They’re trying to reach the UK with their foster daughter Credit: Maria Joy – Pat, Len and Varrla are currently waiting for Varrla’s Visa This article was originally published on Greatest Hits Radio An Essex woman has criticised the government’s handling of the refugee crisis, with her parents and foster sister stuck in Prague, after fleeing Ukraine. Maria Joy, from Basildon, has told us how … Continue reading Basildon woman fears for parents fleeing Ukraine: “They have quite ill health”

They estimate they’ve raised over £900 This article was originally published on Greatest Hits Radio A zoo in Essex has been raising money to aid animals in Ukraine. Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo hosted a special event on Tuesday 15th March, with all proceeds and profits, including entry fees, going to charity to help animals affected by the invasion of Ukraine. A skunk from the zoo … Continue reading Essex petting zoo hosts fundraiser for Ukrainian animals

She hopes the Oscars incident raises awareness of the condition Credit: Debbie Burrows This article was first published on Greatest Hits Radio A woman from Essex with alopecia says she’s feeling more confident, and hopes others will embrace their baldness, after the Oscars controversy raised awareness of the condition. Laura Mathias, 30, from Manningtree, first began losing her hair aged 12, and has alopecia universalis, … Continue reading Essex woman hopes others will embrace baldness following Oscars drama

As the energy fuel cap is lifted, we talk to a local family feeling the pinch This story was originally published on Greatest Hits Radio Families across Essex are facing a huge hike in their energy bills from 1st April, as the energy price cap is going up. This means a typical fuel bill will rise by around £700 this year, with a chance prices … Continue reading “It’s soul destroying” Essex father of three on #TheBigSqueeze