Latest news with #A&
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Graanul announces entry into an agreement with 50% of noteholders for an extension of the maturity of €630 million aggregate principal amount of its Existing Notes to 2029
LUXEMBOURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cullinan Holdco SCSp (the ' Issuer ', and together with its subsidiaries, ' Graanul ' or the ' Group ') is pleased to announce that it has entered into a transaction support agreement (the ' Transaction Support Agreement ') with noteholders (the ' Participating Holders ') collectively representing 50% of the aggregate principal amount of its (i) 4.625% Sustainability-Linked Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the ' Existing Fixed Rate Notes ') and (ii) Sustainability-Linked Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2026 (the ' Existing Floating Rate Notes ' and, together with the Existing Fixed Rate Notes, the ' Existing Notes '), to proactively address the Group's capital structure and create a clear maturity runway until 2029 while the Group negotiates new commercial contracts (the ' A&E Transaction '). The key terms of the A&E Transaction include a 3-year extension of the maturity of the Existing Notes to October 15, 2029, in return for enhanced economics and fees as well as certain other amendments to the indenture governing the Existing Notes (the ' Existing Indenture '). Pursuant to the Transaction Support Agreement, the Issuer and the Participating Holders have agreed to implement the A&E Transaction either by amending the Existing Indenture with the consent of noteholders representing at least 90% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing Notes, or through a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 (the ' Scheme '). Accordingly, the Issuer has launched a solicitation for consents (the ' Consent Solicitation ') to amend the Existing Indenture to implement the A&E Transaction and to support commencement of the Scheme (the ' Scheme Solicitation '). Any Eligible Holders (as defined below) that elect to participate will thereafter become Participating Holders and will also be required to accede to the Transaction Support Agreement. The Transaction Support Agreement obliges each of the parties thereto (including those that subsequently accede to it) to provide approvals and take actions as required to implement the A&E Transaction, subject to the terms of the Transaction Support Agreement. The obligations of the parties under the Transaction Support Agreement will automatically terminate on the earliest of: Parties to the Transaction Support Agreement also have the ability to terminate the Transaction Support Agreement in other circumstances including where the A&E Transaction is not capable of implementation prior to the 'Long-Stop Date'. The full details of the A&E Transaction, the Scheme, the Consent Solicitation and Scheme Solicitation are provided in the consent solicitation statement dated July 25, 2025 (the ' Consent Solicitation Statement ') issued by the Issuer. This announcement is a summary of the Consent Solicitation Statement only. It highlights selected information contained in the Consent Solicitation Statement and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before making a determination with respect to the Scheme, the Consent Solicitation or Scheme Solicitation. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this press release have the meaning given to them in the Consent Solicitation Statement. The key terms of the Consent Solicitation and Scheme Solicitation are as follows: Eligibility to Participate The Consent Solicitation and the Scheme Solicitation are directed only to those holders of the Existing Notes (the ' Noteholders ') who are either (i) 'qualified institutional buyers' (as that term is defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ' U.S. Securities Act ')), transacting in a private transaction in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act, (ii) institutional 'accredited investors' (within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) under the U.S. Securities Act) or (iii) holders who are not U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S (' Regulation S ') under the Securities Act) transacting outside of the United States in an offshore transaction, as defined in, and in reliance on, Regulation S (provided that, if such persons are resident in (i) a member state of the European Economic Area, they must be 'qualified investors' (within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the ' Prospectus Regulation ')) or (ii) the United Kingdom, they must be 'qualified investors' (within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) (each such Noteholder, an ' Eligible Holder '), unless the Issuer in any instance otherwise agrees. Consent Solicitation to make amendments to the Existing Indenture and the Existing Notes The Issuer proposes to amend the Existing Indenture as follows, depending on the level of consents received in the Consent Solicitation: (a) Proposed 50% Amendments. In case Noteholders representing a majority but less than 90% of outstanding Existing Notes consent and subject to the Scheme Condition being satisfied, the Existing Indenture and the Existing Notes may be amended to: (A) permit a Guarantor to become a co-issuer of the Existing Notes or permit the addition of a newly incorporated English entity in the Group as a co-issuer of the Existing Notes, (B) change the governing law of the Existing