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Inside ‘town without hope’ where women have lowest life expectancy in UK & flee to Turkey for life-saving surgery

BEFORE she flew to Turkey in 2021 for a £3,500 gastric bypass op, at her heaviest mum Michelle Humphreys genuinely feared for her life.

Not only was her health suffering as a direct result of her size and weight – she was 18st 7lb and a size 22 – but also she was born and bred in the town where women have the lowest life expectancy in the UK.

Brynmawr town center street scene.
Today the town looks almost derelict, and hotels and pubs have shut down
Huw Evans

Shockingly, women in Brynmawr, South East Wales, on average aren’t expected to reach 79.

That’s four years lower than the life expectancy across England, which is now 83 for women, Office for National Statistics data shows.

Not long ago it was a thriving market town where people reaped the benefits of hard work and a close community where neighbours looked out for each other.

But today the town looks almost derelict. Hotels and pubs have shut down and shops have been replaced by takeaways.

Some locals say the town has been “abandoned” and people have “lost hope”.

Life expectancy for women in Blaenau Gwent, where Brynmawr stands, is 78.9 years, the ONS says.

A range of factors have contributed to this depressing statistic – from obesity and lack of exercise, to the use of hard drugs and heavy smoking.

It’s a socially deprived area where people can’t see a way out. There’s a lot of despondency in the Welsh valleys due to the closure of big industry – coal and steel – and a lack of jobs to take its place. 

People die before their time here, it’s sad to see but they don’t look after themselves. No one has their five-a-day.

Denise Brain

Just 35 miles away in Hereford, women can expect to live 83.6 years – almost a five-year difference. 

“Perhaps I’ll move to Hereford then,” says Denise Brain, 58, who is still recovering from open heart surgery.

“People die before their time here, it’s sad to see but they don’t look after themselves. No one has their five-a-day.”

Woman standing outside her shop in Blaenau Gwent, UK, area with low life expectancy for women.
Michelle was seriously concerned about her health and life expectancy before she had successful weight loss surgery in Turkey, and now she feels fitter than ever
Huw Evans

Three takeaways a day

One takeaway in the area reported that it regularly delivers three meals a day to the same household.

And some locals were shocked to see a mum arriving at Greggs every morning by council-paid taxi to give her children their breakfast before school.

Four out of five people are overweight or obese in the county.

It’s such a problem, a special weight management clinic has been set up to tackle the obesity epidemic.

Closed Pizza Plus takeaway shop in Brynmawr.
Huw Evans
The high street has plenty of affordable fast food options, but the local leisure centre was shut down and there’s only one fruit and veg shop[/caption]

‘Turkey weight-loss op saved my life’

As a result of the issue, ‘hundreds’ of women here have reportedly desperately tried to increase their lifespans – by flying to Turkey to have gastric bypass ops.

Michelle Humphreys, 58, runs a dressmakers and haberdashery in the town square where she spends a lot of her working life altering clothes to fit ever-growing female customers.

She can empathise with those struggling, as not long ago the mum-of-three was 18st 11lb and a dress size 22.

Michelle said: “I put it on over the years but to me I never seemed to eat that much.

“It was my metabolism, sometimes the only thing I would eat all day is cornflakes, but I would have takeaways at weekends, a pizza or a Chinese.

“I didn’t realise how unwell I was until I got to Turkey and the doctors
carried out tests which showed I was diabetic.”

Michelle heard about a friend who had travelled to Turkey for the weight loss op and went on to the internet to investigate.

Husband Darryl, a council bin man, backed her and Michelle drew £3,500 from their savings to catch a flight.

She says: “It saved my life. I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t had the gastric bypass.

“I witness the obesity crisis here every day – women come into the shop suffering from health problems due to their size.

“A lot of large women come in to have their clothing altered.

“There’s nothing around here to help people, they closed the leisure centre down and you can’t get a doctor’s appointment.

“What we do have is lots of takeaways – there are 12 here already and we are about to get two more, including a Burger King.

“I had dangerously high blood pressure before I went and then the medical team out there found I had Type II diabetes.

“When the surgeon was operating he found a lesion on my liver, he removed that for free.”

