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DEAR DEIDRE: KIDNEY dialysis has given my wife a second chance at life but I feel like mine is over. She’s 58 and I’m 60.

She had been unwell for a while and a routine blood test revealed her kidneys weren’t functioning properly.

Now she has to use a kidney dialysis machine at home four days a week for four hours each time.

Because of this schedule, she’s had to give up work. But she’s also given up doing anything around the house.

All she does now is watch TV, knit, or snoop on the neighbours out of the window.

She never wants to go out. When I suggested a drink in our local pub, she just laughed.

I work full-time. I’m tired when I get home but before I can relax, I have to cook dinner for both of us and tidy up the mess she’s made during the day.

My weekends are spent tackling the housework and the laundry.

She also needs help to change her dressings and to shower.

I could cope with all of this if I got any affection in return but she treats me like a live-in carer.

She never touches me, has lost all interest in sex and we sleep in separate bedrooms.

The only texts I get from her are reminders to pick up her pills.

I feel guilty saying this because she’s not well but I don’t know how much longer I can do this.

DEIDRE SAYS:  Caring for another person, even a person you love very much, is incredibly hard.

It’s common to feel resentment, stress or guilt.

Talking to a sympathetic pal or relative will help you let off steam.

You might feel your wife is well enough to do housework but chronic kidney disease often causes fatigue, or anaemia which leaves people feeling exhausted.

It might be worth talking to her GP about her tiredness.

Also, reach out to Kidney Care UK (kidneycareuk.org, 0808 801 00 00).

It is a kidney patient support charity providing advice, help and financial assistance.

Have you told your wife how you’re feeling?

She’s probably been so caught up in her health struggles that she doesn’t realise the impact they are having on you.

Is there any reason why you can’t share a bed again, for instance?

Tell her how you miss being close to her – you may find that she feels the same.

DEAR DEIDRE: I’M booked in to have surgery to remove a cataract but I’m so scared I’m tempted to cancel.

At 70 I need the operation because my eyesight is so blurry and I can no longer drive at night.

But as the surgery date looms, my fears are getting worse.

What if the doctor has an “off” day and I go blind?

What if the anaesthetic doesn’t work?

I told my wife how scared I was, hoping she’d reassure me. But she just said she’d be terrified too.

DEIDRE SAYS: Do not cancel the operation. It is understandable to feel anxious before surgery.

Doctors have a lot of training on how to look after nervous patients, so you should find they soothe your fears.

If you are still worried, ask if a nurse could hold your hand during the operation.

Cataract operations usually last between 30 and 45 minutes and are painless. You’ll be fine.

If you worry a lot in everyday life, my support pack Living With Anxiety will help.

A member of the iconic 1980s band Depeche Mode left a whopping £46 million in his will.

Andy Fletcher who was the keyboard player for the band that was formed in 1980 died in May 2022.

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Depeche Mode has sold 100 million records worldwide and continues to tour[/caption]

Rex

Probate records show that he left the majority of his net estate of £46,801,903 to his wife Grianne and their children Megan and Joe.

The musician has been with his wife for 29 years before his sudden death.

Fletcher had been due to start recording the band’s 15th album six weeks after he died from an aortic dissection at his home in London.

The 60-year-old co-founded the electronic music band from Essex.

He played alongside Dave Gahan, Martin Gore and Vince Clarke.

Fletcher met Gore in sixth form at Nicholas Comprehensive which they attended with fellow 80s icon Alison Moyet.

Despite leaving school to be an insurance clerk, he soon turned his attentions fully towards music and helping establish the band.

Together they sold 100 million records worldwide with 54 songs in the UK singles chart and 17 top-ten albums.

Their hit singles included New Life, Enjoy the Silence and Just Can’t Get Enough.

Depeche Mode continues to perform but only with Gahan and Gore taking to the stage.

At the end of 2020, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where Fletcher last spoke publicly alongside his bandmates.

Despite Gahan and Gore continuing their work with the band, Fletcher is never far away.

Speaking to The Guardian, Gahan said: “I keep expecting to hear him outside my room.

“Or smell him lighting a cigarette. ‘Put that f***ing thing out, Fletch! I’ve got to sing later!'”

