Category Entertainment News

ExCLUSIVE Former TOWIE star Mark Wright was tearful as he described Presley’s health battle after the tot was diagnosed with a rare heart condition.

Mark Wright was overcome with emotion as he opened up about his nephew Presley’s health battle, breaking down in tears during a moving speech.

The former TOWIE star, 37, was speaking at a special event for The Brompton Fountain, a charity supporting children with serious heart and lung conditions, when he became tearful talking about his young nephew’s journey.

A rare heart condition that has deeply affected the entire family led to the diagnosis of Presley, the son of Mark’s sister Jessica Wright and her husband William Lee-Kemp.

Jessica, best known for her appearances on The Only Way Is Essex, welcomed her first child with William in May 2022.

Jessica called her newborn “everything and more,” and the couple described their son’s birth as a “dream come true.

However, their happiness was shattered when they discovered Presley was suffering from a Bicuspid Aortic Valve — a condition where the aortic valve has only two leaflets instead of the usual three.

It can cause serious complications, including heart failure and infections, if left untreated.

Presley now receives regular hospital check-ups every 12 weeks, where doctors use heart scans and ECGs to determine when he will require open-heart surgery.

After watching a short film with Presley and the important work The Brompton Fountain does, an emotional Mark struggled to control his feelings at the charity event.

As he addressed the audience, Mark said, “When it’s that close to home, it just hurts,” his voice trembling.

My sister is an extraordinary woman, even though I don’t tell her often. Although I’m biased, I think we can all agree that her and her husband Will’s resolve, sincerity, and love for their son are unquestionable.

“And to my nephew, you’re the bravest little boy I know,” he added, turning his back to the stage to compose himself as the room — including his supportive wife Michelle Keegan — erupted in applause.

In this extremely difficult time, the touching scene demonstrated how tightly the family is putting together for little Presley.

Jessica made the hospital admissions process for Presley in February. When Presley refused food and was vomiting the entire night, leading to him sleeping in Jess and her husband Edward’s bed, she claimed it was inappropriate for her son. A week prior to the hospital dash, she opened up Presley and revealed that he had a mystery illness.

However, Jess made the decision to present Presley at their neighborhood accident and emergency department as his illness turned into a “horrible cough and temperature”

ExCLUSIVE: The former TOWIE star, who is the mother of Presley, described the Wright family’s growing family and how excited she is to watch Palma grow up.

Jess Wright has given fans a rare and heart warming glimpse into how her brother Mark Wright and sister-in-law Michelle Keegan are settling into life as new parents to their baby daughter, Palma.

The TOWIE star, who is mum to son Presley, spoke about her famous family’s growing brood and how excited she is to see little Palma join the close-knit clan. Speaking at The Brompton Fountain gala, Jess spoke about how Presley already has plenty of playmates, with Jessica’s younger brother, Ebbsfleet United footballer Josh Wright, having two sons – Josh Jr and Dustin. And now, with Mark and Michelle welcoming their first child in March, the family has another adorable addition.

Presley and his cousins Josh and Dustin are very close, and Palma will obviously fit right in, Jess exclaimed. She is “adorable!” Palma is an angel, and they all adore each other. She is sweet, beautiful, and adorable. The boys are very gentle with her and she is in their love.

Jess, who became a mum herself in 2022 when she welcomed Presley with husband William Lee-Kemp, revealed she was “excited” to become an auntie again and couldn’t be prouder of Mark and Michelle as first-time parents.

Mark, who shot to fame on The Only Way Is Essex, and Our Girl actress Michelle have been notoriously private about their journey into parenthood, making Jess’s comments even more special for fans eager to know how they’re getting on.

Mark and Michelle shared a touching black and white photo of their little one holding their hand with their newborn baby at the time of their baby announcement. A white heart emoji accompanied their heartwarming social media caption, “Together we have a new love share… Our little girl.” After that, they continued to mention “Palma Elizabeth Wright,” adding that she was born on June 26, 1925.

Jess gushed as she shared the caption, “Most beautiful addition to our family. I finally fell in love with my niece.

And Jess revealed that within the Wright family, giving advice is a two-way street.

She assured supporters that her brother has naturally adopted the role of father, saying, “It’s lovely to see Mark and Michelle] as parents, and they are. There is always room for improvement when you have babies because we’re always with each other regardless and we tell each other little things. Such a new territory, really.

As she grows up alongside her loving cousins, it sounds like baby Palma, whose sweet name is thought to be a nod to a special place in Spain close to Mark and Michelle’s hearts.

