1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Missing Brit Charlotte Peet ‘DID board bus in Sao Paulo’ as cops scour CCTV to find out her movements as mystery deepens
THE British journalist who has been missing in Brazil for over two weeks was reportedly seen boarding a bus before vanishing.
Cops have been searching for any clues over the disappearance of Charlotte Peet, 32, with them now scouring CCTV of the day of the bus journey to help unravel the mystery.
FacebookBrit Charlotte Peet went missing in Brazil on February 8[/caption]
Social mediaCops have struggled to find any trace of Charlotte ever since she vanished[/caption]
Police originally ruled out the possibility Charlotte boarded a bus and left Sao Paulo.
But officers have now reopened their lines of enquiry after Charlotte was seen in the city’s Tiete Bus Terminal, reports Brazilian news channel Jornal da Record.
They say cops believe if Charlotte did board the bus, which left from Santana district and was heading to Rio de Janerio, she would have been seen on CCTV.
The respected TV programme confirmed detectives are now analysing footage to try and reconstruct Charlotte’s movements.
Investigators have also confirmed that she purchased a ticket from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro but never used it.
A conflicting report on local TV news site SBT News claims Charlotte didn’t board a bus and instead booked a taxi.
Adding to the puzzle is her phone activity in the days before and after her disappearance on February 8.
Charlotte’s phone was still active as of last Friday but all of her calls are going unanswered, Brazilian cops said.
Investigators made several calls to the Brit’s device on Monday but were unable to get hold of her.
This led authorities to expand the search, checking hospitals and morgues in both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, so far without success.
It is unclear if officers are able to use GPS location data from the phone to help with their search.
Another area being looked into involves her final post online.
The post saw her looking for a double room in London — suggesting she may have been considering returning home.
She wrote: “Hello. I’m looking for a double room in South West/East London: East Dulwich, Brixton, Herne Hill, Clapham, Balham, Streatham, Camberwell etc or would consider venturing east to the right place.
“I’m a 32-year-old journalist, friendly, respectful and organised. I love reading, keeping active and chatting to friends.
“Let me know if I sound like a good fit! Thanks!”
Peet, who has been working as a journalist in Brazil since 2020, briefly returned to London at the end of 2023 after her family expressed concerns about what they described as her “party life” in Brazil.
I’m very concerned but I just don’t know what’s going on, we’re just trying to pick up the pieces
Derek PeetCharlotte's dad
But she decided to return to the country in November.
He said that his daughter flew to Brazil where she had worked as a freelance journalist without telling her family.
Mr Peet said: “I wouldn’t say that it was normal, there was something on her mind obviously otherwise she would have let us know.”
“She was then traced to Gatwick Airport and was found to have boarded a plane to Sao Paulo and then the trail went cold.
“It’s very worrying but I don’t have any more to say. I’m very concerned but I just don’t know what’s going on, we’re just trying to pick up the pieces really.”
While police have not ruled out the possibility that Peet voluntarily cut contact with her loved ones, her family remains deeply concerned.
They have provided investigators with her bank account details, IMEI tracking information for her phone, and a copy of her passport in the hopes of finding her.
The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in Brazil has issued a statement urging authorities to intensify their search.
Meanwhile, Peet’s family has created an email address to collect any information about her whereabouts.
InstagramOfficers are now searching CCTV from a bus terminal in Sao Paulo[/caption]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Bargain shop chain ‘which rivals Poundstretcher’ is on brink of collapse ‘very suddenly’ after closing UK stores
A DISCOUNT retailer is on the brink of collapse amid a string of sudden UK store closures.
MaxiDeals, a bargain chain that rivalled Poundstretcher, announced they have gone into liquidation.
Facebook / MaxiDeals EveshamMaxiDeals has gone into liquidation[/caption]
Paul Mathers, the chain’s managing director from launch, told The Grocer MaxiDeals had ceased trading “very suddenly”.
He blamed a “really tough trading environment on the high street, accompanied with rising costs”.
“MaxiDeals was a new startup discount retail business backed by investors, where I was given the responsibility of opening its retail locations across various parts of the UK,” he wrote in a statement online.