Woman showing significant weight loss by holding up loose pants.
Huw Evans
Michelle has lost 8st 9lb since the surgery, and hasn’t looked back[/caption]

A new lease of life

Non-smoker Michelle said she has a new lease of life after returning to Brynmawr and now hopes she’s significantly increased her life expectancy.

She explains: “Before I went I couldn’t walk 100 yards, but a week after coming back I did seven miles.

“I’ve dropped 8st 9lbs. I’m now 10st 2lbs and a size 12, and feel like a new woman.

“I actually eat more now than I did before the operation and I’ve changed my lifestyle because I don’t want to get to that size again.

“I can name at least 30 women from these parts who have been to Turkey for gastric surgery. There must be hundreds across Blaenau Gwent.”

Michelle Humphries, before and after weight loss photos.
Huw Evans
The grandma says she knows dozens of other women from the same area who are also opting to travel to Turkey for surgery[/caption]

‘We’ve been abandoned’

Michelle says she hates living in her home town Brynmawr and finds it depressing’.

She and Darryl, 57, have a three-bedroom flat above the shop which they bought for £125,000 three years ago.

On a tea break from her Stitch-in-Time shop, grandmother-of-seven Michelle said: “Unless you want a takeaway or a haircut there’s nothing here.

“I was brought up in the town and I’ve watched it slowly die.

“We have been abandoned, people have lost hope.

“It’s not surprising people die young here. There’s not much to live for.”

Woman in zebra-print dress with man.
At her heaviest, Michelle Humphreys weighed 18st 7lb and was a size 22
Huw Evans

‘It’s only going to get worse’

NHS community nurse Rebecca Somers, 32, says she deals with the town’s obesity crisis every working day, and she too was once a statistic.

She said: “I was 18-and-a-half-stone, a size 18 and I tried every diet going and nothing worked.

“People might say I took the easy way out but I went to Turkey for a gastric by-pass procedure.

“It cost me £3,500 and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, I wish I’d done it sooner.

“By going down that route I’ve probably saved the NHS a lot more on what it would cost to treat me for all the conditions that go with being obese.

“But not everyone can afford it and while people fill up on takeaways every day the situation is only going to get worse.”

‘It’s cheaper to live off takeaways’

In 2018, a survey found that 55 of the 75 restaurants in Blaenau Gwent are fast food outlets, the highest proportion of any council area in England, Scotland, and Wales.

That figure is believed to have gone even higher as families rely on burgers, kebabs and pizza rather than cook healthy meals for themselves.

Stuart Lewis, 62, runs the Fresh and Fruity, the only greengrocer in the town.

He says: “People should be changing their diets but it’s easier and cheaper to live off takeaways.

“There aren’t many people in Brynmawr getting their five-a day.”

Fresh 'N' Fruity store in Brynmawr town center.
Fresh ‘N’ Fruity is the only greengrocer store in Brynmawr Town Centre
Huw Evans

‘It’s not surprising’

It’s not just the issue of obesity seemingly blighting the town.

Michelle also believes suicide is an issue, especially among young adult males who have been sucked into the drug culture because of a lack of employment opportunities.

At one point Blaenau Gwent had the highest suicide rate among men in Wales.

The landmark Griffin Hotel which stands in the town’s square closed its doors years ago and was recently raided by Gwent Police, who found a thriving cannabis plantation inside.

Others blame Blaenau Gwent’s struggling economy for coming top of the mortality league for both women and men.

The giant steelworks in Ebbw Vale which once employed 14,000 people has long closed down and nothing has replaced it.

Those that are in work are typically paid £64 a week less than people doing the same job across the UK.

Jobless Mike Jones, 53, said: “It’s not surprising people don’t reach a great age around here because there’s no sense of purpose.

“It’s not just diet, smoking and a poor lifestyle, it’s having a reason to get up in the morning.

“Do you remember Yosser Hughes from the TV, there’s plenty of them around here.

“My dad died at 65, my mum went on a bit longer, she was 76, they both smoked and never exercised or anything like that.

“My mum had COPD and was on oxygen for the last few years of her life. Then she died of a heart attack.”

All the ways obesity can kill

Being overweight doesn’t automatically kill you.

But carrying excess fat is associated with lots of health problems.

Firstly, there’s heart disease.

