Senior NHS doctors have demanded an 11 per cent pay rise as they take to picket lines for the third time this year.

Junior doctors will then stage a joint walkout with the senior medics tomorrow and continue their own action until 7am on Saturday.

While sick Brits have been told to use emergency care as normal, health chiefs have warned patients face ‘the highest level of risk in living memory’.

But Dr Vishal Sharma, chair of the British Medical Association’s (BMA) consultants’ committee, which is coordinating the action, this morning claimed a ‘save level of service’ would be provided.

Consultants walked out of hospitals at 7am this morning as part of a 48-hour strike and are providing a ‘ Christmas Day’ level of service – meaning routine appointments and operations set to be significantly disrupted. Pictured, consultant members of the BMA on the picket line outside University College London hospital in August

The BMA also said it had written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Steve Barclay outlining the ‘key asks’ needed to end the pay dispute.

In the letter sent to Mr Sunak yesterday, Dr Sharma said the BMA has always been clear that ‘strikes could be avoided if the Government was to present us with a credible offer that we could put to our members.’

He added: ‘We are willing to negotiate with Government at any stage, but for strike action to be stood down we need to be able to present our members with an offer and cannot cancel strikes simply to enter talks.’ 

The BMA says consultants pay has been cut in real-terms since 2008 and is calling for pay restoration and reform of the pay review body that advises ministers on salary increases.

It claims their income has increased by 14 per cent over this period. 

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, he also said: ‘This has happened because the NHS staff across across the whole sector are really demoralised, they’re really burnt out and they’ve been forced into taking strike action.’

He said consultants wanted an above-inflation pay award for this year, which in April was running about 11 per cent.

‘That’s a very similar amount to what was offered to doctors in Scotland and it shows it’s absolutely possible to actually do that, if there’s the right political will,’ he added.

Last month, BMA members in Scotland accepted the SNP Government’s offer of a 14.5 per cent pay increase for junior doctors and doctors in training over two years. 

Consultants in England have already  staged four days of strike action, while junior doctors have taken to the picket lines on 19 separate days. 

But last week NHS bosses blamed medic strikes for heaping extra pressure onto already struggling hospitals — with 400,000 appointments rescheduled this summer due to walkouts. 

Some 885,154 appointments have been postponed since NHS industrial action — which has involved staff including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and paramedics — kicked-off in December.

If all community and mental health figures are included, the total rises to more than 940,000 — though this will not reflect the overall number of actual cancellations, due to some duplication of data.

NHS leaders also said the real impact of strikes is masked by the data, as many hospitals have stopped booking in surgeries and other appointments on announced strike days. 

Fresh NHS data last week also showed around 7.68million patients in England — or one in seven people — were in the queue in July for procedures such hip and knee replacements. 

The toll marks the highest figures logged since NHS records began in August 2007.

For comparison, around 4.4million were stuck in the system when the pandemic reached the UK. 

But this morning Dr Sharma said the growing NHS waiting lists ‘have not been caused by the strikes’ and ‘were going up well before the pandemic’.

England’s backlog, for procedures like hip and knee replacements, now stands at 7.6million, official figures revealed last week. It means roughly one in seven people across the country are currently stuck in the system awaiting care. More than 380,000 patients have gone a year without being treated, often in agony

He said this had led to ‘huge pressure on the whole NHS workforce’, adding that ‘the consultant workforce is absolutely burnt out’ and struggling to recruit.

The NHS Confederation however, which represents all NHS organisations, said increasing numbers of patients, including cancer patients, are seeing their appointments rescheduled more than once due to strikes.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the organisation, said: ‘This is likely to be the biggest walkout the NHS has ever seen, will cause serious disruption, and put patients at the highest level of risk in living memory.

‘Leaders are concerned that this dangerous situation is being underestimated by the Government, telling us that this feels much different and more complex than previous strikes.’

Many are reporting ‘greater difficulties in rota planning and having to cancel huge numbers of elective operations and appointments in advance’, he added. 

‘This is much worse than before as we’re now seeing patients who have already had an operation cancelled due to industrial action be hit again with a cancellation to their rescheduled appointment,’ he said.

‘Leaders have also told us that this time round a higher number of operations and appointments for cancer patients are being cancelled, meaning that some of the very sickest patients may be suffering the most.’

In July consultants and junior doctors were given a six per cent pay rise under No. 10’s pay offer.

At the time, Rishi Sunak said the deal, announced in July for 2023/24, was the Government’s ‘final offer’. 

Nurses, paramedics and other NHS staff received a five per cent rise and ‘NHS backlog bonus’.

The BMA however immediately rejected the rise, vowing to crack on with strike action. 

The action today also comes as the Government this week outlined plans to extend strike laws to ensure more healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, in hospitals provide a minimum level of cover.

The regulations, which could come into force next year, would mean doctors and nurses would have to provide a certain level of cover after being issued with a ‘work notice’ by employers on what is needed to maintain ‘necessary and safe levels of service’.

In July, the new strike law was granted Royal Assent, allowing ministers to impose minimum levels of service during industrial action by ambulance staff, firefighters, railway workers and those in other sectors deemed essential. 

Currently life-and-limb cover has to be provided in hospitals during strike action, but the extent of that is negotiated locally. 

Steve Barclay told Sky News this morning: ‘What we’re announcing today is how we protect time-critical hospital services, so things like chemotherapy, things like dialysis, because we recognise the right to strike is important, but we’ve got to balance that with also the right of patients to key treatments.’

He claimed France and Italy already had such measures in place.

