Business & Finance
Kent schoolgirl and heart condition hero raises over £1700 for children’s heart charity ECHO
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LONDON, February 22, 2023 — 9-year-old Erith school girl Amaris Raji has raised over £1700 for Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation (ECHO), a charity that provides a wide range of support to children with heart conditions and their families.
Amaris was born with complex congenital heart disease (including criss-cross heart, dextrocardia, ventricular septal defect and double outlet right ventricle with sub-valvar and valvar pulmonary stenoisis). She goes to a local Brownies group and decided to raise money for the charity to work towards getting her Charities and Influencers badge.
She has had two open heart surgeries at Evelina Children’s Hospital – the first one at eight months old and the second one just before she turned seven during Covid – and ECHO is very special to her and mum Belinda Raji.
Just after new year Amaris set herself a challenge to ride a half marathon within 20 days, completing it before the end of January. She set herself a target of £150, which she raised before even starting her challenge, and she’s now exceeded £1700. Amaris said: “I get very tired when I do anything sporty, and it was particularly hard on really cold mornings, but the contributions kept me going, especially the last few days when I kept smashing my personal best in terms of the distance I rode. Mummy says if I put good into the world it will come back. I feel really proud of myself and the recognition that I have received.”
The objective of the fundraising ride was to help ECHO to provide support to other families who are going through similar experiences. Belinda said: “Amaris is an IVF baby – she was the fourth try, so it was terribly upsetting when we found out at the 20-week scan to hear of her heart defect.
“When Amaris had her first operation I remember she received an ECHO bear and a rep kindly showed us the parent room. There were children on the ward that had been there for months, and their families were getting a lot of support from ECHO.
“When Amaris had her second open heart surgery, she was affected mentally by what was happening. She had several sessions with the psychologist, which took place in The Lodge, funded by ECHO. It was a lovely room that was a welcoming environment and a safe space for Amaris to talk about her feelings. After seeing how heart surgery affected Amaris when she was older I could really see the benefits of the work that ECHO does.”
Having now smashed her target (and gained her Brownies’ badge), Amaris would like to further help the charity by inspiring others to mark ECHO’s 40th birthday, which takes place in June of this year. “I was one of the top 10 per cent fundraisers for January on the Just Giving website @Echoukcharity – secretly I now want to reach £2000.”
Samantha Johnson, Chief Executive at ECHO commented: “It goes without saying that we are hugely grateful to Amaris for the phenomenal amount of money she has raised, which has allowed us to support so many children with heart conditions and their families.
“But wouldn’t it also be incredible if other people could help celebrate what Amaris has achieved and the support ECHO has provided over the last four decades. Whether that’s doing 40 laps of your school playground, a 40-minute bike ride very week for the month of June or a 40-mile bike ride, even if you don’t want to get on a bike, you could hold a wear your cycling kit to work day or host a cycle themed quiz night with friends and family.”
Creating a Facebook or JustGiving Fundraiser is a great way to tell your story and don’t forget to snap a selfie or even video of your challenge and share it with ECHO on social media @echoukcharity using the hashtag #ridewithamaris or email it to ECHO at [email protected] and they will share it.
Alternatively, if you would rather donate to Amaris’ cause direct go to her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/amarisbikeride2023.
Notes for Editors
Belinda and Amaris Raji are happy to be interviewed. To interview or for photos and video, please contact ECHO Communications Coordinator Louise Creasy on 07525 833210 or [email protected].
For more information on the Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation (ECHO), please contact Samantha Johnson, Chief Executive at ECHO on [email protected] or by phone 07730146154.
ECHO website: www.echo-uk.org | social media: @echoukcharity
About ECHO: ECHO supports children and young people with heart conditions and their families treated by Evelina London, Royal Brompton and Harefield, and their networks of local hospitals. ECHO provides support from the moment of diagnosis, throughout any treatment and care pathway or bereavement. Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect, almost 1 in every 100 babies is born with a heart condition. ECHO is a Registered Charity number 1146494. ECHO is an independent charity and is not part of the Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
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Business & Finance
Paraguay President Santiago Peña Resigns Amid Bank Collapse
Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña resigns amid a bank collapse impacting millions, sparking a major financial crisis.
