Author: Blake Foster

T/W: References to suicide An inquest into the death of Michael William Goodchild, 22, was told he had “slipped through the net”. He was known to mental health staff and charity workers, South London Coroner’s Court heard – but his family believed opportunities to save his life were missed. “Michael never spoke to the same person twice,” said their barrister Patrick McMorrow. “So many people were involved. He went to so many triages and never got through. It is hard to pinpoint where something went wrong.” The inquest got underway two-and-a-half years after he died, after two postponements and delays…

Neil Andrews presented Time 107.5’s breakfast show for 18 years until the station was taken off air on August 1 following the takeover by Nation Broadcasting. Neil told this paper that he was not even aware of the takeover until he finished his final show. He said: “Nobody had any idea it was happening. “I finished my breakfast show at 10am on August 1, came off air and was told that was it – it’s over and the programmes were coming to an end at 2pm that afternoon. “It was as abrupt as that. Time FM has been rebranded under the…

Rony Salazar, 18, fled El Salvador at 14 and joined Caterham High School in Clayhall in the last term of Year 10 without any knowledge of English. After learning the language for just two weeks, he passed all his GCSEs. Rony has now achieved three Bs at A-level. He is set to take up an apprenticeship at Barking and Dagenham Council’s housing department. Rony said: “I only did one month of year ten. “I came here with no English. It’s about the hardest thing. “I knew if I failed, I would have to redo it. I am very proud of myself. “I…

Eric Deli, 18, from Stratford, achieved an A in biology and Bs in business and PE, all while training for the European Championships in Italy. The Norlington School pupil now plans to take a gap year to continue competing, with two more international contests lined up for this autumn. Eric said: “Balancing training with revision was tough, but I’m pleased.” Norlington celebrated one in four grades at A–A*, 60 per cent at grade B or above, and 82 per cent at grade C or higher. Donna Kenyon, head of sixth form, said: “Once again, we are celebrating the incredible success…

I studied at Goldsmiths for both my Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Degree between 2012 and 2017, which were some of the best years of my teens and early 20s. I studied at Goldsmiths for both my Bachelor’s Degree and Masters Degree between 2012 and 2017. (Image: Emily Davison) Being a local already gave me a bit of an insight to the area, but after having spent a lot more time in New Cross than anywhere else during those years I really got to know the area. Whilst some of my favourite spots like The Greenhouse have since closed, the area…

Noah Sage, 17, was reported missing on July 26 from Maidstone and was thought to have been seen in the Temple Hill area of Dartford two days later. Police later found out he was in the Darenth Wood Road area during the early morning on July 30. He is described as being 6ft 4in, of slim build, with short curly ginger hair and blue eyes. Noah is believed to have since dyed his hair black. CCTV images show him wearing black trousers, a black top, a black jacket, a black cap, brown shoes and two distinctive ‘chain’ necklaces. According to…

St Martin’s School pupil Ben Latchford, 17, endured years of stomach pains and extreme tiredness before his diagnosis with chronic anaemia and Crohn’s disease in October. He has monthly infusions and persistent fatigue as a result, and has attended less than 80 per cent of his sixth form lessons. But this did not stop him from securing B grades in A-level business and drama, a B in his extended project qualification, and a Distinction from The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He is now heading to the University of Kent to study law, with the hope of becoming a barrister. Ben…

A poll of 1,500 parents of 16-18-year-olds found a cash gift is the most popular way to mark the announcement of their children’s grades. Others intend to buy their offspring items of clothing, smartphones, shoes and jewellery. With laptops, festival tickets and even a holiday featuring in the top 30 most common post-exam result gifts. But while the average parent will be splashing £467 on their child, this rises to £902 in London, £783 in Northern Ireland, and £630 in the West Midlands. (Image: Moonpig) And while parents in Northern Ireland will most likely to invest in a new laptop…

You’ll need to input how long they’ll be at your property for, both in hours and days – as well as how talkative you anticipate they’ll be. And based on your answers, the tool will reveal how many drinks should be offered. It follows research which revealed the average homeowner offers tradespeople three cups of tea per day – but 21 per cent have never pulled out the biscuits. A poll of 2,000 adults who have used a tradie by Virgin Money  revealed 61 per cent ‘always’ offer a drink, while 18 per cent are more selective. However, one in…

Skinner, known for his appearance on The Apprentice in 2019, is the tenth celebrity announced for the 2025 season of the popular show. The series will make its return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September, with Skinner taking part alongside a host of other famous faces. Speaking about the news, Skinner said: “I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. “I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time, but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff. “I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to…