Consultants in England have already staged four days of strike action, while junior doctors have taken to the picket lines on 19 separate days. Last week NHS bosses blamed medic strikes for heaping extra pressure onto already struggling hospitals — with 400,000 appointments rescheduled this summer due to walkouts. But this morning Dr Sharma said the growing NHS waiting lists ‘have not been caused by the strikes’ and ‘were going up well before the pandemic’. Pictured BMA consultant members on the picket line outside Leeds General Infirmary in July 

The action today also comes as the Government this week outlined plans to extend strike laws to ensure more healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, in hospitals provide a minimum level of cover. Steve Barclay told Sky News this morning: ‘What we’re announcing today is how we protect time-critical hospital services, so things like chemotherapy, things like dialysis, because we recognise the right to strike is important, but we’ve got to balance that with also the right of patients to key treatments’

But Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, said the Government’s proposed minimum service levels risk ‘worsening industrial relations at a time when we need Government and unions to get around the table and enter into talks to avert further escalation and disruption to patient care.’

She said: ‘Strike action in the NHS over the past ten months has undoubtedly been disruptive for patients and staff.

‘This legislation – as well as the consultation announced today- doesn’t address any of the issues underlying current strike action, including dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions.

‘With unprecedented joint action by consultants and junior doctors just days away, we need government and unions to sit down and talk urgently.’

Last week however, Mr Barclay said there would be no more talks about pay with the BMA, claiming, ‘we made a fair and final settlement in terms of pay’. 

Yesterday, NHS national medical director professor Sir Stephen Powis said: ‘The NHS has simply never seen this kind of industrial action in its history. 

‘This week’s first ever joint action means almost all planned care will come to a stop, and hundreds of thousands of appointments will be postponed, which is incredibly difficult for patients and their families, and poses an enormous challenge for colleagues across the NHS.’  

Emergency care – through A&E departments and 999 – is still available but patients have been told to contact NHS 111 or their local pharmacy for minor health worries. 

Hospital patients who have an appointment and ‘who haven’t been contacted should attend as normal’, Sir Stephen added. 

By Spencer Morgan For Mailonline

Updated: 06:52 EDT, 1 September 2023

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Frankie Bridge earned a thunderous reception as she took to the stage for a gala night performance of 2:22 A Ghost Story on Wednesday.

The singer, 34, took her bow alongside co-star Jaime Winstone to huge applause at The Apollo Theatre.

Frankie, who took over the role from Sophia Bush, will appear in the play alongside Jaime, who stars as Jenny, from August until the end of the run on 17 September. 

She donned a chic mustard suit for the role of Lauren after making her debut in the spooky play on Friday.

And while several stars were in attendance for the glitzy gala night, Frankie’s husband Wayne missed the show, and was instead seen heading to a Liam Gallagher gig in Camden Town.

Stellar: Frankie Bridge earned a thunderous reception as she took to the stage for a gala night performance of 2:22 A Ghost Story on Wednesday

Sensational: The singer took her bow alongside co-star Jaime Winstone to huge applause after her opening night at The Apollo Theatre in front of a slew of stars in attendance

Boys night out! Frankie’s husband Wayne missed the show, and was instead seen heading to a Liam Gallagher gig in Camden Town

After the show, both Frankie and Jaime changed into a glamorous looks for the play’s after party.

The Saturdays star donned a sleek black top with a dramatic black satin skirt as she posed for snaps with Jaime and co-stars Ricky Champ and Clifford Samuel.

Jaime also cut a glamorous figure in an eye-catching red bow jumpsuit as she headed to the post-show party.

Among those who attended the gala night was The Great British Bake Off star Candice Brown, who opted for a stylish frilled green dress.

The star was accompanied by her pal, Dancing On Ice professional Matt Evers.

Lisa Snowdon opted for a black satin blouse and flared trousers, accessorising with gold pointed-toe heels.

Frankie Bridge won praise from fans for her West End debut last week.

Following her first appearance, a fan took to Twitter to pen: ‘Saw 2:22 A Ghost Story last night and it was superb! I was gutted that Sophia Bush wasn’t in it because she was ill but Frankie Bridge was an excellent replacement. Highly recommended.’

Jovial: Wayne was in good spirits as he headed to the concert with his pal 

Low-key: The retired footballer cut a casual figure as he headed out for the evening, while Frankie continued her West End run with a gala night performance

Stage star: Frankie, who took over the role from Sophia Bush, will appear in the play alongside Jaime , who stars as Jenny, from August until the end of the run on 17 September

Lauded: She donned a chic mustard suit for the role of Lauren after making her debut in the spooky play on Friday

Acclaim: Frankie has been praised by fans after making her West End debut last week

Stage star! After the gala night performance, Frankie took her bow alongside her co-stars

Glammed up: After the gala night, Frankie and her co-stars Ricky Champ, Jaime and Clifford Samuel posed backstage in their glamorous looks before heading to the after party

Gorgeous! Frankie stunned in a high-neck black top and a dramatic flared satin skirt

Here they are! Frankie and her co-star Jaime were every inch the picture-perfect duo as they enjoyed a cheeky glass of champagne following the show

Others lauded the ‘fantastic’ appearance, in which she plays haunted lead character Jenny’s pal Laura who attends a diner party at her house. 

A dedicated follower took to Instagram to pen: ‘Met Frankie after the show tonight. Frank did a fantastic job for her west end debut! I’ve been supporting since the S Club/The Saturdays days in the early 2000’s…

‘I am so proud of her and can’t wait to see the show some more times. I already have the last day booked for both shows. Thank you for stopping, and signing my programme. Go smash it, Frank!!’

Frankie replaced One Tree Hill actress Sophia in the role, after she was forced to cut short her scheduled stint, following a hospital stay. 

Sophia has been suffering with an illness since becoming unwell in June, and has jetted home to the USA for medical treatment, upon the advice of doctors.  

On joining the cast, Frankie shared the news to her Instagram, posting the promotional photographs as she gushed: ‘I’ve loved 2:22 A Ghost Story since I first saw it, so landing the role of Lauren is a total dream come true.