On November 5, 2026, Paraguay’s political landscape was dramatically reshaped as President Santiago Peña resigned amid a severe financial crisis. This crisis, characterized by the collapse of a major bank, has left millions of Paraguayans with frozen savings, triggering widespread financial instability across the nation [The Guardian, November 2026]. The resignation came after intense public pressure, reflecting the profound impact of the banking sector’s failure on the country’s socio-economic fabric [The Guardian, November 2026].
The immediate catalyst for Peña’s resignation was the unprecedented bank failure that exposed significant vulnerabilities in Paraguay’s financial system. This collapse not only froze millions of savings but also drew international scrutiny to the country’s fiscal management [BBC, November 2026]. The banking debacle underscored the systemic issues within Paraguay’s financial institutions, raising questions about regulatory oversight and governance that have yet to be fully addressed.
Peña’s decision to step down was formally communicated through an official announcement, marking a pivotal moment in Paraguay’s political history [BBC, November 2026]. This move was largely seen as a response to growing unrest and a loss of confidence in his administration’s ability to manage the crisis effectively. The president’s resignation has opened a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture, as the nation grapples with stabilizing its economy and restoring public trust.
The international community has been closely monitoring the developments in Paraguay, with the bank collapse serving as a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement [BBC, November 2026]. While specific international responses were not detailed, the situation has likely prompted discussions on the need for stronger financial governance frameworks in similar emerging markets. The crisis has highlighted the interconnectedness of global financial systems and the potential repercussions of inadequate oversight.
As Paraguay faces this economic turmoil, the focus now shifts to the interim leadership and their strategies to mitigate the crisis’s impact. Restoring the public’s access to their frozen assets will be a priority, alongside implementing reforms to prevent future financial collapses. The path forward will require decisive action from both domestic policymakers and international financial bodies to ensure stability and confidence in Paraguay’s banking sector.
The ripple effects of this financial crisis extend beyond Paraguay, as regional economies assess their vulnerabilities to similar shocks. The need for robust risk management practices and transparency in financial dealings is underscored by this situation. Paraguay’s experience may serve as a catalyst for broader financial reforms within the region, promoting resilience against potential economic disruptions.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of Paraguay’s response to the crisis. The interim leadership’s ability to navigate these challenges will set the tone for the country’s economic recovery and political stability. Observers will be keenly watching for signs of progress as Paraguay seeks to rebuild its financial credibility and restore normalcy for its citizens.
Peña’s resignation, though a significant political event, is just the beginning of a complex recovery process for Paraguay. The nation’s future hinges on its capacity to implement necessary reforms and regain the confidence of both its people and the international community. The lessons learned from this crisis will likely inform future policy decisions, shaping Paraguay’s path toward economic resilience.
In the aftermath of this crisis, Paraguay’s financial system will inevitably undergo scrutiny and transformation. The global financial community will be attentive to how Paraguay addresses its systemic issues, with the potential for this situation to become a case study in crisis management and reform. The developments in Paraguay may influence how emerging economies structure their financial governance in the years to come.
Business & Finance
FBI Identifies North Korea as Culprit in $6.3 Billion Binance Crypto Hack
FBI attributes $6.3B Binance crypto hack to North Korea, raising security concerns. Binance covers 90% of losses.
In a striking attribution of cyber malfeasance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has named North Korea as the perpetrator behind a colossal $6.3 billion hack on Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This revelation underscores persistent cybersecurity vulnerabilities and intensifies geopolitical tensions already fraught with complexity [The Guardian, November 2026].
The breach, now recognized as the largest of its kind, has sent shockwaves through the digital asset community, raising urgent questions about the robustness of current security protocols within the crypto industry [Al Jazeera, November 2026]. Despite the significant financial blow, Binance has demonstrated resilience by covering a substantial 90% of the losses, reflecting its commitment to maintaining user trust and stability [The Guardian, November 2026].
