Crime & Safety
UK search for every Kirsty launched by girl, 11, with tumour
Kirsty Waugh from Royal Tunbridge Wells has started a country-wide campaign, including in Oxfordshire, calling on people to join her on a quest for Kirstys.
The 11-year-old aims to find all her namesakes while helping raise vital funds for OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, supporting urgently needed research into kinder, more effective treatments for children.
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People across the UK are encouraged to add themselves to the growing community of Kirstys on the mynameiskirsty.com website with celebrities including presenter Kirstie Allsopp, badminton player Kirsty Gilmour and children’s author Kirsty Applebaum already on the list.
So far 8,393 people named Kirsty (or an equivalent spelling) have been found across the country but only nine in Oxford.
Further afield in Oxfordshire, Kirstys have also logged themselves in Abingdon, Wallingford, Didcot, Wantage, Bicester and Banbury.
This comes after Kirsty was not included in the 100 most popular girl baby names in 2025.
Kirstie’s dad, Mat, said: “Every time a Kirsty or a supporter is added to the map, and every donation made, gives Kirsty a lift. It’s such a difficult time for her and us as a family.
“It is amazing that she will be responsible for helping to fund research, but it is doubly-amazing that people are taking time out to think of her and put a big smile on her face when she needs it most.”
So far more than £66,000 has been raised for OSCAR’s paediatric Brain Tumour Charity, set up 12 years ago in memory of nine-year-old Oscar Hughes from York.
All of this will be spent on projects to find better treatments.
Kirsty was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2024 and is currently receiving chemotherapy.
After over a year of treatment, her next course is expected to continue for approximately 80 weeks.
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She said: “Treatment is tough for all kids with brain tumours.
“I’ve lost a lot of hair, had blood transfusions, gone to hospital a lot…and that’s why research needs to be done to find kinder treatments.
“Only 3p in every £100 of government funding into cancer research goes to help children like me.”
Those who do not have the name Kirsty have also been encouraged to support the campaign by becoming a ‘friend of Kirsty’.
On the campaign website, she said: “My name is Kirsty. I’m 11, and I’m sorry you don’t have the best name in the world. But I still want your help,”
Prezzo has rebranded to Prezzo Italian – Home of Italian Classics – and selected restaurants across the UK are undergoing stylish refurbishments.
The Thame restaurant in Butter Market is the 23rd renovation so far, and there are more planned for the rest of the year.
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Customers in Thame can enjoy the new design, comfortable seating, and Italian-inspired artwork, paired with a refreshed menu.
Diners can expect crunchy bruschettas, delicious pastas and indulgent desserts, with vegan and gluten-free options available for all to enjoy.
Panagiotis Tiligadas, general manager of Prezzo Italian Thame, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome diners back through the doors of our beautifully transformed restaurant.
“The transformation of the restaurant truly reflects our commitment to delivering authentic Italian cuisine in a welcoming space.
“Our refreshed menu celebrates the classics that make Italian dining special, and with our 50 per cent off launch offer, now is the perfect time to visit.”
To celebrate the reopening, a selection of specials will be available for a limited time only.
These include garlic and parmesan chicken strips, crispy chicken strips tossed in a garlic and parsley blend, finished with freshly grated Parmesan and served with a rocket salad and chilli jam.
Also on the menu is pancetta, mushroom and truffle pizza, crispy pancetta, butter roast mushrooms, creamy mozzarella and truffle oil.
For dessert there is a forest berry cream cake.
From April 20, until May 3 all meals are 50 per cent off if customers download a voucher from the Prezzo Italian website and bring it along for their meal.
On St George’s Day, Oxfordshire County Council flies the red and white flag of England above the County Hall, as it does every year.
Saint George himself, who never stepped foot in England, was a Christian, likely born in modern-day Turkey, who became a symbol of bravery and chivalry.
His cross was first used in the 13th century and was adopted by English forces under King Edward I. It was incorporated into the Union Jack flag in the 15th century, which was officially recognised in 1801.
Over time, it has evolved into a symbol of English military power and national pride, displayed during sporting events and national celebrations.
However, over the last eight months, these flags have not been used as a sign of patriotism by groups, including Raise the Colours, but as an act of intimidation and division.
Last month, the council issued a formal legal notice to Raise the Colours, in response to its continued placing of flags across Oxfordshire, requiring an individual or organisation to seize this activity.
In the council’s continued battle to protect patriotism, it has spent more than £15,000 removing flags from lampposts and paint on or near highways.
Just last week, already removed flags from lampposts in Station Road near Didcot Parkway reappeared, along with new flags in other locations, including in Abingdon, Shillingford, Benson and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.
Anna Railton, deputy leader and Labour councillor for Hinksey Park, said the raising of flags on lampposts without permission “has always been more about exclusion than celebrating Englishness”.
She said: “I don’t think anyone’s got any problem with people decking out their homes and cars with St George’s flags for the World Cup and other sporting events, or just because you like it, nor celebrating St George’s Day.
“What’s always been key here is the intent. Draping oneself in St George’s flag to protest outside the Kassam Hotel, printing up versions with ‘Stop the boats’ on, and putting them up on lampposts without permission, or indeed spraying them on traffic furniture, has always been more about exclusion than celebrating Englishness.”
Liz Leffman, leader of the council, said the council is proud of its diverse communities and encourages residents to fly the flag, only for its intended purpose on private property.
She said: “We proudly fly the Union Jack and St George’s flags, which are visible symbols of democracy and unity, and the council welcomes residents displaying flags on their own property.”
Raise the Colours Oxfordshire has been placing England and UK flags all around the county in the name of patriotism.
The 50-year-old comedian, turned actor and podcaster, is facing trial this summer over allegations of rape and sexual assault made against him by six women.
He is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court at the delayed October 12 hearing for three charges of rape, three allegations of sexual assault, and one charge of indecent assault
Mr Brand, who was once married to Katy Perry and denies the charges, which date from 1999 to 2009, spoke about his actions on the YouTube show of Megyn Kelly, a US journalist, calling himself “selfish” and an “exploiter of women”.
He said: “In Europe and the United Kingdom, where I’m from, the age of consent is 16, and I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30.
“When I was 30, I was a very different person.
“I was a lot younger, and I was an immature 30-year-old.
“Consensual sex with a lot of people, when there is a strong power differential, as there is when you are a famous man who has the ability to attract women that I had at that time, I think involves exploitation. I think it is exploitative.
“I recognise that my sexual conduct in the past was selfish and I did not apply enough consideration, barely any I suppose, really, to how that sex was affecting other people.”
The 50-year-old began his career as a comedian before bagging a presenting role on MTV.
He has also starred in Big Brother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him to the Greek, Arthur and Rock of Ages.
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