‘Never one to do things by halves, it’s an honour to be making my West End debut on such a clever, suspense-filled production and I couldn’t be more excited to join the cast who have already made me feel like a part of the family.’

She added in an official statement: ‘Lauren is a joy to play with so many layers and emotions to explore. I can’t wait for you to meet her!’

New addition! Frankie replaced One Tree Hill actress Sophia in the role, after she was forced to cut short her scheduled stint, following a hospital stay

A vision! She wowed in her gorgeous all-black look, teamed with white pointed-toe heels as she posed at the glitzy party

Flawless! Frankie continued to showcase her stylish look as she left the theatre following her glitzy gala performance

Sensation! Jaime opted for a bold red bow jumpsuit as she and Frankie posed for snaps

Best pals! She swept her glossy auburn tresses into a sleek up-do and finished her look with black heels

Flawless: Jaime put on a showstopping display in her red ensemble

Glamour girl! Playwright Danny Robins, who penned the show in 2021, was in attendance for the gala night (pictured with Jaime)

Making a statement! Posing in her bold red outfit, Jaime’s look consisted of a dramatic bowed top and fitted trousers

Last month, producers released a statement that said: ‘Due to illness, Sophia Bush has unfortunately had to withdraw from the production. We are delighted to welcome Frankie Bridge to the 2:22 family.

‘Our talented understudies Gemma Yates and Allie Dart have been covering the role of Lauren on rotation. We are hugely grateful to them for stepping up so brilliantly. They will continue until Frankie begins.’

Sophia added: ‘I am truly gutted that my time in 2:22 A Ghost Story has come to an unexpected and early end. I came down with a virus in June and have not been able to bring my body back to a baseline.

‘After weeks of being intermittently pulled off stage, visiting multiple doctors and spending a night in the Emergency Room, I’ve been advised by expert healthcare specialists that I needed to end my time on stage and be under the care of my doctors at home in the US.

‘I owe a debt of gratitude to my incredible cast mates and to every member of our extraordinary company, who became fast family. It means the world to me that so many fans traveled to London to see the show.

‘If you’re booked for future nights, please still go and support my brilliant costars. They will blow you away! And I know that Frankie Bridge will be astounding as she makes Lauren her own through the rest of this run.

‘There is no greater experience than the stage. I miss it madly. I love it deeply. And I cannot wait for the next one.’

Questions: 2:22 A Ghost Story follows Jenny who believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam does not agree

Spooky: They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben. Belief and scepticism clash, so they agree to stay until 2.22am

Short-lived: Frankie replaced One Tree Hill actress Sophia in the role, after she was forced to cut short her scheduled stint, following a hospital stay

Stage star: Frankie has transitioned from a pop star in S Club Juniors and The Saturdays to become an author and podcaster who joined the ITV’s Loose Women

Stylish: Among those who attended the gala night was The Great British Bake Off star Candice Brown, who opted for a stylish frilled green dress

Besties! The star was joined by her pal, Dancing On Ice professional Matt Evers

All in black: Lisa Snowdon cut a chic figure in a black satin blouse and flared trousers

Perfect! She showed off her flawless complexion at the gala night

Dressed to impress! First Dates star Cici Coleman donned a plunging black blouse and a fitted leather skirt 

Stunner! Sky presenter Hayley Palmer was every inch the lady in red in a scarlet flared dress

Here she is! GB News star Ellie Phillips was a vision in a colourful flared jumpsuit with a halterneck, teamed with white strapped heels

2:22 A Ghost Story follows Jenny who believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam does not agree.

They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben. Belief and scepticism clash, so they agree to stay until 2.22am.

Frankie has transitioned from a pop star in S Club Juniors and The Saturdays to become an author and podcaster who joined the ITV’s Loose Women as a panellist in 2020.

She was a finalist in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here and also danced her way to the semi-finals on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.

Taylor Swift was the ultimate pop powerhouse on Thursday night for the first of six sold-out concerts in Los Angeles as part of her Eras Tour.

The multi-Grammy Award-winner, 33, belted out her greatest hits at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California — that has a capacity of just over 70,000.

Before taking the stage, fans were treated to opening act performances from Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim of the band Haim and singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams.

A slew of celebrities turned out for the big show, including actress Sofia Carson and Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline. 

It’s been rumored that Swift’s LA shows are being filmed for a possible Eras Tour as some fans have spotted a professional film crew at the venue.

Wow! Taylor Swift was the ultimate pop powerhouse on Thursday night for the first of six sold-out concerts in Los Angeles as part of her Eras Tour

Stadium: The multi-Grammy Award-winner, 33, belted out her greatest hits at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California

Massive crowd: The stadium has a capacity of just over 70,000

According to TMZ, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have extensive security measures in place to help them deal with the massive crowds for all six concerts.

The precautions rival those that were put in place ahead of last year’s Super Bowl LVI at the venue, which seats 70,240 guests.

A statement from the LAPD issued Tuesday read that ‘the Department is providing a similar level of visibility as the 2022 Superbowl in order to ensure the safety of the public throughout the Metro System.’

According to the LA Times, Swift’s concerts are predicted to bring ‘$150 million in spending to the area’ as an estimated half a million people are expected to attend.

Swift first appeared in a dazzling rhinestone bodysuit with matching Christian Louboutin boots with the luxury brand’s famous red bottom.

She sported her signature black winged liner and a bright red lip paired with plenty of pink blush.

The ex-girlfriend of Harry Styles wielded a pale pink guitar and sang into a pastel purple microphone with a mic stand that pays homage to her 2019 album Lover.

For her next sparkling look, Swift emerged in a flapper-inspired gold dress with beaded fringe.