“We opened these stores during very challenging times with the Covid outbreak just starting, however we did manage to get to 24 stores.”
Companies House documents show MaxiDeals went into voluntary liquidation on February 18.
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Brits receive brand new channel on their Freeview boxes today that the kids will love ahead of big closure
FREEVIEW watchers have received a new channel on their boxes this week in the latest TV guide shake-up.
The free service is used in 16million homes across the country, with more than 100 channels available.
The Pokemon CompanyPokémon among the shows on the channel[/caption]
Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug and Cat Noir is also on POPThe ZAG Company
Freeview operator Everyone TV – which is a joint venture between major broadcasters including the BBC and ITV – routinely update the channel list.
This comes about because of networks closing or making changes to their offering.
There were nine big changes to Freeview in January.
Fortunately, this month there aren’t quite so many.
The headline difference is the arrival of a new channel to keep the kids entertained.
Viewers will now find POP+1 on their boxes.
The channel is home to big hits including Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug and Cat Noir, and Ethan Gamer Plays Roblox.
POP+1 is an hour time-shift of the main POP channel, allowing you to catch anything you missed an hour later.
The channel can be found on Freeview number 212.
Other changes you can expect on Freeview this month also affect Quest.
The channel is set to receive a big boost to its sports coverage from the end of the week as a result of Eurosport’s closure.
Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 are closing down in the UK after 35 years on air.
Owners Warner Bros Discovery are moving much of its content to TNT Sports.
But some free programmes will continue to be broadcast on Quest instead.
This is expected to include the MotoGP Sprint race, a new weekly cycling show, as well as highlights of the Giro d’Italia and La Vuelta a España.
WBD Sports Europe chief Scott Young has said “parts” of the Tour de Francewill be shown on Quest too.
More channel closures 'inevitable'
An industry expert told The Sun that more channel closures are likely in 2025 and beyond.
“This is inevitable, more broadcasters will cull broadcast/linear TV channels as viewers are flocking to streaming services,” Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight said.
“The big TV switch off is around the corner, with all programming set to be delivered via the internet.
“Viewers are now spoilt for choice with how and where they watch the TV shows they love across a range of connected devices.
“To respond, broadcasters need to be prepared and work more closely with telecom providers to ensure a seamless experience for users.”
Image credit: Getty
More channel closures coming
Later in the year, Freeview users face another sad loss to the service.
The much-loved station servesNottinghamshire, as well as other parts of the East Midlands including Leicester and East Derbyshire.
It’s run by Nottingham Trent University (NTU) with experienced producers and journalists working alongside students.
But the university has announced that it will not seek to renew its broadcasting licence with the regulatorOfcom, which expires in November this year.
Which channels could be axed next?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
The BBC announced in 2022 that CBBC and BBC Four would disappear as traditional linear channels in a few years and go digital only via iPlayer.
However, the pair may have had a bit of a reprieve for now, after the BBC’s head of children’s programmes, Patricia Hildago, recently said “it’s really important… that if children still need us on a linear network, we’re going to be there for them”.
When Channel 4 announced the closure of The Box and other music channels it owned in January, the broadcaster hinted that more could come.
At the time the company said it was proposing to “close small linear channels that no longer deliver revenues or public value at scale, including the Box channels in 2024 and others at the right time”.
So which could the “others” be? It really depends what Channel 4 considers “small” but its other channels include More4, E4, E4 Extra, Film4 and 4Seven.
Getty / The Pokemon Company / Everyone TVChanges are available now[/caption]
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Is this Europe’s cheapest city break? Historic capital has 28C summers, £13 three-course meals and £1.69 pints
CITY breaks don’t have to break the bank, as a trip to Sarajevo proves with pints for under £2 and three-course meals costing just over a tenner.
With its low prices, warm summers and direct UK flights, Sarajevo is gaining popularity as one of Europe’s last truly affordable capital city breaks.