Indenture, the Existing Notes and the Existing Guarantees to the laws of England and Wales (and permit any related or necessary resulting changes), (C) include a non-exclusive English jurisdiction clause, and (D) provide that the amendments referenced in (A) to (C) above (collectively, the ' Scheme Amendments ') will automatically cease to be effective and operative in all respects (and the Existing Indenture will read as though the Scheme Amendments had never been given effect) if the Transaction Support Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms (other than on the Transaction Effective Date (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement)), (collectively, the ' Proposed 50% Amendments '); and (b) Proposed 90% Amendments. In case Noteholders representing 90% or more of outstanding Existing Notes consent, the Existing Indenture and Existing Notes will be amended to: Maturity of the Existing Notes. The maturity date of the Existing Notes will be extended to October 15, 2029 (but no changes to the economic terms of the Existing Notes (including in respect of the rate of interest and the interest payment dates) will be made). Covenant Amendments. Disapply substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default in respect of the Existing Notes as described in more detail in the Consent Solicitation Statement. New Notes. Immediately after giving effect to the above, establish two series of new notes under the Existing Indenture on the Settlement Date, which will replace the Existing Notes of all Participating Holders accepted for settlement on the Settlement Date, and will be designated as new floating rate senior secured notes due 2029 (the ' New Floating Rate Notes ') and new 8.50% senior secured notes due 2029 (the ' New Fixed Rate Notes ', and together, the ' New Notes '). Terms of the New Notes. Among other things: Aggregate Principal Amount: the aggregate principal amount of the Supporting Notes accepted for settlement on the Settlement Date less the Participation Consideration (described below), plus, if applicable, the aggregate amount of the Early Consent Consideration (described below) paid in the form of New Notes. Maturity: October 15, 2029. Interest: New Floating Rate Notes: three-month EURIBOR plus a margin (such margin to be calculated (i) at the Expiration Time in the event in the event Noteholders representing 90% or more of outstanding Existing Notes consent prior to the Expiration Time or (ii) two Business Days following the date of the Scheme Sanction Hearing in the event a Scheme is implemented), representing a yield of 8.50%, payable quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on the Settlement Date, plus an amount equivalent to a coupon uplift of 2.50% payment-in-kind per annum accruing in the form of a premium payable upon repayment, redemption or repurchase of the New Floating Rate Notes; and New Fixed Rate Notes: 8.50% cash interest per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on the Settlement Date, plus an amount equivalent to a coupon uplift of 2.50% payment-in-kind per annum accruing in the form of a premium payable upon repayment, redemption or repurchase of the New Fixed Rate Notes. Accrued and Unpaid Interest: in respect of the Amended Notes that will be replaced by New Notes, accrued and unpaid interest in respect thereof (at the rate specified in the Existing Notes) to (but excluding) the Settlement Date shall be paid in full on the Settlement Date. Call Premium: (i) on and after the Settlement Date, up to, but not including, the date that is one year after the Settlement Date, at 100% of the principal amount of the applicable New Notes (with mechanics for the principal amount to be deemed increased to give effect to the economic equivalent of 2.50% payment-in-kind interest per annum) plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date, and (ii) on and after the date that is one year after the Settlement Date, up to but not including the date that is two years after the Settlement Date, at the redemption price of 101% of the principal amount of the applicable New Notes (with mechanics for the principal amount to be deemed increased to give effect to the economic equivalent of 2.50% payment-in-kind interest per annum) and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date, and (iii) thereafter, at the redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the applicable New Notes (with mechanics for the principal amount to be deemed increased to give effect to the economic equivalent of 2.50% payment-in-kind interest per annum) plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date. (collectively, the ' Proposed 90% Amendments ' and, together with the Proposed 50% Amendments, the ' Proposed Amendments '). Expand Scheme Solicitation If the Issuer obtains through the Transaction Support Agreement or the Consent Solicitation the consent of Noteholders representing: (a) more than 50% (but less than 90%) in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Existing Notes, subject to certain conditions and thresholds in the Transaction Support Agreement, the Proposed 50% Amendments will be implemented and a company in the Group to be determined shall proceed to formally propose a Scheme; and (b) if at least 90% in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Existing Notes, the Proposed 90% Amendments will be implemented and the Issuer will, if required, terminate the Scheme. Expand If the A&E Transaction is implemented by a Scheme, it will result