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Атаковано Астраханський газопереробний завод (ВІДЕО)
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WHILE most couples will happily regale you with stories of how they first met for Cheryl and David Hickman their love story is a little more complicated.
The husband and wife go back a long way, in fact they’ve known each other from birth due to the fact they are first cousins.
Cheryl and David Hickman, both 52, from Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, are first cousins and their fathers are brothers.
Despite cruel comments from trolls claiming they ‘belonged on The Jeremy Kyle Show’ The couple, who married in 2016, enjoyed a healthy sex life until recently.
For the last three years, a night of romance is the last thing on Cheryl’s mind as the mum-of-one suffers crippling pain from endometriosis.
It’s a disease where tissue grows outside the uterus, which can cause severe discomfort in the pelvis and sometimes infertility.
The condition often leaves Cheryl unable to get out of bed and in too much pain for sex.
Now, Cheryl, who has been unable to work for eight months, is desperately awaiting a hysterectomy on the NHS.
She says: “I’ve been fighting for surgery for years.
“Once, David and I couldn’t keep our hands of each other, but our sex life amongst other things, has suffered due to the pain.
“We’re desperate to reconnect, physically and to get my health back on track.”
After 16 years together, the couple claim to still be madly in love and don’t care what society thinks of their unorthodox relationship.
Cheryl says: “When I was younger I never thought my future husband would end up being my cousin.
“But you can’t help who you fall in love with.”
Growing up, Cheryl and David’s families were close, visiting each other once a month in Wandsworth, London.
Cheryl says: “While our parents nattered, David and I would play together.
“David loved to follow me around the house and yank my ponytail.
“Even though we were the same age, I always referred to him as my annoying little cousin.”
But when they were 14, David’s family moved away from the area and Cheryl moved on with her life.
Years later, in 1994, Cheryl, then 22, discovered she was infertile and so in 2001, Cheryl and her then partner adopted a newborn girl, Caitlin, now 23.
The following year, Cheryl got married but they divorced six years later.
In 2009, just a year after her divorce, Cheryl received a message from David on Facebook out of the blue.
She says: “I hadn’t heard from him in 22 years but that night, David and I messaged back and forth, catching up on each other’s lives.
“I discovered he was divorced and had step children.
“I told him all about Caitlin and my past marriage.”
After that night, the pair spoke every day.
The next month, Cheryl invited David to Caitlin’s 8th birthday party in London.
She says: “As he walked in, I thought he looked really handsome.
“It was at that moment that I realised I found my cousin attractive.
“I tried to shake it off, but I couldn’t help the way I felt.
“I told David he looked fantastic and he said it was so nice to see me.
“After the party, David pulled me aside and told me he had feelings for me.
“I was so excited, I admitted I fancied him too.
My dad was furious and said we needed to break up as it was against the law
Cheryl Hickman
“We ended up kissing.
“I knew we were cousins, but my feelings took over, it didn’t feel wrong, it felt right.”
But the next day, Cheryl’s worries began to catch up with her.
She says: “David and I were related by blood, so I stressed that I’d get into trouble.
“I quickly did some research online and discovered first-cousin marriages were legal in Britain.
“It wasn’t classed as incest and I was so relieved.
“After that, David and I decided to give our relationship a go.”
Soon, David became a doting stepdad to Caitlin.
At first, afraid of their family’s reaction, Cheryl and David kept their relationship a secret.
But two months later, they came clean.
Cheryl says: “As David no longer spoke to his family, he didn’t need to tell them.
“So I confessed to mine.
“I told my parents that David and I had fallen in love.
“My mum told me to stop being ridiculous, while my dad was furious and said we needed to break up as it was against the law.
“I quickly showed him a website that confirmed first cousin relationships were legal.
“Then, he calmed down.
“After that, they still weren’t happy, but I understood they needed time to get used to the idea.”
Six months later, their family finally accepted their union.
But soon, internet trolls began leaving cruel comments on Cheryl and David’s Facebook.
Cheryl says: “They called our relationship incestuous.
“Others said that we belonged on the Jeremy Kyle show.
“I was furious.
“I said to David how could people say such gross things, we weren’t brother and sister.
“Thankfully, when we told our friends about us, they were supportive.
It's actually quite common, with 10 per cent of marriages around the world being between first or second cousins.
Standard marriage laws apply, so you need to be over the age of 18 if you want to get married without parental consent.
In Europe, first-cousin marriages were quite common until the 19th Century.
Charles Darwin married his first cousin Emma Wedgewood in 1839 and Queen Victoria married her first cousin Prince Albert in 1840.
It was practice more common with societal elites and aristocrats, so, when social mobility became easier, it began to die out.
“They were shocked at first, then it wasn’t mentioned again.”
Ignoring the haters, David proposed to Cheryl in December 2009.
In November 2016, the couple got hitched.
For years, they enjoyed a blissful marriage.
In the UK, there is no legal ban on two cousins having a relationship or getting married.
