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Ultramarathoner raises £5,000 by racing through Sahara

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Lesley Malloch, a PE teacher at Marlborough School in Woodstock, took on the challenge in the Sahara Desert.

She completed the legendary Marathon des Sables, a seven-day ultramarathon across the Sahara, raising £5,600 for Oxford Hospitals Charity and SeeSaw Grief Support.

Ms Malloch said: “This race was brilliant and brutal in equal measure – but I had the most incredible experience.

“I fundraised for Seesaw when I ran my very first marathon in 2017, and later helped to raise money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital during our ‘Big Gethin Run’.”

“Their impact is real, lasting, and close to home. Most importantly, fundraising £5,600 for two charities that mean so much made every step worthwhile.

“Knowing it will help young people and families through difficult times kept me going.”

Known as one of the toughest footraces on earth, the Marathon des Sables covers sand dunes and rocky terrain.

Runners must carry all their food, kit, and survival essentials on their backs.

Ms Malloch dedicated her challenge to Gethin and Zak, two former students at Marlborough School, and trained specifically for the punishing desert environment.

She said: “It’s not just about pounding the pavement; it’s about conditioning my body to run on sand, training with a weighted pack, and preparing for the brutal heat.

“I met incredible people along the way who helped me through the toughest moments, and I’m so grateful for the support that got me to the start line ready, and to everyone who cheered me on.”

Claire Hughes from Oxford Hospitals Charity congratulated Ms Malloch on her achievement.

She said: “Huge congratulations to Lesley – we’re in awe of her amazing achievement and incredibly grateful for the outstanding amount she has raised for both charities.”

Liv Webster, communications officer at SeeSaw Grief Support, also praised Ms Malloch for raising both funds and awareness.

She said: “Lesley has not only taken on an immense personal challenge by raising incredible funds and awareness, she has also made a real difference for bereaved children and young people across Oxfordshire.

“We are so grateful to Lesley for going above and beyond to ensure that families in our community receive the support they need, when they need it most.”

Ms Malloch described the experience as life-changing.

She added: “This is an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”





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Boy ended up in Johnsons of Old Hurst crocodile enclosure

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Police were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst at 1.24pm to reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the enclosure. 

The boy has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries and is critical but stable.

Specially trained officers are at the hospital supporting the boy’s family.

Follow our live blog for more

Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed a 30-year-old man, from Norfolk, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. 

Detectives from the Major Crime Unit are investigating.

Det Insp Verity McCann said: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances.

“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.

“Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them.”

Have you got a story you want to share? Get in touch at oliver.murphy@newsquest.co.uk





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David Beckham and Brooklyn feud ‘started during Rita Ora’

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The pair have been at loggerheads for some time now but in January it came to a head when the 27-year-old made explosive allegations in a lengthy Instagram post.

He claimed that his mother “hijacked” his first dance with his wife, Nicola Peltz, and danced “inappropriately on me” in front of their guests, adding that he had never felt more “uncomfortable or humiliated” in his life.

READ MORE: Major update given after Jeremy Clarkson’s cancer diagnosis

The public feud between Brooklyn Beckham and his family began simmering in April 2022 and has been reported on in the press since.

However, it has been alleged by Pop B*tch that the pair’s falling out may have started when Brooklyn was linked to the singer Rita Ora.

Brooklyn Beckham and Rita Ora were linked in May 2017 after being spotted enjoying a dinner date at the Electric Diner in Notting Hill.

The online blog wrote it is an “unlikely rumour circulating in West London about the real reasons for the father-son fall out.

“That Brooklyn’s unhappiness with his Dad pre-dates his marriage to Nicola. It started back when he had a brief fling with Rita Ora.”

The cause was not disclosed, and there is no suggestion that Ms Ora started it.

Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham have lived in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds for around a decade, sharing a mansion in Great Tew near Chipping Norton.





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Emotional Mary Berry reveals her biggest life regret

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The famous cook was a judge on the show during the BBC years between 2010 and 2016, before it left for Channel 4.

Dame Mary has lived in Henley, in the south of Oxfordshire, with her husband Paul Hunnings, since 2019, having previously lived in London.

Now, in a new interview, the 91-year-old has admitted there is one part of her family story she wishes she could change.

READ MORE: David Beckham’s son fined in court after police officers stop car

Speaking on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, Dame Mary explained that her biggest regret centres on the relationship she had with her late father.

“I wish I’d spoken more to my father, who was quite brusque,” she told Ms Cotton.

She added: “I should’ve talked and spent more time with him, but when I came to London to work, I’d go home at weekends and see friends.”

Looking back, Dame Mary says she now feels she should have prioritised time with her dad over socialising.

READ MORE: TV legend helps daughter through ‘heartbreaking’ marriage split

“I should’ve spent more time with him,” she added.

Ms Cotton responds that many people share similar feelings about relatives they have lost, saying: “I think most of us feel like that about a parent or grandparent – wishing we’d asked for more stories – that’s what I’m craving from my nan, all those brilliant life stories.”

Dame Mary also reflected on the guidance she would pass on to her younger self.

“Don’t make rash decisions,” she said, suggesting that when a new offer or venture comes along, it is better to “sleep on it, and do something about it the next morning.”





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