She paraded around in a gold variant of her designer rhinestone boots.

The Mean hitmaker traded in her pink guitar for a sparkly silver one that she bedazzled herself the night before her first show in March. 

Swift brought out Haim for a duet midway through the sold-out show.

Hitting the big screen? It’s been rumored that Swift’s LA shows are being filmed for a possible Eras Tour as some fans have spotted a professional film crew at the venue

Dazzling: Swift first appeared in a dazzling rhinestone bodysuit 

Designer darling: She had on matching Christian Louboutin boots with the luxury brand’s famous red bottom

Homage: The ex-girlfriend of Harry Styles wielded a pale pink guitar and sang into a pastel purple microphone with a mic stand that pays homage to her 2019 album Lover

She looked like a total pro as she worked the crowd

She previously described the tour as a ‘journey’ through all of her musical eras as she’s explored country, pop and folk over the span of her 17-year career

Golden girl: For her next sparkling look, Swift emerged in a flapper-inspired gold dress with beaded fringe. She paraded around in a gold variant of her designer rhinestone boots

Bedazzled: The Mean hitmaker traded in her pink guitar for a sparkly silver one that she bedazzled herself the night before her first show in March

Signature glam: She sported her signature black winged liner and a bright red lip paired with plenty of pink blush

She and the trio performed their song ‘no body, no crime’ which is featured on Swift’s album Folklore (2020).

For the performance, Swift changed into a ruffled yellow dress with a flirty floral pattern.

She kept the dress on as she sat at the piano to play some of her fan-favorite ballads.

Swift kicked off her stadium tour’s North American leg in Glendale, Arizona in March and it was supposed to wrap up in LA on August 9.

But on Thursday, the Anti-Hero hitmaker added 15 more dates for that will see her return to Indiana, Florida, Louisiana and Ontario, Canada.

‘Turns out it’s NOT the end of an era,’ Swift wrote on Twitter. ‘Miami, New Orleans, Indy and Toronto: The Eras Tour is coming to you in 2024 with @gracieabrams!’

She included an Eras Tour flyer revealing the dates and locations for all the added shows.

Since tour kick off, Swift has been having venue staff hand out light up wristbands to each attendee to wear through the three-hour concert.

But on Thursday night, fans noticed that there was a change to the protocol.

Instead of receiving their bracelets at the stadium’s entrance, concertgoers discovered that the bracelets were placed on every seat in the venue.

Some concertgoers also reported that the wristbands have a slightly different look with a brighter lights.

Surprise! Swift brought out Haim for a duet midway through the sold-out show

Collab: She and the trio performed their song ‘no body, no crime’ which is featured on Swift’s album Folklore (2020); seen with Danielle Haim

Whimsical: For the performance, Swift changed into a ruffled yellow dress with a flirty floral pattern

Piano time: She kept the dress on as she sat at the piano to play some of her fan-favorite ballads

Security: According to TMZ, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have extensive security measures in place to help them deal with the massive crowds for all six concerts

Precautions: The precautions rival those that were put in place ahead of last year’s Super Bowl LVI at the venue, which seats 70,240 guests

According to the LA Times, Swift’s concerts are predicted to bring ‘$150 million in spending to the area’ as an estimated half a million people are expected to descend on the stadium

Long-awaited: Swift announced she would be going on tour for the first time in four years last June ahead of the release of her tenth studio album Midnights

Generous: It was recently revealed that Swift awarded a whopping $55million in bonuses to those working for her on tour, including her backup dancers, rigging professionals, sound technicians, catering personnel and truck drivers

Swift announced she would be going on tour for the first time in four years last June ahead of the release of her tenth studio album Midnights.

She previously described the tour as a ‘journey’ through all of her musical eras as she’s explored country, pop and folk over the span of her 17-year career. 

After months of excitement, tickets went on sale in November 2022.

But Ticketmaster’s catastrophic pre-sale debacle left pre-verified fans waiting in a virtual line for hours and others unable to purchase tickets at all.

Swift spoke out amid the chaos, telling her devout fanbase that she was just as ‘pissed off’ as everyone else is.

‘It goes without saying that I’m extremely protective of my fans,’ she began in the lengthy post on Instagram. 

‘We’ve been doing this for decades together and over the years, I’ve brought so many elements of my career in house.’

Taylor went on to explain – without mentioning the company by name – that she chose to use Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan system because she thought it would ‘improve the quality of her fans’ experience,’ despite it being ‘really difficult’ for her to ‘trust an outside entity.’

‘I’ve done this SPECIFICALLY to improve the quality of my fans’ experience by doing it myself with my team, who care as much about my fans as I do,’ she continued.

Haim: Before taking the stage, fans were treated to an opening act performance from Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim of the band Haim

The sister act looked stellar in matching faux leather pants and plunging black crop tops

The audience roared as Danielle shredded on the guitar

Discography: Haim has three studio albums under their belt, with the last being in 2020; Este Haim pictured

Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams also took the stage ahead of the superstar headliner

She paraded around the stage in a gray pleated skirt styled with a faux leather top

Star-studded: A slew of celebrities turned out for the big show, including actress Sofia Carson

Madelyn Cline of Outer Banks was also seen in the venue

‘It’s really difficult for me to trust an outside entity with these relationships and loyalties, and excruciating for me to just watch mistakes happen with no recourse.’

The Cardigan songstress added that there were ‘multiple reasons why people had such a hard time trying to get tickets’ and that she’s currently ‘trying to figure out how the situation can be improved moving forward.’

‘I’m not going to make excuses for anyone because we asked them, multiple times, if they could handle this kind of demand and we were assured they could,’ she said.

‘It’s truly amazing that 2.4 million people got tickets, but it really pisses me off that a lot of them feel like they went through several bear attacks to get them.’

