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    Sir Alex Ferguson attends Man Utd event saved by Gary Neville after Sir Jim Ratcliffe axed it in cost-cutting rampage

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON attended an event for the Association of Former Manchester United Players.The charity event had previously been axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as part of his drastic cost cutting measures at the club.Sir Alex Ferguson attended the event for the Association of Former Manchester United PlayersThe manager was joined by current player Jonny EvansSir Jim Ratcliffe has previously axed the eventCredit: PAGary Neville fought to save the eventCredit: GettyRed Devils legend Gary Neville saved the day by stepping in to raise money.The retired defender has worked with the club to organise the event, which also honoured ex-striker Andy Cole.All the proceeds from it were donated to the AFMUP, with guests being charged £125 per ticket.One of the highlights of the night was the attendance of legendary manager Sir Alex.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Scot took the stage for pictures with Neville, Cole and current star Jonny Evans.The snap was shared by Evan’s wife Helen on her Instagram.The Northern Irish defender was part of a panel with Neville and Cole on the stage for a Q&A.In March, Neville questioned Ratcliffe over the decision to cut the funding to the charitable arm.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe fund cost the club £40,000 every year for players who were from the 1960s and 70s.The Sky Sports pundit suggested that the club should put on a dinner and donate the money to former players.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessRatcliffe sheepishly admitted that the idea had not been put forward.The AFMUP was set up in 1985 with its main objectives of promoting friendship, support and charitable work.But many of its 300-plus members played in the years before the eye-watering wages of today.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    Paula Radcliffe’s daughter, 18, running London Marathon as she lifts lid on ultra-rare cancer diagnosis

    PAULA RADCLIFFE’S daughter is running the London Marathon after recovering from an ultra-rare cancer.Isla, 18, will take on the 26.2mile challenge on Sunday in what will be her first marathon.Paula Radcliffe’s daughter Isla [L] was diagnosed with cancer when she was 13Credit: Instagram @paula_radcliffeIsla will now follow in her mum’s marathon running footstepsCredit: AlamyIsla was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer five years ago when she was just 13.She has now recovered, and her mother, Radcliffe, opened up about the diagnosis.She told the Radio Times: “That’s when we knew something wasn’t right, and we went to the paediatrician.”It then moved very quickly.READ MORE ON SPORT”On the Tuesday she visited the doctor, we had a scan on the Wednesday and one week later we were already in the hospital starting the first round of chemo.”It’s the hardest thing a parent can go through.”You can support them and be with them the whole way through, but you can’t do that chemo for them.”It’s horrible to watch your child suffering through that, but at the same time we believed that if it felt bad, it was killing the cancer.”Most read in AthleticsRadcliffe, 51, is back running marathons and offers advice to runners of all levels.Her Paula’s Maratah Run Club podcast is sponsored by Children with Cancer UK.China races robots in Beijing half marathonWhat are the signs of ovarian cancer?Ovarian cancers affects the ovaries – the organs that store the eggs needed to make babies.It mostly affects women over the age of 50 and can sometimes run in families, according to the NHS.Symptoms of the cancer can be vague, particularly in its early stages, Cancer Research UK SAYS.The charity advises you speak to a GP if you have the following symptoms:Feeling full quicklyLoss of appetitePain in your abdomen or lower part of your abdomen that doesn’t go awayBloating or an increase in the size of your abdomenNeeding to wee more oftenTiredness that is unexplainedWeight loss that is unexplainedChanges in your bowel habit or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially if this starts after the age of 50The NHS added that bleeding from the vagina after the menopause could be another possible symptom of ovarian cancer. That is the charity that Isla is raising money and awareness for when she runs across the nation’s capital city.Radcliffe, who was world marathon champion in 2005 and won London three times, retired from professional racing in April 2015.She also revealed that she asked her gynaecologist if she could freeze her own eggs if Isla was left infertile from her cancer.She added: “He just looked at me and said, ‘Look, she isn’t going to want your 47-year-old eggs’.”When she lost her hair, I said I would cut my hair off and get it made into a wig for her. She flat-out refused that.”We’d not told many people at the time, and she didn’t want people asking why I’d done it.”There are things you’re not ready for – either going through it or as a parent.”She doesn’t know how it has affected her chances of becoming a parent.”She now has a tendency under stress to get allergic reactions on her skin, and we don’t know whether that’s linked to the treatment.”Radcliffe also has a son Raphael, 14, with husband Gary Lough.She has insisted that he has a promising career as a runner himself, as he is showing plenty of talent.And the Team GB icon also praised the teenager for how he was with Isla during her cancer battle.She said: “There was a huge amount of mother’s guilt for the fact that you have to focus more on one child for that period of time.”He’s (Raphael) extremely empathetic, probably in a way that most 14-year-old boys are not, right now.”I hope he doesn’t lose that because it’s really special.Read More on The Sun”He’d even let Isla sit and curl his hair when she had no hair to curl, the only proviso being that he would brush it before he went out anywhere.”He spent a lot of time with her and worrying about her, and they have a closer bond because of that.”Radcliffe won seven major marathons during her pro running careerCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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    Man Utd legend Nicky Butt cautioned for head-butting security guard at his 50th birthday party with other football stars