Fans of the Wright family will undoubtedly be thrilled to see the next generation of Wrights maintain their renownedly strong family bonds.

See www.thebromptonfountain.org.uk for more.

In a shocking video that was shared yesterday, Kath Ebbs, the ex of famous Big Brother star JoJo Siwa, revealed they were dumped at the ITV show’s afterparty. Kath has since deleted the post.

After JoJo Siwa’s ex-girlfriend, Kath Ebbs revealed at the afterparty that they were dumped by the Celebrity Big Brother star, she has posted a cryptic post.

Australian star Kath, 27, who identifies as non-binary, revealed in a video shared yesterday that JoJo, 21, they had been left feeling humiliated after flying to the UK to reunite with the CEO of gay pop following her stint in the ITV show’s house. Kath revealed they had hoped to “address my feelings of hurt and work through them like in all relationships.”.

Unfortunately, Kath continued to say that they were “dumped at the party” because JoJo claimed they had “confused feelings there” in an Instagram post that Kath has since deleted.

Kath has shared a cryptic post that appears to be a JoJo joke made in the Celebrity Big Brother house after their shock announcement. Kath shared an image of a protest occurring between two large sign-wielding women.

The sign, which Kath shared an image of of their Instagram story, read: “A day without lesbians is like a day without sunshine”. The post could be a cryptic dig at Kath’s ex JoJo, who revealed to Danny Beard while in the Celebrity Big Brother house that she no longer identifies as being a lesbian.

The Dance Moms star confided in Drag Race UK star Danny, 32, about her sexuality following the blossoming of her bond with Love Island star Chris Hughes. JoJo told Danny: “I feel so queer. I’ve never – I think I’ve always told myself, I’m a lesbian. I think you – I think being here – I’ve realised I am not a lesbian, I’m queer.”

The reality star continued, “I think that’s really cool because I’m switching letters!” I switched to the Q baby after removing the L! That’s what I enjoy most about sexuality.

Nobody Can Change Me! after a hug Danny, the film’s star, joked, “And you know what British people love more than anything,” using a non-binary person name and pronoun. “to queue”

Queer is defined as “a term used by those who want to reject particular labels of sexual orientation and/or gender identity,” according to LGBTQ charity Stonewall.

JoJo previously admitted to being pansexual in 2021, but has since admitted to being one in a few interviews. JoJo made it clear that she was on a “journey” with her sexuality in an interview that took place on Paul C. Brunson’s podcast We Need to Talk two hours before she entered the CBB house.

JoJo’s relationship with 32-year-old Chris Hughes grew closer as she spent time in the home. After Chris confronted JoJo against Mickey Rourke after he made homophobic comments to the Dance Moms star, their relationship blossomed.

The pair’s relationship developed, and they started to cuddle up in bed, massage one another, and pick each other’s bodies, making JoJolick chocolate off of Chris’ shorts in an eye-opening instance.

The pair’s relationship was questioned as the CBB season came to an end. Chris said, “JoJo was like a pure rock to me,” in his exit interview. I had a good time with her, I thought. That friendship struck me as lovely.

JoJo added that she “absolutely loved and adored Chris” and that he would live on forever in her life. He “has aided me in making this house my happy place, and we had a lot of fun together.”

JoJo and her partner Kath have separated since their appearance on the show, and they both revealed their breakup in a shocking Instagram video. They said, “I can’t even begin.” I’m filming this while completely shocked, which I know will be distressing and will probably cause me to “go have a sleep,” but I really feel like the only thing I need to do is finally deal with the situation because I feel so alone right now and so lost.

After two weeks of watching something happen and being unable to speak to the person involved, who I suppose was oddly, I guess I guess in an odd way, I finally got some clarity. I’m not sure if you can call it love bombing, but it seems like something I’ve gone through.

Being told I am the love of someone’s life, being asked to marry them before this social experiment, being adored throughout these closed doors, being hurt by what I saw but wanting to work through it and gain clarity, Kath went on, “To be met with further humiliation, that is more of a feeling than a fact, I’ve been humiliated,” JoJo had told them before entering the house.

I flew here, watched a live show, and supported my partner during their experience, and then addressed my feelings of hurt and worked through them, as all relationships do. “The story continues right now, in the final eight hours or whatever. However, I went to the after party with my now-ex, which is crazy, and I was dumped there before I could return to the hotel. They realized in the house that I wasn’t the person they wanted to spend the foreseeable. I was told there are confused feelings there. Do with that.

