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Valley Times, Aberdare (Aberdâr) (2026)

09/09/2026

The Rat Run: Four Welsh Guys And A Bear Tackle 380 Mile French Trek For Pontypridd Father Who Tragically Lost His Life 💙🧸

As Family Demands Answers
Four friends from South Wales undertaking an epic drive to Benidorm in memory of Nathan Osman are currently battling changeable French weather on a massive 380-mile trek towards Bordeaux.

Affectionately dubbing themselves four Welsh guys and a bear, Jamie, Lloyd, Grant, and Henry are putting in a massive shift behind the wheel today.

After a comfortable night of rest in Rouen, the team set off this morning on a huge leg of The Rat Run 2026, bypassing the famous Le Mans racing circuit and heading straight into the heart of western France.

With the windscreen wipers getting a proper workout and the lads focused entirely on navigating the highways in their modified banger, supporters back home are tracking their every mile on the map.

The team might be one comfort short tonight, however, as one of the guys accidentally left his trusted pillow behind in their hotel room.

Every single mile they clock brings vital awareness to the Answers For Nathan Osman campaign. Nathan, a devoted father of four from Pontypridd in The Valleys, tragically lost his life in September 2024.

Less than 24 hours after arriving in Benidorm for a holiday with friends, he was found at the foot of a cliff on the outskirts of the city. While Spanish police have treated the death as accidental, Nathan's devastated parents, Liz and Jonathan Osman, have been left in limbo searching for the truth.

The family firmly believe the hardworking welder was abducted and robbed. They point to attempts made to use his bank card after his body was discovered, as well as crucial data from his phone.

After retrieving his mobile, the family found his health app recorded very few steps after he was last seen on CCTV at 04:10 in the morning. This data suggests the happy-go-lucky dad was taken in a vehicle to the remote area rather than walking there himself.

Despite their unimaginable grief, his parents have spent two years fighting for information and have launched a petition demanding a formal support framework for other families who lose a loved one abroad.

The charity banger rally sees the team driving a car costing less than 500 pounds all the way to Spain to raise vital funds. Every single penny raised from the challenge will go directly to Nathan's family to support them and his four beloved children through this incredibly difficult ongoing battle.

The community is encouraged to keep sharing the journey and donating whatever they can on the JustGiving page to ensure the memory of a young father who meant so much to his community continues to shine bright.

09/09/2026

Metropolitan Police Launch Criminal Investigation Into Reform UK Over Secret Foreign Donation Sting 🇬🇧

Scotland Yard has officially launched a full criminal inquiry into allegations that Reform UK breached political funding rules by attempting to accept illicit foreign donations.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police special inquiry team are leading the investigation following a major undercover sting operation.

The probe centres on two of Nigel Farage’s closest political allies, who were swiftly suspended on Friday after the allegations were broadcast by Channel 4 News.

During the undercover investigation, veteran Farage aide Dan Jukes was filmed appearing to solicit a massive £500,000 donation from an undercover reporter.

Alongside him, the party’s head of policy, James Orr, allegedly facilitated a £32,500 payment from the reporter to cover the cost of political polling.

Footage suggests Orr was fully aware the funds were coming from a prohibited overseas source.

The Metropolitan Police had been assessing the evidence since the explosive broadcast aired last Thursday. By Wednesday, the force confirmed it was escalating the matter to a full criminal investigation.

Reform UK has strongly denied any illegal activity, releasing a statement claiming the party is the victim of an elaborate hoax.

Meanwhile, party leader Nigel Farage has vigorously defended his suspended colleagues, insisting both men were targeted in a coordinated entrapment scheme.

09/09/2026

💖 Such A Proud Dad! Emmerdale’s Kelvin Fletcher Celebrates Daughter Marnie’s Next Major Acting Role ✨

Kelvin Fletcher has shared an emotional message of pride after revealing that his eight-year-old daughter, Marnie Fletcher, has landed her next major television acting role.

The young actress first made her on-screen debut in 2024, joining the cast of Channel 4’s Hollyoaks as Lexi Roscoe.

Now, just two years later, Marnie is preparing to step onto another television set, although details of the new programme and her role have not yet been revealed.

Her proud dad Kelvin, best known for playing Andy Sugden in Emmerdale, took to social media on Tuesday to share the news alongside photographs of Marnie on the family’s 120-acre farm in Wincle, near Macclesfield.

Kelvin described his daughter’s work ethic, determination and enthusiasm as “incredible”, praising the way she embraces new challenges and throws herself into everything she does.

He said her dedication extends beyond acting, highlighting her work on the family farm, learning lines for self-tapes, competing in the show ring and helping to look after her younger brothers.

Kelvin added that Marnie is “the spark” in their family and described having her as a daughter as a “genuine privilege”.