Extra body fat can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol, raising the chances of heart attacks.

Then we have type 2 diabetes.

Carrying excess weight makes your body resistant to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels and complications like kidney failure.

Obesity is also linked to 13 different cancers, which include:

  • Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
  • Breast cancer in postmenopausal women
  • Colon and rectum cancer
  • Uterus cancer
  • Gallbladder cancer
  • Upper stomach cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Ovaries cancer
  • Pancreas cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Meningioma, a type of brain cancer
  • Multiple myeloma

Sleep apnea, which disrupts breathing during sleep and can make people snore, is another risk.

Not being able to breathe properly can lead to a sudden drop in oxygen levels, which can be bad for the heart.

Being obese can also impact mental health, often leading to depression and anxiety due to stigma and discrimination.

Healthcare ‘failings’

It’s tragically ironic that fatal health conditions are taking their toll on the people of Blaenau Gwent because Nye Bevan, the founder of the NHS, was born there.

Locals say he would be turning in his grave if he saw the collapse of the NHS and how it has affected the communities of South Wales.

One young mum, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I rang the local surgery for an appointment for my little girl this morning and they’ve got nothing until the end of December.

“That’s six weeks away. If you say she needs to be seen sooner they tell you to take her to A&E, but that can be a ten-hour wait.

“It’s disgusting, there’s no wonder people are dying before their time here, you can’t get medical help.”

Businesswoman Lisa Skinner, 53, who runs a trophy and greeting card shop in Brynmawr said: “If you phone for an appointment you can queue for ever. Sometimes you just give up.

“I don’t blame the surgery, there’s just one doctor and one receptionist. They can’t cope. I needed vital tablets and I had to wait for two days to get a prescription.

“I’m sure people are dying because of the failings of the health service here. The whole town is suffering.

“So many people are overweight, I’m as bad. I love chocolates too much.”

Woman in Blaenau Gwent, UK, with low life expectancy for women.
Huw Evans
Store owner Lisa Skinner says the town is being let down when it comes to healthcare[/caption]

‘There are too many people on benefits’

Mum-of-two and grandmother Samantha Jones, 63, believes the problem stems from a lack of career opportunities.

She says: “Younger women in the town don’t look after themselves – there are too many people on benefits who are not encouraged to work.

“It’s not good for their mental health, they don’t realise that work is good for the mind and the soul. That’s how it used to be around here.

“They should cut benefits and get people back to work.

“But there’s nothing around here for families, I wouldn’t want to bring a child into the world here – and it’s getting worse.”

Prof Tracy Daszkiewicz, Director of Public Health for Gwent, said: “Women’s health in Gwent is a key priority for us.

“We are working to ensure that everyone across Gwent can live in good health for as long as possible.

“We will also align our approach to the new national strategy ‘A Healthier Wales for Women and Girls’.”

Blaenau Gwent Council were also contacted for comment.

Golden Palace Chinese & English hot meal takeaway.
The town has plenty of takeaway options, but locals say there’s little else
Huw Evans

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Love Island’s Harriett Blackmore takes a brutal swipe at two of her co-stars amid bitter feud

LAST night the 2025 series of Love Island: All Stars came to an epic conclusion when one of the couples was crowned as this year’s winners.

Casey O’Gorman and Gabby Allen won this year’s All Stars series, with Luca Bish and Grace Jackson placing second, and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Curtis Pritchard placing third.

Ekin-Su tells Ronnie that Harriett Blackmore doesn't love him, but she does.
Harriett Blackmore subtly slammed two of her former co-stars
Eroteme
Olivia Hawkins holding a heart-shaped sign that says "Harriett & Ronnie."
Olivia Hawkins made a return to the villa over the weekend and brutally dumped Harriett and her man Ronnie Vint – while also dropping a major bombshell about Grace Jackson
Eroteme
Screenshot of Harriett Blackmore and Ronnie Vint from Love Island.
Harriett and Ronnie rekindled their romance in the villa during this series of Love Island: All Stars
Eroteme

The epic grand finale didn’t take place without a healthy dose of drama though, with one of the most brutal swipes happening shortly before the last episode aired.

