Hull City Council has issued an update on the works ongoing on Queen’s Gardens in Hull city centre.

Queens Gardens has been undergoing a extensive refurbishment since 2022, in a project that is now expected to cost more than £21 million. With the project set to be complete in late 2025, the council has given Hull Live an update on the work that has been ongoing ahead of the gardens’ grand reopening in the coming months.

The Rose Bowl fountain

The Rose Bowl fountain at the Eastern end of the gardens, across the road from the Maritime Museum, has undergone a full restoration. The work on the fountain has included repointing of surrounding walls, new paving, and the installation of a new filter system. The council have confirmed that a section of the Rose Bowl area and fountain is expected to reopen next month.

Refurbished ponds

The two large ponds in the gardens have received full refurbishments. Each of the ponds were drained, cleaned, and fitted with new filtrations and fountain systems. As a part of this process, thousands of fish were temporarily rehomed in aerated tanks and have now been safely returned to improved pond habitats.

Maritime-themed public realm

Queen’s Gardens sits at the heart of the wider ‘Hull Maritime’ project that is ongoing in various parts of the city. The gardens act as a link between two other key Maritime projects that are currently ongoing in the city centre. The gardens link Hull’s Maritime Museum, which is set to reopen in spring 2026, to the new home at the iconic Artic Corsair at the North End Shipyard. This link has been strengthened by the recent reopening of the Guildhall Road footpath with new paving, street furniture, and bespoke lighting reflecting the area’s maritime heritage. The new lighting seeks to replicate the cranes that loaded and unloaded ships when what is now Queen’s Gardens was a dock.

Other key improvements:

• Following its refurbishment, Queen’s Gardens will be in a condition to become a key event space in the city. The gardens’ refurbishment has included the infrastructure needed to hosts large events and it is hoped that the space, and events it will host, will help bring visitors into the city, boosting the local economy.
• The boundary walls of the gardens have had to have been rebuilt to address health and safety concerns.
• Fully accessible ramps and pathways have been added to improve accessibility throughout the gardens.
• 450 trees have now been planted in and around Queen’s Gardens, supporting urban green space in the city centre.

The project has been funded by capital funding which is money that must be spent on long term projects and assets such as the Queen’s Gardens refurbishment, rather than day to day services such as bin collections or social care.

The leader of Hull City Council, Cllr Mike Ross has promised residents that “the wait will be worth it” as the light at the end of the Queen’s Gardens tunnel emerges. He said: “The intention of the works on Queen’s Gardens was to create a long-lasting future for an important green space within the city centre.

“This is a space that holds real significance for the people of Hull – a place to enjoy, to reflect, and to come together. The improvements already have transformed the gardens and once complete it will bring new life and purpose to the area, making it safer, greener, and more welcoming for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

“I know people are eager to see the gardens fully reopen, but work of this scale and quality takes time. There is investment not just in new features, but in the long-term future of the space – its sustainability, biodiversity, and accessibility. From restoring the ponds and Rose Bowl fountain to planting hundreds of trees and creating new accessible paths and seating areas, every step is about making Queens Garden’s a place for everyone.

“The wait will be worth it. When complete, it will be a vibrant and much-loved green space right in the heart of our city – one that everyone will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

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A study of 2,000 adults found those aged 18–28 have the highest endurance for fiery dishes, with 43 per cent rating their own spice tolerance as ‘high’ or ‘very high’.

This compares to just 37 per cent of Millennials, 31 per cent of Gen X, and only 24 per cent of Boomers. More than one in 10 of Gen Z will go for the hottest option on the menu.

But even if they couldn’t handle it, almost half would at least pretend they could, just to avoid looking ‘weak’ in front of their friends. A third even said they would feel embarrassed if they couldn’t handle something spicy.

A spokesperson for bakery brand St Pierre, which commissioned the research to launch its new Spicy Chilli Brioche Buns, said: “It’s interesting to see how enjoyment and endurance of fiery foods changes between generations. Whilst it may be that the younger generations are more adventurous – they may also just be more committed to saving face!

