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Beauty fans are ‘obsessed’ with viral £2 Boots buy that ‘stops sweating’, lasts ‘all day’ & is ‘exactly’ like £234 scent
BEAUTY fans are going wild for a viral buy from Boots that is said to “stop sweating”.
Not only does it smell fresh, but the scent will also last “all day”.
But that’s not all – if you have posh taste but don’t have the funds to match, you’re sure to be left beaming when you hear that this “everyday essential” smells “exactly” like a pricey perfume.
So with summer right around the corner, if you want to smell good but without breaking the bank, then you’ve come to the right place.
Many of us can’t afford to spend over £200 on a bottle of perfume, but thanks to the new Gem Skin-Loving Santal Antiperspirant Deodorant, not only will it provide you with 48 hours of antiperspirant protection, but you’ll also smell designer too.
With this new deodorant, which recently landed in Boots stores, you’ll tackle sweat whilst ensuring your skin feels better than ever.
This “skin-loving formulation” is enriched with premium ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter and Vitamin E.
It’s said to be “gentle on skin, but tough on sweat” and works to “keep skin moisturised and nourished.”
There’s four scents to choose from – Cool Fresh, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Macadamia and Santal, which fans say smells “exactly” like a well-known fragrance.
So if the thought of spending £234 for an 100ml bottle of Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum sends shivers down your spine, then you won’t want to miss this.
This woody fragrance, which blends earthy sandalwood with subtle spices, has since gone viral online, sending shoppers into chaos as they scramble to get their hands on the popular Aussie deodorant.
It’s been hailed “a boujee-on-a-budget formula” that provides “seriously chic scent profiles that last all day”.
And it’s clear that beauty fans are loving it, as it has quickly racked up a very impressive average rating of 4.9 out of five, with 94% of reviewers recommending this product.
One person said: “Smells amazing, lasts the perfect amount of time. I got the Santal one and I love how it suits me. Easy to apply and good for value.”
Great deodorant. Really does stop me from sweating throughout the day
Boots shopper
Another added: “I love this scent! It’s giving oud for your pits! Scent lasts all day and until the next morning without irritating my underarms! I’m obsessed! Definitely my go to from now on.”
A third commented: “The smell of this one is unique!! I had never seen anything like it, such a lovely lasting smell! This one is definitely one of my fav scents ever!”
Top 3 beauty products every woman should be using
Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Justmylook shared the holy-grail products every woman needs to be using.
A cleanser, SPF, and hair oil are must-haves within beauty routines.
A cleanser is crucial for healthy skin as it removes dirt, oil, and other impurities for flawless skin. This skincare step not only cleanses the face and removes dirt, but also prevents breakouts and premature skin ageing, helping you maintain a healthy, youthful, and blemish-free complexion.
The Aveeno Face Calm+ Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser is a go-to of mine due to its gentle formula that soothes and restores the skin’s appearance and texture.
SPF is non-negotiable and should be in everyone’s daily skincare routine.
Even on cooler, cloudier days, our skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays which can be harmful to unprotected skin and even lead to damage. These damages include sunburn, pigmentation changes, and wrinkles which can impact the skin’s texture and appearance. In some cases, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer.
Applying SPF daily prevents these damages and protects the skin from harmful rays. I recommend the Beauty Of Joseon Rice & Prebiotic Sunscreen PA++++ SPF50+ for its lightweight, non-clumping texture that absorbs quickly for a natural finish and maximum protection.
Hair oil has many benefits and should be regularly used. This treatment can strengthen and protect the hair from external stressors while improving its appearance and shine. Regularly applying hair oil can also reduce breakage and even encourage hair growth for longer, fuller locks. Hair oils also target the scalp, reducing dandruff and improving its health through exfoliation.
I recommend using this deeply nourishing treatment a couple of times a week or more depending on the hair’s moisture levels. The Hair Syrup Rapunzel Pre-Wash Oil Treatment is a nutrient-rich treatment that revitalises strands to promote a happy scalp and healthy-looking locks. Apply the syrup throughout damp hair before washing; massage from root to tip and allow the formula to penetrate strands before rinsing and styling.
Meanwhile, someone else beamed: “This has a really nice unisex scent to it and the sweat protection is really good! No powdery texture or white residue. Pretty packaging too!”
But that’s not all, as another happy beauty fan gushed: “Great deodorant. Really does stop me from sweating throughout the day.”
