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Adoptive Mom Delivers Love Letters, Keeps Birth Mom in the Loop for 17 Years
Alicia Mae Holloway's adoption story is heartwarming. Her adoptive mom, Evelyn, promised to send biannual updates and photos to Holloway’s birth mom, who couldn't keep her due to family circumstances. For 17 years, these letters allowed her birth mom to secretly celebrate Alicia's milestones. Alicia only learned of this kind gesture before turning 18 and later met her birth mom in an emotional reunion. She says she holds no resentment, viewing the adoption as an act of love that gave her a wonderful life.
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Naughty Elves are Causing Mischief at This School, and It's Even Sparked Plenty of Community Involvement
At one Northumberland primary school, Christmas cheer comes with a side of chaos—thanks to a band of rogue elves causing mayhem every December. Since 2019, Amble Links Primary School has become known for its elaborate and mischievous Elf on the Shelf antics, with toy elves regularly bricking up entrances, hijacking lifeboats, and even flooding the headteacher’s office with plastic balls. Headteacher Paul Heeley says the annual tradition has become so popular that the school now has “quite a following” on social media. “When the school’s mentioned, people say, ‘Oh, is that the school with the elves?’” he said. Every morning in December, students arrive buzzing with excitement. “You can hear them coming up the hill asking, ‘Where the elves? What the elves doing? What have they done?’” Heeley said. While the Elf on the Shelf craze began in the United States, the Amble elves have taken things to a new level. “These elves aren’t your normal elves that you see on most social media,” Heeley said. “They do quite large-scale things.” The pranks have included roping in sheep to block the front gates, staging a dramatic escape from a recycling centre, and even toppling a lamp-post. One year, they were caught in a student-made “elf trap”—only to escape by morning. The mischief isn’t just limited to the school grounds. Over time, the local community has joined in, with businesses, the council, and even emergency services taking part—often during the very early hours before students arrive for breakfast club. “As it’s grown, there’s just been so much community involvement, which has been tremendous,” Heeley said. A small group now helps plan each year’s scenarios in secret throughout the year. Despite the scale of the pranks, everything is cleared away before classes begin to avoid disruption to lessons. Still, the effort leaves a lasting impression. “It’s that joy that it brings to them, it’s memories for them,” Heeley said. “I love doing the project every year.” The elves’ antics have not only delighted the students but also sparked offers of donations from people who’ve followed the fun online. According to Heeley, funds raised have gone toward buying Chromebooks and other supplies for students. It’s a festive tradition that mixes creativity, community, and a healthy dose of mischief—and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
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Britain's 'Oldest Cheerleaders' Take The Stage For Their First Dance
A cheerleading squad made up entirely of women in their 70s and 80s has just completed its first-ever public performance—proving it's never too late to start something new. The Mayfield Bells, who believe they may be Britain’s oldest cheerleading group, took to the stage at Watford’s Harlequin shopping centre on Saturday. Dressed in black Santa hats and shaking pom-poms, the women, aged between 70 and 87, danced and smiled their way through the routine as shoppers stopped to watch, film, and cheer them on. The group was the brainchild of 81-year-old Marilyn Sylvester, who was inspired after watching the Diane Keaton film Poms on Netflix. The 2019 movie follows a group of older women who start a cheerleading squad at their retirement community. “When the film finished, I just thought, you know what? We could do this. And we’re doing it,” Sylvester said. “It’s never too late to start a new hobby, it’s good for you and we laugh—and laughing is the best, best tonic for everybody.” The Mayfield Bells had just eight weeks of practice before their big debut. With help from BBC Three Counties Radio, the group secured a spot to perform in the busy shopping centre. Ahead of the show, nerves kicked in. The women weren’t sure anyone would stop to watch. But they didn’t need to worry. The moment they began performing, shoppers gathered around, phones in hand, capturing the moment. After the performance, Sylvester said she felt “elated and very emotional” with how everything went. “Who would’ve thought from a soppy idea like that it would get so well known and people would want to see us,” she said. “It might make us famous being in here.” When asked if the Mayfield Bells would ever consider auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent, Sylvester didn’t miss a beat. “They’ve got terrible acts there so we’d fit in really well—we could even win it! We could!” The group isn’t just about cheerleading. It’s about friendship, movement, joy, and doing something unexpected. And for Sylvester and her teammates, it’s clearly working. “We laugh so much,” she said. “That’s the best part of all this.”