AlamyThe price of food and drink in Sarajevo is highly affordable, according to research from eurochange[/caption]
Destination SarajevoAn ideal attraction for families is Ilidža Thermal Riviera – one of the largest thermal complexes in the Balkans[/caption]
Now, its capital city has been revealed to be one of Europe‘s cheapest city break spots, thanks to £1.69 pints and three-course meals for £12 – plus we found 3-star hotels from £45 a night on Booking.com.
The research came from eurochange, with Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital engagement, commenting: “Saravejo is known as the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’, and has one of the most diverse cultures on the continent, making it one of the most intriguing cities you can visit.
“It is one of the only places where you can visit a Mosque, a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church and a synagogue in one place.
“Tucked inside a long, thin valley and surrounded by forested mountains, the city is a picture-perfect backdrop.
“Its broad mix of cultural influences means its architecture is also absolutely beautiful, and its restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of Turkish and Bosnian-inspired offerings.
“And, with prices averaging at just £10 per person for a three-course meal, your money really does go far here.”
Dine like a local and try Bosanski Lonac, a stew packed with chunks of meat and vegetables.
Other traditional dishes include cevapi, which are flatbreads filled with grilled meat, and burek, flaky pastries filled with cheese, spinach or even sour cherry for dessert.
Not only will families be able to eat well without paying over the odds there are plenty of activities in Sarajevo to keep kids entertained.
One of those is Ilidža Thermal Riviera, which claims to be one of the largest thermal complexes in the Balkans.
Spread across 15 hectares, the huge water attraction has been built at the hot spring of Ilidža.
It boasts both indoor and outdoor pools as well as a kiddie pool with a small slide for even the youngest of swimmers.
There’s also a small go-karting area, trampolines and a Tropical Garden Restaurant where local specialties are served.
It is also an ideal place to unwind on a hot summer‘s day, with average temperatures sitting around 28C in July and August and adult entry tickets from under £5.
Other family-friendly attractions in Sarajevo include Sunnyland.
Sunnyland is the country’s first amusement park with an Alpine Coaster, located on Olympic Mountain Trebević, it’s a 10-minute drive from the city centre.
While the Alpine Coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 40km/h, is the main attraction, there are other features too like a playroom that’s inspired by a magic forest.
Destination SarajevoEntry into Ilidža Thermal Riviera costs less than £5 for a full-paying adult[/caption]
TripadvisorSarajevo is also home to the an Alpine Coaster[/caption]
There is also an indoor and outdoor playground, an on-site restaurant, a pizzeria and a souvenir shop.
Entry into Sunnyland is free with ride tickets costing just £2 a go.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Sarajevo, there’s also Playland.
Set on the third floor of the Sarajevo Shopping Centre, Playland has been modelled after the Playland in Istanbul.
Sarajevo’s Playland features carousels, bumper cars, air hockey tables, slides and a ball pit.
And for older kids there’s also SpeedXtreme, which claims to be the best karting arena in Sarajevo.
The indoor arena is open whatever the weather, so it’s perfect for rainy day.
There are a plenty of other attractions in Sarajevo too, including the War Tunnel, or Tunnel of Hope, left over from the Bosnian War, which was originally built in 1993 to get aid and humanitarian supplies into the city.
Other important attractions in the city include The Museum Of Crimes Against Humanity And Genocide 1992-1995.
Both Ryanair and Wizz Air operate direct flights from the UK to Sarajevo, with flights starting from £15 for a one-way ticket.
Destination SarajevoPlayland inside the city’s shopping centre has a host of rides and games for families, think air hockey tables and carousel[/caption]
Instagram/karting_arena_sarajevoOlder kids will want to go to the indoor go-karting track[/caption]
Flights from the UK to Sarajevo take roughly two hours and 40 minutes.
There are three local languages in Bosnia & Herzegovina, including Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian – although English is likely to be spoken at most hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.
The Convertible Mark (KM or BAM) is the country’s official currency, with £10 getting 23.43 KM/BAM.
What's it like to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina?
SOAK up the sun along the Dalmatian Coast for half the price of Croatia – by crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s little-known share of the shoreline.
With its turquoise waters, pine forests and terracotta rooftops, the Dalmatian Coast is famously pretty.