Throughout the years, Fletcher ended up adopting the role of business man and spokesperson for the band.

Depeche Mode did not always have a full-time manager so Fletcher took care of the band’s legal affairs and other business needs in the music industry, which he later admitted he found fascinating.

He would also be the one to announce new albums, tours, or any other band news.

At the time of his death the band said they were “shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate.”

They added that Fletcher had a “heart of gold.”

He was “always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh or a cold pint.”

PA

Martin Gore (left) and Dave Gahan (middle) continue to tour and released their 15th album after Fletcher’s death[/caption]

AP:Associated Press

Gore and Fletcher met at sixth form where they studied alongside 80s icon Alison Moyet[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

January 25, 2025 at 1:49 PM IST A Reddit user claimed he was denied a US visa after revealing he ...

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A FLORIDA man has been arrested after cops accused him of making “violent” threats against President Donald Trump on social media.

Shannon Atkins, 46, allegedly wrote on Facebook a day before Trump’s inauguration: “America needs one good bullet to be saved.”

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Shannon Atkins has been arrested after cops accused him of making threats against President Donald Trump on social media[/caption]

AP

AFP

West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo said the posts showed a ‘violent rhetoric’[/caption]

Several others disturbing online posts were also uncovered from January 19, according to West Palm Beach police.

Reportedly referencing the Republican, one said: “I’ve been banned from X because I said I hope and pray someone kills him.

“History is supposed to repeat itself. We haven’t had an assassination in years.”

A further concerning post from the same account allegedly belonging to Atkins read: “Bullets please. Please Jesus! Save America”.

The caption was in response to an image of a meme which described inauguration day as a “day of mourning for USA”.

Shortly before his eventual arrest, Atkins also reposted a meme showing Trump with his late first wife Ivanka.

A line above the image read: “I hope they get back together soon.”

West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo said at a news conference: “That gives you a flavor of some of the posts that this gentleman posted.”

He added that the posts showed a “violent rhetoric”.

Atkins was caught and detained on Friday night after a tip off to the FBI threat center, police said in a news release.

He was tracked down at around 7:30pm as officers conducted a traffic stop.

He was in possession of three bags of cocaine at the time of his arrest, officers said.

Along with the drug charge he also faces one count of written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism which is a second-degree felony.

He was being held without bond as of Saturday at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Main Detention Center.

Atkins allegedly admitted he was behind the social media posts but claimed he was “joking”.

Police chief Araujo responded by saying: “Folks, this is not a joke. Nothing of that sort is a joke.

“In today’s climate, you really can’t say things like this.

“We have incident after incident, example after example of when these threats become real. And we take these very seriously.”

Facebook/@Shannon Atkins

Atkins – seen here supporting Kamala Harris – has voted Democratic since 2008, according to registration records[/caption]

Facebook/@Shannon Atkins

One of the alleged posts sent to the FBI as a tip[/caption]

Atkins is believed to live just a few miles from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach.

He has voted Democratic since 2008, according to registration records.

The Secret Service are now set to determine whether they pursue additional, federal charges, West Palm Beach police said.

It comes as a second man has also been arrested over alleged threats to Trump’s life.

The FBI said 23-year-old Douglas Thrams from Goshen, Indiana made a series of TikTok videos urging attacks on the government.

In one, Thrams said Trump needed to be killed, according to an FBI agent in a court filing.

He has been charged with using interstate commerce to make threats.

The FBI and Secret Service have been on high alert for months after Trump was the victim of two separate assassination plots in 2024.

One saw the president shot in the ear by shooter Thomas Crooks at a pre-election rally in Pennsylvania.

A second attempt on his life was narrowly avoided when Ryan Routh was seen by a Secret Service agent hiding in the bushes with a rifle at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida.

KELSEY Parker’s whirlwind romance with her new man has taken a huge step – as she moves on from husband Tom’s death.

The Wanted singer – who she shares two children with – died following a battle with brain cancer at the age of 33.

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Kelsey Parker has taken a huge step in her whirlwind romance[/caption]

Click News and Media

She has been dating tree surgeon Will Lindsay since last year[/caption]

being_kelsey/Instagram

Her husband Tom Parker died in 2022 – aged just 33[/caption]

Last September, Kelsey shared her new relationship with tree surgeon Will Lindsay, 27, after posting a loved-up snap of them together.

