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A SPINAL stroke survivor has climbed to Everest Base Camp — three years after being told he might never walk again.

Footie physiotherapist Cameron Ross, of Edinburgh, was hospitalised in January 2022, and left without use of his legs, bladder and bowels and stomach.

Getty

Cameron has now made it to Everest’s base camp in arctic conditions[/caption]

He was eventually diagnosed that he’d suffered a spinal stroke – which affects just one in 13 million people.

The determined lad underwent gruelling physiotherapy and recovery program – and within six months he’d bagged a munro, then last year smashed his other goal of running the city’s half marathon .

And he has now made it to Everest’s base camp in arctic conditions, raising thousands for charity.

Cameron – who was a sports scientist for teams including Raith Rovers and Hearts before switching to physio, a year after his injury, to help others – is now focusing on his career and has recently been snapped up by English Football League One highflyers Birmingham City FC.

He said: “I was always a hillwalker. I did my Munros and stuff.

“So I said, I want to do that again. That was my goal, to climb up one. And that was kind of a long term goal. “I was told I wouldn’t walk again, so I’d have taken that.

“I thought maybe being real I can manage one within a few years, but I smashed that in six months.

“So me being me, I was like, ‘What can I do that’s difficult?’

“I continued to think, ‘why should I be limited by this injury?’ So I pushed myself all the time. So I just thought, Everest.”

Setting off in January this year, the trek wasn’t to be without incident – in addition to health concerns around altitude.

He said: “It was -30 degrees in the winter and there was an earthquake.

“Half six in the morning I was walking up the base camp, I was actually above base camp. I was climbing to another summit, an extra part, and all of a sudden there was an avalanche.”

That earthquake would cause devastation in nearby Tibet,, killing and injuring hundreds, but thankfully, Cameron was far enough removed from the worst of it.

He added: “The trek to Everest Base Camp was something I’ll never forget. Dealing with the altitude was far more difficult than I ever thought it would be.

“I’d like to say I enjoyed it but the truth is, my body was so tired when I reach the summit, I didn’t have much left to take it all in. But I’m so happy to have done it though – it still feels a bit surreal that I managed to do that so soon after my injury.”

The trek saw him raise more than £2,500 for Spinal Injuries Scotland – a charity that supports people through a spinal cord injury and one particularly close to his heart.

Reflecting on his experience, he added: “There’s no real prognosis for why it happened. They can’t tell me why, which was a little unsettling. “I think it’s one in 13 million people. That’s the likelihood of spinal strokes.

“I think it’s just bad luck, really.”

AN al-Qaeda “mastermind” linked to the 7/7 attacks is set to walk free in Britain despite cops saying he remains a risk.

Haroon Aswat, 50, cannot be fully assessed by the justice system due to mental health treatment.

PA:Press Association

Aswat has been linked to the tragic 7/7 attacks[/caption]

Photoshot

On Tuesday, High Court judge Mr Justice Jay said: ‘The defendant’s treatment has been effective and his release from detention is expected in the relatively near future’[/caption]

The ex-Abu Hamza accomplice, jailed in the US, will leave a secure unit for Yorkshire.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “He could still be a real danger.”

Aswat helped hate preacher Abu Hamza set up a US terror camp.

While caged in the US in 2022 he told a British shrink: “I am a terrorist”, and said he’d kill Jews, Christians and Muslim enemies.

He has spent the past two years at a UK psychiatric hospital but will return to Batley, West Yorks.

Shockingly, rules surrounding his treatment have prevented police and the justice system from fully assessing his suitability for release.

Mr Philp said last night: “It is totally unacceptable that full risk assessments cannot be carried out.

“I call on the Government to urgently change the law.

“Those who pose a danger to the public should be taken off our streets.

“That’s non-negotiable.”

Ex-Met counter-terror chief Peter Clarke warned: “There have been far too many tragic cases in the UK where terrorists have been released and gone on to murder.”

In 1999 Aswat helped Hamza set up an al-Qaeda camp in Oregon.

In 2001 he trained at a camp in Afghanistan, and in 2002 stayed at an al-Qaeda safe house in Pakistan where he met two 7/7 bombers.

In 2005, police traced 20 calls to a phone linked to Aswat made by the 7/7 bombers, hours before their attack left 52 dead and more than 800 injured in central London.

That year Aswat was arrested in Zambia while possessing a terror manual and suspected bomb parts.

He was deported to the UK and held under a US arrest warrant.

Aswat fought extradition on mental health grounds but after a nine-year battle was sent to the US in 2014.