“Spicy food seems to be a matter of pride for the young, and we can see why – but it’s also great to see the commonalities across generations around not wanting to offend a chef or waste good food – at St Pierre we encourage everyone to ‘eat avec respect’, after all.”

Seven in ten of Boomers claimed to have never hidden that they’ve found something too spicy, this is compared to eight in ten of Gen Z who claim to have so at some point.

One in five ‘always’ finish a dish even if they are visibly sweating, explaining that they don’t want to waste food (28 per cent), offend the cook (26 per cent), or seem too picky (21 per cent).

The research also found 18 per cent of Millennials will put hot sauce on just about anything – with 45 per cent claiming spice enhances the flavour of a dish.

Millennials were also the most open to trying new food, with 76 per cent keen to test out spicy flavours specifically.

And it’s not just food that can get heated – 47 per cent of Millennials and 57 per cent of Gen Z have ended up disagreeing with someone about what to eat because of differences in spice tolerance.

St Pierre’s spokesperson added: “At the end of the day, good food is something that brings us all together – no matter your age.”

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The children’s charity When You Wish Upon A Star is to host a “spectacular” summer ball in East Yorkshire to help celebrate its 35th anniversary.

The ball is one of many exciting events in a nationwide campaign to raise £350,000. The funds will help grant magical wishes for children facing life-threatening and terminal illnesses.

Music, food and fun are promised at the summer ball, which will be held at the Lazaat Hotel, Cottingham, on Friday, July 4. Organiser Angus O’Donnell said supporters will be in for a treat.

“We have a really fun night lined up with a fabulous swing band, a great menu and of course our special guest host, Chris Chittell – Emmerdale’s Eric Pollard,” said Angus, who is the charity’s regional fundraiser for Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the Northeast. Describing the occasion as “luxurious”, he said: “The hotel have been amazing.

“They are donating the venue, the meal and their staffs’ time to us. This will allow us to raise even more funds to support children struggling with life-threatening and terminal illnesses in the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire area.”

Before guests get up to dance the night away to Joe Allen’s swing band, they will get the chance to bid on some top prizes in an auction. They include three foreign holidays, including a week in Costa Del Sol and Tenerife (flights not included).

Tickets cost £55 each (or £50 per person for a table of ten). More than 19,300 wishes have been granted for poorly children since the charity started in 1990.

Angus said: “Our mission is simple – to grant dream wishes to children with life-threatening and terminal illnesses. We aim to reach more families across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, grant more wishes, and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families facing life-threatening conditions.

“A life-threatening illness doesn’t just affect one person, it affects an entire community.” For more information and to book tickets, call 0115 979 1720 ext 113 or email Angus at angus.odonnell@whenyouwish.org.uk

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A former Weight Watchers leader who was “fed up with fad diets” invested £2,000 in prescribed weight loss injections and shed an impressive five-and-a-half stone. Now, she’s getting compliments on her youthful appearance and said that she has rekindled her love for life.

Tipping the scales at 15st 7lbs and barely fitting into a size 20, Dianne Carr confessed to having “tried everything” in her battle to slim down. The 39-year-old experimented with intermittent fasting, shake and soup diets and detox plans and even led a Weight Watchers group after losing five stone on its programme.

However, after leaving the job, she regained the weight plus an additional half stone – prompting a life-changing moment. Motivated by a video of herself from 2019, she vowed to permanently lose her extra weight.

In April, driven by “desperation”, the mum-of-two bought Mounjaro after speaking to a doctor. The treatment is an injectable weight loss drug that increases satiety and reduces hunger, as per NHS guidelines. Mounjaro boosts insulin production and decelerates food digestion.

Initially intended for type-2 diabetes patients, it is now also prescribed by the NHS for those battling obesity with BMIs above 35, reports the Mirror. However, it is only prescribed to patients on a strict basis.

Within a year, through self-administered injections costing £175 each, Dianne managed to lose five-and-a-half stone. Currently weighing 10st 2lbs and comfortably wearing a size 12, Dianne feels as though she’s been liberated and “like [she’s] had a fat suit taken off”.

Dianne, a TV marketer from Teesside in North Yorkshire, has gone on to write a £3.95 guide titled ‘Mounjaro Mastery’ to help others researching the weight loss drug, emphasising that the injections are “medicine” for those with larger builds. The guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and in it Dianne shares her own journey with the medication.