in (i) Participating Holders receiving, on the Settlement Date, (x) the same Early Consent Consideration that such Participating Holders would have been eligible to receive in this Consent Solicitation, subject to certain conditions and, (y) as further detailed below and in the Consent Solicitation Statement, Participation Consideration paid at par and on a pro rata basis to all Noteholders in respect of all Existing Notes; and (ii) Noteholders receiving notes with terms substantially the same as the terms of the New Notes. Timing. The Consent Solicitation and Scheme Solicitation will have an Early Consent Deadline of 5:00 p.m. New York time on August 7, 2025, and will expire at 11:59 p.m. New York time on August 21, 2025, in each case, unless extended, re-opened, amended or earlier terminated by the Issuer in accordance with the Consent Solicitation Statement. Eligible Holders may submit their instructions in respect of the Consent Solicitation and Scheme Solicitation at any time prior to the Expiration Time, but Noteholders will receive the Early Consent Consideration (as defined below) only if they validly submit (and do not withdraw) their consent (or Abstention Instruction, as applicable) and become a party to the Transaction Support Agreement prior to the Early Consent Deadline (or otherwise as set forth below). Consideration. Eligible Holders who (w) validly submit and do not withdraw an Electronic Consent Instruction (or an Abstention Instruction, as applicable) with respect to all of the Existing Notes held or beneficially owned by them (except for any Existing Notes held by it in its capacity as a Qualified Market-maker and after taking into account any pending transfers), (x) (in the case of Participating Holders that are not Original Consenting Noteholders) accede to the Transaction Support Agreement by validly executing and delivering to the Information and Tabulation Agent an Accession Letter and Supporting Notes Confirmation Letter (including Evidence of Beneficial Ownership, as set out in the Transaction Support Agreement), (y) if the A&E Transaction is to be implemented by a Scheme, vote in favor or (in the case of an Abstaining Holder) abstain from voting in respect of the Scheme at the Scheme Meeting and (z) have not breached the Transaction Support Agreement on or prior to the Settlement Date, subject to satisfaction of the Settlement Conditions, will receive the New Notes, accrued and unpaid interest in respect of the Amended Notes that will be replaced by the New Notes (at the rate specified in the Existing Notes) to (and excluding) the Settlement Date and the following Consideration: provided that, if the A&E Transaction is implemented by way of a Scheme, the Participation Consideration will be paid to all Noteholders, rather than to only the Eligible Holders of Supporting Notes who take the actions described above; and provided further that, (A) to be eligible to receive the Early Consent Consideration, Eligible Holders will be required to take the actions described under (w) and (x) above prior to the Early Consent Deadline and (B) in the case a Specific CLO Holder has submitted an Abstention Instruction prior to the Early Consent Deadline, such Abstention Instruction may be withdrawn (solely for the purpose of submitting an Electronic Consent Instruction in favor of the A&E Transaction in lieu of such Abstention Instruction that is withdrawn) and any Specific CLO Holder will continue to be eligible to receive the Early Consent Consideration. In each case such Consideration will be payable on the Settlement Date and conditional upon the completion of the Scheme or the Proposed 90% Amendments. Holders who may be unable to consent to the Consent Solicitation, for fund constitutional, governance or legal reasons, will also be eligible to receive the Consideration provided they sign or accede to the Transaction Support Agreement, abstain from any vote (or vote in favor if ultimately able to do so) in the Scheme or Consent Solicitation (including by submitting an Abstention Instruction under, and as defined in, the Consent Solicitation Statement) and otherwise remain in compliance with the Transaction Support Agreement. The Issuer may, on one or more occasions, at its option and in its discretion, at any time, subject to applicable laws and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement and the Transaction Support Agreement, (a) extend the Expiration Time or Early Consent Deadline to a date no later than September 15, 2025, or (b) re-open the Consent Solicitation following the Expiration Time, provided that the Expiration Time following such re-opening is no later than September 15, 2025 and provided further that any subsequent or longer extensions of the foregoing to a date after September 15, 2025 but up to and including September 30, 2025 shall require the consent of the Majority Consenting Noteholders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) and any extensions to such date to a date on or later than October 1, 2025 up to and including the Long-Stop Date shall require the consent of the Super Majority Consenting Noteholders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement). Substantially contemporaneously with the entry into the Transaction Support Agreement, the Issuer and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into an agreement with 100% of the lenders of its €100.0 million super senior revolving credit facility (the ' ssRCF ') to extend the maturity of the ssRCF to July 15, 2029. The