She concluded her message with a note to those who weren’t able to get their hands on a ticket, writing, ‘All I can say is that my hope is to provide more opportunities for us all to get together and sing these songs.’

It was recently revealed that Swift awarded a whopping $55million in bonuses to those working for her on tour, including her backup dancers, rigging professionals, sound technicians, catering personnel and truck drivers.

By Michael Pavitt For Mailonline

Published: 04:21 EDT, 27 June 2023 | Updated: 15:48 EDT, 27 June 2023

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Parents of a cancer-stricken toddler have today revealed how they assumed her symptoms were down to a virus instead.

Ava Bolton, from East Ayrshire, Scotland, had bruising around her eyes and started walking with a limp around Christmas time.

Soon after, the three-year-old became sick, pale and lethargic.

Her parents, Scott and Natalie, both 34, thought it was a virus but after the little one refused to walk they took her to a GP. 

Ava was referred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow in mid-January.

Ava Bolton, from Scotland, was diagnosed with with high-risk, stage four, neuroblastoma

Doctors initially thought it was Transient Erythroblastopenia of childhood (TEC) – a slow developing anemia meaning she had low iron in her blood

Ava, who is pictured with her brother Lucas, had bruising around her eyes and started walking with a limp around Christmas time, before becoming sick, pale and lethargic

Blood tests and a bone marrow sample revealed she had stage four neuroblastoma which had spread throughout her body.

A CT scan showed it had reached her back, shoulders, pelvis, hip and shin. 

Natalie, a primary care nurse, said their family’s ‘whole world collapsed’ and they are  ‘utterly devastated’.

Ava is said to have been very healthy and only ever caught the odd cold before the diagnosis.

Doctors also initially told the parents they suspected it to be transient erythroblastopenia of childhood (TEC) — a type of anaemia.

Neuroblastoma mainly affects babies and young children. It develops from specialised nerve cells — neuroblasts — left behind from a baby’s development in the womb.

By stage four, the cancer has spread to parts of the body that are some distance from where it started — most commonly to the bones, bone marrow or liver.

Some 100 children in the UK and 800 youngsters in the US are diagnosed with the rare cancer every year, which is most common in under-fives. 

Around half of those diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma will live for five years after their diagnosis.

Discussing her daughter’s diagnosis, Natalie said: ‘She takes it all in her stride.

‘She has made us very proud of how she is coping with everything.

‘She’s always had a smile on her face and is a little chatterbox – keeping all of the staff amused with her antics.

‘But she does miss being at home spending time with her brother, Lucas, five, and her nursery friends.’

Ava will spend six weeks in an isolation room for six weeks in hospital and once she has recovered from chemo, she will have targeted radiotherapy before having six months of immunotherapy.

Her mother Natalie, 34,  knew something was right with her little girl when she refused to walk

Natalie and Scott, 34, said their ‘whole world collapsed’ and they are is ‘utterly devastated’

Ava will spend six weeks in an isolation room for six weeks in hospital and once she has recovered from chemotherapy, she will have targeted radiotherapy before having six months of immunotherapy

Ava’s family are now raising money to send her to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York for a new vaccination treatment which aims to stop neuroblastoma from returning

Scans show the toddler’s disease is ‘moving in the right direction’.

Her family are now raising money to send her to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York for a new vaccination treatment which aims to stop the disease from returning.

The vaccine is designed to trigger the patient’s body to make antibodies to attack the cancer cells. 

It is not currently available in the UK, but the family have raised £107,000 to date – nearly half of their £250,000 target.

Natalie said: ‘We are hopeful that we will reach our target – we are almost halfway after only two months and have had an amazing response from our local community.

‘We have spoken with various families who have been through or are currently going through the treatment from MSK in New York with great results so far which gives us hope and confidence in the treatment.

‘Without this treatment, Ava is more likely to relapse reducing her chances of survival – this is something we are not willing to take a chance on.’

A mother of three was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer after putting on her bikini for a beach day.

Boston native Julie Devaney Hogan, now 38, was getting ready to soak up some sun on Labor Day last year when she felt a pea-sized lump below her right nipple.

Doctors initially dismissed the ‘nearly there’ bump as ‘nothing to worry about’, but after testing, Ms Hogan was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer that had already spread to her circulatory system.

The full-time tech executive has now had a double mastectomy — or removal of both breasts — and 12 rounds of chemotherapy. But when tests showed the cancer was still there, she prescribed another course that won’t end until next year.

Julie Devaney Hogan, now 38 and from Boston, first became concerned when she felt a bump below her right nipple while putting on her bikini. It felt about the size of a pea

She is mother to three children David, now eight, Ryan, six and Clare, two. They are pictured above. She also has a husband called Dave

Revealing how Ms Hogan was diagnosed at 37, with under-40s accounting for less than five percent of annual cases, she told TODAY: ‘My bikini saved my life.’

She added in an essay written to her breasts: ‘Labor Day weekend 2022, while tucking you into a bathing suit as I got ready to head to the beach, I felt a barely-there pebble inside you.

‘That pebble ended up being the boob-eating beast of invasive ductal carcinoma, aka stage three breast cancer.’

After the weekend in September last year, she called her doctor over the lump but was promptly told it was ‘nothing to worry about’. 

But a good friend, a nurse, pushed her to get scans and tests as a precaution.

The following week Ms Hogan was able to secure an appointment where doctors again said the lump was ‘nothing to worry about’. 

Medical experts added, however, that if Ms Hogan was concerned, she could get a mammogram — which checks the breasts for cancer — and a biopsy — which would test the tissue from the lump for the disease.

‘I probably could have pushed it off and been like, ‘I’m busy, I’ve got stuff going on’,’ she said. ‘I’m very grateful that I didn’t.’

Ms Hogan went for the tests, which revealed that the lump was something more sinister –  it was stage three breast cancer.

