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Oxford United fan walks five marathons to final Championship game

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Neil McManus, from Drayton, was diagnosed with bladder cancer at the end of 2024.

Since turning cancer-free, the 47-year-old chose to take on the mammoth task of walking from Oxford’s Kassam Stadium to Millwall’s The Den in London.

This has been a 125-mile walk in just five days along the Thames Path, which is the equivalent of five consecutive marathons.

DONATE HERE: Neil McManus walks five marathons for charity

Neil said: “On 23 December 2024, I received news that stopped me in my tracks: I had been diagnosed with bladder cancer.

“It came as a huge shock. Like many people, I’d never really thought about bladder cancer or recognised the symptoms for what they were.

“Thankfully, it was caught early, and after successful treatment, I received a clean bill of health at my one‑year cystoscopy in January this year.

“With a bit of luck, I won’t need to see my consultant again for another 12 months.

“As I step into 2026, I want to turn that experience into something positive.

READ MORE: When Brazil legend and World Cup winner Pele held an Oxford United shirt

“I’m raising awareness and funds for Fight Bladder Cancer—an incredible charity that supports those living with the disease and works tirelessly to educate people about the signs and symptoms, so more cancers can be caught early, just like mine was.”

The Chinnor-based charity Fight Bladder Cancer provides help for patients and their loved ones, works to increase public awareness of the disease and lobbies for better research.

“[They] reached out to me when I was diagnosed,” Neil told the BBC.

“I wanted to do something for them to coincide with the end of the season. Last year, Oxford United were at Swansea, though, and I wasn’t sure if I could walk quite that far.”

Completing the walk today, Neil has managed to raise a whopping ÂŁ7,769 so far from 191 donors.

The Yellows head over to the capital already relegated following results last weekend, despite a thumping 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday last time out.





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Oxford News

Bin collection warning issued for Oxfordshire households

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With the hot weather returning to the UK this week, West Oxfordshire District Council has warned some bin collections may be brought forward to earlier in the day.

The authority says this will allow crews to carry out their work safely while avoiding the hottest part of the day.

Temperatures are expected to climb back up to 30C on select days next week, with the government issuing a heat health warning.

READ MORE: Iconic RAF base to help Red Arrows special tour of America

A spokesman for the council said: “To ensure your waste is collected, we kindly ask residents to place their bins out the night before their scheduled collection day, or by no later than 6am.

“You can check your collection day online: https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/…/check-your-collection-day/

“These temporary changes are determined by our waste contractor and are typically introduced during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping to keep our crews safe during warmer weather.”

An amber heat warning has been issued by the Met Office, scheduled for Monday, June 22 from 1am until 23.59pm on Tuesday, June 23.

The Met Office said: “Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat”.

The forecaster also said motorists may see delays on roads plus anyone travelling by rail or air could also find journeys take longer.





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Witney marks World Refugee Day by flying the Refugee Flag

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The Refugee Flag was flown at Witney Town Hall to mark World Refugee Day.

Mayor Councillor Jane Doughty and Deputy Mayor Councillor Sandra Simpson raised the flag in support of refugees living in Witney and around the world.

World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

In an online post, Witney Town Council said: “This morning, the Mayor, Cllr Jane Doughty, and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sandra Simpson, raised the Refugee Flag at the Town Hall, marking World Refugee Day.

“The flag is raised every year on the flagpole as a gesture of solidarity with the refugee community here in Witney and across the world.”





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Police: Wantage rapist is a ‘dangerous sexual predator’

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Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (Friday, June 19) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 10 years and 11 months’ imprisonment, an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years and a lifetime restraining order for his victims.

The 40-year-old Afghan national pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with the 14-year-old child in May 2024.

READ MORE: Afghan man jailed for violent sexual offences in Wantage

He was on court bail for that offence when he sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s in January this year and, less than a week after that, sexually assaulted, kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Wantage.

Mugshot Najeebullah ArabNajeebullah Arab, jailed for committing violent sexual offences against women in Wantage (Image: Madeleine Evans)

Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May of the Thames Valley Police said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.

“They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing.

“Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences.

READ MORE: Major A34 traffic as road partially CLOSED due to crash

“His actions have had a lasting impact on his victims, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he can no longer pose a risk to the public.

“I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.”





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