But while the tourist hordes flock to Croatia for this scenery, you could enjoy it for less by going to the Bosnian beach town of Neum instead.
This budget haven butts into Croatia in between Dubrovnik and Split, a quirk that can be traced back to 1699 when the city state of Dubrovnik, terrified of an attack by Venetians, gave a tiny tract of land to the Ottoman empire to give itself a buffer against Venice.
Graced with daytime highs of 25C in September and within easy distance of both Dubrovnik and Split, the only major difference is the cost.
Even in Neum’s largest and most swanky hotel, the Grand Hotel Neum, a last-minute long weekend this month starts at £49pp per night. That includes breakfast, spa access, a choice of four swimming pools and a private beach.
Food and drink is much cheaper too.
You’d get change from a fiver for a couple of local beers and you can find Bosnian, Mediterranean and international dishes very reasonably priced.
The real crowd-pleaser is Ćcevapi, a popular Bosnian lunch to go.
Locals joke it’s the reason KFC never took off here.
This simple yet filling meal consists of mini grilled meat kebabs and raw onion slices stuffed inside a warm pitta bread. Again, you would struggle to spend £5 on this beloved staple.
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on The 11 types of female orgasms – how many have you had and how to get the big O for the ones you haven’t
WE’VE all heard of orgasms, but what we’ve experienced in regards to the Big O might only be the tip of the iceberg.
And that’s particularly true for the 80% of women who admit to faking it at some point in their sexual endeavours.
GettyThere’s 11 different types of orgasms that women can achieve… including “full body eruoption”[/caption]
If you’re relying solely on clitoral or vaginal stimulation to reach orgasm, you might be holding yourself back from actually getting there.
And that’s because, according to one sexpert, there’s 11 different types of climax available to us ladies.
“There are so many ways the body can build pleasure and reach orgasm, and many of them will surprise you,” certified somatic sexologist and sex counsellor Alice Child told The Sun.
The 11 different ways your body can reach climax range from ones you might already be familiar with – like clitoral, vaginal or anal orgasms – to nipple-gasms.
Alice even said some women are able to achieve “full body eruptions”.
Whether you’re flying solo or jumping into bed with a partner, our sexpert broke down the varied ways you can reach the Big O.
1. External clitoral orgasms
This type of orgasm seems to be the most common, according to Alice.
“Given the head of the clitoris has over 10,000 nerve endings and is the most sensitive part of the human body, that’s not too surprising,” she said.
“According to various studies, around 70 to 85 per cent of people with vulvas say they need some form of external clitoral stimulation in order to build arousal and reach orgasm.”
External stimulation involves touching the head – also known as the glans – and shaft of the clitoris.
There are a few ways to do this, both on your own and with a partner, according to Alice.
Put pressure on your clit by grinding against a pillow, bed, or even someone’s body
2. Internal clitoral orgasms
I know you’re thinking: ‘Hang on, there’s two kinds of clitoral orgasms?’
That because there’s much more to your clit than the head.
“The clitoris is a whole network that runs under the surface of the skin,” Alice said.
“What you see on the outside of the body – the glans – is only the tip of the iceberg.”
This little happy button is actually between seven and 4.3in (11cm) in size, with most of it “living under the surface of the skin, branching out either side of the opening to the vagina and downwards in two ‘legs’ and two ‘bulbs’”.
Alice told Sun Health: “The entire clitoris is very sensitive and fills up with blood during arousal, and can be stimulated both externally -with vulva and labia massage – and internally, near the entrance to the vagina.
“Rather than just focusing on the tip, it’s a great idea to stimulate the rest of the clitoris, vulva, and vagina too.
“This stops the glans becoming over sensitive and results in more full-bodied pleasure.”
What if I have trouble orgasming?
We can talk about all the different and wonderful ways we might reach an orgasm, but plenty of women have trouble climaxing full stop.
“I think it’s helpful to change your definition of ‘orgasm’,” sexologist Alice said.
“Orgasms can look and feel very different one day to the next for all sorts of reasons and they shouldn’t be the goal of sex.
“Besides, just because someone didn’t orgasm, doesn’t mean that they had a bad time, or didn’t have some form of ‘peak’ pleasure experience.”
