Against all odds, the dying man's friends have raised more than £18,000 to fly him via helicopter to the iconic music festival.
Nigel Stonehouse aged 58, a former bricklayer from Hartlepool, was tragically diagnosed with kidney cancer mid-may.
Having bought a general admission ticket to the festival in 2019, he expected to be able to attend in full health. Unfortunately this wasn't the case, and he was told that he was too unwell to travel to the Somerset festival which starts this Thursday, 23 June.
But thanks to his friends and their monumental fundraiser, he will now be travelling to the festival via helicopter with a medical team by his side.
Having heard of Nigel's love for the festival which he has been attending for over 40 years, the care team at North Tees Hospital encouraged Mr Stonehouse's friends to hire a helicopter for the trip as he will be unable to enter via general admission.
Image: Maria Beggs
The friends were quoted £12,000 and so set up a GoFundMe named 'Get Nige to Glasto', in an attempt to raise the money and get Nigel to his beloved festival, even if it were for just a few hours.
Just 48 hours later the money was raised and the transport arranged. Support was received by Glastonbury veteran and DJ, Fatboy Slim, who urged others to help out.
"Folks. I’ve been contacted by the friend of a terminally ill man who wants to go to Glasto 1 last time. He’s so poorly with cancer they’re going to have to fly him in by air ambulance. If you’d join me in helping Nige’s dying wish then pls donate here", the DJ tweeted.
Image: Glastonbury Festival
The total raised currently stands at more than £18,000 with over 800 people donating to the worthy cause.
Lizzie Begs, close friend of Nigel has said "The last 48 hours have been an absolute whirlwind, we are all completely overwhelmed by the kindness we have been shown, in true Glastonbury spirit!"
"Nige has been utterly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for him, it has given him such a boost and he cannot wait to be on site and hopefully thank some of you personally. He hopes to shake the hand of the absolute legend Fatboy Slim himself for shining a light on this campaign. It means the world."
Image: Glastonbury Festival
The generosity and kindness that the Glastonbury community have shown toward Nigel perfectly represents what the festival is all about. It has been confirmed that if Mr Stonehouse is unfortunately too unwell to attend, then the money will be donated to the Glastonbury charities in his name.
EasyJet has announced a new scheme where the airline will cover the cost of a baby’s first passport, allowing young families to take those memorable first holidays.
The company has announced that it will pay for a child’s passport (£66.50) when parents book an EasyJet holiday, making it a little easier to start those travel adventures sooner.
Research conducted by the airline and easyJet Holidays has found that 75% of parents agree the move would make a holiday with a baby feel a bit more affordable.
Their surveys also found that four in five parents believe a baby’s first holiday is a landmark family moment, and more than half called it one of their proudest parenting milestones.
But parents also said that they needed an average of four attempts to get an approved passport photo of their baby (have you tried making a newborn follow instructions…?).
easyJet holidays has reported – even this early in the year – a 10% increase in infants travelling this year compared to 2025.
And now, the thought of a holiday with your newborn is more tempting than ever, with the offer to get a free passport for your baby from easyJet.
To claim it, and save £66.50, you can use the code FIRSTPASSPORT until 26 November – find out more HERE.
easyJet Captain Kate West, said: “We carry millions of families across Europe every year, and we know that travelling with a baby brings a whole series of exciting firsts.
“We want to make travel as easy and accessible as possible for everyone, including young families, so they can enjoy all the experiences and memories that travel can bring.
“We hope that covering the cost of a baby’s first passport goes a small way towards making that first family adventure a little easier and gives our youngest travellers a warm welcome to the world.”
Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said: “Travel has a unique way of bringing families together, and a baby’s very first holiday is often one of those moments parents remember for years to come.
“By covering the cost of a baby’s first passport, we’re helping more families start making those memories that little bit sooner.”
Sheffield shortlisted in the final four to be UK City of Culture 2029
Clementine Hall
Sheffield has been shortlisted to be the UK City of Culture 2029.
It's great news for Sheffield, as the city has made it into the final four to be considered as the UK City of Culture for 2029.
Sheffield is included alongside Blackpool, Milton Keynes and Wrexham.
All four cities will now receive £125,000 to move forward with their bids, with £10 million going to the overall winner.
The title is currently held by Bradford, and is awarded every four years.
The brilliant news follows months of work by partners, cultural organisations, artists, communities, businesses and residents from across the city, who have come together behind a shared vision for Sheffield's cultural future.
Image: The Sheff
Sheffield's bid celebrates the city's rich industrial heritage and reputation as a place where creativity thrives.
The next step? Each shortlisted city will welcome the expert panel of judges and present their proposals, before the eventual winner of UK City of Culture 2029 is announced in early 2027
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is fantastic news for Sheffield and a proud moment for everyone who has helped shape our bid.
"Sheffield is a city built on creativity, innovation and community spirit. From our world-renowned music heritage and vibrant independent arts scene to our festivals, libraries, theatres, museums, galleries and grassroots creativity, culture is part of who we are.
"This recognition reflects the incredible talent, energy and ambition that exists across our city. We look forward to taking our bid to the next stage and continuing to showcase everything that makes Sheffield such a special place."
Surriya Falconer, Chair of Sheffield Culture Collective, said: "Sheffield has the expertise, capability and ambition to deliver a programme that engages and benefits all communities.
"Our city has immense cultural capital and a rich heritage spanning the full spectrum of creative endeavour, making a significant contribution to our economy, our wellbeing and the quality of our lives."
Clementine Hall -
21st June 2022 
