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Game-changing cancer test means I met my granddaughter

Following her diagnosis with inoperable cancer, Pat Grant feared she would not live to see the birth of her first grandchild.

Upon learning she would soon become a grandmother, Pat Grant's cancer diagnosis led her to fear she might never have the chance to meet her grandchild.

As a vibrant 78-year-old, Pat had always been active, participating in aqua-aerobics and dance classes after retiring from her career as a social worker.

However, following her diagnosis with inoperable lung cancer, Pat began to experience significant weight loss and declining health.

After participating in a Welsh clinical trial for a groundbreaking cancer blood test, Pat was informed that her specific type of cancer might be responsive to targeted medication.

Pat, a resident of Cardiff, recalled feeling subdued about the upcoming birth of her grandchild due to her poor health at the time.

Grandmother Pat grant sitting on a chair smiling at camera holding her baby granddaughter and a Christmas stocking. They're both smiling.
Pat Grant is preparing to celebrate her granddaughter's first birthday – something she had never thought she would see

Nevertheless, she decided to take a chance on the experimental treatment, reasoning that she had nothing to lose.

Although the treatment was not guaranteed to be effective, Pat was willing to try it, acknowledging the uncertainties involved.

Gradually, Pat started to feel her strength returning, a development she described as progressing from her toes upward.

As a result, Pat was able to fulfill her role as a grandmother and establish a meaningful relationship with her grandchild.

She not only met her grandchild but also celebrated the child's first birthday, a milestone she had initially feared she would miss.

Pat, affectionately known as "Noisy Nanna," delights in spending time with her grandchild, singing and engaging in playful activities together.

She feels grateful for the opportunity to have shared in her grandchild's life and hopes to continue doing so in the future.

The QuicDNA test, a innovative diagnostic tool, is being implemented as a standard procedure across NHS Wales for patients with advanced lung cancer.

Pat is striking a pose in a flamboyant black and pink ballroom gown, fascinator and pink heels, in front of a popup stand branded with 'Strictly Dancing Cardiff'.
Pat Grant led an active retirement – taking part in aqua aerobics and sequence dancing until her health deteriorated quickly following her cancer diagnosis

With additional funding from the Welsh and UK governments, the rollout of QuicDNA is being accelerated and expanded to include other types of cancer, such as colorectal, prostate, and cancers of unknown origin.

Patients with lung cancer are also being offered follow-up tests to monitor the effectiveness of their treatments and make any necessary adjustments.

Shortly before his 40th birthday, Craig Maxwell was diagnosed with a lung tumor, but doctors encountered difficulties in obtaining a tissue sample.

Craig Maxwell smiles and has an arm around comedian Rhod Gilbert's shoulder. The pair are in the middle of a muddy path with a group of hikers in the background.
Craig Maxwell has raised money for the Velindre Cancer Centre with the help of celebrities including Rhod Gilbert

It took nearly three months for Craig, from Penarth, to receive a definitive diagnosis of inoperable stage 4 non-smoking lung and bone cancer.

Craig described the 78-day waiting period as the most challenging time for him and his loved ones, marked by uncertainty and fear about the future.

The delay in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment took a significant toll on Craig's health, causing him to deteriorate rapidly.

As a father, Craig found it particularly difficult to be unable to support his children during this period, which motivated him to advocate for change.

It was during this time that Craig learned about the QuicDNA project, a initiative aimed at improving cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Although some funding had already been secured, an additional £300,000 was needed to launch the project.

Craig went on to raise a total of £1.7 million to support the QuicDNA research and other related initiatives.

As a result of his involvement in the project, Craig was able to regain his health and resume his active lifestyle, including climbing Mount Toubkal and coaching his son's rugby team.

He also had the opportunity to attend the Dance World Cup in Ireland with his daughter, experiences he cherishes deeply.

Craig attributes his improved health to the precision medicine and personalized treatment approach made possible by the QuicDNA project.

Despite his significant contribution to the project, Craig remains humble, acknowledging that he is part of a larger team working towards a common goal.

Traditionally, cancer diagnosis involves surgically removing tissue from a tumor to examine its cellular composition.

Craig smiling with Sam Warburton. They are stood near a cliff edge with the sea in the background.
Craig has been accompanied by many celebrities on his challenges including ex-Wales captain Sam Warburton

However, this method can be invasive and may cause harm, and in some cases, doctors may struggle to obtain a suitable sample.