This was also an aggressive form, or HER2-positive type (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), faster growing and spreading more quickly than other types.

Doctors quickly put her through surgery and 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

But after she finished the course, further scans revealed that the cancer had not completely disappeared.

She has now started another round of chemotherapy that is due to finish next year. She will also go for reconstructive breast surgery in November.

Speaking about her diagnosis, she said: ‘There were no other symptoms.

‘I did not present in any way or have a family history or other symptoms that would put me at high alert.’

On the impact the cancer has had on her life, she said: ‘Cancer can somewhat be glamorized and dramatized on TV, so you have this expectation of what it’s going to be.

‘And suddenly, I’m going to transition from a busy mother with a career to a very sick person.

‘[But] the reality is you get the diagnosis and then you come home, and your kids are still yelling at you for not opening their string cheese the right way.’

She is pictured above ahead of her double mastectomy. She was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer

In the essay to her breasts published in January this year, before their removal, Ms Hogan described how as an avid skater, sprinter and soccer player at age 16 years, she had not been pleased when they first emerged.

She also said that she had problems producing milk for her two sons David, now eight, and Ryan, six, but not for her daughter Clare, three, the youngest.

Ms Hogan wrote: ‘I got used to also closing my eyes frequently when putting my sad supply in the fridge [at work], not wanting to feel a twinge of jealousy that often came with catching a glimpse of [other mother’s] frosty, full, feed-ready bottles.’

But after giving birth to her third child, she said that her breasts went into ‘overdrive’ and would lead to her waking up in the night with wet sheets.

‘I’d discretely tilt the camera of my computer up above my neck,’ she said, ‘because if you heard my baby crying in the other room, you’d cry too — and leak all over my outfit during Zoom calls’.

Exactly one year after she stopped breastfeeding at the age of 37 years she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

To help other women diagnosed, Ms Hogan has set up Season for Squeezin’, which encourages younger women — who are less at risk for the cancer — to check their breasts.

About 264,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every year, one of the most common types among women.

Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 55 years and above, with only about five percent in the under-40s — Ms Hogan’s category.

Doctors are not clear on the cause of breast cancer but say that having a family history, being obese and having regular alcohol use puts someone at higher risk.

All women are told to get mammograms to check for the cancer every year between the ages of 45 to 54 years and every two years from the age of 55.

Those aged 25 to 39 years can also opt for a clinical breast exam every one to three years.

Treatment focuses on surgery to remove affected tissue and chemotherapy if it has spread to other organs. 

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide.

It kills around 34,800 people in the UK every year and more than 120,000 in the US. 

Yet many people are not aware of all the symptoms.

A persistent cough is just one tell-tale sign of the disease, but it can also cause lesser-known ailments such as swollen fingers and nails.

Following TV legend Esther Rantzen’s announcement today that she has stage four lung cancer, MailOnline reveals the warning signs to look out for.

A persistent cough, breathlessness and passing out can all be symptoms of lung cancer, according to Cancer Research 

Dame Esther Rantzen, 82, has revealed her diagnosis with lung cancer, which she announced in January, is stage four

Getting out of breath

Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer.

But many people eventually develop a persistent cough that won’t go away and feel breathless, the NHS says. 

Feeling out of puff while doing the things that usually wouldn’t be a problem is a sign to visit the GP. 

This symptom may also be coupled with coughing up blood and a pain in the shoulder or chest when coughing.  

Lung cancer is rare in people under the age of 40 and more than four in ten people diagnosed in the UK are 75 and older, according to the NHS. 

It adds that smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer.  

Swollen fingers and nails 

Changes in the shape of your fingernails and swelling can also be a sign of lung cancer.

This symptom is called clubbing.  

The nails can appear to ‘float’ instead of being attached to the nailbed and form a sharper angle with the cuticle.

Clubbing can also cause the end of the finger to appear large and red and the nail to curve downwards, so it looks like the round part of an upside-down spoon. 

The symptoms are caused by hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA) — a condition that causes inflammation in the bones and joints and affects some people with cancer.

However, not everyone who has lung cancer will develop this symptom and it is more common among those with non-small cell lung cancer, says Cancer Research. 

Seizures or passing out

Dizziness when standing up and passing out can be signs of cancer. 

Although rare, some lung cancer patients develop a condition alongside their cancer called paraneoplastic syndrome.

It is triggered by tumours releasing hormones into the bloodstream that cause the body’s organs and body systems to behave abnormally.

This can lead to symptoms that don’t seem related to lung cancer. 

These include headaches, vomiting, confusion, feeling tired, muscle weakness, seizures, passing out, dizziness and  constipation. 

Paraneoplastic syndrome is rare but more common among those with small cell lung cancer.

Drooping of one eyelid

A rare type of lung cancer that grows at the top of the organ can cause one eyelid to droop, experts say. 

Pancoast tumours, which account for less than 5 per cent of lung cancer cases, can also cause one pupil to go small. 

And it may stop sweating on one side of the face, according to Cancer Research.  

Shoulder pain or pain that travels up and down the arm, neck and head are more common symptoms of this form of cancer, according to Cancer Research. 

Losing weight   

About 60 per cent of people with lung cancer have significant weight loss at the time of their diagnosis, Cancer Research says. 

This can be because lung cancer causes a loss of appetite. 

However, some people lose weight even when they are eating normally. 

This is called cachexia, where your body doesn’t absorb all the fat, protein and carbohydrate from your food and burns calories faster than normal. 

Scientists say cancer releases chemicals into the blood that contribute to the fat and muscle loss.   

Fake ‘lesbian’ pop duo Tatu have staged a reunion at Vladimir Putin‘s favourite football club despite efforts from his fanatics have the pair cancelled as ‘LGBT propaganda’.