    EX-England and Manchester United star Nicky Butt has been given a police caution for head-butting a security guard at his own 50th party.The Sun revealed in January that the guard was treated for a suspected broken nose — and can today name Butt for the first time.Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has been cautioned for head-butting a security guard at his 50th birthday partyCredit: PAButt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe accepted the criminal sanction for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.The former Manchester United star also agreed to donate to charity.He had snapped and attacked the security guard during a seven-hour bash on January 24.Today we can reveal bar staff refused to serve him any drinks shortly before the incident.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm after the ex-midfielder left the bar for a courtyard.The guard was said to have seen Butt relieving himself against a wall.A row developed and sources said Butt lashed out in a fury.The guard was treated in hospital for facial injuries amid fears of a broken nose.Most read in FootballA source said previously: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked as the guard came inside with his face a mess. It ruined a lovely day.”The guard took time off work but later returned.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Butt was first quizzed six days after the assault.The Sun understands he accepted the caution within the last month.Police retain the details and flag them in criminal record checks.A caution can only be given if the perpetrator admits the offence.Thames Valley Police confirmed: “The investigation has now concluded. A man was given a caution for the offence of ABH.”Butt had turned 50 three days before the party.Guests included David and Victoria Beckham, and fellow United Class of ’92 stars Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and their partners.The group of around 30 guests dined in a private room before moving to the bar.Former teammate David Beckham attended the do at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: PAMan Utd’s Paul Scholes was another of the Class of ’92 to attend the bashCredit: AlamyPundit Gary Neville was in attendance at the partyCredit: GettyPolice were then alerted by the club at 9.15pm — around two hours after the assault.Butt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.He won 39 England caps from 1997-2004 and played for Newcastle before finishing his playing career in China in 2011.Butt had been CEO of League Two Salford until quitting last year.In 2019 he was charged with assault on ex-wife Shelley.The CPS later dropped the case owing to insufficient evidence.However, Butt was given a caution for causing £800-worth of criminal damage to her iPhone.Last June he got a year’s road ban and 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.Read More on The SunHis Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.His Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.The incident occurred at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouse More

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    Michael Schumacher signs charity helmet with help from wife Corinna in one of his only public acts since ski crash