As cancer cells grow, they release tiny fragments of their DNA into the bloodstream, which can be detected using a simple blood test.

This "liquid biopsy" offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional tissue sampling methods.

The DNA extracted from the blood sample is then analyzed using advanced computerized sequencers, which can cost around £1 million each, to create a detailed map of the cancer's genetic code.

This information can be used to determine the most effective treatment approach and monitor the patient's response to therapy.

According to Dr. Magda Meissner, chief investigator of the QuicDNA study, these DNA blood tests can provide results within two weeks, enabling timely treatment decisions.

A high-tech silver machine about the height of a person, stands in an office environment. It has a large monitor taking up the top third, showing the words Sequencing Complete. There aren't any controls to be seen, and the bottom half has a purple light going down the middle in an oval shape.
This £1m sequencer nicknamed Barbara, at the Wales Genomic Health Centre in Cardiff, allows researchers to read a tumour's genetic code.

For patients with advanced lung cancer, prompt diagnosis is critical, as delays can result in rapid deterioration and reduced treatment options.

In some cases, the QuicDNA test can be life-saving, allowing patients to receive timely treatment and potentially extending their lifespan.

Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment in Wales and the UK often exceed recommended targets, and survival rates lag behind those in other developed countries.

Lowri Griffiths, of Tenovus Cancer Care and Chair of the Wales Cancer Alliance, welcomes the introduction of the QuicDNA test as a positive development, but emphasizes the need for systemic change to address the broader challenges in cancer care.

To achieve meaningful improvements in cancer outcomes, investment in comprehensive reforms and infrastructure upgrades is necessary, according to Griffiths.

International comparisons reveal a concerning trend, highlighting the significant efforts required for improvement to reach the standards set by top-performing countries.

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UAE Defeats Canada to Enhance Super 8s Qualification Chances

The United Arab Emirates boosted their slim chances of advancing to the T20 World Cup Super 8s, securing a narrow five-wicket victory over Canada, thanks in part to Aryansh Sharma’s unbeaten 74.

In a crucial match for the United Arab Emirates, Aryansh Sharma achieved his fifth T20 international half-century, contributing to the team's victory over Canada.

The Men's T20 World Cup, being held in Group D in Delhi, saw an intense competition between the two teams.

Canada's innings resulted in a total of 150-7 after 20 overs, with Harsh Thaker scoring 50 runs off 41 balls, while Junaid Siddique took 5 wickets for 35 runs.

The UAE team responded with a total of 154 runs in 19.4 overs, led by Aryansh Sharma's unbeaten 74 runs off 53 balls and Sohaib Khan's 51 runs off 29 balls, despite Bin Zafar taking 3 wickets for 14 runs.

The United Arab Emirates secured a five-wicket win over Canada, boosting their chances in the tournament.

Aryansh Sharma played a pivotal role in the UAE's win, scoring an unbeaten 74 runs to help his team overcome Canada's total.

With four overs remaining, Canada seemed poised to defend their total, but Sohaib Khan's aggressive batting reignited the UAE's chase, as he scored 17 runs off Dillon Heyliger's bowling.

In the final over, the UAE required eight runs to win, and Aryansh Sharma eased the pressure by hitting a six off Jaskaran Singh's first ball.

Sohaib Khan was dismissed after scoring a rapid 51 runs off 29 balls, including four sixes, leaving the scores level.

Muhammad Arfan then sealed the victory with two balls to spare, hitting a four off Jaskaran Singh, as Aryansh Sharma top-scored with 74 runs off 53 balls.

The UAE now stands third in Group D with two points, but they face an uphill task in their upcoming matches against full members South Africa and Afghanistan to advance to the next phase.

Although the UAE has never beaten a full member in any World Cup format, their performance in this match has given them some confidence.

Earlier in the match, Junaid Siddique achieved the best bowling figures by a UAE player in a T20 World Cup, taking 5 wickets for 35 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Harsh Thaker's 41-ball half-century, which included three sixes and two fours, provided a solid foundation for Canada's total.

Thaker and Navneet Dhaliwal shared a 58-run partnership to help Canada recover from a difficult start, before Dhaliwal was run out for 34 runs.

After Thaker fell victim to Junaid Siddique's slower ball, Canada struggled to find boundaries against the UAE's tight bowling.

Shreyas Movva made a useful contribution of 21 runs off 21 balls, but Junaid Siddique took two wickets in the final over to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 internationals.