Yulia Volkova and Lena Katina, now both 38, rose to stardom in 1999 – the same year the Russian despot first came to power.

Tatu were best known for their 2002 track All The Things She Said which caused international controversy for its steamy music video in which Yulia and Lena portrayed an underage lesbian couple.

In the video, the pair were seen in schoolgirl outfits, kissing passionately in the rain, while being watched by their peers.

ITV even refused to play the clip on Ant and Dec’s morning music show CD:UK, insisting: ‘It is not really suitable for children.’ 

Fake ‘lesbian’ pop duo Tatu have staged a reunion (pictured) at Vladimir Putin’s favourite football club Zenit Saint Petersburg 

Yulia Volkova (left) and Lena Katina (right), now both 38, rose to stardom in 1999 – the same year the Russian despot first came to power

Tatu skyrocketed to international fame in 2002 with All The Things She Said but it caused major controversy

Performing yesterday for the first time since their last reunion in 2016, Tatu sang Not Gonna Get us before Gazprom-backed Zenit St Petersburg’s clash with Spartak Moscow which the home side won 3-2, sealing a fifth Russian Premier League title in a row.

Tatu came out of retirement as Putin’s censors seek to expunge any trace of their band amid a hardline crackdown on LGBT propaganda, part of a wave of repressions in Russia during the war in Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the match in front of thousands of Russian fans, they sang: ‘Nothing can stop this, ‘Not now, I love you’, ‘They’re not gonna get us’.’

Yulia is now a mother of two while Lena, now married to millionaire businessman Dmitry Spiridonov, was visibly pregnant with her second child.

Tatu has not existed since 2011, although they did reunite for a special performance seven years ago.

Despite this, they are subjected to a crackdown on Kremlin-obedient VK social media.

Ardently pro-Putin MP Tatiana Butskaya, 47, is demanding a full ban on Tatu content, arguing that the duo’s creativity ‘promoted’ same-sex relationships.

Tatu has not existed since 2011, although they did reunite for a special performance seven years ago

As Tatu came back together, Vladimir Putin’s fanatics called on the group to be cancelled as ‘LGBT propaganda’

Tatu sang Not Gonna Get us before Gazprom-backed Zenit St Petersburg’s clash with Spartak Moscow which the home side won 3-2, sealing a fifth Russian title in a row

‘Never in my life in our childhood did it occur to me that a girl could be with a girl, until Tatu popped up,’ said Butskaya.

Girls began to ‘hold hands’ and this became normal, said Butskaya, a paediatrician and deputy chairman of the Russian parliament’s committee on families, women and children.

She told a conference: ‘A song is not just a rhythm and words, it’s “Look at me, do as I do, try, it’s okay”.’

The MP has even compared homosexuality with liver disease and tooth decay. ‘A boy should look like a boy, a girl should look like a girl,’ she said.

‘And if you have a disease, then it should be treated, and not bragged about.

‘A boy should be like a boy, a girl should be like a girl.’

Yet her hero Putin used Yulia and Lena at the opening of the Russian Winter Olympics in 2014, when the pair got back together.

Lena (pictured) is now married to millionaire businessman Dmitry Spiridonov

Yulia (pictured), also an actress, has sought in vain to be elected in Putin’s party with an official calling her ‘bold’ and ‘professional’

The new wave of censoriousness coincides with the war in Ukraine – and they are held to be an example of the West poisoning Russia with alien values.

The pair caused a storm in Britain and elsewhere when they burst onto the international scene kissing and cuddling on stage while wearing scanty school uniforms.

Yulia, also an actress, has sought in vain to be elected in Putin’s party with an official calling her ‘bold’ and ‘professional’.

‘Yes, I have sinned, made mistakes, but I always found the way through pain, tears and suffering…,’ she said at the time. Yulia has not ruled out a new bid to be an MP.

The singer faced backlash after appearing on Russian TV show Lie Detector in 2014 after stating she would condemn her son if he came out as gay.

‘Yes, I would condemn him, because I believe that a real man must be a real man,’ she was translated as saying.

Ardently pro-Putin MP Tatiana Butskaya, 47, is demanding a full ban on Tatu content, arguing that the duo’s creativity ‘promoted’ same-sex relationships.

‘Never in my life in our childhood did it occur to me that a girl could be with a girl, until Tatu popped up,’ said Butskaya (pictured)

‘God created man for procreation, it is the nature. The man for me is the support, the strength of… I won’t accept a gay son.’

In a bid to justify her opinion, she added: ‘And a man has no right to be a f*g. Two girls together – not the same thing as the two men together. It seems to me that lesbians look aesthetically much nicer than two men holding their hands or kissing. 

In Britain, she enraged Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan who launched a campaign to ban the All The Things She Said video.

At their height of fame, the pair defied their critics and topped the charts in many Western countries as well as Russia.

Matty Healy was seen taking to the stage during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Nashville on Saturday amid their rumored romance to join opening performer, Phoebe Bridgers. 

The 1975 singer, 34, who was seen grabbing coffee after reportedly spending time at the Karma hitmaker’s condo in Nashville earlier Friday, donned a black and white skeleton ensemble while showcasing his guitar-playing skills in a video shared on Twitter. 

In the short clip, the venue was nearly filled to capacity with the sun just starting to set, as the British-born star performed for the excited crowd moments before his rumored girlfriend, 33, stepped onto the stage to officially kick off her concert. 

In a separate reel uploaded on the social media outlet, Phoebe shared a quick kiss with Healy amid the performance.

On Friday, the Somebody Else singer stopped by Swift’s concert and was spotted dancing as she sang her hit track, Shake It Off, and also snapped a few photos as he watched from the audience. 