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Score (94)
He Overcame Addiction and Found Purpose — Now, He's Inspiring Others on Their Journey to Recovery
Ross Powell says he lost everything before he found the strength to change his life—and now he’s hoping his story can help others do the same. The 31-year-old was fined in court in June 2024 for being caught with drugs, a moment he describes as rock bottom after years of substance abuse. “I was bankrupted basically,” he said. “I didn’t want to be around anymore, let alone dealing with these continuous issues, so that was more or less my turning point.” From alcohol and drugs to pornography and unhealthy relationships, Powell said he gave in to every distraction life threw at him. “I failed to resist,” he admitted, describing how his life spiraled into “a point of despair.” But with help from his mother, his girlfriend, and the right support networks, Powell managed to turn things around. Now, he works with the Lifeline Group, providing mental health support to others facing similar struggles. “Once you create that proof and you start seeing your life take an upturn, you don’t look backwards,” he said. “You never hear anyone say they regret giving up alcohol or regret giving up drugs.” He added that while he still has “down days,” he no longer struggles with anxiety or depression. “Now I’m in a job that fulfils my purpose too,” he said. A big part of Powell’s recovery has been running, which he credits for helping reshape his mindset. “Running for me was the purest form of hard work,” he said. “It opened up my eyes to a better version of myself.” Earlier this year, he set out to complete a 100-mile (160.9 km) run around the island of Jersey for Movember, the men’s health charity. He made it to 68 miles (109.4 km) before a knee injury forced him to stop. But he plans to try again in January once he’s recovered. “The highs and lows of ultramarathon running are a good analogy for my life,” he said. “You find in it the gratitude for the smaller things in life and the people you have.” Powell credits his girlfriend, Laura Bechelet, for sticking with him through the darkest times. The pair met five years ago, when, she says, “his life was about partying, drinking and drugs.” For years, their relationship was on-and-off. “We had this beautiful connection but in some ways it was very toxic and unhealthy,” she said. “The fact that he’s transformed himself means that I now get to experience him in his greatest self and I’m so grateful for that.” Powell’s story is a stark reminder of how quickly things can fall apart—and how, with the right support, they can come back together again. “Sometimes I pinch myself,” he said. “Because I think it was the snowball moment when you change something small like diet, and then it gets bigger and bigger.” He’s not pretending it’s easy, but he hopes others who feel overwhelmed know there’s a way through. “Mentally, I don’t suffer with anxiety and I have no depression,” he said. “But I have my down days like we all do, because we’re human beings.”
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TikTok Users are Embracing Experiential Gifts Over Physical Presents
This holiday season, more and more people are ditching the gift wrap and turning to something a little more memorable — experiences. A growing trend on TikTok has users sharing their favorite non-materialistic gift ideas, and it’s gaining traction for good reason. Instead of giving more stuff, people are opting to give their loved ones moments, skills, and memories. TikTokers like Pauline are championing the idea of “experiential-based” gifts — everything from sewing lessons to concert tickets. In one of her videos, she suggests gifting cleaning services to new parents or overwhelmed friends. “That is such a beautiful gift you can give somebody,” she said, noting that it’s both thoughtful and useful. Memberships are another favorite. Whether it’s to a museum, a gym, or even a local club, they offer flexibility and long-term enjoyment. “They can go whenever,” Pauline pointed out, “and they can also bring people in with their membership, so you might even get to go along.” Lessons are also a top pick. Pauline is asking for sewing classes herself this year, but says there are endless possibilities — golf, dancing, cake decorating, pottery, even leather-working. “Anything that you think they could be interested in,” she said. Fellow TikToker Jamie took it a step further, suggesting gifts that double as activities for two — like a cooking class where you both get dinner and a new skill. She also mentioned paint-and-sip nights and pottery workshops, calling them “something creative and something fun.” Camila Sinclair shared a similar sentiment, recommending gifts that people might not splurge on for themselves, like a spa day or a restaurant gift card. “It’s so relaxing,” she said about the spa idea, “and something that you don’t do for yourself.” She also suggested travel-related gifts, like an Airbnb gift card, as a way to contribute toward a future getaway — even if you don’t know exactly where or when the trip will happen. “They know they’re going to go out that night,” she said of the restaurant option, “they’re going to dress up, and they don’t have to worry about the bill.” For some, even simpler gifts are more meaningful. One TikToker, Melanie, posted a wishlist with just two things: “a dance party with all of my favorite people” and “sweet & restful time with my family.” The message behind the trend is clear: it’s not about how much you spend or what you wrap in a bow. It’s about connection, time, and experiences that last longer than any product on a shelf. And who knows — your most memorable gift this year might not fit under a tree at all.