She emphasised that it’s “very, very common” for women “to find it very difficult, or even impossible, to orgasm” – and this can be all the more true if you’re having sex with a partner.
“A big issue is we often fixate a lot on orgasm being the goal of sex, and that can be really harmful,” she said.
“This pressure often makes it even more elusive and means we struggle to get out of our head and enjoy the moment.
“When you’re in your head worrying about whether you ‘are taking too long’ or ‘will or will not’ reach orgasm, you’re not in your body. This means you will feel less.”
For Alice, it’s about learning “to think less and feel more”, and “enjoy the journey not just the ‘destination'”.
“The more that we try and take the goal of orgasm out of our minds, and instead just focus on how to give and receive the best pleasure possible, the better,” she added.
3. G-spot orgasms
You can reach a G-spot orgasms – also known as G-crest or G-zone orgasms – by “stimulating the upper wall of the vagina with fingers, a penis or a toy”, Alice said.
In a blog post on her website, the sexpert explains a way to locate this spot that can lead to “knee shaking orgasms” for some.
Like the clit, the G-spot is made out of erectile tissue that fills with blood when you’re turned on, becoming “bigger, more sensitive, and more pleasurable to touch”.
To reach it, think “in and up” heading towards your belly button, Alice advised.
“For some people, their G-spot is very near the outside of the body – only a centimetre or so inside the vagina – but for most people it’s about one or two inches or so inside,” the sexologist explained
If it’s too deep to reach with your fingers, vibrators and wands can definitely come in handy.
Your G-spot tends to feel slightly ribbed and textured – but it probably won’t feel good to stimulate it unless you’re aroused.
G-spot orgasms “can feel very intense”, Alice warned.
“Stimulation here might also trigger squirting or female ejaculation which can be another form of peak pleasure experience – but isn’t always an orgasm” she added.
4. Cervix orgasms
Vaginal orgasms don’t end there, according to the sexologist.
“Going deeper inside the vagina is the cervix, which can also lead to very powerful and intense internal orgasms,” Alice went on.
“Sadly many people associate this part of their body with pain, not pleasure, during sex due to accidental ‘bumps’ in certain positions.”
She emphasised that you should never feel pain during sex.
“When we listen to our body, slow down, and build pleasure at our own pace, we can have even more pleasurable experiences,” Alice added.
5. Blended orgasms
Just clitoral or vaginal orgasms can feel pretty damn good – but you can upgrade them by stimulating more than one spot.
Alice explained: “When we are getting great stimulation in two – or more – erogenous zones, that’s what is sometimes called a blended orgasm.
“For example, when we are having pleasurable penetrative sex while also stimulating the external clitoris.”
But Alice argues that you might be missing out on lot of pleasure.
She said it’s a “very sensitive erogenous zone both externally and internally”.
“Both external massage, rimming or stimulation and internal stimulation can trigger very very powerful orgasms,” Alice noted.
In a blog post, she explained that the most important thing you can do is try to relax your bottom with deep breathing and the use of plenty of lube.
She recommended you don’t start with something as large as a penis; a small, beginner’s butt plug or fingers can help you build up to great orgasms without pain or discomfort.
7. Sleep orgasms
Ever woken up from a racy dream convinced you’ve had an orgasm?
According to Alice, this is definitely within the realm of possibility.
“Sometimes this is due to certain dreams or fantasies, but not always.”
8. Full bodied orgasms
Many think we can only reach an orgasm by stimulating specific parts of our body.
But Alice said: “Remember that our entire body can be an erogenous zone if we give it the right sort of time and attention. Don’t just focus on the genitals.
“Imagine you are spreading that pleasure around your body. Don’t be afraid to try new touch, move your body, make sounds, and breathe.
“This is how people start to learn how to build to more powerful full-bodied orgasmic experiences.”
9. Nipple-gasms
There’s a reason it feels good to have your nipples touched during foreplay.
Alice called them “a very sensitive erogenous zone for many”.
“With practice, many people can have orgasms through nipple stimulation,” the sexologist said.