Hopping on stage! Matty Healy, 34, took the stage during Taylor Swift’s, 33, Eras Tour in Nashville on Saturday amid their rumored romance, to join opening performer, Phoebe Bridgers; Matty seen in August 2022 

Having a blast: The 1975 singer donned a black and white skeleton ensemble while showcasing his guitar-playing skills in a video shard on Twitter, before Taylor took the stage

Phoebe was also seen grooving to the song near Matty in a gated area with Taylor’s close friends on the floor section of the packed stadium. 

Matty’s appearance on stage during Taylor’s Eras Tour comes shortly after The Sun reported earlier Thursday that the rumored couple had plans to confirm the romance over the weekend during her Nashville stop. 

According to the outlet, Healy is slated to perform two of her popular songs, with a source stating, ‘Taylor and Matty have been planning their ‘coming out’ for a few weeks now, and are really excited just to go public with their love.’

The insider further revealed, ‘Neither of them want any secrets, or to hide away. The plan is for Matty to walk out on stage mid-show and play two songs.’

‘They will chat to the audience and, at present, the idea is for them to confirm their romance with some kind of PDA — public display of affection. It won’t be anything remotely cheesy though.’

And on Saturday, Matty strummed on his guitar as he made an appearance with Taylor’s supporting act during the show. Whether he will hop onto the stage once again to perform with the Blank Space hitmaker has yet to seen. 

Taylor and Matty’s rumored romance first came to light earlier this week on Wednesday, with a separate source telling The Sun, ‘She and Matty are madly in love.’

‘It’s super-early days, but it feels right. They first dated, very briefly, almost ten years ago but timings just didn’t work out,’ the insider added.

Stunner: Swift later took the stage looking incredible in a sparkling bodysuit 

Heart shaped: The songstress made a heart-shaped gesture with her hands

Rocking out the crowd: The entertainer rocked out the crowd as she strummed on her guitar

Seen on night one: On Friday, the Somebody Else singer stopped by Swift’s concert and was spotted dancing as she sang her hit track, Shake It Off

Romance rumors: Taylor and Matty’s rumored romance first came to light earlier this week on Wednesday, with a separate source telling The Sun, ‘She and Matty are madly in love’; seen on Friday

Before dating rumors emerged around Swift and The 1975 singer, Taylor had dated British actor, Joe Alwyn, for six years until their split was confirmed last month in April.

In regards to her ex, the source informed the publication, ‘Taylor and Joe actually split up back in February, so there was absolutely no crossover.’

‘Both Matty and Taylor have been touring over the past few weeks, so it’s been a lot of Face-Timing and texting but she cannot wait to see him again,’ and added that the two stars, ‘are incredibly supportive of their respective careers.’

‘They are both massively proud and excited about this relationship and, unlike Taylor’s last one — which was very much kept out of the spotlight, deliberately — she wants to ‘own’ this romance, and not hide it away.’

While Taylor focuses on her Eras Tour, which is slated to conclude later this year in August, Matty is also in the middle of touring with his band, The 1975.

Before making a surprise appearance to join the opening act, the Robbers musician was seen making a quick Starbucks run after reportedly spending time at Taylor’s Nashville condo earlier Friday night.

As the British-born singer exited the popular coffee shop chain on Saturday, he carried a warm drink in his hand while also looking through his smartphone as he was led by a security guard to a sleek, white SUV parked near the coffee shop.

Supporting act: Healy was seen performing with the opening act Phoebe Bridgers; Bridgers seen on Friday during night one of Swift’s Nashville stop 

Possible confirmation: The Sun reported earlier Thursday that the rumored couple had plans to confirm the romance over the weekend during her Nashville stop; seen in August 2022 

After grabbing a drink to get a boost of energy, Healy was later seen arriving at Nissan Stadium in the heart of Nashville ahead of Taylor’s Saturday night performance in the city.

Earlier on Friday, he was seen dancing along to Swift as she sang her hit track, Shake It Off, amongst fellow concert-goers in a secured area on the floor section of the venue.

The video was posted on Twitter and quickly went viral amid rumors that Matty and Taylor have started a budding romance. 

Despite the speculation that the two have entered a relationship, both singers have yet to publicly confirm they are dating.

Fans also were sent into a frenzy when the Karma songstress appeared to relay a message in code to her rumored boyfriend as he watched her concert from the audience in footage uploaded onto social media. 

At one point, she mouthed the words, ‘This is about you, you know who you are. I love you’ which is what Matty had also said amid his concert earlier this month on May 3 in the Philippines. 

Ready for the show: Fans of the Grammy winner were seen arriving at Nissan Stadium shortly before night two of her Nashville stop on Saturday 

Large crowds: Nissan Stadium notably has a capacity of nearly 70,000, and the singer-songwriter has been performing for sold-out crowds

Making memories: Near the outdoor stadium that is located in the heart of the bustling city, concert goers were seen dressed up for the event and also took a few photos near a large sign that read ‘TSWIFT’

Special announcement: During night one of the festivities on Friday, Taylor made a surprise announcement that her Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) album will be released later on July 7, per Variety

Back in Nashville: She is slated to perform in Nashville through Sunday May 7, with her tour coming to an end later this year in August in Los Angeles

Before night two of Taylor’s Nashville stop, devoted fans of the Grammy winner were seen arriving to Nissan Stadium just hours before the concert commenced. 

Near the outdoor stadium that is located in the heart of the bustling city, concert goers were seen dressed up for the event and also took a few photos near a large sign that read ‘TSWIFT.’ 

Nissan Stadium notably has a capacity of nearly 70,000, and the singer-songwriter has been performing for sold-out crowds. She is slated to perform in Nashville through Sunday May 7, with her tour coming to an end later this year in August in Los Angeles. 

During night one of the festivities on Friday, Taylor made a surprise announcement that her Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) album will be released later on July 7, per Variety.