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Episode details

World Service,28 Mar 2026,26 mins

The Happy Pod: The hug that stopped a bombing

Happy News

Available for over a year

A patient who stopped a bomb attack at a hospital has revealed he hugged the would-be-attacker to calm him down. Nathan Newby spent two hours talking to the armed man and persuaded him to abandon his plan. He received the George Medal for bravery from King Charles this week. Also: how a viral video of pack of dogs has captured the attention of animal lovers across China and beyond. England's Football Association has apologised to a women's team who defied its fifty-year ban on female players. The sport's governing body praised the Manchester Corinthians as trailblazers. And: Millions of people are flocking to see Washington DC's beloved cherry trees in full bloom. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates international friendship, as the trees were a gift from Tokyo over a hundred years ago. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world. Presenter: Holly Gibbs Music composed by Iona Hampson (Photo: Nathan Newby receiving the George Medal from King Charles. Credit: PA News)

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