Former Emmerdale co-star Danny Miller was among those congratulating the youngster, describing her as a superstar. 👏

With her next television project now underway, Marnie’s acting career looks set to continue going from strength to strength.

A huge achievement for such a young rising star — and one very proud dad! ✨🥹

09/09/2026

"Every Minute Of Every Day I Think About Robert" 💔 Heartbroken Mother's Plea On Missing Son's 40th Birthday 😢

The mother of long-term missing person Robert Williams has made an emotional final appeal for information on what would have been his 40th birthday today, September 9 2026.

Robert, from Resolven in The Valleys, was just 15 years old when he was last seen by his mother, Cheryl, on March 22 2002. He is known to have attended a house party the following evening in Tair Felin, Aberdulais, where other young people from the local area would have seen him.

Despite extensive police enquiries and appeals over the last 24 years, Robert has never been found.

Cheryl shared her devastating heartache in a new appeal: "Every minute of every day I think about Robert. Every day I wonder what happened and every day I hope for answers.

I cannot begin to explain the sadness and emptiness I feel inside. We as a family would have loved nothing more than to celebrate our son, brother, grandson, nephew and uncle’s upcoming 40th birthday with him."

She urged anyone with even the slightest information to finally come forward and tell the truth, asking the community to raise a glass to Robert today and cherish every day with their families.

South Wales Police have echoed Cheryl's plea, noting that any detail, no matter how small, could provide vital answers for the family.

Detective Chief Inspector Danielle Thorne stated that while previous leads have frustratingly come to nothing, they harbour hope that someone who knows exactly what happened will finally come forward to bring the search to an end.

When Robert left home, he was wearing a red and navy jumper, a black t-shirt, navy Adidas tracksuit bottoms, a navy Adidas jacket, and Ellesse navy canvas shoes.

Anyone with information regarding the house party in March 2002 or Robert's disappearance is urged to contact South Wales Police. Please see image.png for the official police statement.

09/09/2026

From The Valleys To The Red Carpet: Tonypandy Hair Master Styles Gemma Collins For The NTAs! 🌟✂️

The alarm rings long before the sun rises over The Valleys, signalling a gruelling 5 am start for multi-award-winning hair master Nicholas James Tucker.

Swapping the familiar charm of his Tonypandy salon for the fast-paced glamour of London, Nicholas is on a high-stakes mission: getting television royalty Gemma Clair Collins red-carpet ready for tonight's National Television Awards.

Arriving in Essex, the creative magic immediately begins. The owner and CEO of Nicholas James refreshed Gemma's signature vibrant locks using Elgon Tonalight, seamlessly blending in Sway Hair extensions for show-stopping volume.

Stepping away from predictable styles, Nicholas crafted a soft, sexy, undone updo that cleverly channels a mix of iconic 90s Pammy and modern Kim K.

Infused with what he proudly calls plenty of blonde bombshell energy and paired with a striking fitted black gown, the final result is breathtaking.

Powerful, glamorous, and utterly effortless, the style proves once again that world-class talent firmly rooted in The Valleys can command the biggest stages in Britain.

09/09/2026

Grassroots Football Team Renames Itself In Honour Of Hero Police Officer Tragically Killed On Duty 🇬🇧

A grassroots football club in Hartlepool has made a touching tribute to their beloved former coach, Police Constable Matthew Blades, by officially renaming one of their youth teams in his honour.

PC Blades, aged 37, and his colleague PC Tom Clough tragically lost their lives last month when a vehicle travelling the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough collided head-on with their police car.

The devastating incident claimed the lives of both brave Cleveland Police officers, who were on duty, along with five people in the evading vehicle.

Outside of his vital public service, Matthew was a devoted family man and a passionate grassroots football coach. He dedicated his free time to nurturing young talent and was deeply respected within the local footballing community.

In a beautiful gesture to ensure his legacy lives on, FC Hartlepool announced that their Under 10 Reds will now be known as FC Blades.

Taking to social media, the club shared that some things in football mean far more than the final scoreline. They described how Matthew's influence on the children and everyone around the club will never be forgotten.

The newly named FC Blades took to the pitch for the first time this weekend, marking the start of a fresh chapter. Doing their late coach proud, the boys started the season brightly, playing some fantastic football to win their opening game.

The club proudly stated that while it is a new name and a new season, the team will always carry Matt's memory and positive influence with them whenever they cross the white line.

It is a truly amazing gesture from the club, proving once again that sport is about community and family. Good luck for the rest of the season to the Blades.

09/09/2026

💔😢 Body Found In Search For 15-Year-Old Yorkshire Boy Missing Off Marloes Sands

A body has been found during the search for a 15-year-old boy who went missing in the sea off Marloes Sands in Pembrokeshire.