closing of the A&E Transaction will be effected substantially contemporaneously with the extension to the maturity of the ssRCF. Additional Information Eligible Holders that wish to support the A&E Transaction and receive the Early Consent Consideration are invited to accede to the Transaction Support Agreement as from today by accessing the documents here: Eligible Holders will be required to complete and execute an accession letter to the Transaction Support Agreement and provide evidence of their beneficial holdings to Kroll Issuer Services Limited. The Consent Solicitation Statement will also be made available to all Eligible Holders through the information and tabulation agent. If you experience any issues in accessing this website or have any questions about accession to the Transaction Support Agreement, the Consent Solicitation and Scheme Solicitation, you should contact: Kroll Issuer Services Limited Address: The News Building, 3 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 207 704 0880 Email: graanul@ Website: Attention: Jacek Kusion / Ivan Šantek Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE is acting as the Issuer's financial advisor. Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, which is authorized and supervised by the European Central Bank and the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht), is acting for the Issuer and no one else in connection with the transactions described herein and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Issuer for providing the protections afforded to clients of Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, or for giving advice in connection with the transactions described herein or any matter referred to herein. For further information on the A&E Transaction, please contact Latham & Watkins LLP, who have advised supporting noteholders, at the following email address: About Graanul Graanul is the largest sustainable wood-pellet manufacturer in Europe, focusing primarily on the European pellet market. The wood pellets produced are low-carbon alternative fossil fuels that are used for renewable power generation, commercial and residential heating, as well as combined heating and power applications. Graanul operates across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the United States. Important Notice This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Existing Notes or any other security in any jurisdiction and shall, in any circumstance, not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which, or to any persons to whom, such offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Existing Notes have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States or in any other jurisdiction. Graanul is issuing this statement on a one-off basis to update its investors, and does not currently anticipate that it will issue similar quarterly recent developments updates in the future. Certain information contained in this press release constitutes, or can be deemed, 'forward looking statements'. These forward looking statements may be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts but to expectations or projections of future events, results and circumstances that may or may not occur in the future, and by use of forward looking terminology such as 'may,' 'could,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'expect,' 'plan,' 'anticipate', 'project,' 'estimate,' 'believe', 'intend,' 'maintain,' or 'continue' or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology or other forms of projections. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. You are cautioned that forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that due to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions, actual events or results or the actual performance of Graanul, and developments in the industries in which Graanul operates, future capital expenditures and acquisitions, as well as any disruption in general economic and business conditions, particularly in geographic areas where business may be concentrated, may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward looking statements or projections. Forward looking statements are not historical facts but are based on certain assumptions of management regarding Graanul's present and future business strategies and the environment in which it will operate, which management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain, and describe Graanul's future operations, plans, strategies, objectives, goals and targets and expectations and future developments in the markets. No representation, express or implied, is made or will be made by Graanul (or any of its affiliates, members, directors, officers, employees, advisors, consultants, agents, and representatives) that any forward looking statements will be achieved or will prove to be correct. The actual future business, financial condition, results of operation and prospects could vary materially from the forward looking statements. As a result, you should not rely on these forward looking statements. All forward looking statements, projections, objectives, estimates and forecasts and any other information contained in this press release apply only as of the date hereof and Graanul undertakes no obligation to update this information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. This announcement may constitute a public disclosure of inside information by Graanul under Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (16 April 2014).