A year later he pleaded guilty to terror charges.

His 20-year jail term was cut to seven years because of time detained at Broadmoor Hospital.

Before his US release in 2022 Aswat told visiting psychiatrist Dr Richard Taylor: “I am a terrorist.”

Aswat has schizoaffective disorder. Symptoms can include unpredictable and aggressive behaviour.

Dr Taylor warned Aswat might radicalise impressionable recruits.

On his return to the UK in late 2022 Aswat was detained at Bethlem Royal Hospital, South London.

His move there, under provisions of the Mental Health Act, is understood to have been spurred by national security concerns.

On Tuesday, High Court judge Mr Justice Jay ruled: “The defendant’s treatment has been effective. His release from detention is expected in the relatively near future. I understand he will return to his family in Yorkshire.”

Mr Justice Jay noted: “No formal terrorist risk assessment has been carried out since the defendant’s return here. The circumstances of his detention have precluded that.

“However, on the basis of the material which is available the defendant has been assessed by various police officers — including the senior officer dealing with this case — that he remains a risk to national security.”

The judge granted a notification order which means Aswat must register his address and bank details with police.

He will not be under surveillance or wear a tag, and can travel abroad if he tells cops in advance.

PA:Press Association

Times Newspapers Ltd

Aswat had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder[/caption]

ALEXANDER THE GREAT continued his crusade to outdo Alan Shearer but it was Newcastle’s Italian Stallion that downed Brentford.

Sandro Tonali’s piledriver from out wide caught out Mark Flekken and kept Toon hot on fourth-placed Manchester City’s tails.

Reuters

Alexander Isak made history as Newcastle’s only Premier League player to score 20 goals in consecutive seasons[/caption]

And that came without new legendary striker Alexander Isak even being on the pitch by that point.

While the 25-year-old still has some way to go to overtake Super Al’s club-record 206 goal haul, Newcastle’s sensational Swede has now achieved another feat the legend could not.

Fresh from ending the Magpies’ wait since 1969 for silverware, Isak is now the first Newcastle player to score 20-plus in consecutive Premier League campaigns after his opener.

Brentford, six games unbeaten on the road, threatened to spoil the fun after Bryan Mbeumo equalised with a penalty until Tonali’s moment of magic.

It was another party atmosphere on Tyneside beforehand as the Carabao Cup winners returned to action for the first time since that Wembley triumph.

And just days after an estimated 300,000 attended the trophy parade, the Toon Army had another trick up their sleeve to mark their 70-year major trophy drought ending.

A huge flag of Newcastle’s now legendary boss was unfurled in the Gallowgate End pre-match, next to the message: “Eddie Howe History Made”.

Humble Howe clapped in appreciation, but he and his players know that an even bigger prize is there for the taking.

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He admitted that Newcastle’s biggest hurdle to overcome was their own inconsistency in the quest to secure Champions League qualification.

And after naming the same starting XI that toppled Liverpool in the final, his men roared into action.

They craved Brentford open in just the second minute in an almost dream start.

Joelinton passed out left to Tino Livramento, the full-back beating a man and floating a cross towards the back post.

Isak raced in to meet it, though the usual lethal hotshot was unable to find the target from six yards out under pressure.

Joelinton dragged a shot wide as the pressure continued before Isak was at it again.

Jacob Murphy stole the ball off Ethan Pinnock in Brentford half and the Toon striker pounced like a lion.

He broke forward, freeing himself from the defence, and got clean through only to then blaze over from 20 yards.

The Bees, however, had weathered the early storm and it soon became apparent that Thomas Frank’s team were not just here to frustrate and put a cork in the cup celebration champers.

They came here looking for a sixth-straight away win and started to go toe-to-toe with the hosts.

Bryan Mbeumo fired one wide from the edge of the area before Kieran Trippier’s back post clearance from the Brentford winger’s cross denied Kevin Schade from nodding in.

Up the other end, Harvey Barnes tried his luck after cutting in from the left, but his fierce whipped strike whizzed past the wrong side of the far post.

Fabian Schar’s piledriver from distance diverted off Isak’s thigh as the Magpies tried to move through the gears again ahead of half time.

And they thought they had found a breakthrough in the final seconds when Isak danced past the defence and fed Barnes to finish into an empty net – but the winger had strayed offside.

However, just as it looked to be a tense teamtalk from Howe, up stepped his magic man.

This time he capitalised on a slip from his marker Mbeumo to guide Murphy’s cross past Mark Flekken for his 24th of the campaign.

