Emma Dunn

Deputy Digital Editor at SWNS.


I write for national newspapers and their online sites. Previous background on the features team, writing for women's magazines and focusing on real life stories. First Class Honours in Journalism at the University of Sheffield, Gold standard NCTJ qualified.

Mum spots stranger on TV who received son's heart - and now they're 'family'

A grieving mum recognised a stranger on TV as the man who received her son's heart and rushed to him to feel his heartbeat - now they consider each other as family and speak every day. Valerie Stebel, 45, lost her son, Cody, 20, from severe injuries he suffered in a car accident just months after he had passed his driving test in May 2017. Cody made the decision to donate his organs - and his family were told his liver, lungs, kidneys, skin and heart had gone on to save the lives of six people

Boy with cysts the size of a grapefruit on face defies odds to take first steps

A boy with cysts the size of a grapefruit on his face has defied all the odds to take his first steps. Alex Grabowski, four, was born with cystic hygroma – a collection of fluid-filled sacs – on his face and in his airways. The weight of the growths make it hard for him to balance. But after eight gruelling eight-hour operations at London’s Great Ormond Street hospital, the brave youngster can now walk independently. Alex’s mum Emily said he has come on in “leaps and bounds” since the debulk

Girl joined Mensa when she was three — after learning the alphabet at 14 months

A GIRL joined Mensa when she was three — after learning the alphabet at 14 months. Dayaal Kaur passed the admission test for the high IQ society with 145 — just below Albert Einstein’s estimated score. Dad Sarb Singh, 39, a health and wellbeing pastoral leader from Great Barr, Birmingham, said he always knew she was “exceptional”. He said: “I am biased, but it was crazy how quickly she was able to learn the alphabet and read. I could have a proper conversation with her when she was only two —

Britain’s naughtiest dog has destroyed furniture costing £9,000

BRITAIN’S naughtiest dog has destroyed eight sofas, two dining room tables and ten remote controls costing nearly £9,000. Cooper first chewed up a couch aged 12 months. Two weeks later he ripped apart a sofa. And he has even pulled a leg off a table. Owners Jill, 54, and Steve Kirkham, 60, have spent £8,750 to replace sofas, tables, remotes and mobiles. Cleaning supervisor Jill, of Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, said: “Cooper is definitely Britain’s naughtiest dog. You can’t take your eyes off him