10. Core-gasms
This might sound improbable, but it’s actually possible to climax during exercise, according to Alice.
“These are not as unusual as you might think,” she told Sun Health.
“Certain core workouts or weight training workouts can trigger a build and release of pleasure that feels like a type of orgasm.”
11. Breath-gasms
And finally, the breath-gasm, which is exactly what it sounds like.
According to Alice: “Some people can build and reach orgasm without any touch at all.
“With practice, they can use the power of breath, movement, and mindfulness to reach orgasm.
“This can also be a form of tantric sex – building erotic energy in a very different – but equally intense and pleasurable – way.”
This article was first published in November 2023 and has been republished
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Cause of death revealed after missing sisters pulled from river four weeks after they vanished together from city centre
TWO sisters drowned in a river near Aberdeen after they disappeared earlier this year, cops have confirmed.
Henrietta and Eliza Huszti, both 32, went missing on January 7.
UnpixsEliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were seen on CCTV on Market Street at the Victoria Bridge over the River Dee around 2.12am on January 7[/caption]
Their bodies were found in the River Dee at the end of last month and police have since confirmed their cause of death was drowning.
Originally born in Hungary, the pair were from a set of triplets.
Cops are not treating their deaths as suspicious but do believe the women were both spotted alive near the river.
A major search operation began last month after Henrietta, a coffee shop assistant, and Eliza, a hotel housekeeper, went missing.
Both were believed to have been seen in the early hours of January 7 as they crossed Victoria Bridge before turning right towards Aberdeen Boat Club.
They had texted their landlady from the area to say they were giving up their flat.
PAPolice Scotland issued a handout photo of the women after they disappeared[/caption]
MCPIXMolly-Mae Hague was spotted arriving at her Manchester office today[/caption]
McPix/BackgridThere was no sign of the huge engagement ring Tommy proposed with[/caption]
Molly-Mae pictured with the ring last yearInstagramThe couple got engaged in Ibiza in 2023Instagram
The influencer, 25, was heading to work in Manchester when she flashed her left hand.
She wore a long black coat over grey jeans from her collection and teamed them with a smart black jumper.
The Maebe founder and fashion mogul was recently spotted wearing a ring on her wedding finger, but her left hand was notably bare today as she clutched a container filled with coffee.
The mum looked effortlessly chic, carrying a designer bag worth over £3,600.
Molly has recently sparked rumours she has secretly taken her ex fiancé back following claims he cheated on a lads’ holiday.
The couple hired a babysitter to take care of their daughter Bambi, so they could get some alone time.
We first revealed the couple were getting back together when they shared a kiss on New Year’s Eve.
Despite Molly’s friends and family not being happy about them giving it another go, Tommy hopes their trip is another step towards getting their relationship back on track.
A source told The Sun: “Tommy’s pulling out all the stops and whisking Molly away for a night to somewhere they’ve stayed before in happier times.
“He’s clearly hoping it’ll work its magic on Valentine’s night and she’ll remember how happy they used to be”
Molly-Mae was recently spotted wearing a diferent ring on her left hand at glam private dining club Isabel in Mayfair.
The Love Island alum was seen arriving at the A Seat At the Table event with entrepreneur Emma Grede with her signature ring stacks – including Cartier bands – on her left hand.
The diamond letter B ring, worn on her wedding finger and in reference to her daughter Bambi, aged two, couldn’t be missed.
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on Leicester City part company with first team coaches in brief statement with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side looking doomed
LEICESTER CITY have parted company with two first-team coaches after their relegation fears deepened over the weekend.
The Foxes are currently sat in 19th place in the Premier League and five points adrift of safety.
GettyTwo members of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s backroom staff have been sacked at Leicester as relegation looms[/caption]
GettyFirst team coach Ben Dawson and goalkeeping coach Danny Alcock both left in a brief joint statement[/caption]
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Your home’s equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage or any secured loans.
If for example your house is worth £250,000 and you have £40,000 left on your mortgage and no loans secured against your home, you have £210,000 in equity.
When you’ve fully repaid your mortgage or any secured loans, your equity is equal to the value of your house.