At the same time, another Boots shopper wrote: “I love the woody scent – it’s subtle but lasts all day without being overpowering. The formula glides on so smoothly and doesn’t irritate my skin at all.
“Keeps me fresh for ages, and I love that it includes Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid. Total everyday essential!”
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Putin plotting to blitz Ukraine with ‘vicious & unrelenting’ revenge strike in days after Op Spiderweb, US insiders warn
VLADIMIR Putin is preparing a “huge, vicious and unrelenting” revenge assault on Ukraine just days after Operation Spiderweb, U.S. and Western officials have warned.
Insiders said the Kremlin’s full-scale retaliation for last week’s stunning drone blitz on four key Russian airbases hasn’t yet materialized – but it is coming very soon.
The revenge strike will be “asymmetrical” and likely to feature a mix of drones and missiles aimed at symbolic Ukrainian targets – not just military assets, one U.S. official told Reuters.
Another said the operation could begin within days.
A senior Western diplomat added: “It will be huge, vicious and unrelenting.
“But the Ukrainians are brave people.”
On Friday, Russia unleashed a fierce missile and drone barrage on Kyiv, killing at least six and injuring over 80, but American officials say this may only be the beginning.
Russia’s Defense Ministry called it a response to “terrorist acts” by Ukraine – but insiders say the real retaliation is still being assembled behind the scenes.
U.S. officials believe the SBU — Ukraine’s security service — may be directly targeted in the revenge strike.
Carnegie Endowment analyst Michael Kofman told Reuters: “Most likely, they will attempt to retaliate against (SBU) headquarters, or other regional intelligence administration buildings.
“In general, Russia’s ability to substantially escalate strikes from what they are already doing — and attempting to do over the past month — is quite constrained.”
PUTIN’S $7bn HUMILIATION
The looming storm follows Operation Spiderweb – Ukraine’s most daring covert strike yet.
It was led personally by spy chief Vasyl Malyuk under the direct orders of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Over 117 kamikaze drones were launched from hidden mobile units disguised as everyday cargo trucks, slipped undetected into Russian territory.
New footage released on Saturday by Ukraine’s SBU shows an FPV drone lifting off from a lorry rooftop before smashing directly into a Russian bomber at the Belaya airfield.
The strikes hit four strategic bases – Belaya, Dyagilevo, Olenya, and Ivanovo — torching aircraft capable of launching nuclear warheads.
Ukrainian officials say 41 planes were destroyed or damaged.
U.S. intelligence puts the figure closer to 20, with at least 10 completely destroyed – still a staggering blow to Russia’s long-range bomber fleet.
The $7billion damage, inflicted with zero boots on the ground, has left the Kremlin tyrant furious and determined to reassert its military dominance.
‘IT’S NOT GOING TO BE PRETTY’
President Donald Trump revealed this week that he spoke directly with Putin on Wednesday.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the Russian despot told him “he will have to respond” to the drone attack.
Speaking to reporters later, Trump added: “It’s probably not going to be pretty. I don’t like it.
“I said: ‘Don’t do it. You shouldn’t do it. You should stop it.’
“But, again, there’s a lot of hatred.”
Meanwhile, Russia’s propaganda machine is framing the war as existential.
Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared Friday: “This is about the future of our children, of our country.”
BLITZ ALREADY UNDERWAY?
While officials say the major strike is still to come, Ukraine is already reeling from a brutal few days of missile and drone attacks.
On Friday, 400 drones and 45 missiles rained down on cities across the country.
In Kyiv, explosions lit up the night sky near the Mother Ukraine monument.
A fire tore through the 11th floor of a residential block in Solomyanskyi, and emergency crews rushed to save civilians trapped inside.
Overnight into Saturday, Kharkiv suffered Russia’s largest airstrike yet, killing three – including a baby and a 14-year-old girl – and wounding 21.
“We have a lot of damage,” Kharkiv’s mayor Ihor Terekhov said.
At least 18 apartment buildings and 13 homes were hit, with more strikes reported in Donetsk, Dnipro, Ternopil, and Odesa.
Ukraine’s Air Force said it shot down 174 out of 206 drones and nine missiles overnight.
SUMMER OFFENSIVE BREWING
Western analysts say Mad Vlad is not just seeking revenge – but a breakthrough.
Reports from Ukrainian intelligence suggest up to 125,000 troops are massing near the Sumy and Kharkiv frontiers, with fears of a three-pronged summer assault to finally break the deadlock.