Barnes shot wide straight after the break and then Murphy hesitated after stealing the ball and going through.

Caught in two minds whether to pass or shoot, his eventual effort was blocked as was Barnes’ follow-up and Brentford instantly launched a counter.

Bruno Guimaraes blocked one effort as the Magpies struggled to clear the danger and eventually they were punished after a frantic few seconds.

Newcastle goalie Nick Pope came out to stop Yoane Wissa from meeting a pass over the top and sent the Congolese ace tumbling.

The ref pointed straight to the spot, and after a VAR check, Mbeumo calmly sent Pope the wrong way.

Howe reacted by replacing Isak and Murphy with Callum Wilson and Joe Willock but it was the Bees who very nearly took the lead moments later.

A corner came in from the left and Pinnock jumped highest only to agonisingly watch his header hit the inside of the post and bounce into Pope’s hands.

Newcastle looked to be rocking with accusations of a Wembley hangover set to be thrown at them – but Tonali had other ideas.

Barnes laid it into his path down the right wing, and the eagle-eyed ex-AC Milan ace meant every bit of it as he spotted the gap and unleashed a thunderous strike inside Flekken’s near post.

Deep into the eight minutes of additional time the Bees had one final chance to deliver a sting, but substitute Mikkel Damsgaard blazed high into the Gallowgate.

The Dane then went down after colliding with Guimaraes, but despite Brentford’s pleas, the penalty appeals were waved away.

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SHOPPERS are praising a “lovely” garden buy that costs just £3 and will help your space look magical.

The Range is selling the Metal Glow In The Dark Mushroom Stake for £2.99, or two for £4.99.

The Range

The cutesy mushroom ornament is selling for just £2.99[/caption]

The cute ornament can be pushed into the soil or lawn in your garden to create a woodland scene.

Alternatively you could pop it into the soil in an indoor plant pot.

The product description says it will glow when in complete darkness, creating a fairytale vibe.

The ornament comes in a red colour and it’s 35cm tall.

It’s available to buy on the website or you can get it through free click and collect.

One reviewer on The Range’s website said: “I’m a sucker for a red and white spotty mushroom and these are a welcome addition to my collection.

“I can’t believe what great value they were and they’re lovely quality.”

Another said: “I love these mushrooms, they look so lovely in the garden I want some more.”

A third reviewer wrote: “These look amazing among my flowers and I can’t find them under a tenner each anywhere else.”

However some reviewers complained that the ornament didn’t appear to glow in the dark.

The Range sells a variety of cute mushroom garden ornaments.

It has a Pair of Garden Mushroom Ornaments for £12.99 which have a hand painted finish.

These ones are also weather resistant.

There’s also a set of Mushroom Stake Lights in red and white for £17.99.

The set of four lights charge in direct sunlight and then automatically illuminate at dusk.

If you are wanting to create more of a woodland scene in your garden, you can also get the Hedgehog Garden Ornament with Stone Effect for £15.99.

There’s also a Reading Elf Garden Ornament in Bronze for £15.99 that will surely add charm to your space.

Where else can I buy similar ornaments?

The Range’s ornament appears to be one of the cheapest around.

Dunelm sells a rust-effect Iron Mushroom Stake for £10.

Reviewers are impressed with it, with one saying it’s “well worth the money and looks so pretty”.

Asda has a set of two Ceramic Mushroom Ornaments selling for £6.

Shoppers say they are “bright and beautiful” and that they’ve had compliments on their purchase.

Meanwhile B&Q has a set of four Red Toadstool Mushroom Ornaments for £10.99.

The product description says they bring “whimsical magic to any area of your indoor or outdoor space” and can be placed anywhere around the garden or indoors.

DONALD Trump has tonight unleashed his feared tariffs on the watching world – imposing an immediate 20 per cent tax on all EU imports.

As financial markets braced themselves for the economic onslaught, the US President vowed retribution on nations he accused of ripping off America.

REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Speaking in the Rose Garden, Trump finally revealed his plans to ‘Make America Wealthy Again’, with the sweeping tariffs due to come in with immediate effect.

On what he called “Liberation Day”, the Commander-in-Chief claimed countries had targeted the US with “non-monetary barriers” as he insisted: “Today we’re standing up for the American worker and finally putting America first.”

He unveiled the new tariffs in a coloured chart with the rate of tax for each country, with the EU – including Ireland – among his top targets.

The bloc – which has long been a target for the MAGA Prez – will be charged 20 per cent, as Trump accused them of being “very friendly…they rip us off. So sad to see, so pathetic”.

