Joan Wakefield has barely been able to walk for the best part of six months. The 72-year-old from Stockport had a knee replacement in October and has since suffered infections in the scar tissue, causing agonising pain. Then at the beginning of this month she received the first dose of AstraZeneca 's Covid-19 vaccine. 'I woke up the next morning and the leg pain and stiffness was gone,' she says. 'I couldn't believe it. I joked with my partner about whether the vaccine had anything to do with it. Previously, I couldn't even bend my leg. Now I can extend it fully, and even put my shoes and socks on. I'm optimistic I'll be able to return to work sooner, rather than later, now.' It seems ludicrous – a vaccine designed to protect against one virus can, somehow, improve other totally unrelated elements of health. But Joan Wakefield is far from alone. A man receives his Covid-19 vaccinations at Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire earlier this week RELATED … [Read more...] about The coronavirus jab’s most tantalising side effects? It may help fight cancer, chronic pain… and even Alzheimer’s
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Alexei Navalny: Putin critic begins sentence in Russian penal colony
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has arrived in a penal colony about 100km (60 miles) east of Moscow to begin his sentence. Russia's RIA news agency said the jailed Kremlin critic was transferred from a detention centre in Moscow, citing a public commission that defends the rights of Russian prisoners. The name or exact location of the penal colony was not revealed. Alexander Kalashnikov, of Russia's federal penitentiary service (FSIN), told reporters: "According to the court's decision, he left to where he currently should be. Everything is done within the framework of the law and the current legislation." Mr Kalashnikov added Mr Navalny will be kept in "absolutely normal conditions". Advertisement Alexei Navalny: Vladimir Putin critic loses sentence appeal and is fined in slander case Mr Navalny's ally Leonid Volkov said on social media that his family and lawyers had not been officially informed about his whereabouts. … [Read more...] about Alexei Navalny: Putin critic begins sentence in Russian penal colony
Covid vaccine news UK – 32 MILLION tests being sent to kids on Monday as figures show single jab ’90 per cent effective’
CHILDREN will be tested with lateral flow tests twice a week - with 32 million test kits being sent out. And just one single dose of a Pfizer/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine can give 90 per cent protection from the disease, as new figures show jabs are slashing hospitalisations. Meanwhile Boris Johnson this weekend pledged to get Britain's workers back to their offices "soon" as the UK officially passed 19 MILLION first doses today. Speaking at a rail industry conference, the PM dismissed the idea that the lockdown would lead to a permanent shift towards Brits working from home. And former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: “We need to get people back to work as soon as possible. “There are lots of reasons why work is important to our lives. It affects people’s physical and mental wellbeing and there are issues around productivity. Follow our live blog below for the very latest on the UK 's path out of lockdown ... Niamh Cavanagh 3 … [Read more...] about Covid vaccine news UK – 32 MILLION tests being sent to kids on Monday as figures show single jab ’90 per cent effective’
Bloodlands cast: Who stars in the BBC drama?
CRIME drama Bloodlands has already got viewers hooked. Starring James Nesbitt as DCI Tom Brannick, the four-part drama has a stellar supporting cast to boot. Bloodlands cast: Who stars in the BBC drama? James Nesbitt as Tom Brannick Nesbitt landed the part of Adam Williams in ITV comedy-drama Cold Feet in 1996, his breakthrough role. He has since starred in various TV shows, including Murphy's Law, The Canterbury Tales and Jekyll. He also has had roles in Danny Boyle's movie Millions and Woody Allen's Match Point. Lisa Dwan as Tori Matthews Lisa Dwan is an Irish star of stage and screen. In the theatre world, Dwan is known for her performances of Samuel Beckett’s work. On screen, she has starred in spy thriller The Tailor of Panama, as well as a TV film adaptation of Oliver Twist. Lorcan Cranitch as Jackie Twomey You may recognise Irish actor Cranitch from his role as DI Littlejohn in the Sky Atlantic series, Fortitude. He also appeared as a villain … [Read more...] about Bloodlands cast: Who stars in the BBC drama?
Escape to the Country takes awkward turn as Jules Hudson tells indecisive couple to ‘go home’
ESCAPE to the Country took an awkward turn yesterday when Jules Hudson told his indecisive guests to "go home". The archaeologist, 51, found himself in Dorset trying to find the perfect home for married couple Jane and Gordon. Jules was given a list of things that the pair wanted for their new pad - but as the episode went on it was clear that they actually didn't know what they wanted. After living in Hampshire for 17 years, the former director for a computer company and administrator decided that they wanted a "fresh start" 50 miles down south in Dorset. Jane and Gordon made it clear that they wanted their "rural recharge" to have enough room for their children and grandchildren to stay over, as well as let them carry on with their hobbies. They both like to go out and explore, so a place with nice walking routes was also a necessity. Jane told Jules: "We'd like a house that's detatched with a minumum of three bedrooms, maybe four. an sen-suite bathroom, something … [Read more...] about Escape to the Country takes awkward turn as Jules Hudson tells indecisive couple to ‘go home’