She expressed her newfound confidence, saying: “I’m slimmer than I was when I was 21. People think I’m younger than I am and it feels really nice. I felt like I was trapped in my own body and now I realise that I am free.”

Battling with her weight since childhood, Dianne found herself at size 20 and 16st by 18 years old, having just had her first child and falling into the trap of “eating for two”. She joined Weight Watchers when her baby was six weeks old, successfully dropping down to a size 14 after losing five stone.

Despite becoming a group leader, she left the role after five months. Dianne and her husband, Aaron, a 39-year-old lecturer, welcomed their second child in 2014, which saw her weight climb back up to 17st and a size 20.

In her ambition for weight loss, Dianne experimented with various diets including Dr Michael Mosley’s The Fast 800, the Cambridge Weight Plan’s 1:1 shake and soup diet and nine-day detox programmes. Despite her efforts, Dianne felt frustrated, noting that she “tried absolutely everything” but still seemed to gain weight while eating the same amount as someone of a slimmer build.

Last April, she purchased her first dose of Mounjaro following a doctor’s appointment, administering it outside a hospital in case of an adverse reaction. She has since invested roughly £2,000 to date and believes it’s been “100 per cent worth every penny”.

She said: “I immediately noticed how my appetite went down massively as well as the amount I could eat. Surprisingly, I stopped drinking alcohol – suddenly I just didn’t crave it on a night out. The medication just made it easier to cut out things that aren’t beneficial.”

Dianne considers herself “really lucky” as she experienced few side effects, with hair shedding and constipation being the only issues. However, others have reported nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea while on the drug.

In just two weeks, Dianne shed 9lbs and by the end of the month, she was nearly a stone lighter. The injections turned her off some of her favourite snacks, like salt and vinegar crisps, and she found herself feeling full much sooner, leading to smaller meal portions.

Dianne shared: “I had gotten down to a size 16 and I didn’t have to shop at the plus size sections anymore – a lot opened up for me. When I lost the first stone it gave me the confidence to swim again. I haven’t swam since I was 15 and I didn’t think I’d be able to swim again but I gave it a go and now I can do 60 lengths. Losing the weight made me fall back in love with being in the water.”

Weight loss for Dianne slowed down after initial success, and she now loses around 1lb per week. Nevertheless, she found the outcome “great” as it previously took her two years to lose five stone through dieting.

Forgoing calorie counting and strict diets in favour of the injections, she focused on healthier eating choices like swapping chips for sweet potatoes and opting for low-carb bread. Now tipping the scales at 10st, Dianne has set a goal to reach 9st before discontinuing the jabs and maintaining her weight solely through nutritious eating habits.

As of March 2025, the NHS offers tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management purposes. A specialist weight management consultant will determine if you’re suited for the treatment based on whether you have a BMI over 30 or a BMI above 27 with related health conditions, such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes, when conventional methods have been insufficient.

Before taking tirzepatide (Mounjaro), patients can expect detailed discussions about its advantages and potential side effects with their healthcare provider. For the best results from Mounjaro, adherence to a balanced diet with fewer calories and regular physical activity is essential.

Common side effects of taking Mounjaro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, often occurring when starting or increasing the dose. More serious side effects, though rare, can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and a potential risk of thyroid tumours.

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A Hull care worker said she has shocked colleagues, family and friends with her plan to jump out of a plane at 10,000ft.

Diane Flatt, of west Hull, said it was something she “always wanted to do” and now, at the age of 66, the chance has presented itself. On her JustGiving appeal page, where she has set herself the fundraising target of £1,000, Diane said: “This is my first time doing a skydive at 10,000ft, age 66, doing it for the millions out there and my daughter who was diagnosed at a young age.

“I am thrilled to share that on June 1, 2025, I will be taking a leap of faith by participating in a personal skydive to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. This incredible organisation works tirelessly to support those affected by multiple sclerosis, providing vital resources and advocacy for individuals and families navigating this challenging journey.”