Ahead of the grand finale airing on ITV2 last night, former Love Island star Amy Hart headed up a social media live stream where she spoke to past Islanders and gave viewers a look around the iconic South African villa.

While Amy hosted the social media stream, she chatted to Harriett Blackmore, who was brutally dumped from the series just mere hours before the final was due to take place.

Taking a brutal swipe at two of her co-stars amid a very bitter feud, Harriett didn’t hold back when she subtly slammed Olivia Hawkins and Samie Elishi.

Amy Hart said to Harriett in the Love Island live stream on TikTok before the final aired: “You’re a girls’ girl.

“Who are you looking forward to going on a girls’ night out with?”

Ronnie jumped in and quickly said: “Not Liv!”

Harriett agreed: “Not Liv.”

She then told Amy who she’d go out with, noticeably also leaving Samie Elishi out.

“Elma, Catherine, Grace, Tina. All of them. There’s a few I’d leave off the list,” she added in the veiled swipe.

This comes after Harriett and Liv clashed in the episode where she and Ronnie were dumped following a vote cast by axed Love Island stars.

Olivia previously claimed Ronnie sent her flirty messages while still with Harriett.

Harriett was in a relationship with Ronnie Vint last series and left the show with him, but the pair split just three months later.

Ronnie insisted he wasn’t in an exclusive relationship with Harriett, who he left the show with last summer.

The pair split and then rekindled things during this series of All Stars.

When Liv came back to the villa and dumped Harriett and Ronnie, Harriett took aim at the former Islander when she said: “The girl literally photoshopped her head onto mine and sent it to Ronnie and he still didn’t want you on the outside or in the Villa…”

And then when Liv made her comeback to the villa she also came head-to-head with Grace.

“So I’ve seen text messages of Grace just saying to someone that she’ll do whatever it takes to win the show this time from someone back home,” Liv said on Sunday night.

Harriett chimed in at the time, defending Grace, saying: “She probably made it up babe, like she did with Ronnie.”

Grace added: “Baby, that is absolutely not true. I do not care about winning this show.”

“I’ve seen the screenshots. I’m not saying who,” Liv added.

Harriett then said to Liv: “Babe, you’ve made it up like you’ve made up that Ronnie was into you.

“F***ing go home, honestly. Is she alright?”

Samie then weighed in and said: “We have seen the screenshots.”

Olivia Hawkins on Love Island All Stars.
Olivia wasn’t the only former Islander that Harriett took aim at
Eroteme
Samie Elishi on Love Island: All Stars.
Rex
Samie Elishi was also in the firing line[/caption]

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I use a simple process to leave my shower looking ‘good as new’ –  a £6 Amazon buy transforms it in 10 minutes

A PROFESSIONAL cleaner has revealed the process he uses to tackle hard water stains.

The expert explained that the hack will leave any shower looking as “good as new”.

Dirty shower glass door.
TikTok / @jason.cleans
TikTok user Jason showed his followers the technique he uses to get shower doors gleaming[/caption]
Shower caddy and shower cleaning tools in a modern shower.
TikTok / @jason.cleans
The professional cleaner transformed the shower door so it looked ‘good as new’[/caption]

In his viral video, TikTok user Jason (@jason.cleans) talked his followers through the process.

The TikToker, who set up his own cleaning business, explained that he was going to make a screen covered in hard water stains look “brand new again”.

He began by removing any items in the shower so as not to damage them during the clean.

Next, Jason rinsed all the surfaces down with hot water before applying a sulfamic acid-based cleaning product.

You can pick up these cleaners from Amazon, with the HG Limescale Remover Foam Spray currently available for just £5.85.

The cleaning professional recommended using a non-scratch scourer to scrub in this product.

Jason advised his audience to work the cleaner in using “circular motions,” demonstrating the technique.

He explained that he usually begins at the top and works his way down the surface.

The TikToker also removed the seal at the bottom of the shower screen and scrubbed it separately before re-attaching.

“After the chemical has sat on the shower screen and the tiles for about 10 to 15  minutes, just go back in and scrub it once again just to let the chemical dig in a little bit more,” Jason advised.

He then gave the surfaces a final rinse and used a squeegee to remove any excess water.