Binance’s response to the hack has been proactive, involving collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to pursue recovery of the stolen assets. A spokesperson from the exchange affirmed, “We are working closely with law enforcement to recover the funds,” indicating a strategic approach to mitigate the consequences of this unprecedented breach [The Guardian, November 2026].
The scale of the hack, valued at $6.3 billion, places it squarely in the spotlight of global financial and security discussions. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital finance systems, particularly as they become more entwined with global economic infrastructures [Al Jazeera, November 2026].
North Korea’s involvement in such a high-profile cybercrime reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, where state-sponsored hacking has become a tool for economic gain and political leverage. This attribution by the FBI further complicates diplomatic relations and underscores the need for coordinated international responses to cyber threats [The Guardian, November 2026].
The incident has not only affected Binance but has also sent ripples across the broader cryptocurrency market, prompting investors and exchanges to reassess their security measures. The hack’s magnitude highlights the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and industry-wide collaboration to fortify digital asset exchanges against future threats [Al Jazeera, November 2026].
In the wake of this cyber assault, Binance’s robust response and coverage of losses may set a precedent for how exchanges handle such adversities in the future. It also emphasizes the critical role of transparency and accountability in maintaining user confidence and market integrity [The Guardian, November 2026].
As the situation unfolds, the interplay between cybersecurity and international politics will likely intensify, with potential repercussions for regulatory frameworks governing digital assets. The hacking incident serves as a catalyst for ongoing debates about the balance between innovation and security in the realm of cryptocurrency [Al Jazeera, November 2026].
Looking forward, the focus will remain on how Binance and other cryptocurrency platforms adapt to these evolving threats. Their ability to enhance security protocols and foster international cooperation will be crucial in defining the future landscape of digital finance. The world will closely monitor these developments, particularly as they relate to North Korea’s cyber capabilities and intentions [The Guardian, November 2026].
Business & Finance
Naboo Expands with Acquisition of UK Events Platform Pro-ven
Naboo has acquired UK M&E spend specialist pro-ven, which becomes Naboo UK, keeping all 20 staff and its founder.
Naboo, the Paris-based meetings and events (M&E) spend management platform, announced on 27 October 2026 that it has acquired pro-ven, a UK specialist in venue sourcing and event procurement, for an undisclosed sum. The companies say the combination creates the world’s largest pure-play provider of M&E spend management and venue sourcing.
Founded in 2005, pro-ven helps corporate and association clients manage meetings and events spending through venue and supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, approval workflows, invoicing and payment management. It generates around €30 million in annual transaction value and brings enterprise clients including Unilever, Virgin Media and Sony. Following the deal, Naboo says the combined business will manage around $300 million (€268 million) of meetings and events spend.
Under the terms of the deal, pro-ven’s Hertfordshire office becomes Naboo’s UK headquarters and the business will operate as Naboo UK. All 20 pro-ven employees are being retained, and founder and managing director Julian Laxon will stay on to help grow Naboo’s UK presence. Existing pro-ven clients keep the same account teams and commercial arrangements, while gaining access to Naboo’s AI-driven technology platform and international network.
Naboo says the acquisition was financed equally through equity and borrowing. It follows the company’s $70 million (€58.7 million) Series B round in February 2026, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with participation from existing investors Notion Capital, ISAI and Ternel.
The UK is not a new market for Naboo, which has operated there since 2024. CEO and co-founder Maxime Eduardo said the deal is primarily about accelerating growth in what he called a huge market for the company and adding enterprise customers. “Together with pro-ven, that is the leader we are building,” he said.
The acquisition caps a busy period for Naboo, which recently unveiled a new brand identity and opened its first Asia-Pacific office in Singapore, following its expansion into North America with offices in Montreal and New York.
Sources: Business Travel News; EU-Startups; CIT World; The Business Travel Magazine.
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