When her 2-year-old son Presley was informed of his life-threatening heart condition, Jessica Wright recalls not being able to move and felt like the world had “ended.”

Jessica Wright and her husband William Lee-Kemp felt like the stars had aligned when they became parents to their beautiful baby boy Presley in May 2022, with Jessica describing her newborn as “everything and more”. Sadly, their joy turned to heartache less than two years later when they discovered that Presley was suffering from a rare heart condition which will require him to undergo open heart surgery.

“The world just stopped moving for me,” says Jessica, recalling the devastating moment she was told Presley has a Bicuspid Aortic Valve, a congenital heart disease which affects one per cent of people. Sitting down for an exclusive interview with OK! – just days ahead of hosting her first Have A Heart Gala, to raise money for children’s cardiac and respiratory care charity The Brompton Fountain – it’s clear the last 12 months have taken their toll.

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“It’s been tough”, she says, before talking us through Presley’s devastating diagnosis. We took him for a routine appointment just before his second birthday when the doctors discovered a heart murmur. They said it was likely to be nothing to worry about, and common in a lot of children, but to get it checked anyway”.

Their worst fears were confirmed about a month later, Jessica continues with a follow-up appointment. “We just sat there and you could see from the doctor’s face that he was about to tell us something really big and life-changing.

The words “open heart surgery” came out of his mouth after I “just dreaded what was going to come out of his mouth.” It was extremely tough and something that we’re still taking our time to get over and used to – I’m not sure we ever will. I can’t help but think, “I’m going to fall on the floor,” as I recall thinking as I sat between my mother and my husband. I couldn’t even kind of hold myself up. “

The thought of open heart surgery is every parent’s worst nightmare, and something Jessica, 39, admits is still tough for her to talk about. Doctors have informed the family that replacement valves for Presley’s heart will be necessary, but Jessica says it’s a waiting game to find out when the procedure will be.

Presley’s condition, a Bicuspid Aortic Valve, means that his aortic valve, which regulates blood flow, has only two leaflets instead of the three regular hearts have. Untreated, it can result in complications like heart failure and infections.

” It’s a case of waiting until the point where we know that his heart valves need to be replaced, “says Jessica”. In essence, it can occur at any time.

“We’ve been told that we’ll be lucky if he gets to the age of 10 without needing it, which was the biggest blow for us, because some people can get to their 50s and not have one until then. But because of where his heart is right now, Presley needs it more quickly, she says, grinning with a heavy sigh.

This news means that the family are constantly on edge, something which Jessica says has caused her to panic at the first sign of illness in Presley, who turns three next month. We must hope and pray that his upcoming tenth birthday is closer to his current age because if it comes sooner, he will need to have it re-implanted a few years later. If it’s later, the replacement can last longer because they can put one in that’s big enough”. Every fever he gets, every breath he takes wrong, whatever it may be, you panic, Jessica continues. But it is what it is”.

Presley is currently receiving checks every 12 weeks that include an ECG and scans of his heart to make sure he doesn’t need surgery. “We supply him with lollipops or a dairy-free cupcake during it”, laughs Jessica, as she discusses her attempts to distract Presley during the appointments. “

She acknowledges that it’s still difficult, even though the family is now used to regular medical visits. He doesn’t love it, but it’s almost like he gets it now. Every time we travel, we just apologise to God and pray that our doctor will say, “At the moment, we’re all okay.” I wish I could take it away from him and for me to have it instead. But he is a strong infant.

Echoing Jessica’s sentiments, William says”, The week before we go for the check up is when we start worrying, then after the check up, we can breathe again and it’s a relief that everything is OK. Then it’s like back to the beginning before the next appointment, so it’s a constant worry up and down. “

When Jessica and businessman William tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in Mallorca in 2021, they had no idea what awaited them as parents. But as we chat, the TV star praises William for his constant support.

We truly support one another. I definitely break down a lot more than Will, but I feel like that’s because women generally tend to be slightly more emotional. Both of us have suffered a lot as a result. To be honest, we can barely say the words out loud without… I’m not sure. We don’t really like talking about it, but then sometimes I just feel like I have to and it’s like the elephant in the room. After a brief pause, she admits, “We’re still coming to terms with it.”

William, who Jessica describes as the ‘ best daddy ‘ to Presley, confirms”, We really lean on each other and support each other, of course we do. “

Presley is a complete “showman,” according to Jessica, which comes as no surprise given his famous family.