Jason then dried the surfaces with a cloth and used an isopropyl-based cleaning product to polish the inside and the outside of the glass as well as the fixtures inside the shower.

You can pick up a bottle of Pure Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol for just £5.80.

He showed his audience the now gleaming glass surface of the shower screen.

TikTok users shared their thoughts on the process in the comments section.

More bathroom cleaning tips

Keeping a bathroom clean and fresh can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with a few practical tips and a regular cleaning schedule, it can be much more manageable.

1. Regular Maintenance

Daily Wipe-Down: A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces, such as the sink, countertops, and taps, can prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. Keep a microfibre cloth handy for this purpose.

Ventilation: Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew. Open windows or use an extractor fan during and after showers.

2. Tackling Limescale and Hard Water Stains

Vinegar Solution: Hard water can cause limescale build-up on taps and showerheads. Soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected areas for a few hours, then scrub with a brush.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner for limescale. Apply it directly to the affected areas, let it sit for a while, and then rinse off.

3. Cleaning the Toilet

Toilet Cleaner: Use a specialised toilet cleaner to scrub the bowl. Apply the cleaner under the rim and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.

Bicarbonate of Soda and Vinegar: For a natural alternative, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, then add vinegar. The fizzing action helps to lift stains and disinfect.

4. Shower and Bath

Showerhead: Remove mineral deposits by soaking the showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can do this by filling a plastic bag with the solution and securing it around the showerhead with a rubber band.

Bathtub: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathtub. For stubborn stains, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit before scrubbing.

5. Tiles and Grout

Grout Cleaner: Grout can harbour mould and mildew. Use a grout cleaner or a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water to scrub the grout lines. An old toothbrush can be particularly effective for this task.

Tile Cleaner: Regularly clean tiles with a mild detergent or a vinegar solution to keep them shiny and free of soap scum.

6. Mirrors and Glass

Glass Cleaner: Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Wipe with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.

Shower Doors: Prevent soap scum build-up on glass shower doors by using a squeegee to remove water after each use.

7. Floors

Sweep and Mop: Sweep the bathroom floor regularly to remove hair and dust. Mop with a mild detergent or a suitable floor cleaner to maintain cleanliness.

8. Trash and Laundry

Empty Bins: Empty bathroom bins regularly to prevent nasty smelling odours.

Laundry: Keep a small laundry basket in the bathroom for used towels and bathmats, and wash them regularly.

9. Finishing Touches

Air Fresheners: Utilise air fresheners or essential oil diffusers to maintain a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom.

Organisation: Ensure toiletries and cleaning supplies are neatly organised and stored to minimise clutter and facilitate easier cleaning.

“Love cleaning videos, I feel more motivated, thanks,” said one follower.

“Literally would need you to do this for me daily,” wrote another viewer.

“I just don’t have the arm strength to do this,” joked a third commenter.

“This alongside ovens are my nightmare,” commented another TikTok user.

“This is the only way I clean my shower now and works a treat every time,” said one person.

HG limescale remover foam spray (500ml)
Amazon
The expert recommended using a sulfamic acid-based cleaning product to transform your shower screen[/caption]

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‘Man Utd directors should be arrested’ – How Scott McTominay proved old bosses wrong and became Napoli’s ‘new Maradona’

SCOTT McTOMINAY is proving Manchester United wrong – and Paolo Di Canio right – after becoming Napoli’s “Jolly Blue Giant”.

Soon after Old Trafford chiefs sold the 6ft 3in midfielder to the Serie A club, Premier League legend Di Canio announced, with typical understatement:  “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how do you give McTominay away?”

Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli in action during a Serie A match.
Rex
Scott McTominay is the darling of the Napoli fans and Italian press[/caption]
Scott McTominay and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag celebrating a victory.
Getty
The midfielder was sold by boyhood club United in the summer – against the wishes of many fans and then-boss Erik ten Hag[/caption]
Sir Alex Ferguson, Scott McTominay, and two other people sitting together.
Instagram @scottmctominay
McTominay came through the academy under Sir Alex Ferguson – meaning United made pure profit on his £25m sale[/caption]

How much do Napoli’s fans agree? McTotally.

That is the nickname that the club’s ultras have given to McTominay because of his all-action, totally committed, hard-running style.