    MICHAEL Schumacher has made a rare and moving gesture as he signed a crash helmet with the help of his wife Corinna.It marks one of the stricken F1 legend’s only public acts since his devastating ski accident in the French Alps 12 years ago.Michael Schumacher has signed a helmet with the help of his wife Corinna in a rare gesture since his horror ski crashCredit: AlamySchuey’s intials ‘M.S’ can be seen signed on the bottom part of the helmetCredit: Matt Wardle and Bell RacingMark Stewart, the son of former British racing driver Jackie Stewart, holds his father’s old helmet as he talks to Lewis HamiltonCredit: AFPThe helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Jackie Stewart’s dementia charityCredit: ReutersThe seven-time world champion, who has not been seen in public since, added his initials “M.S” to a helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart.The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.“It is wonderful that Michael could sign the helmet in this worthy cause – a disease for which there is no cure,” Stewart told The Daily Mail.“His wife helped him, and it completed the set of every single champion still with us.”Read more on SchumacherThe gesture is all the more moving given Schumacher’s long and silent absence from the public eye.After suffering a life-threatening head injury during a skiing trip in Méribel, he was placed in a medically-induced coma and is believed to have required round-the clock care ever since.He now lives at a £50million custom-built property on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where he is cared for by a dedicated team of medical staff.Corinna, who has fiercely guarded his privacy, has created a tightly-controlled inner circle around the F1 legend, now 56.Most read in MotorsportOnly a handful of trusted people are granted access, including ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his former teammates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm.Stewart’s white helmet, adorned with his trademark Royal Stewart tartan, will be revealed at Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateThe 85-year-old will also take to the track in his 1973 championship-winning Tyrell for an exhibition lap – a tribute to both the past and his personal battle off the circuit.The Scotsman founded Race Against Dementia after his wife Lady Helen was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014 – just months after Schumacher’s accident.In an emotional BBC interview, Stewart revealed that Lady Stewart recently failed to recognise him for the first time. “Just the other day it was time for dinner, she’s getting up and I’m sitting close by, and she says, ‘Where’s Jackie?’ That’s the first time that’s happened and that’s only a few weeks ago,” he said. “A bad feeling came over me.”The helmet, now signed by every living F1 world champion, will be auctioned to fund a groundbreaking new blood test developed by Cambridge University.It is hoped the test could detect early signs of dementia before symptoms appear.Schumacher has stayed away from the public eye since his devastating accidentCredit: AFPThe stricken F1 legend has since has become a grandfather after daughter Gina (C) gave birth to a baby girl in MarchCredit: InstagramMichael Schumacher’s rare public contribution comes after he became a granddad for the first time last month.His daughter Gina welcomed a baby girl, Millie, announcing the news in a social media statetement.It read: “Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever.”We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives. #welcomeMillie.”Read More on The SunGina, 28, revealed she was pregnant shortly after tying the knot to partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca last year.There was speculation at the time that her F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but no proof. More

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    ‘Next question’ – Jake Paul refuses to entertain Carl Froch fight after making $10m demand to British legend, 47

    JAKE PAUL has refused to even entertain the idea of fighting Carl Froch.British legend Froch retired in 2014 after knocking out George Groves in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley.Jake Paul has refused to even entertain the idea of fighting Carl FrochCredit: iFL TVFroch has been critical of Jake PaulHe has since embarked on an outspoken career in punditry, with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul frequently on the end of Froch’s wrath.So it is no wonder the 11-1 American is not interested in a fight. Paul told media with a simile at the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano press conference: “Next question.” Froch held the super-middleweight world title twice and only lost to American great Andre Ward and Mikkel Kessler – winning the rematch.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd he has snubbed offers for a comeback fight in the past after hanging up his gloves. But Froch, 47, has maintained in the past he will return to fight Paul, 28, even offering to donate his purse to charity.Paul’s promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian did respond in January – challenging Froch to put $10million (£7.7m) on the table for the fight.Bidarian told SunSport: “Sure Carl, show up with an offer that makes sense – since he’s fighting for charity anyways – he’s made it clear that he’s going to donate 100 per cent of his earnings to charity.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Show up with an offer that makes sense for MVP [Most Valuable Promotions] and Jake Paul, who drive the biggest numbers in the entire sport and we’ll have happy to have a conversation.”We’re certainly not looking to come to the UK to offer a 47-year-old Carl Froch – who’s never sold a pay-per-view in his life in the US which is the most important market – and make him an offer.Shocking moment Jake Paul drops 20 stone heavyweight as fans say he would ‘end Anthony Joshua’s career’ “And, he’s fighting for charity anyways, he’s fighting for free.”So, if and when they’re ready to show us an offer that shows that he’s 100 per cent donating all proceeds that he gets paid and any entities associated with him to charity.”And that it is an eight-figure opportunity for Jake Paul – which is what Jake Paul makes in every single fight – happy to have the conversation. Absolutely.”Froch was critical of Paul’s last fight – which he won over eight rounds against Mike Tyson after returning to the ring aged 58.Paul’s only loss came against Tommy Fury, 25, in Saudi Arabia via split-decision. He is set to announce his next fight after talks with Canelo Alvarez, 34, and Gervonta Davis, 30, collapsed.Jake Paul is set to announce his next fightCredit: Sportsfile More