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How This Bereavement Group is Finding Healing Through Walking and Talking
In a quiet park in Northampton, Massachusetts, a group of people gathers once a week for a walk. There are no race bibs or stopwatches. No one is trying to break a sweat. Instead, they walk slowly — sometimes with a cane, sometimes with a dog, and often with heavy hearts. This is a bereavement walking group, created for people navigating life after loss. Most have lost a spouse, but some are mourning a sibling, a parent, or a child. The only requirement is grief — and a willingness to share it. Maureen Cahillane, 91, joined the group after losing her husband James more than two years ago. She shuffled along with about two dozen others, her cane tapping softly against the path. “There are times when I feel alone and empty,” she said, turning to a fellow walker. “This group is quite a bit of help. Just to know that other people are dealing with the same sadness.” The strolls are not meant to be exercise, though they do get people moving. “It’s not an exercise group,” bereavement counselor Shelly Bathe Lenn reminds everyone before they set off. “Slow down for the people behind.” Lenn, who works with Cooley Dickinson Hospital, also runs book clubs and art groups for those dealing with grief. But she says the walking group is different. “They’re talking, talking, talking,” she said. “That’s when the magic happens.” The group walks through open parkland and past garden paths, breaking off into small clusters of twos and threes. Some conversations are lighthearted — Red Sox scores, family recipes, fond memories of simpler times. Others cut deeper. “They’re sharing experiences that most of them feel like they couldn’t share with anybody else,” Lenn said. Cahillane walked beside Jill Mendez, whose partner Patrick died nearly four years ago. For her, grief has softened into something more familiar. “The grief is now more of a yearning,” Mendez said. “It never goes away,” Cahillane added. “It’s always with you,” Mendez agreed. “It becomes part of your anatomy, almost.” For Helena Donovan, who also lost her husband, the group offered something simple but important: motivation to get out of the house. “I was doing way too much sitting around,” she said. “This gets me up and gets me moving. And I always feel better when I move.” Elaine Beaudoin, walking with a few others and a dog, noted that the side-by-side nature of walking makes it easier to talk. “It’s less intense than sitting across from someone,” she said. “You can talk, or you can not talk.” She’s in the second year of grief, and for many in the group, that’s when the hard questions begin to surface. “The first year you’re in the throes of it all,” she said. “But the second year is, ‘Well, this is my life now. What am I going to do with it?’ The quietness is getting pretty loud in the house.” Sometimes it’s the little moments that hurt the most. “I wake up in the morning and, you know, I reach over and she’s not there,” said Roger Brown, remembering his wife, Jeanne. The group meets year-round, regardless of weather. For some, watching the seasons shift is part of the healing. Diana, who asked to go by only her middle name, said the outdoors offers relief from the weight of grief. “Being outside distracts your mind. Sometimes we are so focused on our pain, but when you are outside, you're walking. It kind of helps,” she said. Her husband Philip used to be the one she walked with. He died nearly a year ago. “It’s therapy,” she said. “But it’s also hard because I can no longer walk with him.” So now, she walks with others who understand. With each step and every conversation, they help one another carry the silence, the sadness, and — slowly — the hope that life can still move forward.
