Continuing, he said: “I was a year and a half ago and I’m feeling great.

“But out of that massive change… I’m so sad. It’s very f**king sad.”

Revealing how he was broken up with by Imogen, James said: “But it happened in a very abrupt way and it happened to me and my life just permanently shifted, completely changed direction.

“And I thought I lost the person but I also lost the life that I was about to lead and the kids that we named and all that kind of stuff.

“And actually in the last year and a half I have gone through the most monumental change as a result.

“And I feel like I’ve grown up. I feel like I’ve become a man. It’s mad.

“It’s like I’m 38 years old and I suddenly feel like I’ve grown up.”

Talking about how he got over the split, he told festival goers: “I found some friends, relationships, the outpouring of love from my family, the people around me was amazing.

“I ended up going to a Buddhist retreat in the south of France called Plum Village.

“It’s the best place in the world. And I went because I was in this pit of pain and now I have this community.

“It’s a Zen Buddhist community. It’s amazing. And if you haven’t gone, really look it up because it really does change your life. But so much has been born from that massive radical change.

“So I know you wanted positive. Well that is positive.”

The Sun revealed the former couple’s split in February last year after six years together

A source said: “James and Imogen have extremely busy work lives and it has made it difficult for them to see each other.

“They grew apart and split up last year.

“It hasn’t been easy for either of them but they are keeping their heads down and getting on with things.”

The couple got together after James’s two-year romance with Irish actress and singer Jessie Buckley ended in 2017.

James previously spoke about juggling his hectic work life with his relationship, and said: “It comes at a cost because you don’t see each other a lot.

“But we are willing to pay that for the benefit of having someone in your life close to you who gets it, who is forgiving, who will give up their Sunday to do an annoying self-tape (audition).”

MOVING ON

It comes after The Sun revealed earlier this month how James had been caught snogging Lily Allen at Lido festival in London.

One onlooker told us: “James and Lily looked very into each other and they were snogging backstage.

“We were all quite surprised to see them there together, let alone kissing.

“I don’t think they’ve even known each other that long, but it was a fun hang-out backstage and they got taken away by the vibe.”

Eroteme

James Norton was recently caught snogging Lily Allen[/caption]

A WOMAN has revealed she’s had to take drastic measures to stop her ”sad and nosy” neighbour from peeking into her garden.

The furious woman and TikToker only known as @buddalove claimed that before the neighbour moved in ”life was great”.

TikTok / @buddalove

The woman claimed that ‘life was great’ before the neighbours moved in[/caption]

TikTok / @buddalove

The neighbours have now also started looking over the fence by standing ”on something” for a better view[/caption]

However, now the property next door has become home to a ”single mum, living with her mum”, as well as a child.

According to the frustrated woman, who’s also managed to take a snap of the neighbours peeking from their windows, they spend ”every evening staring at us and looking over when sitting with hubby quietly to a drink”.

Although the TikToker has allegedly ”reported” the ”annoying” issue, the nuisance hasn’t stopped.

The furious woman also added that she’s tried knocking on their door to see what the issue is – however, she doesn’t want to cause any further problems for herself.

Budda Love explained: ”I would love to knock on her door but I don’t wanna get done for harassment.

”I do shout out every time when I catch them! Madness.

”Life was great until she moved in.”

It’s not just windows that the family take a sneak peek through – according to the social media users, the neighbours have now also started looking over the fence by standing ”on something” for a better view.

”We started doing rituals against them so they watch a better show,” she chuckled in a recent video.

But while some suggested buying a pergola or planting trees, the woman revealed that she’s come up with a new solution – and one that means she can sunbathe in peace.

To block their view as much as possible, Budda Love has since resorted to ‘wasting’ her bed sheets – which she’s set up as a DIY tent.

Fuming, she said: ”F****g sad, nosy neighbours. Wasted my clean sheets.”

Social media users react

The video – which many said they could relate to – has since taken the platform by storm, amassing close to a whopping 300k views and 294k likes in just two days.

