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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
DWP free bus passes in England and full list of everyone eligible
Amid controversial plans to cut disability benefits, many Brits are worried they'll lose their free bus pass. However, reports suggest millions may still be entitled to the perk Millions of Brits may still be eligible for a free bus pass, even if controversial cuts to disability benefits passes through parliament. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which has been described as 'catastrophic' by charities, aims to slash a staggering £5 billion from the welfare bill by 2030. Dozens of Labour MPs are poised to rebel against the brutal cuts when the bill is put to the vote in the coming weeks. However, even if these changes to disability benefit eligibility become law - many Brits could still benefit from free travel. According to Chronicle Live, the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, which is dependent on disability benefit eligibility, could continue to offer free bus passes to those who have lost their benefit claim under new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rules. READ MORE: Warm Home Discount explained as 2.7million households set for £150 energy help Following concerns that swathes of disabled people risk losing their right to a free bus pass amid the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) shakeup, reports suggest the wording of the Green Paper proposals implies that even if you lose your PIP, you might still be eligible for the concessionary travel scheme pass. Eligibility for the disabled concessionary travel scheme, offering free bus rides across England, traditionally hinges on PIP criteria. If you're eligible for the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP due to mobility issues, you're eligible for a pass even if you don't receive any payment from it. Other routes to a cost-free travel card include being of State Pension age, being a caregiver, or falling under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme banner. For those with disabilities, snagging a pass spells savings, benefits cuts notwithstanding. Grounds for a free travel pass also include being over State Pension age, a carer, or qualifying under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Applying as a disabled person is a cost-saving measure, even if benefits are cut. Eligibility for a reduced cost or free travel pass includes:. An older person who has reached their 66th birthday (current state pension age) Someone with a learning, speech, visual or physical disability under pensionable age A carer companion to someone who couldn't travel without your help Qualify under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme For disability qualification, you must have had a PIP assessment and show evidence of receiving the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, or have scored at least eight points in "moving around" or "communicating verbally", reports Chronicle Live. Alternatively, presenting the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance can support your application. If you want to qualify as a disabled person for the scheme, you will still need to meet strict criteria. This includes being: chronically sick and disabled and suffering from any disability which permanently and seriously impairs your ability to walk permanently blind and unable to perform any duties for which sight is required assessed as having learning disabilities registered as profoundly deaf, with or without speech without the use of both arms, whether through the absence of limbs or otherwise unable to drive having had a driving license refused or revoked on medical grounds registered as partially sighted (where disability can be assessed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist) As previously reported, Londoners are also entitled to free travel when they turn 60 - using the 60+ London Oyster photocard. This is restricted to journeys within the city and includes: Free travel on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line (excluding between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services in London. You can travel free on TfL services anytime Monday to Friday, except between 04:30-09:00. You can travel free anytime at weekends and on bank holidays. Discounted fares on River on Santander Cycle Hire.