The amount of equity in your home is based on the market value of your home then, and not when you purchased it.
Over the past 10 years, average house prices in the UK have increased by 42% according to Nationwide House Price data as of the end of 2024.
This means that the typical house, valued at £189,002 at the end of 2014, has risen to £268,518 at the end of 2024.
So, if you’ve owned your home for several years, the value of your property could have increased, and you may have more equity in your property than you think.
How can I access my home’s equity?
Equity release is just one of the ways you could access the cash tied up in your home, alternatives include remortgaging or downsizing to free up some of your property value.
As advice is required before going ahead with equity release, an advisor will explore alternative options with you to see which is right for your circumstances.
Some people may want to stay in the home they love without making required monthly mortgage repayments, and this is where equity release could be right for the homeowner.
Accessing your home’s equity
Equity release allows you to unlock from a minimum of £10,000 up to 58% of the value of your property.
How much you can unlock depends on the age of the youngest homeowner, if you’re a joint or single applicant, the value of your home and your individual needs.
There are two main types of equity release plans, a lifetime mortgage and a home reversion plan.
A lifetime mortgage allows you to continue owning 100% of your property.
It is secured against your property, and any money released, plus accrued interest, is repaid upon death or moving into long-term care.
With this type of plan, you’re not required to make any regular repayments if you do not wish to, meaning you could reduce your committed monthly expenses compared to if you had a regular mortgage where monthly payments were required.
GettyFind the right equity release plan for your needs[/caption]
Another type of equity release is a home reversion plan, which involves selling part of your home to a lender.
You can continue living in your home, typically rent-free, until you die or move into long-term care.
Both types of plans will reduce the value of your estate and impact funding long-term care, which is why it’s good to discuss your decision with your family first.
What should I consider before releasing equity?
It’s essential to carefully consider the features and risks of each option to access the equity in your home before deciding which is most suitable for your needs.
At Age Partnership, a specialist advisor can talk you through the different options to help you find out which option, if any, is best for you.
Initial advice is provided for free and without obligation. Only if your case is completed would an advice fee of £1,895 be payable. Other lender and solicitor fees may apply.
Age Partnership is a trading name of Age Partnership Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registered number 425432. Company registered in England and Wales No. 5265969. VAT registration number 162 9355 92. Registered address, 2200 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8ZB.
1 week agoBlogsComments Off on I was ‘an hour from death’ after my haemorrhoids turned into flesh-eating disease
A DAD’S haemorrhoids turned out to be a dangerous flesh-eating disease that left him “an hour from death”.
Keith Jones, 40, went to his doctor last summer complaining of a high temperature and what he suspected was infected haemorrhoids.
SWNSKeith Jones, 40, spent nearly six months in hospital fighting for his life after a suspected haemorrhoid issue turned out to be a flesh-eating disease[/caption]
SWNSKeith was rushed into emergency surgery after seeing his GP[/caption]
SWNSKeith Jones with his daughter Paige – he spent over three weeks in a coma and has a long recovery ahead[/caption]
But the chef, from Whitstable, Kent, was rushed to hospital where medical staff told him the haemorrhoids had developed into necrotising fasciitis – a flesh-eating disease – and sepsis.
The dad-of-four told that if he’d waited a little longer before seeking medical attention he might not have survived – being getting his first of eight emergency surgeries at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent.
Keith said: “I was told if I’d left it an hour or two longer I would probably already be dead.
“I had to have surgery but that’s pretty much the last thing I remember before waking up from the coma.
“I had eight surgeries to remove all the flesh from the area down below and I had mass organ failure and my kidneys, liver, lungs and stomach failed.
“Sepsis was killing me and a ‘do not resuscitate’ order was put in place as there was nothing more to be done.
“The kids were rushed from school to say goodbye to me because they didn’t think I was going to make it through the night.
“However, by some miracle, over the weekend my body started fighting back and I began breathing for myself.”
Necrotising fasciitis is a rare and life-threatening infection that can happen if a wound gets infected, causing damage to deep layers of the skin.
It can cause intense pain or loss of feeling near the cut or wound, as well as swelling and flu-like symptoms like, high temperature, headache and tiredness.