” He’s just the most incredible little boy and he’s got so much character, “beams Jessica”. He continues to act in the funny ways that he does. He is truly, really funny. He’s a complete actor, he’s definitely gonna be on the stage, I think. He’s up there grabbing the microphone and playing some music and performing a show. Presley is a really sweet boy as well, very sensitive, very caring and just sweet. “

Would Jessica and William be willing to have any more children if they were obviously loving parents? Possibly. Although this has been a difficult road so far, “she says” might be true.

In the meantime, Presley has plenty of cousins to play with in Jessica’s tight-knit family. Jessica’s younger brother, Ebbsfleet United footballer Josh also has two sons; Josh. Jr and Dustin. While her brother Mark and his wife Michelle Keegan welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Palma, in March.

” Presley is so close to his cousins Josh and Dustin, and, obviously, now we’ve got Palma who is going to fit right in. She is adorable! They all absolutely love spending time with each other and Palma is an angel. She is sweet, beautiful, and adorable. The boys love her and are very gentle with her, “says Jessica, adding that she was” excited “to become an auntie again.

And has she been there to counsel parents like Michelle and Mark? Assuring us he’s a natural, she says”, It’s lovely seeing]Mark and Michelle] as parents, I knew they would be incredible parents and they are. There is always room for improvement when you have babies because we’re always with each other regardless and we tell each other little things. It’s all such new territory. “

It should come as no surprise that many members of the Wright clan, including her parents Carol and “Big” Mark and her younger sister Natalya, attended Jessica and William’s Have A Heart gala last Thursday night.

And showing it’s not only been an emotional time for Jessica, but for the whole family, brother Mark got teary as he took to the stage to give a heartfelt speech. After watching a short film about the work The Brompton Fountain do, Presley appeared in, Mark was understandably moved.

” When it’s that close to home, it just…sorry, it just hurts, “said Mark as he struggled to get through the sentence”. My sister is a remarkable woman, despite the fact that I don’t tell her frequently. I am biased, of course, but I think we can all agree that her and her husband Will’s strength, honesty and the love they show their son is nothing short of remarkable.

The new dad turned his back on the stage to keep the emotions at bay, with his wife Michelle cheering him as he continued, “And to my nephew, you’re the bravest little boy I know.”

Explaining the inspiration behind the event at The Savoy hotel in London, which saw famous faces including Gemma Collins, Pete Wicks and Vicky Pattison in attendance, Jessica says, “The minute that we found out about Presley’s heart condition, I wanted to do something to help the charity that supports the hospital that he’s at.”

She continued, “It just felt right for me to use my platform as much as I can and do everything I can because The Brompton Fountain is a really, really small charity.” This kind of event is really impactful and it raises awareness, it’s something we want to do every year”.

Pete Wicks tells us during the gala that he couldn’t be prouder of his former co-star and friend that Jessica has a lot of support behind her. “What Jess is doing tonight is amazing and what she’s doing for this charity is amazing. We’ve known each other for more than ten years, which is a long time! But she’s one of the good ones, I always knew she’d be an amazing mum, even before she had Presley”.

Alongside Pete sat James Argent, who has been a longtime friend of the family and said he ‘wouldn’t miss’ the event for the world. While Britain’s Got Talent star Sydnie Christmas, who gave a stunning performance, said she was ‘honoured’ to be invited along by Jessica.

Jessica, who looked stunning in a white gown in a white gown, delivered an emotional and heartfelt speech in the middle of all the glamour of the evening, which was only covered by OK!

“It’s a lot of pressure – I’ve never done something like this before apart from my wedding, and we actually had 100 fewer people at our wedding! Talking about something that is so important to us will be very difficult because it is so personal. But I want to get the message across and do the best I can for the evening”.

Jessica addressed the audience beautifully and thanked the charity for their unwavering support, giving special thanks to Trudy Nickels, The Brompton Fountain’s CEO.

Despite it being a tough topic to talk about so openly, Jessica says her goal is to keep raising awareness of the condition and to the charities who can support families.

She claims that being open about Presley’s health has prevented her mind from spiraling, saying, “When we found out, I was almost desperate to talk about it on social media because I wanted to know how common this is and how we were going to get through it. But I needed to come to terms with it in my head before I did that because I knew it’d be very overwhelming.

“But then I did reach out, and I believe it was about three months after his diagnosis, and I was shocked at how quickly things turned out. I’ve had thousands and thousands of messages about it from warrior parents welcoming me to the heart community and sending me messages of support and hearing about children who have been through it at a lot younger age than Presley. It has been incredible.