He claimed that the US is charging “discounted reciprocal rates” and that the EU should actually be charged 37 per cent.

The UK was hit with a 10 per cent charge, while China will face a 34 per cent tariff, and Japan a 24 per cent tax.

Announcing that he will impose tariffs of 25 per cent on all foreign-made cars, Trump claimed: “I don’t blame these other countries at all.

“I blame former presidents and past leaders.

“They let it happen to an extent that nobody can even believe.”

The Republican leader said his administration will also establish a universal baseline tariff of 10 per cent that will apply to all countries, in addition to the numbers already announced.

He added to foreign countries: “If you want your tariff rate to be zero, then you build your product right here in America.”

In his lengthy speech, Trump promised to sign a “historic executive order instituting reciprocal tariffs on countries throughout the world.

“Reciprocal. That means they do it to us and we do it to them. Very simple. Can’t get any simpler than that.

“Our taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but it is not going to happen anymore.

He ranted that the US had been “looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike”.

He insisted jobs and factories “will come roaring back into our country” and that consumers will benefit from lower prices and more competition, despite widespread fears from economic experts.

“This will indeed be the golden age of America,” Trump declared.

Irish government officials were tonight assessing the US news and are due to meet in the coming days.

Speaking before the White House address, Micheal Martin warned that the “old order is changing”, as he questioned whether the European Union and the US could sit around a negotiating table in future.

The Taoiseach told the Dail: “This is, without question, the most serious issue to face the Irish economy in a long time, and it’s clear that the scale of these tariffs will be very, very significant in European terms.

“I would, in the first instance, say Ireland does not believe in tariffs. The European Union does not believe in tariffs, and the European Union doesn’t want tariffs.

“So the European Union hasn’t started this. Ireland hasn’t started this.

“The bottom line is this, however, that ultimately, to get this into a sustainable landing zone for the future, negotiations are key.

“Part of the approach in designing any countermeasures from the European Union will be the negotiating table.

“Can we get this to a negotiating table where you can get a reasonable, settled pattern? It will not be status quo, and it will not be what it is now.

“I think the old order is changing, and it’s regrettable we are in a Europe of increased protectionism. That is not good for Ireland. It’s not good for open economies.”

He said he has huge concerns for the agri-food sector, as well as beverages, spirits, and the pharma industry.

“Then we have to work within the European Union, make sure that other sectors aren’t damaged by any potential counter measures,” he added.

“So the Government strategy is to optimise the protection of Irish jobs. That is the fundamental objective, to protect Irish jobs.”

He also agreed to a meeting of party leaders to take place in the coming days as the news is processed.

Earlier, European Central Bank head Christine Lagarde said the Trump tariffs would have massive implications worldwide.

She warned: “It will be negative the world over and the density and the durability of the impact will vary depending on the scope, on the products targeted, on how long it lasts, on whether or not there are negotiations.

“Because let’s not forget quite often those escalations of tariffs, because they prove harmful, even for those who inflict it, lead to negotiation tables where people actually sit down and discuss and eventually remove some of those barriers.”

The director of Technology Ireland Una Fitzpatrick said it would be a case of wait and see for the sector in the coming weeks.

She told RTE: “We were in Brussels only just over two weeks ago, discussing with MEPs and European officials measures in relation to this. The message coming through is it’s a wait and see game.”

Director of the Irish Whiskey Association Eoin O’Cathain said the US were Ireland’s biggest trading partner and any trade war would be disastrous for jobs, investment and the consumers.

He added that proposed counter measures from the EU were “extremely concerning to us”, despite Ireland and the US being trading allies for years.

He said: “There is no better example of this friendship than the spirits sector – the US is our biggest trading partner, and the export value of Irish drinks is over €800 million per annum.

“Our products are bound to the land – Irish Whiskey will always be Irish, just as Kentucky bourbon will always be Kentuckian.

“There is no winner in a trade war. The imposition of tariffs will impact on our businesses and our consumers.

“Having our sector implicated in this dispute puts jobs, investments and businesses at risk and has the potential to be devastating for Irish Whiskey.”

The EU has already unveiled its own measures to start mid-April.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to respond in kind, vowing: “We are going to be very deliberate in terms of the measures we take, to fight for Canada.”

A 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium from around the world came into effect in mid-March.

China was hit in March by additional 20 per cent tariffs on all goods, triggering retaliatory duties from Beijing.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk is set to quit his role in Donald Trump’s administration within weeks, it emerged.

The US President told his inner circle that the world’s richest man will step down from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to return to the business world.

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