Diane, who works for MLG Healthcare, said: “I was on Facebook and it flashed up about it. I said to my workmate, ‘I’ve always wanted to do this’, and I thought, I’m going to sign up for this.

“Everyone was shocked. At the moment, I’m excited, not nervous, but I might be on the day.

“The only thing I am worried about is the landing, up to now. I know I will be strapped to someone else who knows what they’re doing – I just hope they are in a good mood that day!”

Diane’s skydive will take place at Bridlington, with her having to be there first thing in the morning of June 1 – the day after World MS Day – for training. She said: “Originally I was going to do it for motor neurone disease (MND), because I care for a lot of people with MND, but then this MS one popped up.”

Diane’s daughter was diagnosed in her 20s with the disease. She has three young sons.

Diane said: “My daughter went to university to be a nurse. She got her first year in and had to stop when she was diagnosed.

“She was in her late 20s but looking back, we think she had it well before then. She and the boys were really shocked and surprised I’m doing this skydive.”

Diane hopes to raise awareness of MS as well as funds. Her appeal page said: “I have set a target of £1,000 to reach for this cause.

“Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against multiple sclerosis. Please consider making a donation today and join me in this inspiring journey towards hope and healing.”

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Members of a family in Hull are to take on the National Three Peaks challenge in order to raise money and awareness of an incredibly rare condition affecting their five-year-old daughter.

Tilly Thistleton was diagnosed with MPS3A (also known as Sanfilippo Syndrome) in October 2023 following genetic testing. MucoPolySaccharidosis (MPS3A) is a rare genetic condition affecting only one in 70,000 live births with no treatment or cure.

It is a life limiting, progressive fatal disease which primarily affects the cells in the brain, and is considered a type of childhood dementia. Tilly is currently the only known case in Hull and is under the care of the genetic/metabolic unit at Manchester Children’s Hospital, with medical professionals in Hull never having come across the condition before meeting Tilly.

During the diagnosis, Tilly’s parents Pam and Stuart also found out they were both genetic carriers of the condition, which resulted in a one in four chance of them having a child with MPS3A, something they were unaware of until her diagnosis. Tilly’s dad Stuart will take on the Three Peaks on Friday (May 16) during MPS Awareness Week, with 12 family members and friends, with the aim of raising as much money as possible, and awareness, for the MPS Society.

Stuart said: “When we received Tilly’s diagnosis we were absolutely devastated to be carriers of a condition which we had never heard of. To then pass it onto our daughter was heart-breaking.

“Now we are over the shock of what that means for our family long term, the only thing we can do is raise as much awareness as we can by sharing events like this and raise as much money as we can to support the MPS Society. By doing this challenge we hope to raise awareness of Tilly’s condition as it is still pretty much unknown in the UK and hopefully raise funds to help the MPS Society continue supporting people and families affected by MPS, through research, support services and raising awareness.”

The family live at Kingswood in Hull and Tilly attends Kingswood Parks Primary. Her mum, Pam, said: “We are planning to live the best life we can.

“We don’t know what that’s going to be for Tilly. If we want to go on holiday, we will go on holiday, rather than thinking ahead.

“It’s about making memories for Tilly’s older sister Polly, who is seven, as well. We have to be as strong as possible for our kids.”

Pam described Tilly as “literally a bundle of explosiveness”. She said: “Tilly will tackle anything head-on; she’s not got that awareness of safety.

“Her character is very unique – she’s a whirlwind and she’s into everything. She’s such a happy and loving little girl – she loves Peppa Pig and Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom.

“She started school in September and has settled in. She’s managing as much as she can and the school has been really good – they are fundraising this week, on Friday, and have sent a newsletter out to other parents.”

Pam, who will be one of the minibus drivers supporting the Three Peaks walkers, said: “My sister will look after the kids as the challenge is overnight. Polly is so calming in her nature and will do anything she can for Tilly.

“She says of Tilly, ‘her brain doesn’t work the same as mine’, and they get on so lovely together.”

The Walk for Tilly T, as the Three Peaks event has been dubbed, has a Just Giving page that can be found here.

MPS Awareness Day – and Wear it Blue

International MPS Awareness Day, on Thursday, May 15, is an important date to highlight the rare and often unknown MPS conditions. Each year, a week of events surrounding the day help to raise awareness and to share stories of those affected.