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Three Pigs are Revitalizing a Historic Royal Hunting Ground — Here's How
A centuries-old royal hunting ground in Essex is getting a wild new makeover — thanks in part to three pigs. Harold's Park Wildland, a 509-acre nature reserve in Waltham Abbey, is being reimagined as a thriving ecosystem after years of failed commercial farming and Christmas tree planting. The land, once the hunting territory of King Harold Godwinson in 1066, is now the focus of a bold rewilding project led by the conservation company Nattergal. At the heart of this effort are three Iron Age pigs — a cross between wild boar and Tamworth — that have been released to turn over the soil and mimic the natural disturbances that once shaped the British landscape. In time, they'll be joined by grazing ponies and cattle, whose movements will further help restore ecological balance and manage the area's overabundant deer population. “Nothing is working as it should,” said site manager Tom Moat. “We’ve lost beavers, bison, herds of wild boar and big herbivores. Deer aren’t behaving naturally as a result.” The goal, Moat explained, is to use “soft engineering” — natural processes instead of machines or chemicals — to bring the land back to life. That includes removing conifer plantations to make space for native saplings, digging ponds to restore wetlands, and carving a broad muddy trail through the woods that Moat calls an “artery of wildlife.” “This won’t be mud for long,” he said. “The grass will come and then the flowers behind it.” The changes are expected to benefit a wide range of species, including rare birds like nightingales and turtle doves. As the land transitions from manicured fields into scrubland and wood pasture, Moat said it’ll be exciting to see how nature takes over. Dr Simon Lyster, chair of the Essex Local Nature Partnership, said the rewilding strategy will also help relieve pressure on other nearby parks that are struggling with too many visitors. “Hatfield Forest used to get 100,000 visitors a year. Now it’s 600,000,” Lyster said. “Harold’s Park will help alleviate pressure from the places that are getting too much.” He called the approach “very important” and said it has worked well elsewhere. “It creates space for wild plants, protects scrub areas — which is very good for nightingales — and you start seeing results much faster than people expect. It’s quite extraordinary how quickly nature recovers.” Harold’s Park has been named a high-priority site in Essex’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The reserve will also be used as an educational space, with plans to host children from urban areas to explore the natural environment. Peter Schwier, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for the environment, visited the site last year and said it offered something completely different. “It will be an opportunity for anyone interested in nature and rewilding to benefit from learning a lot about it,” he said. “It’s going to be a great day out, completely different to the average of what goes on at the moment.” If all goes to plan, the pigs will be just the beginning of Harold’s Park’s return to wild.
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Hand-Reared Reindeer Lars Finds Joy In Visits With His Canine Friends
Lars the reindeer might live in a field now, but he still thinks he’s part dog — and occasionally, part houseguest. The six-month-old reindeer, raised by hand after being rejected by his mother, was brought up alongside spaniels at Angie Nelson’s farm on the border of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. These days, he’s back living with his herd, but he still pops in to visit the dogs and drink from their water bowl like it’s the most normal thing in the world. “He drinks from the dog’s water bowl. That’s normal for him,” said Angie. “Being in the house is normal with him.” Lars was born on 17 May to a first-time mother named Lumi, but Angie quickly noticed something wasn’t right. “He came to me a lot on the first day because his mum wasn’t producing enough milk,” she said. “I had to make a massive decision — either hand-rear him or let nature take its course.” She chose the former. For two weeks, she slept beside Lars, feeding him every two hours. “My life just became him,” she said. “Knowing that he wouldn’t be alive if we hadn’t done something is quite rewarding.” But Angie didn’t do it alone. Her spaniels played a crucial role in raising the orphaned reindeer, especially Molly — a motherly dog who had previously had puppies of her own. “She immediately snuggled down with him,” Angie said. “So then he became part of the dog family, really.” That bond stuck. Even now, with Lars integrated back into his reindeer herd, he still returns to the house to see his canine companions. “He’s just at home with them,” Angie said. “And he’s at home in the house.” The decision to reintroduce him to the herd wasn’t easy. “It was like sending your child off to university,” she said. “You can’t protect them and look after them — they have to live their life.” Lars’s return to reindeer life coincided with Angie’s wedding to her now husband, Justin Mumford, and Lars even made a special appearance in some of the wedding photos. Angie, who has owned reindeer for 18 years and hires them out for events, described Lars as “unique,” born into a “very unique set of circumstances.” Owning reindeer, she added, is “really specialised.” But the experience with Lars has drawn national and even international attention — including a request from a German television crew to feature his story. For now, Lars is adjusting to life as a proper reindeer. But he still comes back to visit, tail-wagging dogs and all. “It’s nice to have him back for visits,” Angie said. “And he sees the dogs.”