When I started realising it was something that does happen to other people it makes you feel like you’re not alone. I was reminded that if I pity God, he will be fine in the end.

See www.thebromptonfountain.org.uk for more.

We asked the experts to explain the three essentials you should never skip with the seemingly endless array of skincare products currently available.

The skincare adage was once “cleanse, tone, and moisturise.” In the beauty aisles, shoppers are now confronted with a wide range of serums, essences, lotions, creams, mists, and masks, which makes it difficult to know what to really use and how to use them.

More is not always better, either. Overuse of too many products can make your skin more susceptible to aggravating it rather than repairing it or even causing conditions like perioral dermatitis. Additionally, lengthy skincare regimens can be time-consuming, expensive, and even obsessive.

We asked the experts for their skincare essentials and how to add them to help debunk the shelves. Additionally, we offer some tried-and-true recommendations from our team…

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the fundamentals

If you want to see real skin changes, experts are in agreement on the essential skincare non-negotiables: a cleanser, SPF during the day, and retinoids at night. According to Dr. Ahmed El Muntasar, NHS GP, cosmetic dermatologist, and founder of The Aesthetics Doctor clinics, “these pillars are essentials for a solid skincare routine.”

Cleanser

A good cleanser is essential to leave behind impurities, oil, and dirt, Dr. Ahmed says. This will give you a clean foundation for your daily routine. Find one that suits your skin type and budget. Oilier skin may prefer a gel or foaming cleanser while those with dry skin might prefer a cream or milky cleanser.

Not always necessary, double cleaning is. Dermatologist Emma Coleman, who founded and runs Emma Coleman Skin Clinics, says, “I find it a little overkill, especially if you have skin issues, because it might potentially damage your microbiome.”

Use it when: A few drops of water may be sufficient for your skin in the morning, but use it as a cleanser only in the evening.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £1.50, is what we adore.

Sunscreen

Regardless of skin type, “SPF is a non-negotiable step during the day to protect against UV damage and premature ageing,” says Dr. Ahmed. Skin-friendly sunscreens are typically more appealing and feel-good on the skin, whereas those with sensitive skin should try mineral sunscreens.

Use it whenever, year-round, every morning.

We adore La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, which cost $20 and is now costing $116.

Retinoids

Retinoids are vitamin A’s derivatives, and they promote cell turnover. They are frequently referred to as the “retinol” umbrella. They are referred to as “the gold standard of anti-ageing,” and for good reason. Retinol has a beneficial effect on all skin types, aside from if you’re very sensitive, such as reducing acne, pigmentation, and texture, Emma says.

Use it at night or on clean skin. Introduce it gradually into your routine to allow your skin to adjust, starting with a low concentration of 1%.

Starting at just £45, we adore: Medik8 Crystal Retinal.

Extras

Eye cream

Add if… You have concerns about the eye area, whether it’s fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles.

Although “they won’t work miracles,” Emma asserts that the majority of people can benefit from using eye cream. I like products with antioxidants like vitamin C or flavonoids, and they have lines and wrinkles that are treated with retinol.

Use it in the morning and at night, and then follow the cleansing process.

We adore the REN Clean Skincare Radiance Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream, which cost $49 before it changed to $39 today.

Essence

Add if you need a lightweight layer of hydration for dehydrated skin.

According to Dr. Ahmed, “Essences are lightweight fluids that can provide an additional layer of moisture and nourishment,” according to Dr. Ahmed. Not everyone needs them, though, said the statement. A serum could be replaced with an essence.

When should it be used: Before or after a serum, before a moisturiser, and before a cleanser.

We love: Curél Hydrating Water Essence, £17.50.

moisturizer or serum

Add if… More hydration is required from the foundation than it is currently receiving.

If not, “ahydrating and repairing serum, such as one containing niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, helps to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Dr. Ahmed. You may find that your sunscreen and retinol products are sufficient moisturisers.

When should I use it: After cleansing and applying active ingredients.

The £15.00 INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum is what we adore.

Exfoliator

Add if: You have blackheads, signs of ageing, or pigmentation, or congestion.

According to Dr. Ahmed, “chemical exfoliators (acids) break down the bonds between skin cells and help lift them off,” while physical exfoliators (scrubs) slough off dead skin cells. Everyone should exfoliate as we get older, because the skin’s renewal process slows down. Exfoliating with care is crucial.

Use it once or twice per week in the evenings.

The Gentle Acid, priced at $49, is a favorite of ours.

Masks for the face

Add this if you need a quick boost in hydration, glow, or self-care.