The teenager, who was visiting the area from Yorkshire, disappeared on Sunday afternoon after getting into difficulty in the water with his father and brother.

The three had entered the water when they got into trouble. The boy’s father and brother managed to reach the shore safely, but the 15-year-old could not be found.

A major multi-agency search was launched involving HM Coastguard, the RNLI, Dyfed-Powys Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service, with crews searching from the air, sea and nearby land.

The extensive operation continued for two days before being stood down, with the teenager still missing.

The latest development is that a body has now been found during the search. Formal identification and further details have not yet been confirmed.

The tragic news will be devastating for the boy’s family, who have endured an agonising wait since he disappeared.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone involved in the search and rescue operation. 💔

09/09/2026

Children Segregated, Drinks Sniffed And Pupils Forced Near Traffic: Parents Slam 'Barbaric' New Rules At Valleys Primary School 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A primary school in The Valleys is facing severe backlash from parents following the introduction of a strict new set of rules by a recently appointed head teacher.

Families with children attending Phillipstown Primary School have taken to social media to express their frustration, describing the updated policies as overly rigid and detrimental to student wellbeing.

According to reports from disgruntled parents, children are being heavily penalised for minor uniform infractions and personal choices.

One of the most shocking concerns revolves around a strict ban on earrings. Parents allege that children wearing studs, including clear plastic retainers, are being separated from their peers during break times.

Instead of playing outside, these pupils are reportedly made to sit by a wall and complete colouring activities while watching other children participate in games.

Further allegations suggest that staff are strictly enforcing a water-only policy, with claims that teachers have been smelling drinks bottles and tipping out anything that is not plain water.

Parents also state that students are being reprimanded for wearing school fleeces, and that the school is now heavily dictating specific sock colours, hair accessories, and nail varnishes.

Safety concerns have also been raised regarding morning drop-offs. Families report that children are no longer allowed to wait inside the safety of the school yard before the gates open, forcing them to stand on a narrow pavement directly next to passing cars.

Many parents argue that the sweeping changes are stifling individuality and negatively impacting children's mental health, with several claiming their kids are returning home in tears or feeling anxious about attending school.

The online debate has sparked calls among the community to stand their ground, lodge formal complaints, and push back against the strict new conformity measures.

09/09/2026

Grieving Local Man Speaks Out Over Disgraceful Mess Left At Loved Ones Resting Place In Mountain Ash Cemetery 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A local man who lost a loved one has spoken out about the distressing conditions at Mountain Ash Cemetery, condemning the disgraceful mess left around the resting places of relatives.

Families who have spent hundreds of pounds to provide a dignified final resting place are arriving to find dirt, discarded rubbish, and broken items scattered across the gravel.

Images show the extent of the issue, with large rocks, mounds of soil, wooden debris, and an empty plastic drinks bottle littering the spaces between pristine headstones and beautiful floral tributes.

The resident expressed deep frustration that grieving families are being expected to clean up the debris left behind following recent works at the cemetery.

He highlighted a severe lack of respect for those laid to rest and their visiting families, stating that the situation makes visiting loved ones incredibly upsetting.

Despite the emotional toll it takes on visitors who simply want to pay their respects in peace, the local man claims that Rhondda Cynon Taf council does not want to hear their complaints or take accountability for cleaning the site.

Have you experienced similar issues when visiting Mountain Ash Cemetery or others in the local area? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

09/09/2026

Grieving Rhondda Mum Shares Powerful Tribute To Boxing Champion Son Morgan Smith 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A heartbroken mother from Tonypandy has shared a devastatingly honest tribute to her 18-year-old son, Morgan Smith, who tragically lost his life in a horrific car crash in Coedely.

Laura Chalfont opened up about the daily agony of navigating life without her boy, describing herself as a mother torn between two worlds.

Morgan, a deeply loved son and talented Welsh youth boxing champion, was one of three teenagers killed in the collision on December 11, 2023.

In her moving public message, Laura described the profound pain of losing a child, a tragedy she says changes a person in ways words cannot truly explain.

She wrote about the heartache of missing his laughter and yearning for just one more conversation, acknowledging that a piece of her heart went with him.

Despite the unimaginable grief, the mother of three explained how she finds the strength to carry on for her other children.

She expressed the cruel reality of having to smile and breathe through the pain to be there for them, even when she longs to be close to the world where Morgan now rests.

Morgan was known throughout the local community for his generous spirit, dedication to his family, and passion for boxing. He had been a source of immense pride for his family, dedicating his spare time to training younger children at the gym and holding dreams of becoming a professional boxer.

Honouring his memory, Laura stated that she will never simply get over the loss of her son, but is instead learning how to carry a love that has nowhere to go.

Her powerful words serve as a beautiful testament to a young man who remains forever loved, forever missed, and forever 18.

Valley Times

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