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Who Is Ahmed Al Ahmed, The Heroic Bystander Who Disarmed the Sydney Shooter?
In a split-second decision that likely saved lives, a 43-year-old fruit seller named Ahmed al Ahmed has been hailed as a hero after tackling a gunman during a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The attack, which took place during a Hanukkah celebration, killed at least 11 people and left dozens injured. Video footage from the scene shows al Ahmed sprinting toward the shooter, disarming him with his bare hands, and holding him at gunpoint until police arrived. The dramatic clip, just 15 seconds long, quickly spread across social media. It shows al Ahmed using parked cars for cover before rushing the attacker from behind, grabbing the rifle, and taking the shooter to the ground. Local broadcaster 7News identified al Ahmed as a bystander who happened to be in the area and had no prior experience with weapons. He was shot twice in the process and was hospitalized, with surgery scheduled for later that night. A man identifying himself as Ahmed’s cousin, Mustapha, told 7News, “He's in hospital and we don't know exactly what's going on inside… He's a hero 100 percent.” The shooting unfolded Saturday night at Bondi Beach, during a gathering for the first night of Hanukkah. According to police, the attack was carried out by two suspects. One is dead; the other is in critical condition. Authorities also found and defused explosive devices in a nearby vehicle. New South Wales Police have classified the attack as a terrorist incident and say it specifically targeted Australia’s Jewish community. Al Ahmed's actions stood out in a moment of chaos, drawing praise from political leaders, media, and the public alike. Prime Minister Albanese referred to him as a “hero.” Ahmed al Ahmed, a man with no training and nothing to gain, chose to intervene — and may have saved countless others in doing so.
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Women are Embracing 'Dopamine Decor' Trend for a Joyful Home Makeover
In a time when the world feels heavy and grey, a growing number of women are bringing boldness back into their homes — one neon mirror or orange sofa at a time. The trend, known as dopamine decor, has exploded on TikTok with more than 70,000 posts showcasing bright colours, quirky patterns, and playful design ideas meant to boost happiness. The idea is simple: surround yourself with things that spark joy. For Rachel Verney, that joy came in the form of a vivid orange couch. The Surrey-based content creator has racked up over 800,000 followers by sharing videos of her colourful, budget-friendly home renovations under the name The Shoestring Home. Millions have watched her transform spaces using bold paint and second-hand furniture finds, often wrapped in clashing prints and unconventional palettes. “It’s my happy place when I work on a project,” Verney told the BBC. “Sometimes I feel like an imposter as I’m not qualified to do the job.” That hasn’t stopped her from turning content creation into a full-time career. Her videos, which aim to make “aesthetic accessible,” show everything from rainbow wall art to hand-painted floors, and have resonated especially with younger viewers. Not everyone loves her approach — she said there’s been “division” on Facebook about her bold interiors — but she’s not backing down. “Everything is so gloomy and the world is a bit of a scary place at the moment,” she said. “Houses want to be joyful.” Psychologists say there’s science behind the feel-good effect. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, can be triggered by vivid colours and stimulating design, said Dr Natasha Sharma, a psychologist based in Wolverhampton. “Dopamine decor allows people to externalise their identity and boost their mood, giving a heightened sense of wellbeing,” she explained. In contrast, she said, homes dominated by grey or beige tones can lead to “feelings of emotional flatness.” In Birmingham, artist and entrepreneur Nicola Brighton has built a business around the idea. Her company, Printed Weird, sells kitschy prints and neon-framed mirrors in unusual shapes, many of which are now stocked in stores across the UK and the US. Since 2022, her sales have jumped 62%. “When you come home from work and you’ve had a rubbish day, you can just look at things that bring you joy and happiness,” Brighton said. She started the business seven years ago from her mum’s spare bedroom, driven by a love of maximalist design and a desire to offer affordable pieces that spark emotion. “Through what you love, why not put that silliness on your wall? It’s an extension of your personality and will bring you joy,” she said. But not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea — especially when it comes to selling your home. Estate agents like Paul Fox in Lincolnshire advise homeowners to stick with “timeless” neutrals, saying it helps homes sell faster. “First impressions are everything,” the agency said, “so by ensuring that the home is painted in popular colours you are likely to attract buyers.” Still, people like Jodie Edmonds aren’t buying it. “I’m not bothered when it comes to reselling,” she said. “People have different tastes and can change the decor.” For her, painting the walls in joyful colours is about creating a home that feels alive. “A grey house would make me feel low,” she said. “A bright house makes me feel motivated and inspired.” So how do you add dopamine decor without emptying your wallet? Rachel Verney recommends starting small: cushions, rugs, and fun shower curtains are all easy entry points. She also suggests wrapping fridges in vinyl, painting radiators in rainbow shades, or upcycling charity shop finds into statement pieces. Adding plants — real or printed — can also help bring warmth to neglected corners. “Don’t be afraid to mix colours and patterns,” Verney said. “Start with what makes you smile.” It turns out joy might just be one bold paint choice away.
Score (92)
Family Mix-Up Sends Boy to Christmas Nativity Show as Elvis Instead of Elf 🤣
When 9-year-old Oscar Wilkins landed a role in his school’s nativity play, he was excited to tell his family he’d be playing “Elvis.” What he didn’t quite get across was that the full role was actually Elvis the Elf. So, naturally, the Wilkins family assumed their son would be impersonating the King of Rock and Roll. His older sister, Jade Smith, said the school’s letter simply mentioned a “sparkly Elvis costume,” and with no mention of elves, the family went straight online to find a pint-sized Graceland outfit. “We asked him if he was sure he meant Elvis and he said yes, ‘with a sparkly costume,’” Jade told Southwest News Service. “He did not mention anything about an elf.” Oscar showed up to Penrhiwpeier Primary School in Wales in full Presley gear—complete with flared pants and rhinestones. No one corrected him. In fact, no one said anything at all. It wasn’t until showtime, when Oscar stepped on stage for the first of two performances, that the mix-up was finally revealed. “We only found out the mistake when we were watching the show and they all walked out—out of 12 kids, they were all dressed as elves except for Oscar,” said Jade. “It was so funny.” Rather than shy away, Oscar leaned into the role. The crowd burst out laughing, and he soaked up every second of it. “There was no drama,” Jade said. “Oscar embraced it all and loved that people were all laughing at him. He really enjoyed all the attention.” His parents, Stephen and Sarah Wilkins, were in the audience for both shows and found the whole thing hilarious. Even the school seemed to enjoy the surprise. “We sent him to school in the wrong costume and they all saw the funny side,” said Jade. “But did not say it was wrong.” Despite being the odd one out, Oscar owned the stage. “You never want your child to feel awkward, but Oscar totally embraced it, and that helped us all see the funny side of it,” said Jade. “He’s still got the outfit and has now been introduced to Elvis’ music. He loves older music anyway so we can see him becoming a bit of a fan.” Elvis the Elf may have been a misunderstanding—but for one 9-year-old, it became an unforgettable spotlight moment. Thank you, thank you very much for reading.