More than 130 people also flooded to comments, where many suggested their solutions – some more hilarious and bizarre than others.

One joked: ”You should take the sheets away, turn your chairs round to face them….and sit there and watch them watching you all evening.”

Another chimed in: ”I can relate!”

Someone else chuckled: ”you should start doing random things in your back garden like wear black robes with a hood and start doing pretend satanic rituals with candles and freak them out lol.”

A fourth advised: ”get rid of the concrete, plant some trees nobody overlooks you then.”

PEPPA Pig’s baby Evie pig will be taking to the stage for the first time at Butlin’s, alongside a new show from McFly stars.

Butlin’s will be launching four new live family shows on its Showtime Term-Time breaks in 2026.

Butlin's

Butlin’s will be launching four new live family shows on its Showtime Term-Time breaks in 2026[/caption]

PA

One of the shows will include baby Evie pig’s first stage appearance[/caption]

For the first time, baby Evie Pig from Peppa Pig will take the stage as her big sister Peppa plans a special picnic.

Alongside the show’s much-loved characters appearing, there will also be singing and dancing.

McFly stars Dougie Poynter and Tom Fletcher will also have their story of ‘The Dinosaur that Pooped a Rock Show’ hit the stage as a high-energy musical.

Danny and Dino’s Rockin’ Adventure! will feature catchy songs by the duo and have lots of silly fun – including poo – which is a theme of the storybooks due to the dinosaur’s unusual appetite.

The third show – which will launch over the Easter break – is from Butlin’s Skyline Gang and is called Imagine That!

The show follows the gang who are dreaming big and imagining a world where anything is possible, with each member exploring their dream job.

The fourth show is a new original production called Theatre of Rock, with hits from SIX, Tina and music icons including Queen, Bowie and U2.

The show will start in February half-term.

There are a number of shows returning too, including Jack & The Beanstalk and Animals & Mythical Beasts.

For families with children aged five and under, a four-night Showtime Term-Time Midweek break costs from as little as £39 for a family of four.

Mike Godolphin, entertainment director at Butlin’s, said: “We’re excited to be bringing our own West End-quality productions alongside every tot’s favourite characters to all three resorts, with Evie Pig in our new Peppa Pig show and The Dinosaur that Pooped. 

“We’re confident our guests will love our brand-new shows, and what’s even better is that they are all included in the price of our breaks, alongside our incredible pools, fairgrounds, playgrounds and soft play.

“Our Showtime breaks offer fantastic value for money with four nights of family fun filled with non-stop daytime activities, West End quality entertainment and so much more.

“It’s the perfect holiday for a family with kids five and under.”

Butlin's

All the shows are included in the price of Butlin’s breaks, alongside pools, fairgrounds, playgrounds and soft play[/caption]

Showtime Term-Time midweek breaks in 2025 shows currently include Snow White and Her Magnificent Friends, Peppa’s Circus Celebration, The Butlin’s Party Show Hosted by Mister Maker and Skyline Gang Beside the Sea.

Butlin’s is also offering up to 40 per cent off breaks in 2025 and 2026, when booked by July 1.

Butlin’s also recently launched a new mega sale with four-night stays for £9.75 each per night.

Plus, one woman tried out Butlin’s new all-inclusive holidays where food and drink is free – and found it was better value than a Spanish resort.

Alamy

Fan favourites will also be returning for the 2026 breaks[/caption]

A MUM is issuing a harrowing warning to fellow parents to look out for a certain warning sign after her teenage daughter was diagnosed with a “silent killer”.

Eva Rainey would spend most evenings in her room doing art and homework – but the 16-year-old’s routine was hiding a life-threatening secret.

Jam Press/Sarcoma UK

Eva Rainey (right) was diagnosed with a ‘silent killer’ which mum Jennifer (left) is now raising awareness for[/caption]

Jam Press/Sarcoma UK

Eva’s only symptom was a lump the size of a grapefruit that developed in her back[/caption]

Jam Press/Sarcoma UK

Without treatment, Eva only has five years left to live[/caption]

A lump, the size of a grapefruit, had developed in her back; which had gone unnoticed.