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    Hollywood star who made Pep Guardiola feel like a ‘failure’ lands major Soccer Aid role

    OSCAR winner Julia Roberts has landed a major role at this year’s Soccer Aid.The actress – who won the best actress gong in 2001 for Erin Brockovich – has been confirmed as a member of World XI.Julia Roberts has landed a major role at this year’s Soccer AidSoccer Aid posted online: “We’re incredibly excited to announce that Hollywood icon Julia Roberts will be supporting the World XI at Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025!” Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealed in 2023 that Roberts is one of his three “idols”.But he was left feeling like a “failure” when the movie star decided to watch United instead of City during a 2016 visit to England. Guardiola said: “I am a failure in the Champions League, I’m sorry. I’m going to explain a secret.READ MORE IN football “Even if we win this Champions League or three in a row, I will be a failure. I have three idols in my life: Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Julia Roberts.“Julia Roberts came to England a few years ago in the period when Manchester United were not good, we were better, and she came to Manchester United, she didn’t come to us. “Even if I win the Champions League, it cannot make up for Julia Roberts not coming to see us.”Roberts, 57, will be at Old Trafford again for the annual charity game, held this year on on Sunday, June 15, although it’s not been confirmed what role she will play.Most read in FootballSoccer Aid: Who is playing? Making their Soccer Aid debuts are:Tyson FuryAngry GingeJoe HartNadia NadimSteph HoughtonToni DugganLeonardo BonucciNemanja VidicTobi BrownDiamondNadia NadimCelebrities returning for the clash at Old Trafford:Louis TomlinsonVicky McClureSam QuekPaddy McGuinnessDiamondTom GrennanSam ThompsonAlex BrookerSteven BartlettSir Mo FarahMartin CompstonKaylyn KyleEx-pro players returning for the clash:Wayne RooneyGary NevillePaul ScholesKaylyn KyleJermain DefoeJill ScottDavid JamesHarry RedknappCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEngland are being coached by Three Lions legend Wayne Rooney and retired former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury. Ex-1D star Louis Tomlinson and Olympian Sir Mo Farah, actress Vicky McClure and comic Paddy McGuinness also join the team. Ex-players confirmed include England’s Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and David James plus Lionesses Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan.Soccer Aid – founded in 2006 by Robbie Williams – has raised £106million for Unicef since it kicked off in 2006.Wayne Rooney is back in football management as Soccer Aid’s England boss alongside Tyson Fury More

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    Man Utd legend steps in to raise money for ex players after Sir Jim Ratcliffe axes crucial funding in drive to cut-costs

    MAN United hero Gary Neville has stepped in to raise money for former players after boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe pulled the plug.In a big cost-cutting drive, billionaire Sir Jim axed the ailing club’s annual £40,000 donation to an ex-stars fund.Former Man United captain Gary Neville has stepped in to raise money for former playersCredit: GettyNew United boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe axed the ailing club’s annual £40,000 donation to an ex-stars fundCredit: Jack Hill The TimesThe Association of Former Manchester United Players was set up in 1985 with its main objectives of promoting friendship, support and charitable work.But many of its 300-plus members played in the years before the eye-watering wages of today.In an interview last month, pundit Neville grilled Sir Jim on the issue, saying: “£40,000 was taken from the former players association. That’s not the players that played under Sir Alex (Ferguson) or even the last ten years. They’re players from the 1960s and ’70s.“Why not raise the money at a dinner? Give the ex-players their money. It’s a cruel decision.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSheepish Sir Jim admitted: “Well, nobody suggested that.”Now Neville has worked with the club to organise an event to honour ex-striker Andy Cole, with the proceeds going to AFMUP.Guests at the £125 a ticket bash on April 24 will include legendary manager Sir Alex.AFMUP trustee Jim Elms, 84, said: “Gary telephoned me and said he’d organise a Q&A session and we are all delighted.”Most read in FootballA Man United source said: “We’ve always worked well with the former players’ association and we want that to continue.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City More