But in 2022, Cheryl was diagnosed with endometriosis and began experiencing excruciating pain.
She is forced to take strong painkillers which she claims, barely help.
In the last two years, she underwent two ablation operations at The Lister Hospital in London.
The procedure removes the lining of the uterus to treat heavy menstrual bleeding and alleviate chronic pelvic pain. Sadly, both surgeries failed.
Eventually, last year, she was forced to give up her job as a transport passenger assistant, taking a toll on the couple’s relationship.
David’s been my rock throughout and we’re still madly in love
Cheryl Hickman
She says: “Not having the financial income we once did put pressure on our relationship.
“We couldn’t go out as much and -coupled with my health problems, it put a strain on us.
“David hated seeing me in pain and was helpless to make it go away.”
While Cheryl longs for a hysterectomy, many hospitals refused to perform surgery, due to Cheryl’s former 29st frame.
She says: “They were worried about putting me under.
“Yet, specialists encouraged me to have bariatric surgery.
“As a celiac it wasn’t a good idea, as it meant getting the proper nutrients I needed would be harder.”
Instead, Cheryl decided to lose weight naturally, through portion control and healthy eating.
Ditching fast food, she began eating more vegetables and lean meats as well as taking up swimming twice a week.
Within two years, she’d lost an incredible 5st. Now weighing in at just over 23st and is now on the waiting list for a hysterectomy.
She says: “I can’t wait for my operation so David and I can get our love life back on track.
“We haven’t taken a holiday since 2018, so we can’t wait to go travelling together once I’m well enough.
“David’s been my rock throughout and we’re still madly in love.
“I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
A FORMER Premier League star has been sacked as manager of Carlisle after just 25 games, according to reports.
Ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson, 41, starred for the Magpies in the top flight from 2010 to 2015.
But after a dire run since taking over the Blues in September, it is claimed he has been relieved of his duties.
According to the Daily Mail, Williamson was sacked on Monday morning.
That comes after Saturday’s humiliating 5-1 defeat at home to Swindon which left the Brunton Park side bottom of the League Two table, five points from safety.
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A MAJOR attraction visited by more than half a million visitors every year has suddenly shut due to “health and safety concerns”.
Ticketholders headed to Cardiff were given no notice of the sudden closure when they turned up yesterday.
According to a printed notice stuck near the entrance, National Museum Cardiff will remain closed to the public “until further notice”.
The sign quoted “building maintenance” as well as “health and safety concerns” as the main reasons for the announcement.
It reassuringly added how the “preservation” of collections remains at their “top priority” during this time period.
The museum is usually free to enter, offering exhibitions and art for all.
From natural history to contemporary art, the installations will not be available after the “difficult decision” to “temporarily close” the doors to the public.
The latest information has been set to be posted on the social media channels for the museum.
In a recent Instagram story, the attraction recommended that hopefully visitors head to St Fagans National Museum of History in the meantime.
A statement released on behalf of the attraction was released yesterday.
It read: “Due to a requirement for immediate maintenance work, Amgueddfa Cymru has made the difficult decision to temporarily close National Museum Cardiff to the public for a short period.
“The safety and well-being of our visitors, staff, and the preservation of our collections will always remain our top priority which is why we have taken this short-term measure to close the museum.
“While this closure is necessary to ensure that the building meets all safety standards, we recognise the impact this may have on our visitors, volunteers and the community.
“Our team is working diligently to address the identified issues and to make the necessary repairs and improvements to guarantee the safety of all those who interact with the museum.
“We will continue to assess the situation and provide updates on our progress but are hopeful that these issues will be addressed over the next few days.
“We sincerely appreciate the understanding and support of our visitors and look forward to welcoming you back soon. For the latest information, please visit our website or follow us on our social media channels. Thank you for your cooperation and patience. “
Some have since taken to social media to express their thought on the latest update.
One person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “until further NOTICE??? why don’t you have a project plan of the works to be carried out.”
Another said: “Obvs an urgent problem has occurred – hope you are able to sort it. But pretty galling that nothing of closure on website at around 11.45am and you took online payment from us for 12.15 admission to the Streic exhibition! Love @Museum_Cardiff but you made it hard work today!”
Someone else put: “All the schools that visit. It’s so important to Welsh children. And they close it.”
A fourth commented: “Very disappointed to arrive in Cardiff to find this. Any news on a reopening?”
While one user said: “Couldn’t have posted that you were closed today before tens of people turned up for opening?”
It comes after the deteriorating condition of the museum was revealed as a potential risk that could result in closure.
The Welsh Government cut the budget by £4.5m and the Chief Executive of Museum Wales told BBC Radio Wales that it was “extremely difficult” trying to cope with the reductions.
Discussions over the museum charging visitors for special events, tours and exhibitions were also heard.
The Sun has approached National Museum Cardiff for comment.
GRIPPING BBC thriller The Capture lauded by fans as being ‘mind-blowing’ and ‘sublime’ has finally landed on Netflix.