The National
15-07-2025
- Health
- The National
Dog bites four times more likely in deprives areas finds study
Conducted by the Social Science and Natural Science departments of the University of Stirling, researchers say the findings should be a wake-up call for policymakers at a time of rising incidents of dog bites and strikes (DBS). They suggest that prevention strategies should focus more on addressing social inequities rather than criminalisation. Lead author Dr Jade Hooper of the University of Stirling's Social Science faculty said 'The significant social inequalities we uncovered are worrying. The implications are particularly strong for Scotland, which has among the most pronounced health inequalities in the UK and Western Europe. 'This study should be a wake-up call for policymakers and we urge a fundamental shift in public health strategy surrounding dog bites and strikes. 'It's important that we recognise the wider pressures families may be facing, including financial stress, limited access to behavioural advice and support, and the challenge of safely managing dogs and children in busy households, particularly where adults may be juggling multiple responsibilities. 'Multiple agencies need to come together, across local government, police, health services and animal welfare organisations, and prevention measures should be compassion-focused and family-centred, involving professionals such as social workers, health visitors and schools.' The research findings show that the number of emergency hospital admissions due to dog bites in Scotland almost quadrupled between 1997/98 and 2023/24, with 300 and 1,105 admissions respectively, according to Public Health Scotland. The study comprises data from 59,111 NHS Scotland health records including NHS 24, hospital admission and Accident and Emergency (A&E) Data between 2007 and 2019. It study also includes data from the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, which measures area-based deprivation in Scotland using data on income, employment, health, education, access to services, crime and housing. DBS can mean either dog bites or strikes. Strikes are classed as non-dog bite related injuries such as being pulled, knocked over or scratched by a dog. Among the highest rates of incidents were local authorities with a higher proportion of deprived areas, such as West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire and Glasgow City. However, the researchers note that even local authorities not generally seen as deprived can contain smaller pockets of deprivation where additional support may be needed. The rate of DBS was highest among children aged one to nine, and the most common place for dog bite incidents to take place was in the home, according to the study. Rates for children remained relatively stable over the 13 years, while rates for adults increased. The study found a rise in A&E attendances and hospital admissions, while the rates of NHS 24 calls remained relatively stable. There was a clear social gradient across all three health datasets, with income, employment, health and education found to be the driving socio-economic factors for DBS incidents in Scotland. The rate of hospital admissions was 3.9 times higher for individuals living in the most deprived areas, compared to the least deprived; the rate of NHS 24 calls was 2.5 times higher; and A&E attendances were 2.4 times higher. There was variation in rates of incidents depending on the type of health records. Midlothian came top for NHS 24 calls, West Lothian showed the highest rates for hospital admission records related to DBS, while West Dunbartonshire showed the most A&E attendances. Researchers pointed out, however, that surges in data could be partly due to improvements in data collection over the 13 years, particularly in certain health boards.