Schools, community groups or workplaces can get involved by organising a Wear it Blue event. Wear it Blue runs all year round but reaches another level during MPS Awareness Week.

On May 15, supporters across the UK will be donning their bluest clothes and accessories to raise money and awareness for the MPS Society’s vital work.

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Police are investigating following reports of indecent exposure on Hessle Foreshore.

Humberside Police received a report at around 12.20pm on Sunday, May 12, that two women were walking on the footpath between the Country Park Inn and North Ferriby, when a man allegedly indecently exposed himself. He also allegedly engaged in an ‘inappropriate act’ while shouting towards them.

The force then received a second call on the same day at 12.50pm alleging that a man had got off a bicycle and ‘indecently exposed himself to a 17-year-old girl’. The reported incident took place on Station Road, North Ferriby.

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A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure. He remains in police custody.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Matt Wilson said: “We understand incidents like these will cause concern within the community, and we want to reassure the public that we are treating both reports with the utmost seriousness.

“Following enquires so far, a 52-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure in connection with our investigation, and he remains in police custody at this time.

”Officers are continuing with ongoing enquiries including trawling through CCTV and actively patrolling the area to provide reassurance to the local community and we would urge anyone with any information or concerns to please speak to our officers when you see them out and about.”

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A woman saved by the neurosurgery team at Hull Royal Infirmary has presented a painting created by her sister to the ward as a “thank you” for giving her back her life.

Nicola Crofts was diagnosed with meningioma, a tumour that forms in the membranous layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and underwent brain surgery carried out by consultant neurosurgeon Adam Razak and his team last April. Nicola’s artist sister Michelle Pearson created the oil on canvas to reflect Nicola’s journey after she was diagnosed.

“It reflects how I was feeling at the time – the frustration, the pain and the fear – and, even now, I look at that picture and it’s amazing,” said Nicola. “It captures it all.”

Now, a year and a day after surgery, Nicola has returned to Ward 4 at Hull Royal Infirmary to present Mr Razak and staff from the ward with the oil painting charting her journey from diagnosis to surgery and then recovery after the tumour, thankfully non-cancerous, was removed. Nicola, who lives in Sutton-on-Sea in Lincolnshire, said: “When I was diagnosed, I did think I was going to die, although I never told anyone.

“I’d two close family members who’d died from brain tumours and that knowledge, along with physical anxiety caused by the tumour, did have an impact on me. I took myself away from everybody – my family, my friends and my colleagues at work.

“But having surgery completely changed my life and brought me back to the person I was before. When you’ve been in that position, it’s hard to thank someone enough for what they’ve done so this is a way of trying to show them how they helped me.”

Nicola’s family have strong ties with Ward 4 as her brother-in-law Paul Walden, husband of her sister Mandy, underwent treatment for glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain tumour, there before his death in November 2020. “Mandy and her two daughters say Paul received amazing treatment on Ward 4 and remember how wonderful the staff were,” Nicola said.

“My sister painted me another picture once I’d recovered and she said she would like to donate this one to the ward where staff, the surgeons and patients might be able to relate to it.” Nicola offered the painting to Mr Razak when she came to the hospital recently for a review and was given the all-clear.

Members of the team who had cared for Nicola before, during and after surgery, gathered on the ward when Nicola and Michelle returned to Hull Royal this week to present them with the painting.

Mr Razak said: “It’s a beautiful painting and we’re so touched that Nicola and Michelle would think to donate it to the ward. I’m sure it will bring comfort to many people.”

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A cocaine user turned to street dealing after spending £60 a day on drugs at the “height” of his addiction and quickly building up a big £900 debt.

Eagle-eyed police spotted Ronnie Harrison involved in two suspicious-looking exchanges with users near his home and a search of the house later revealed a zombie knife stashed behind a sofa. He claimed that he did not actually handle the drugs himself but acted as a go-between by collecting the cash for sales, Hull Crown Court heard.