In a separate match, Zimbabwe's Brilliant Muzarabani played a key role in his team's stunning win over Australia.

For more updates, notifications, and social media coverage, visit the BBC Sport website.

In another development, Paul Stirling has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup due to injury.

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GB’s Bankes knocked out in snowboard cross quarterfinals

Charlotte Bankes of Great Britain was knocked out in the quarter-final stage of the women’s snowboard cross event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Charlotte Bankes of Great Britain has been knocked out of the women's snowboard cross event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, failing to advance beyond the quarter-final stage.

For more Winter Olympics coverage, videos are available to stream.

Access to Winter Olympics video content is restricted to users in the United Kingdom.

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Family of Murder Victim Expresses Frustration Over Delayed Trial Scheduling

A 21-year-old woman, Chloe Mitchell, lost her life in June 2023, and a man is set to stand trial, facing a murder charge.

The family of Chloe Mitchell, a 21-year-old woman from Ballymena, is facing further uncertainty as they await the outcome of a trial for her alleged murderer, which may be impacted by an ongoing barristers' strike.

A close-up photo of Chloe Mitchell - a young woman with long, straight, fair hair -  smiling at the camera. She is wearing black-framed sunglasses with blue lenses on her head, which are partially visible.
Chloe Mitchell's remains were found eight days after she went missing in 2023

Chloe Mitchell's life was cut short in June 2023, when she was killed in an incident that has left her family and community in shock.

Brandon John Rainey, the man accused of her murder, is scheduled to stand trial on February 23, but the proceedings may be delayed due to the industrial action by defence barristers.

Following a recent court hearing to review trial arrangements, Nadine Mitchell, Chloe's sister, expressed her family's distress and frustration, telling BBC News NI that they are struggling to cope with the uncertainty.

Nadine Mitchell stated that her family has been left with no choice but to wait once again for a resolution, having already endured a prolonged period of anxiety and uncertainty.

The family's emotional turmoil is evident, with Nadine describing the experience as a prolonged period of distress, marked by sleepless nights and unbearable tension.

The Mitchell family is struggling to come to terms with their situation, which has left them feeling overwhelmed and distraught.

The current strike by defence barristers in Northern Ireland, which began last month, is a result of a long-standing dispute over legal aid fees, with barristers arguing that their fees have not kept pace with inflation.

The strike has brought almost all criminal trials in Northern Ireland to a standstill, with the exception of cases where the defendant does not require legal aid.

The Mitchell family has appealed for their case to be treated as an exception, allowing the trial to proceed as scheduled.

Chloe Mitchell, who was 21 at the time of her disappearance, was reported missing in early June 2023, prompting an extensive search operation.

Her remains were discovered about a week later, following a series of searches in the Ballymena area.

Brandon John Rainey was subsequently arrested and charged with Chloe's murder, which is alleged to have taken place between June 2 and June 5, 2023.

Rainey also faces a charge of attempting to prevent the lawful burial of a deceased body.

The dispute between barristers and the Department of Justice centres on the level of legal aid fees, which barristers claim have not increased since 2005.

A close-up of Brandon Rainey, a man with short, fair hair and stubble, looking at the camera.  He is sitting in a vehicle on a dark, wet night.
Brandon Rainey is accused of the murder of Chloe Mitchell

Barristers argue that the fees have not kept pace with inflation, resulting in a significant decrease in their real-terms value over the past 20 years.

The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has warned that the low fees have created a crisis in the justice system, with many younger barristers refusing to take on legal aid cases due to the low rates of pay.

The CBA has described the strike as a "last resort" in their dispute with the Department of Justice, which has been ongoing for some time.

Despite an announced 16% increase in fees, which is set to take effect in mid-January, the strike has continued, with barristers arguing that the increase does not go far enough to address their concerns.

Chloe's father, George Mitchell, has previously appealed for an exception to be made in their case, allowing the trial to proceed despite the strike.

George Mitchell has argued that any delay to the trial would cause further trauma and distress for the families of victims.

He had invited Justice Minister Naomi Long to meet with him and his wife, Georgina, to discuss the matter further.

However, Minister Long has stated that it is not feasible to allow individual cases to proceed while the dispute over legal aid fees remains unresolved, citing ethical and practical concerns.

The minister has reiterated that the decision to grant exceptions lies with the CBA, which must weigh the competing demands of their members and the needs of the justice system.

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