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    Inspirational boxer Michael Watson walking miracle mile for 60th birthday – 34 years after Chris Eubank fight tragedy

    MICHAEL WATSON is walking another miracle mile to celebrate his 60th birthday.The British ring legend suffered catastrophic brain injuries in his 1991 super-middleweight world title loss to Chris Eubank Sr.Michael Watson (left) suffered serious brain injuries in a 1991 bout with Chris Eubank SrCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWatson, middle, pictured with his doctor Peter Hamlyn and SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr. (right)Credit: Wally Downes Jr.Dr Peter Hamlyn saved his life with emergency surgery that night and has remained by his side ever since.In 2003 the inspirational pair completed the 26-mile London marathon, over six hard days with a support bus to sleep on between shifts.Now, on Wednesday April 16, at the National Police Memorial in St James’ Park on the Mall, the pair will once again hit the streets at 1pm to raise money for The Brain and Spine Foundation.Watson – whose spirit and strength is staggering to spend a single second around – hopes his fans will help get him over the line again, especially after he hit 60 on March 15.READ MORE ON BOXINGHe told SunSport: “I am absolutely looking forward to the mile because I love a challenge.”It’s Peter’s fault I have been roped into it again, he challenged me to do it for the Brain and Spine foundation and, stupidly, I said ‘yes’.”I would do anything for him, because I class this man as my hero.”Seeing my fans, who have always supported me so much, will be a big push to get it done too.Most read in Boxing”That will be the energy and the will to keep pushing on, every little bit helps and hearing my fans cheering me, that will spur me on and get me over the line.”I never made it to world champion but my fans regard me as one.”Queensberry’s hall-of-fame promoter Frank Warren donates £25,000 to The Brain and Spine Foundation Eubank Sr was at the end of the line in 2003 to celebrate his friend’s unfathomable achievement.And he was at Watson’s recent milestone birthday party, where he gifted him a Rolex watch.It was another touching moment shared between the pair, after the tragedy that befell them both on that haunting night at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane stadium.Incredibly Watson – flanked by marvellous carer Haroun Topalak, devoted friend and PR star Geraldine Davies and Dr Hamlyn – feels happier now than he did when he was a prime prize fighter and he wants to thank British boxing fans for that.Watson said: “Chris has true love and respect for me.”Chris is a good soul, he is a very emotional man and he has a lot of respect for me.”I still feel like the boxing community is in my corner and I have great people around me.”I still feel like my fans are there for me, when I see anybody in the street, they still call me ‘Champ’.”I feel so privileged to be English because I feel so loved by my fans, the English people make me feel like the peoples’ champion and that I am in their hearts and that will never fade away.”British boxing fans make me feel so appreciated and it makes me feel overwhelmed and blessed to be who I am.”From where I have come from, I am a miracle. My life has been amazing because of the people I have around me.”I am living my purpose on this earth.”I have been through a grueling process but I believe in a higher power and that everything happens for a reason.”When I was in the limelight I was troubled and not at peace, I was lost.”But now I am at peace and I am happy and content, I am at peace.”I feel so privileged to be English because I feel so loved by my fansMichael WatsonIncredible neurosurgeon Dr Hamlyn operated on Watson after horrific delays in getting him medical attention.And he was by his bedside for the 40-day coma he faced and the six-years he spent in a wheelchair.The duo will walk the mile together again and Hamlyn continues to be amazed by the physical recovery and mental fortitude Watson continues to show.Dr Hamyln said: “Michael is truly amazing. I have never seen a man survive that type of injury.”He faced year after year of struggles and showed incredible determination.”What you see now is a laughing, walking, talking, laughing joking guy.”But he went through an appalling ordeal and he only got through it thanks to his own incredible determination.”And one day, when I asked him why he kept helping me do things for the charity, he said: ‘to help people less fortunate than me’.”And that blew me away, he is just different.”The Brain and Spine Foundation also have 50 runners doing the full 26-mile London Marathon, with Watson a team captain.READ MORE SUN STORIESQueensberry’s hall-of-fame promoter Frank Warren has generously donated £25,000 for the cause and more donations can be made here.Sponsor Michael Watson and the 50 runners doing the London Marathon for The Brain & Spine Foundation here… More