It is unknown when exactly their romance began, although the pair initially kept things discreet before going public.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Kelsey revealed how they met on a night out in Kent.

She said: “I just met him authentically when I was out, which is what I always wanted to do.

“I was just out with my friends, and we met, and it’s really nice. I’m so happy.”

After being asked who made the first move, she answered: “I think it was a mutual feeling between us.

“I don’t know, it was just very [unexpected].

“Obviously I wasn’t expecting to find anyone, and he’s literally just swept me off my feet.”

An insider said at the time: “Will and Kelsey really hit if off earlier this year and he has been incredibly supportive of her.

“He helped her at a recent charity football match for Tom Parker and has attended other events with.

“She hasn’t been shy about their romance and they pair looked very loved up at a gala last week.”

More recently, Kelsey revealed her and Will’s next big step – welcoming a baby to their lives.

The 34-year-old shared her good news nearly three years on from Tom‘s death.

Kelsey told The Mirror: “Tom and I always said we wanted four – but  life had other plans. So yes, this is amazing but also bittersweet.

“I’ve felt every emotion under the sun.

“I’m still getting my head around  it but I’m so excited. I just want everyone to be as happy as I am.”

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Kelsey and Will went public last September[/caption]

7 Відомий український співак та військовослужбовець Віталій Козловський публічно привітав свою дружину Юлію Бакуменко з днем ​​народження. У п’ятницю, 24 січня, піарниці виповнюється 37 років. На своїй сторінці в інстаграмі у розділі сторіз 39-річний артист зробив репост святкового допису іменинниці, де вона тримала на руках їхнього сина Оскара. У підписі до кадру Бакуменко подякувала всім за […]

WESTLIFE star Nicky Byrne’s fans were left “crying” after he made a “crazy” discovery of his dad.

The Dubliner’s father, Nicky Senior, passed away suddenly in 2009 from a heart attack at 60-years-old, leaving his family devastated.

Instagram / @nickybyrneinsta

Instagram / @nickybyrneinsta

Fans were blown away by his ‘touching’ discovery[/caption]

Nicky shared to his Instagram today that he found an image of his father just five months before his passing.

The singer revealed that while exploring “Kildare Street/School House Lane” on Google Maps, he unexpectedly came across the picture.

Nicky’s father was captured at the end of the street, outside his workplace, watching as the Google car drove past.

The 46-year-old shared the recording of the map to his Instagram and wrote: “Found my dad on Google maps outside his job in June 2009, enjoying the Dublin sunshine.”

He then added: “Crazy but great to see again. This is Summer 2009 and five months before my dad passed.

“Here he is standing on the corner of Kildare Street/School House Lane probably wondering what the hell that Google Car with all the cameras is driving past. @googlemaps.”

Nicky’s fans and friends were blown away by his discovery.

Helen said: “Aww what a special moment for you Nicky.”

Louise wrote: “That’s so lovely, special memories for you Nicky.”

Zen commented: “What are the chances! I’m crying.”

Andrew said: “Frozen in time, absolutely brilliant.”

Another added: “I’ve gotten goosebumps watching this.”

Westlife lads Nicky and Shane Filan recently enjoyed a romantic double date with their wives.

The Irish stars closed the curtain on their Wild Dreams tour in South Korea after a string of dates around the globe.

After a hectic year, the singers finally returned home in December to Ireland to spend Christmas with their families.

DOUBLE DATE

However, it wasn’t long before the long-time pals were back hanging out after the tour.

Nicky and Shane headed to the beautiful five-star Adare Manor in Limerick with their wives.

Taking to Instagram, Shane’s wife Gillian posted a picture of the two couples posing in front of a festive staircase in the hotel.

The happy couples looked loved up as they wrapped their arms around each other and beamed for the photo.

Shane looked handsome in a smart black dress coat, a brown cable-knit jumper and a pair of black trousers.

While Nicky rocked a black high neck knitted sweater and a pair of grey pants.

Nicky’s wife Georgina donned a stunning sparkly halter neck smock dress, while Gillian wore a velvet maxi dress with unique gold buttons.