Evening Standard
03-07-2025
- Health
- Evening Standard
New NHS plan shows ‘future already looks better' under Labour
– By 2028, the NHS app 'will be a full front door to the entire NHS' and act as a 'doctor in my pocket' for patients. A new part of the NHS app called My NHS GP will 'help patients better navigate the health service', powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Those who do not have an urgent or emergency need, but who are struggling to find an alternative to A&E, will be signposted to places they can get care. The app will use AI-algorithms to take a patient's symptoms, ask follow-up questions and provide guidance. The app will also help patients book a remote consultation if they need one, or a face-to-face appointment if they prefer.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tributes paid to 'kind-hearted' Dublin dad who died days after getting married
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a young father-of-one from Co Dublin, who tragically died of cancer, just three days after he married his partner. Dean Dunphy, a van driver from Ballyfermot, was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma, in August 2023 after experiencing stroke-like symptoms and muscle twitching. Tragically, Dean passed away at Beaumont Hospital on Wednesday (May 21). Just three days before he passed away, Dean married the love of his life, Michaela, in a beautiful ceremony in front of their friends and family at Opium in Dublin. Unbeknownst to the couple until recently, family members had launched a €40,000 fundraiser to pay for the ceremony and medical bills as they were unable to work, with professional fighter Conor McGregor donating €10,000 to the cause. Michaela and Dean's paths first crossed in 2011 when Dean saw her profile on Facebook and added her as a friend. After messaging for several weeks, the pair arranged to meet in person at a party in March that year. Their relationship went from strength to strength, with the couple welcoming their daughter Sloane in 2021. Dean had suffered with headaches and migraines ever since he was a child, but doctors said this was "common". Then in June 2023, he started experiencing sudden muscle twitching – and this even happened while driving on the motorway for work. Dean told Michaela it felt like he had "no control of his body" and she therefore rushed him to their local A&E department, followed by another hospital. It was suspected Dean might have Bell's palsy, which causes paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, but blood tests, scans and examinations confirmed this was not the case. Weeks later, in July, Michaela received a phone call from the hospital to say "they had found something on his brain". Dean underwent open brain surgery on August 24, 2023, Michaela's 30th birthday. The seven-hour procedure went well, with surgeons able to remove the tissue for further testing. However, one week later, doctors called to say "it's not good news" as Dean had stage 4 brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma. Two weeks later, Dean underwent a second surgery to remove the other 'active' cancerous tissue around the brain. He then started chemotherapy and radiotherapy and, in August 2024, during a recovery period, they decided to go on a family holiday to Spain with doctors' approval. However, they had to rush home just days later as Dean's symptoms went from "zero to 100". Doctors then discovered swelling in his brain, and he started having more chemotherapy and a "blocker treatment" to prevent the tumour from increasing in size. Dean continued with treatment to manage his symptoms and underwent check-ups every three months as he and Michaela continued planning for their wedding. The couple tied the knot in Dublin on Sunday, just three days before the young father-of-one passed away 'peacefully in the arms of his wife Michaela and surrounded by his loving family at Beaumont Hospital', according to a death notice shared in Tributes have poured in for the popular young man, who has been remembered as "one of life's absolute gentlemen" whose "laughter, kindness, and indomitable spirit touched countless lives". In a message shared online, a close friend of Dean's said: "Earlier today the sad news broke of the very untimely passing of one of life's absolute gentlemen. "At times words can express the extreme sadness felt by so many at the passing of one so highly regarded by all that knew and loved them but on this occasion I know I can sincerely say that no words can convey the sadness of each and every human being that knew Dean Dunphy myself included. "What I can say is that this is one gentleman I am proud and privileged to have known and work along side through thick & thin for years and he will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to his wife, daughter and extended family." A family friend paid tribute to Dean as he thanked those who had donated to the fundraising campaign. "Several weeks ago, a GoFundMe was launched for Dean Dunphy and his family," he wrote "Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, Dean and his childhood sweetheart, Michaela, were able to exchange vows in a wedding ceremony, even though cancer cast a heavy shadow over their day. "Tragically, just three days later, Dean passed away peacefully in his sleep. Dean was a devoted husband, a radiant father to his beloved three-year-old daughter, and a cherished friend whose laughter, kindness, and indomitable spirit touched countless lives. "His courage inspired us all to hold our loved ones closer and to embrace each moment fully. On behalf of everyone, I extend my deepest condolences to Michaela, their daughter, his mother Louise and the entire Dunphy family following this heartbreaking news." Another mourner said: "Deano was such a gent and always a pleasure to be around growing up, kindhearted soul that embodied the spirit of a ballyer man - R.I.P deano." While another person added: "Deano was such a gent and always a pleasure to be around growing up, kindhearted soul that embodied the spirit of a ballyer man - R.I.P deano." This is the second tragedy to hit the Dunphy family within a matter of weeks as Dean's aunt Carol passed away unexpectedly on May 9. Dean will be reposing at his home in Cherry Orchard from 4pm to 6pm on Friday, with removal on Saturday morning to The Church of The Most Holy Sacrament, Cherry Orchard arriving for 10.30am Funeral Mass followed by a Cremation in Mount Jerome Crematorium at 12.45pm. For those who wish to view Dean's Funeral Mass live, you can do so by clicking on the link here.