The crime drama, which first aired in 2019, was hugely popular and led to a second season dropping in August 2022, which received a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and dozens of good reviews.
The two-season thriller follows the story of soldier Shaun Emery (Callum Turner) who was acquitted of committing a war crime in Afghanistan but becomes involved in a kidnapping and murder accusation when he returns back to London.
Shaun quickly becomes a victim of the ‘terrifying world of deepfake technology’ after critical CCTV footage comes to light.
Detective Inspector Rachel Carey (Holliday Grainger) is on the case and has to work out whether or not the evidence against him can be believed.
The second season sees Rachel land in the middle of a new conspiracy with a new target and focuses on the ‘the ever-growing tension between government and Big Tech, and corruption at the heart of the British media.’
The show was extremely popular with viewers when it dropped, with one anonymous Rotten Tomatoes user writing: “Absolutely gripping show. Moves at a great pace with great actors and a great story line. Twists and turns and super realistic to the current world.”
A second wrote: “The story is mind-blowing, especially with its twists & turns. The performances are also impressive. All in all, it’s a great watch and definitely binge-worthy in my opinion.”
While a third added: “One of the best series I’ve ever watched. Thought the first season was good but the 2nd takes it to the next level. Need more series like this. The ending was sublime, left me utterly speechless.”
And a fourth said: “You be hard pressed to find another spy series with as many intelligent twists and turns as this one. It’s compelling viewing with frightening implications.”
Viewers on X also lauded the show, calling it “stunningly good” and “the best thing I’ve seen in ages”.
As well as Strike’s Holliday Grainger and Masters of the Air’s Callum Turner, the stellar cast features Happy Valley’s Charlie Murphy, Gangs of London’s Paapa Essiedu, Doctor Who’s Indira Varma and The Recruit’s Laura Haddock.
With the arrival of the show on Netflix, there’s a whole new audience expected to become addicted to the gripping storyline.
And to make it even better, there’s a third season reportedly in the works, three years after the second season dropped.
Back in November 2023, Paapa Essiedu was quizzed about whether or not he might be on board for a possible return of The Capture during an interview with Radio Times.
The actor said, “Ben Chanan, who writes the series, I know it’s a story that’s very close to his heart, but I actually don’t remember about the future of it. But I loved working with him and I thought those scripts were amazing.”
“I thought that character was so interesting and he lands in quite an interesting place by the end of that series. So who knows what the future holds for him?”.
The Capture originally aired on BBC One and can now be watched on Netflix.
BOTH Rory McIlroy AND Shane Lowry pocketed a massive seven figure sum from the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am.
The Holywood man edged out his Offaly counterpart and Sepp Straka in a thrilling finish in California.
It was a dream start to 2025 for McIlroy, who won a staggering €3,500,000 in the process.
Lowry, meanwhile, was afforded a capable consolation in the form of a cool €2,111, 000.
The world number three was a stroke behind his Ryder Cup team-mate Sepp Straka heading into the final round at Pebble Beach.
McIlroy, playing in his first PGA Tour event of 2025, carded a closing 66 to finish at 21-under-par, securing a 2-shot victory over Lowry.
Starting the day one stroke off the lead, the Northern Irishman showed his class down the stretch as he built a solid lead over his opponents.
Rors made the turn in 35 before turning on the after burners as he birdied 10, 12 before a stunning eagle on 14.
The Northern Irishman followed that with another birdie on 15 before calmly seeing the tournament off with as he parred home for a six-under 66 for a total of -21.
Lowry, chasing his first solo PGA Tour win since 2019, also made a late charge but it his -4 round wasn’t enough as he finished second solo second on -19.
Lucas Glover, Justin Rose were a shot further back from the Offaly star and two behind winner McIlroy.
The victory marks McIlroy’s 27th PGA Tour title and sets the perfect tone for a season where he hopes to end his wait for a fifth major championship.
Asked if he was approaching his best, McIlroy told Sky Sports: “Yeah I’m close, I’m pretty close.
“I feel like I controlled my ball flight well in the crosswinds this week I drove the ball really well.
“I think I’ll always nitpick and there’s always things about my game that I want to try to get better, because that’s just who I am.
“I’m trying to get the most out of myself all the time, but I also have to accept at the same time where my game’s at right now.
“It is in a really good shape and probably as sharp as it’s ever been at the end of January, start of February, heading into the season.
“So really, really happy with where everything is.
“I’ve talked a lot about this year trying to limit the mistakes and trying to keep the big numbers and the destructive swings off the scorecard.
“For the most part this week, I did that. The game can start to become pretty simple and feel pretty easy when you’re not making bogeys.
“I know I’m going to hit enough good golf shots to give myself plenty of birdie opportunities, it’s just a matter of, getting that odd up and down to keep the round and the momentum of the round going.
“I did that really well this week.
“I think my short game was really good this week. I looked at my short game last year, it was very, it was very volatile, very up and down.
“I’d have some good weeks, but then I’d have some bad weeks. Just trying to just get a little bit more consistency in there.”