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Dad placed into coma after staying at 'damp and musty' 4-star hotel on holiday
Dad placed into coma after staying at 'damp and musty' 4-star hotel on holiday Richard Moore, 55, was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease after staying at the four-star hotel in Turkey. He was placed in an induced coma and spent a month in hospital Richard Moore in hospital after returning from his four-star break (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS ) A dad-of-two has recounted his harrowing near-death experience after contracting a rare illness from what he claims was a "damp and musty" four-star hotel during a sunny getaway in Turkey. Richard Moore, 55, started to feel unwell with fever and chest pains following a five-day holiday with his partner Julie, aged 50. The chef's condition deteriorated so rapidly that he was taken to hospital and put into an induced coma, with his family being warned he might not pull through. Medics later diagnosed him with the potentially fatal Legionnaires' disease, necessitating a five-day hospital stay, antibiotic treatment, and an IV drip. Richard, from Blyth, Northumberland, shared with Chronicle Live: "This holiday was meant to be a short break before I started a new job as an executive chef. Instead, it cost me my dream job, my health and very nearly my life." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Richard continued: "As a result of the memory loss, I can't recall much of my time in hospital, but when I was admitted, I remember the fear and not knowing what was wrong. "I'm lucky to be alive but it's so upsetting to think my family were told I might not live. I never realised Legionnaires' disease was so serious and I want to tell my story to make other people aware of the symptoms and the dangers. Article continues below "I wouldn't want to think that other people were going off on a holiday unaware of what they could be walking into. If there are issues with the hotel then that needs looking at urgently. I feel fortunate to have pulled through. However, I do worry that someone else might not be as lucky as I was." Richard and his family forked out £2,000 for a stay at a four-star hotel. Upon their arrival on 18 August last year, Richard was disappointed to find the hotel in a state of disrepair. He noted that the room was damp and had an unpleasant musty odour. He commented: "I can't specifically pinpoint to one thing but the water temperature fluctuated a lot in the shower. The bathroom and hotel generally looked run down and the sofa in hotel room beneath the air con felt damp throughout the holiday which made me think it was leaking." Shortly after returning to the UK, Richard began experiencing symptoms akin to the flu. On 30 August, he developed chest pains, shortness of breath and a fever, leading to his hospitalisation. After spending a month in hospital, Richard has been unable to take up his new role as an executive chef. He continues to grapple with fatigue, weakness and mobility issues associated with Legionnaires' disease. He has since engaged travel illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to probe the cause of his Legionnaires' disease. Jennifer Hodgson, who is representing Richard, stated: "Richard's first-hand account of his experience at the hotel and contracting his illness is deeply disturbing. "Legionnaires' disease is an incredibly serious condition, and it can take several days from coming into contact with Legionella bacteria before symptoms of the illness start to appear. As Richard has since discovered, the effects of the disease can be long-term. "Nothing can make up for the impact the illness has had and continues to have on Richard, but we're determined to provide him with the answers and specialist support he deserves. Public buildings, such as hotels and offices, can have complex water systems, so it's vital that all precautions are taken to prevent the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease developing. "As part of our work and to assist with our investigations, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may also have been affected by illness." Article continues below
Dublin Live
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Baby is one of just 2% as rare trait makes him internet sensation
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A baby has become an internet success thanks to his rare blond locks. Saoirse Ina Havelaar gave birth to son Lewis with the newborn arriving with a full head of blond hair. Concentrating on caring for the infant the 22-year-old says she barely noticed his unusually blond hair. It was only later she learned it is something just 2% of children have. Saoirse, originally from Dublin and now living in North Tyneside, told how she gave birth at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on January 20. At the time doctors and nurses predicted her son's locks would change colour or fall out but instead, his hair has remained a vibrant blond, reports, Chronicle Live. (Image: Saoirse Ina Havelaar) She recalled: "Lewis was born two days early, and on my way to hospital I was worried he would have no hair, but he is such a beautiful baby. When he was first born, I didn't even notice the hair, I just cared about my baby. "It wasn't until we were alone on the ward that I really saw how much of it there was. I'm very surprised that he hasn't lost any of it, it has actually just stayed really blonde and is a completely full head of hair." (Image: Saoirse Ina Havelaar) The proud mum is enjoying the attention her 20-week-old son is receiving, saying: "I think seeing people's reaction on social media has made me realise how rare it is. I am loving the positivity that we are getting." Spending every day with Lewis, she says she is constantly stopped by people who recognise him from social media. "Whether I am dropping my daughter off at school, shopping or on the Metro, people say they have seen him on Facebook or TikTok and wanted to say hello. (Image: Saoirse Ina Havelaar) "This has been really special for me. With my daughter, I didn't realise just how fast they grow up, so I have been able to document every day of his life so far which has been amazing. "I have been sharing things with my friends and family and with everyone else on social media. The reception has been so heart-warming."