Harrison, 22, of 38th Avenue, north Hull, admitted being concerned in supplying cocaine on September 27. Benjamin Donnell, prosecuting, said that plainclothes police spotted Harrison involved in apparent drug exchanges with two people. On each occasion, he left his home and met a drug user before returning to the house.

Police tried to detain him but they could not do so because he had gone back into his home. He later left and went to a black Audi car and drove away. He was followed to Levisham Close, where he parked and was intercepted. He told an officer: “Daft c***. When I see you around town, you are going to get it.”

Harrison had £505 cash on him. Two phones were seized. At his home, a zombie knife was found behind a sofa. He had already been fined £200 by Hull magistrates on April 9 for having the knife.

Police also found £365 cash in a jacket, £40 in a bag and a large amount of cash in a kitchen cupboard but the prosecution accepted his explanation that the money was from the sale of a vehicle rather than from selling drugs.

There were weighing scales and messages on a mobile phone showed that bulk messages had been sent out advertising the sale of cocaine. Messages also suggested that Harrison was employing others to complete street deals for him.

“No drugs were found on him when he was arrested – or at the house,” said Mr Donnell. “He clearly involved others in the operation. The messages suggest he had a management function in relation to this drug dealing enterprise.”

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During police interview, Harrison claimed that he did not touch any drugs himself but people approached him and he acted as a go-between. He claimed that he did not benefit financially from the sale of drugs. He had a conviction for handling stolen goods.

Samantha Laws, mitigating, said that Harrison had been a recreational drug user but he later, unfortunately, became addicted to cocaine and that led to his involvement in dealing. “He had a debt of around £900 – not an insignificant debt – and he was offered a job to repay that debt and that was to sell drugs to other people,” said Miss Laws.

“He was spending around £60 a day on drugs himself at the height of his addiction. He offered to answer a phone, he would collect drugs money and the buyer would collect the drugs from another person nearby.

“He says he didn’t handle the drugs himself. No drugs were found either on him or during the full search of his property.”

Harrison’s girlfriend of two years, aged 21, gave him an ultimatum to either sort himself out or he would not see either her or their baby son. Harrison had distanced himself from old associates, had a labouring job with a roofing company and had stopped taking cocaine. He also had a child from a previous relationship.

Harrison was given a two-year suspended prison sentence and 10 days’ rehabilitation.

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A Hull Kingston Rovers supporter has claimed a train journey to York to watch her side play Catalans Dragons in the semi-final of the 2025 Rugby League Challenge Cup was a “debacle”.

The woman, who does not wish to be named, says she was with many other supporters on the 09.47 Northern service from Hull to York on Saturday, May 10. She got on with another person at Brough, joining three more members of their party, who had caught the train at Hull Paragon Station.

She said: “The train had two carriages and was overfull. It felt unsafe, it was hot and sweaty, as it is when you are crowded in with other people.”

She added: “Someone at one station had four suitcases with them, so where they were going I don’t know – they could have been going on holiday or to catch a flight.” She claims the passenger was left on the platform.

The woman said she was in sight of a toilet and claims the door remained open the whole of the journey so that people could stand in there. “It was one of those quite big toilets for disabled use and there were guys standing in there – they had the baby change flap down and were drinking in there, but no one was drunk or anything like that.

“When a bloke wanted to use the toilet, it wasn’t so bad for them.” The woman alleges that she saw a woman who wanted to use the toilet, and the men turned their backs to her as there was no room for them to move from the toilet area. While she says seeing this did not bother her personally, she did claim it could have been a “triggering situation.” She continued: “The fact that people are in a toilet is hygienically unsafe, in my opinion.”

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The passenger said the return train, at about 20.40 that night, was “also standing room only” but “not as bad” as the outward journey. She said it was some comfort that Hull KR won their way through the Challenge Cup final, which will be played at Wembley against Warrington Wolves on Saturday, June 7.

Hull Live put the claims of passengers being left at the platform, people being stood in the toilets and worries over safety issues and timetabling to Northern. A spokesperson for Northern said: “Our staff monitor the latest data on passenger journeys and plan ahead for major events across the North of England. During busy periods we look to run services with extra carriages on certain routes to prevent overcrowding, if we have the resources to do so.

“The toilets on our services should only be used by customers who need them.”

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