NHS advice says symptoms can develop quickly within hours or over a few days and symptoms need to be treated in hospital straight away.
Keith was rushed to hospital on August 22 and was in a coma for three-and-a-half weeks – missing his 40th birthday – before he was eventually woken up.
He spent further time in intensive care recovering and had to have physiotherapy after losing the ability to move his arms and legs.
While he has now regained control of most of his body, he has been told it is unlikely he will ever walk again unaided due to the irreversible nerve damage to his feet.
I lost all feeling in my hands, arms, legs and feet.
I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t drink, I couldn’t feed myself, I couldn’t do anything
Keith Jones
But, after months of fighting in hospital, Keith was finally well enough to go back to his home in coastal Seasalter, Kent, which he shares with his fiancée, Lauren, and their four children – Eiyla, Paige, Francesca and Jake.
Keith said: “I lost all feeling in my hands, arms, legs and feet.
“I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t drink, I couldn’t feed myself, I couldn’t do anything.
“I can’t raise my left arm above my shoulder but I can use my hands and my arms now.
“From my ankles down, my feet are completely gone. I can’t wiggle my toes, I can’t control them, they’re just numb.
“I can’t walk around the house, I have a bed in the living room so I can be at home and I can transfer from bed to chair using a frame or crutches.
“I’m adapting and adjusting to my life now.”
What is necrotising fasciitis?
Necrotising fasciitis, also called the “flesh-eating disease”, is a rare and life-threatening infection.
It can happen when bacteria enters the body through an open wound, like a cut or burn.
The infection spreads quickly and aggressively, causes tissue death and can be deadly if not treated right away.
The signs and symptoms to know:
Symptoms of necrotising fasciitis can develop quickly within hours or over a few days.
At first, you may have:
Intense pain or loss of feeling near to a cut or wound – the pain may seem much worse than you would usually expect from a cut or wound
Swelling of the skin around the affected area
Flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headache and tiredness
Later symptoms can include:
Being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea
Confusion
Black, purple or grey blotches and blisters on the skin (these may be less obvious on black or brown skin)
Typical treatment:
Necrotising fasciitis gets worse very quickly and can kill.
This is why it must be treated in hospital as soon as possible.
Sufferers will usually be given antibiotics to fight off the infection or in some cases, surgery to remove the affected area
Even after successful treatment, there may be long-term changes in how the body looks. Some people require further surgery and physiotherapy to help recover.
To aid his adjustment and quality of life, Keith’s sister, Sarah Jones, has launched a fundraiser in the hopes of raising enough to buy mobility aids such as a wheelchair and mobility scooter to help him regain independence.
In a statement on the JustGiving page, Sarah said: “My brother has been through hell and back.
“He has already defied the odds, but we want to give him the tools he needs to keep fighting and rebuild his life.
“We are so grateful for his strength, the love of his family, and his determination to move forward. He truly is a fighter.”
So far, the page has raised £355 of the £5,000 target.
Previously a head chef at The Monument Pub in Whitstable, Keith is currently unable to work and has a long road ahead for his recovery.
It is not currently clear if he will ever be back to being his normal self or be able to work again, but Keith says he is grateful just to have a second chance at life.
Keith lost feeling in his limbs and doctors are unsure if he’ll walk again unaidedSWNSSWNSKeith with his fiance Lauren[/caption]
‘Lucky to be here’
He is now sharing his story to encourage more people to seek medical help, and not put off going to the doctors if they need help.
“I nearly died and I’m lucky to be here,” he said.
“People don’t realise how serious sepsis is.
“I now can’t walk far due to it. But I’m alive. And it really has changed my life.
“I feel like a new man and my goal in life is to be the best version of me for everyone.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
SEPSIS is a life-threatening reaction to an infection that happens when your immune system overreacts and starts to damage your body's own tissues and organs.
Symptoms of sepsis in an adult include:
Acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
Symptoms in a child include:
Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
Difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
A weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry
Not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
Being sleepier than normal or having difficulty waking
They may not have all these symptoms.
If you think you or someone else has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E.