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Mum's surprise as son's rare blond hair goes viral on TikTok
Saoirse Ina Havelaar, 22, welcomed baby son Lewis on January 20 and he quickly shot to fame on social media for his rare blond hair A baby has gone viral on TikTok after being born with a full head of blond hair. When Saoirse Ina Havelaar gave birth to son, Lewis, she says she barely noticed his stunning locks. But within weeks his unusual colouring and full head of hear, seen in just 2% of children, saw him become an internet sensation. Lewis was born, at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on January 20. The 22-year-old, who is originally from Dublin was told by medical professionals that her son's hair would either change colour or fall out. However this hasn't been the case," reports Chronicle Live. She shared: "Lewis was born two days early, and on my way to hospital I was worried he would have no hair, but he is such a beautiful baby. When he was first born, I didn't even notice the hair, I just cared about my baby. "It wasn't until we were alone on the ward that I really saw how much of it there was. I'm very surprised that he hasn't lost any of it, it has actually just stayed really blonde and is a completely full head of hair. "I think seeing people's reaction on social media has made me realise how rare it is. I am loving the positivity that we are getting." She added: "He is now 20 weeks old, and I am with him every single day. I always get stopped by people about his hair. "Whether I am dropping my daughter off at school, shopping or on the Metro, people say they have seen him on Facebook or TikTok and wanted to say hello." "This has been really special for me. With my daughter, I didn't realise just how fast they grow up, so I have been able to document every day of his life so far which has been amazing. "I have been sharing things with my friends and family and with everyone else on social media. The reception has been so heart-warming."
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Family faces £40k bill as man left on organ-support after falling ill on holiday
Ian Wright, 47, and his wife Sarah, from Northumberland, were on holiday in Cyprus when he suddenly became very ill and he is currently in in Nicosia General Hospital The family of a British man are facing a staggering bill of more than £40,000 to fly him home after he became seriously ill while on holiday in Cyprus, leaving him on dialysis, a ventilator and multi-organ support. Ian Wright, 47, was watching Newcastle's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal with friends he and wife Sarah had flown out to visit in Tala, near Paphos, when he became unwell ill, just six days into the holiday. Sarah initially suspected Ian had food poisoning, but he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis with necrosis soon after being admitted to a medical centre in Tala. Haulage worker Ian has been in Nicosia General Hospital since Friday, May 30, and has spent much of that time on dialysis, a ventilator and multi-organ support. Ian's mum Monica Muckle, 67, flew out to the Mediterranean island and has been by his side since May 22. She is desperate to bring her son back to their hometown of Cramlington, Northumberland. However, for Ian to make the journey home in his current condition, he would need to be flown by private jet accompanied by a doctor and paramedic at a cost of £40,995. The family are fast running out of money to prolong their stay in Cyprus, with Monica telling ChronicleLive: "We are absolutely heartbroken because if we have to go home on Monday, he's here on his own. "The thought of it is just horrendous. He knows we're there, and the thought of going in on Sunday and saying to him we've got to go home and not even be able to tell him that he's going to be following us because we just don't know." Ian and Sarah have an annual travel insurance policy, but Ian did not declare that he had seen medics about high blood pressure and high uric acid in the UK. Therefore, Ian's travel company AXA have declined to pay out. A GoFundMe page was set up by Sarah's friend and colleague, Lucy Wareing, which has raised almost £9,000. That was originally to cover the family's expenses in Cyprus before the full severity of his case was known. However, they are trying to use as little of that as possible, so that they can put any money raised towards Ian's repatriation. Monica said: "We're trying to keep hold of money we have got from the fund. We want him home and we don't want to be spending money that's going to go towards helping him to get home." The family hope that they could use Ian's workplace pension to cover some of his repatriation costs, but do not know how long it will take them to access it. Monica says she has been working until the early hours of each morning contacting charities, but most support families in repatriating loved ones who have died abroad. They are also in contact with the British Consulate in Cyprus, who are helping the family with translation and interpreting, and getting regular updates from the hospital. Monica said: "As you get older, you realise how important it is to put things like that on the travel insurance. We're not holding out any hope where that is concerned. "We're not trying to scrounge, that's why we're looking into the pensions because if we can get that, maybe it won't be enough for all of it, but it could cover a fair proportion and maybe we can crack on getting family and friends to help us a bit more. We don't want to beg for money, we want to be able to get the money through whatever ways we can. We're still having to take it a day at a time, but we just want him home."