The Irish Sun
21-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Heartbreak as ‘athletic' woman, 25, dies after lower back pain blamed on ‘poor posture' was misdiagnosed as sciatica
A WOMAN whose back pain was misdiagnosed as sciatica died from bone cancer less than a year after a tumour was found in her pelvis. "Athletic" Kate Drummond, 25, was "fit and healthy" when in 2020 she began to experience bad back pain. 4 Kate was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in August 2021 Credit: Family Handout/PA Real Life 4 She initially put this down to 'poor posture' or working out too much Credit: Family Handout/PA Real Life 4 She underwent treatment for several months but deteriorated 'rapidly' Credit: Family Handout/PA Real Life S he initially put this down to "poor posture" or working out too much, according to her 33-year-old sister Kelly Drummond. After the pain radiated to her hip, Kate was diagnosed with "probable sciatica" after visiting the A&E department of her local hospital in Devon in May 2021. Kelly said it was noted she was "one of the youngest patients (doctors) had ever seen" with the condition. After going on to seek an MRI scan through private care, Kate was given the "life-altering" news she had a "grapefruit-sized" tumour in her pelvis in August 2021. Read more Health News She underwent treatment for several months but deteriorated "rapidly" in January 2022 as the disease quickly spread to "almost every part of her body", including her lungs, liver and other bones. Kate died in March 2022 in hospital and her sister Kelly is sharing her story for the first time to urge others to "listen to your body" and "advocate for yourself". " We'd be silly to not assume that things could have been slightly different had she been diagnosed sooner," Kelly, a personal trainer from Devon, told PA Real Life. " When Kate's tumour was found it was large, they described it as grapefruit-sized and it was suggested she may have had cancer in her body for up to two years. Most read in Health " What started as some lower back pain turned into cancer within a matter of days, which then turned into multiple cancerous tumours in almost every part of her body – the rapid progression was shocking. " Kate's story shows just how unpredictable cancer is and clearly, early diagnosis has been shown time and time again to save lives. " Kelly said Kate, who worked in customer care for a local company, first noticed something "wasn't quite right" in the late summer of 2020 when she developed "intermittent" lower back pain. " She put this down to working from home, it was the Covid pandemic, and she thought this was due to poor posture or a slightly uncomfortable working set-up," Kelly said. " By January 2021, the pain was more persistent and she had some new pain radiating into her hip as well. " Kate died on March 17, 2022. Kelly said she and her family members are still struggling to process the loss. "Don't wait, and laugh more, I think she would say. " Kate's family and friends continue to honour her in their day-to-day lives by aiming to live for the moment and be more present. "Kate was the most kind and considerate person and people were just generally drawn to her, she was really warm," Kelly said. "She had really good wit and she was just hilarious – she had this amazingly infectious laugh. "We all say her laugh is what we miss most about her. " April marks Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month for the Bone Cancer Research Trust, the UK's leading charity for primary bone cancer. To find out more, visit their website here: 4 Kelly (left) described Kate (right) as a 'fit and healthy' individual Credit: Family Handout/PA Real Life