And the former Old Trafford trainee has become so crucial to Napoli’s title charge under Antonio Conte that many regard him as a successor to Diego Maradona as the leader of the team.

Leading Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport recenty hailed McTominay as “the warrior soul of Napoli“.

The wildcard in Conte’s pack

The midfielder was given the “Jolly” tag by local press soon after his arrival last summer.

Playing cards imported to Italy from the UK contain a “Jolly Joker” and the Scotland international is regarded as the wild card in Conte’s pack, a versatile player who can be the difference between having a good hand and winning.

But “jolly” also reflects how happy McTominay is in his new surroundings.

He and girlfriend Cam Reading have been pictured out and about enjoying life on the Amalfi Coast.

McTominay said: “It’s not easy going abroad and having to settle in, but it’s been quite seamless, to be fair, in terms of how much the Italian people have helped me settling into my house and whatever.

“Things I need like a car or a taxi or anything like that. I’m very grateful to them. 

“They’re real great people who I’m very thankful for as well.”

Last summer United cashed in on academy product McTominay – against the wishes of then boss Erik ten Hag and many supporters  – to help them meet Premier League financial rules.

But it now looks like a false economy.

While United spent around £50m on replacement midfielder Manuel Ugarte but still languish in the lower half of the Premier League, a McTominay-inspired Napoli are top of Serie A.

The Scot’s six goals and four assists in 21 appearances tell only part of the story.

McTominay’s physical presence at both ends of the pitch and his ability to fulfil a variety of roles has allowed Conte to ditch his usual preference for three at the back.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Conte said: “Scott is a complete player, versatile.

“He can be a trequartista behind the striker, he can be a mezzala in a three-man midfield, play in a two-man midfield or even wide in a 5-4-1 with licence to attack.”

When I first walked into the Maradona Stadium it was surreal, knowing he is a legend of football

McTominay

McTominay made a big impression in his very first start for Napoli, at Juventus back in September.

Conte’s side ground out a 0-0 draw and Italian broadcaster Riccardo Trevisan claimed that McTominay had made Juve stars look like “children”.

Trevisani added: “Seeing McTominay live is incredible, impressive. He looked like Gulliver with children, they bounced off him.”

Months later McTominay remains one of Napoli’s main men.

Last month he scored in the 3-2 win over top-of-the-table rivals Atalanta. Days later, the Scot won the penalty from which fellow Premier League outcast Romelu Lukaku scored to complete a second-half comeback and seal a 2-1 win.

If McTominay can inspire Napoli to their second Serie A crown in three seasons, he will join Maradona in the list of club legends.

Napoli soccer players celebrating a goal.
Getty
McTominay celebrates with his Napoli team-mates and coach Antonio Conte, who has hailed the midfielder’s versatility[/caption]
Diego Maradona celebrating with his team.
AP
Fans have compared McTominay to Napoli legend Diego Maradona for the impact he’s had on the title-chasing team[/caption]
Paolo Di Canio at a Sky Sport event.
Splash
Premier League icon Di Canio says United’s directors should be in big trouble for letting McTominay leave[/caption]
Scott McTominay and Cam Reading at a Naples stadium.
Instagram / @camreading_
McTominay and partner Cam Reading took the brave step of moving abroad[/caption]
Scott McTominay and his girlfriend at a restaurant.
Not known, clear with picture desk
But the couple have settled in well to their new life in southern Italy[/caption]

The club’s stadium is named after the Argentina star who led them to their first ever Italian titles in 1987 and 1990.

McTominay said: “When I first walked into the stadium it was a surreal feeling – knowing he is an icon, an absolute legend of football.

“The people absolutely adore him, which is a huge factor, because of how well he played for them and the things he did in Naples. 

“So for us, he is definitely in our head and hearts.”

Napoli fans have certainly taken McTominay to their hearts.

They even expressed their concern and sympathy when it emerged he was moving to the suburb of Lago Patria.

Although the area is popular with ex-pats and close to Napoli’s training ground, it has also gained a reputation as a crime hotspot, with burglaries and car theft.

The Italian Navy has stopped showing staff the neighbourhood as a potential place to live.

When news of McTominay’s choice of home came out, one fan commented: “I recommend that you close the door tightly in the evening.”