The teenager, from Somerset, shrugged it off and thought it’d disappear on its own.

But after a few weeks, it was still there.

Eva, who had no other symptoms, was diagnosed with a “silent killer” form of cancer.

And it’s estimated that without treatment, of which there’s little-to-none available, she only has five years left to live.

“It feels as if cancer has stolen not only Eva’s, but our lives and future, too,” the teenager’s mum, Jennifer, 48, said.

“Everything is so uncertain right now.

“We’re trying not to think in terms of years and dates, but rather on her quality of life.

“It’s really exhausting, though.

“I just thought the back pain she had complained of was because she was sitting at her desk for far too long doing art and homework.

“For a long time, there had been no visible lump at all – and when one appeared, it was tiny.

“I never dreamed it could be cancer.

“I fear how the disease will progress and not knowing is equally frightening.

“We still talk about Eva’s future, but we have conversations about death and funerals, too.”

Eva’s diagnosis

Eva was diagnosed with sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma, an aggressive form of soft tissue cancer.

It’s characterised by small, round tumours that recur and spread rapidly to other parts of the body.

Symptoms are usually far and few between.

It’s so rare that there is little data recorded on how many cases there are worldwide, according to the National Cancer Institute.

For Eva, her limited treatment options have dwindled and now, it’s spread across her entire body.

Her mum, Jennifer, has had to give up her career as a teacher to care for her daughter full-time.

For now, we’re just going to keep living until we stop

Jennifer Rainey

She said: “It’s been awful. “Just one terrible revelation after another.

“It was agonising to learn that she needed chemotherapy, but then being told it wouldn’t work.

“They feared it’d be inoperable, but we found a surgeon who could do it.

“We live with uncertainty and this burden on us daily.

“For now, we’re just going to keep living until we stop.”

Uncertain future

Eva currently has cancer in her bones; specifically in her leg, spine, scapula and hips.

She’s had to undergo surgery to have parts of her ribs and spine removed to extract as much of the disease as possible.

To give his daughter the best chance of life, Paul – a molecular biologist – has drawn on his contacts in the industry to help.

A drug, which is used in the US to treat cancer patients of this type, was given to Eva on a “compassionate use” basis.

Due to the lack of clinical proof that it worked, though, this was then stopped.

Paul is now raising money to help fund research into finding a cure, including a 1,000-mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Jam Press/Sarcoma UK

Eva was diagnosed with sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma – a rare form of soft tissue cancer[/caption]

Jam Press/Sarcoma UK

Eva currently has cancer in her bones, specifically in her leg, spine, scapula and hips.[/caption]

Jam Press/Sarcoma UK

Her dad Paul is now raising money to help fund research into finding a cure, including a 1,000-mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groat[/caption]

He added: “The rarity of Eva’s cancer type means her future is uncertain.

“We live in hope that something new will come along from clinical research and save our little girl’s life.

“It would be great to raise some money so that some clinical trials could take place – if not for Eva, but for someone in the future.

“If you saw her, you’d think there was nothing wrong – she’s like every other teenager.

“But we’re in a situation now where things are just going to keep going downhill and there’s nothing we can do.

“It’s been an absolute rollercoaster.

“Eva just keeps going, though. “She still goes to school and is in her first year of GCSEs.

“And has hope for the future.

“We don’t want to take that from her.”

Sarcoma UK is funding two research projects to understand the biology behind the rare form of cancer to find a cure.

Emily Williams, from the charity’s research team, said: “SEF is an ultra-rare cancer where clinicians are working almost blind – they don’t have the molecular roadmaps or biomarkers that could help predict which treatments might work for which patients.

“Instead of the trial-and-error approach faced – trying immunotherapy, then Pazopanib, with no way to predict their effectiveness, future families could have precision medicine tailored to their child’s specific tumour biology.

“These projects represent the detailed scientific work that could mean the difference between hope and answers for the next young person diagnosed with an ultra-rare sarcoma.”