Masks for the face come in many forms nowadays: cream, charcoal, sheet, peel-off… “While they can provide temporary results, I’m sceptical about their lasting impact,” says Dr Ahmed. “That said, if you enjoy using them, there’s no harm in incorporating them into your routine. Masks contain exfoliating acids can offer more noticeable results.”

When to use: Every other week, before a special occasion.

We adore the £4.99. Garnier Hyaluronic Cryo Jelly Anti-Fatigue Sheet Mask

Nothing could have prepared Paula Radcliffe for the heartbreaking news of her daughter’s cancer diagnosis. As one of Britain’s most accomplished athletes, she has faced many challenges.

As the London Marathon returns this weekend, Paula Radcliffe – one of the greatest British long-distance runners of all time – continues to inspire generations. A former world record holder, she faced some incredible highs, and some devastating lows, over the course of her impressive career.

The resilient marathoner, 52, has gone from smashing world records and winning the London Marathon three times, to voicing the BBC’s commentary for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Now, her legacy lives on through her 18-year-old daughter, who is running the London marathon for the first time after bravely overcoming a battle with cancer.

When a doctor discovered that Isla, then 13, had a tumor growing on one of her ovaries, Paula’s entire world crashed in 2020. She and her husband, former coach Gary Lough, who they also share with son Raphael, 14, also dealt a devastating blow. The couple has raised their family in Monaco since moving to Loughborough University in 2005.

When Paula learned about Isla, she “cried,” still the British marathon record holder. Paula and her daughter, who had a rare form of malignant germ cell tumor, openly discussed the challenging relationship they faced while battling Isla’s treatment and recovery.

In a heartfelt interview with the Mirror in 2021, the former athlete opened up about the moment her daughter was diagnosed. She recalled the gut-wrenching experience, saying, “I was given the diagnosis that nobody wants to hear when the doctor said Isla had cancer. The doctor had asked Isla to sit in the waiting room before telling me what it was. I burst into tears but had to stop crying and pull myself together before Isla came back into the room a few minutes later. The doctor then explained the diagnosis to Isla.”

In addition to the unusual bleeding that occurred between periods, Paula had noticed a few months prior to the diagnosis that something was wrong with Isla’s health. Their concerns were confirmed when Paula made the decision to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician and scans at a nearby Nice confirmed this.

One in 200 000 women is affected by malignant germ cell tumors, which are uncommon. Being able to play sports after the initial shock and the medical team’s explanations were complete, Paula said. We had a treatment plan, just like the training regimens I’ve used over the years, and we could stick to it to see how things were going.

Paula, who had just lost her father Peter after he was diagnosed with cancer at the start of the lockdown, had been dealing with a particularly difficult time. The mother-of-two acknowledged that it was very difficult because losing my dad in April 2020, not through COVID, had complicated things.

However, the family has come a long way since then, and now Isla is preparing to run her first-ever London Marathon on Sunday, with her loved ones and supporters rallying behind her.

Meanwhile, Paula recently came under fire after making comments about Steven van de Velde’s Olympic selection – and wishing him luck. She argued on LBC that the volleyball player, who was imprisoned in 2016 for raping a British 12-year-old, had “served his time”, likening his story to that of drug cheats.

When asked whether Van de Velde should be banned, Paula said, “That is a very dangerous line to follow. We allow people who cheat in sport and use drugs in sport to then return and compete.” He was 19 at the time, and he has served his jail time, so it’s a long time to continue to pay for that error your entire life.

Van de Velde served only 12 months of his mandatory 4-year prison sentence. Later, Paula wrote on X: “I am mortified that I expressed it so badly and didn’t condemn the rape out loud. I regret it. I do support second chances after receiving punishment, but I think the Olympics should be for those who uphold ideals (that’s why I made a poor doping comparison).

She wrote, “I’m shocked and disappointed by how I’ve slammed this,” adding, “I really apologise for the way I posed this.” I should have clarified that the crime in my head was completely condemned, but it went without saying. Instead, I overstated why it would be great to exclude all who violate ideals but that is not legally possible.

Paula and her family travel the world by baking, going on trips, and taking pictures when not playing sports. In a 2016 article for The Telegraph, she wrote, “I’ve lived in Monte Carlo, Monaco, for more than ten years. It’s a great place to raise kids.” In my early 20s, I first traveled to the city while attending international conferences. I enjoy being close to the mountains while also experiencing the stunning blue of the Côte d’Azur sea when I wake up. You are in a beautiful city with lots to see and do, and you have the best of both worlds.

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