Meanwhile, the £25m that Napoli paid for McTominay is starting to look like daylight robbery itself.

Illustration comparing McTominay's statistics for Manchester United and Napoli.
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte on the pitch.
Alamy
Manuel Ugarte was brought in by United for £50m, double what they sold McTominay for[/caption]
Sunset over a calm lake with fishing nets and a wooden fence.
McTominay moved to Lago Patria, but the picturesque area has a darker side

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I’m a gypsy and people ask why I’m always dressed in black – there’s a good reason, and it’s down to my culture 

A GYPSY has revealed the heart-wrenching reason she’s always dressed in black, explaining that it’s to do with her culture.

Pashy regularly shares videos on her social media page, and often opens up about her “gypsy way of life”.

Woman in black clothing explains why she wears black.
Pashy took to TikTok respond to someone asking why she’s always in black
tiktok/@gypsyqueenpashy1
Woman in black clothing explains why she wears black.
She explained that when someone in the family dies, they wear black for a year as a mark of respect
tiktok/@gypsyqueenpashy1

She’s also happy to answer followers’ questions, and was recently asked why she always seems to be wearing black.

She responded in a video on TikTok, as she explained: “When somebody close to you in the family dies, we’ve got to wear black for a whole year. It’s respect.”

Her mum sadly passed away last August, so Pashy has been wearing black since then.

“There is a lot out there these days that don’t do it,” she admitted.

“But the old ones they do. We’ve been brought up the old-fashioned way.”

Pashy also admitted she’ll probably continue to wear black even after the year is up.

“I’ll probably carry on wearing it for quite a long time,” she said.

“My sisters ain’t gonna come out of it and I don’t think I am – maybe I might wear black with a bit of colouring or whatever, but I’ll always still wear black later on.”

She went on to admit it hasn’t got any easier for her to come to terms with her mother’s passing, and feels like she lost her “a week ago”, rather than nearly six months ago.

“When somebody loses their parents, it’s never the same,” she said.

“We can carry on and try and do things Differently and whatever but it’s always there.

“Unless it happens to you, nobody will ever ever understand – no-one knows how you feel inside.

“You’re breaking your heart in two you you’re broke.”

Pashy concluded her video by urging people to “be kind” to others because you never “know what other people go through”.

“Don’t judge people it don’t matter what they’ve got what they ain’t,” she said.

“Just remember this – you can be a multi-millionaire, you can be poor and live in a cardboard box.

Traditions in the gypsy/traveller communities

Nomadic lifestyle: Traditionally, many travellers maintain a nomadic lifestyle, living in caravans and moving frequently. This mobility is a core aspect of their identity, reflecting a deep connection to freedom and independence.

Strong family bonds: Family is central to traveller culture. Extended families often live and travel together, providing a strong support network. Marriages and social events are significant community affairs, reinforcing familial ties.

Distinct Language: Many travellers speak Shelta, also known as Cant or Gammon, a distinct language that mixes elements of Irish, English, and other languages. This language serves as a cultural marker and a means of private communication within the community.

Religious practices: The traveller community often follows Roman Catholicism, with religious festivals and milestones like baptisms, communions, and weddings being particularly significant. However, individual beliefs and practices can vary widely.

Unique celebrations: Events such as horse fairs and traditional weddings are major social gatherings for travellers. These occasions are marked by elaborate preparations, vibrant attire, and communal participation.

“You’re all going down in the same hole.

“Remember that no one’s perfect and no-one’s better than anyone else.”

People were quick to comment on Pashy’s video, with one admitting: “My hubby died 13 yrs ago and I always wear black.”

“My mum has been gone 16 years this year – still miss her everyday, still talk to her,” another added.

“I wore black for a year as well, sending love.”

“It doesn’t get easier, the grief never leaves you,” a third wrote.

“It’s been five years since I lost my Mam, I miss her and think about her everyday.

“You just learn to deal with it. Bless you, keep going.”

“This made me cry,” someone else said.

“I understand you, my mamma has been gone 10 years and I still yearn for her so badly – my heart hurts with the pain.”

“So hard,” Pashy replied.

“Everyday you get up, no matter how, you try get on each day – it just breaks my heart.”

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