SUNDERLAND star Jobe Bellingham is being chased by two German giants.

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen sent scouts to watch the midfielder, 19,  in the Championship promotion-chasers’ win at Derby on Tuesday.

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Jobe Bellingham could be set to follow brother Jude’s footsteps with a European move[/caption]

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Jobe has put in some amazing performances for Sunderland[/caption]

Dortmund helped catapult big brother Jude, 21, to superstar status with Real Madrid and England.

The Bundesliga club want to make it a family double with top spy Bastian Schulz at Pride Park to see Jobe in action.

But title-chasing Leverkusen are also serious rivals and may offer a different route to stardom with scout Lukas Schmitz at the Rams clash, too.

Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen are flying high at home and abroad and would offer Jobe the chance to step out of global star Jude’s footsteps — which could appeal to the Black Cats dynamo.

Jobe moved to the Stadium of Light in 2023 for £3million and has already been linked with a string of Premier League sides and could move in this month’s window.

But the £20m-rated goalscoring midfielder would prefer to see out Sunderland’s bid for promotion to the top flight and then move in the summer.

Meanwhile, the new England boss Thomas Tuchel is prepared to look outside the Prem for new talent.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich chief has already sent trusted No 2 Anthony Barry to see Jobe and his fellow Championship star James Trafford ahead of possible selection.

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Barry went to watch Burnley keeper Trafford, 22, when he saved two late penalties against Sunderland last week.

And he is in contention for a senior Three Lions call-up — despite being relegated from the Prem with Clarets last year.

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Brother Jude used to play for Borussia Dortmund before Real Madrid[/caption]

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Jobe could also join Jude in the England national team soon[/caption]

England Under-21 ace Jobe is also on the radar for the senior side despite having not played in the top flight.

Tuchel and Barry now plan to see as many rising stars as possible, even if that means going outside the main Premier League stage.

TRAITORS fans are complaining to Ofcom after a fan-favourite player was banished before the winners were announced.

Last night, BBC One’s hit reality show, The Traitors, ended in the most epic way when two Faithfuls won equal shares of £94,000.

Eroteme

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Alexander was banished before being able to nab a share of the prize fund[/caption]

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Fans are keen to see Alexander pop up in other TV shows after his stint on The Traitors[/caption]

Jake and Leanne, both 28, went on to scoop the prize money after revealing they were both Faithful.

This came after an explosive episode that saw Traitor Charlotte booted out of the show before Alexander was banished, and Francesca was axed.

But it was Alexander’s banishing that really got fans riled up and angry.

Some fans were even quick to pen complaints to Ofcom – or so they claimed.

One viewer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a screen grab of an Ofcom complaint form.

In the reason for their complaint, they wrote: “They’re being mean to Alexander.”

Someone replied “so real” to the tweet, clearly in agreement.

Another person agreed with complaining to Ofcom when they joked: “Alexander I am sorry these people can’t be trusted, i am contacting ofcom.”

A second person echoed: “I’m writing to OFCOM about the banishment of Alexander and Frankie so that the HEINOUS Leanne and Jake could win.”

FANS ‘COMPLAIN’ TO OFCOM

“How do i complain to ofcom on alexander’s behalf?” asked a third.

While a fourth swooned over him, writing: “The kindest, most unluckiest player we’ve seen on The Traitors, you did the country well Alexander!”

And a fifth sweetly penned: “Poor Alexander. Proof again that the good guys don’t always win. Gutted on his behalf.”

Alexander fast became a favourite on the hit BBC show, with many fans and viewers growing fond of the former British diplomat.

ALEXANDER’S GRATITUDE

Speaking to The Mirror after his Traitors stint, Alexander expressed his gratitude for all of the support and love he has received since appearing on the show.

“I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve had during this,” he said.

“It was quite an intense process because I got off the train and then came back into the game only two and a half weeks ago.

“It’s been made so much more enjoyable because of all the support out there and I’m enormously grateful for it, it really means a lot,” he said.

Elsewhere in his chat with the publication, Alexander revealed his relationship status amid increased interest in him from women online.

“I am still single… I’ll probably leave it there,” he told the outlet.

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Alexander made it to the final episode along with Leanne, Jake, Charlotte and Francesca[/caption]