The offensive is expected to focus on Kramatorsk, Kostiantynivka, and Pokrovsk in the Donbas – with plans to encircle key cities rather than slug it out street by street.
Military analyst Konrad Muzyka told The Telegraph Russia’s tactics have evolved: “We have seen the Russians shift to focused, small-unit attacks, often of just three to five men.
“Company-size assaults of 50 to 100 men hardly ever happen anymore.”
But Ukraine, armed with drones and Western weapons, isn’t backing down.
Zelensky warned this week: “Even after all of Russia’s horrific attacks, he is reportedly preparing yet more so-called ‘responses.’
“With every new strike, with every delay of diplomacy, Russia is giving the finger to the entire world.”
Chelsea launch emergency £13million transfer bid for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan in race against time for Club World Cup
CHELSEA have tabled a £13million bid for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, according to reports.
The Blues want to give their new No1 his debut at the Club World Cup, which begins next Sunday.
But the deadline to register players for the revamped 32-team tournament is on Tuesday.
And it means Chelsea face a race against time to get the transfer announced.
The club have been locked in talks with both AC Milan and the player since last week.
Maignan is thought to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and has already agreed personal terms.
WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN
The 29-year-old has just a year left on his contract with the Italian side.
And with the two parties no closer to agreement, Milan are set to cash-in this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 12 months time.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims £13m will be enough to seal the deal, while Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim the fee is likely to be £15m.
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Milan have already sounded out Roma’s Mile Svilar as Maignan’s replacement.
The Frenchman has 31 international caps to his name and is regarded by many as one of the best keepers in the world.
He has been in the Serie A Team of the Year twice in four seasons and he won the title with Milan in 2022 after keeping 17 clean sheets.
There is set to be a lot of movement in Chelsea’s bloated goalkeeper department this summer.
The first to go will reportedly be Kepa Arrizabalaga to Arsenal in a £5m deal.
Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic face uncertain futures.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to improve their bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
The Blues’ opening offer fell £10m short of their £40m valuation of the English winger, who has already agreed a seven-year contract in West London.
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Soccer Aid to ‘Inside Story’ at Chelsea – best sport entertainment this week from live action to TV, films and books
THE football season may be over, but sport never stops.
We’re in for a big summer of action and this coming week is no different.
From “pro-am” football, to an explosive tell-all book and a never-before-seen tennis tournament, we’ve got plenty in store from Monday June 9 to Sunday June 15.
SunSport runs down the top sporting content you can watch, read and listen to this week…
Soccer Aid
IT’s that time of year again, as legends of football team up with celebrities for the Unicef charity showdown.
This year’s edition is on Father’s Day – Sunday June 15 – with kick off 7.30pm.
All the action from Soccer Aid will be live on ITV.
Tyson Fury will manage Team England with Wayne Rooney in his team.
Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will be joining Rooney, while other ex-pros include goalkeeper Joe Hart, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott and Toni Duggan.
Celebrities and legends from other sports will be taking to the Old Trafford turf, too – with Olympic stars Dame Denise Lewis and Sir Mo Farah involved, while Bear Grylls and Louis Tomlinson join from the world of entertainment.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
England team and coaching staff
Here is a look at the full team for England for Soccer Aid 2025...
Team:
- Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur)
- Alex Brooker (TV personality)
- Jermain Defoe (Former footballer)
- Toni Duggan (Former footballer)
- Angry Ginge (YouTuber)
- Tom Grennan (Musician)
- Bear Grylls (TV personality)
- Joe Hart (Former footballer)
- Steph Houghton (Former footballer)
- Aaron Lennon (Former footballer)
- Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist)
- Paddy McGuinness (TV personality)
- Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian)
- Gary Neville (Former footballer)
- Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality)
- Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
- Paul Scholes (Former footballer)
- Jill Scott (Former footballer)
- Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)
- Louis Tomlinson (Musician)
Coaches:
- Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
- Tyson Fury (Boxer)
- Harry Redknapp (Former football manager)
- Vicky McClure (Actor)
- Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)
World XI team and coaching staff
Here is a look at the full team for the World XI for Soccer Aid 2025...
Team:
- Tony Bellew (Former boxer)
- Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer)
- Tobi Brown (YouTube star)
- Martin Compston (Actor)
- Richard Gadd (Actor)
- Bryan Habana (Former rugby star)
- Dermot Kennedy (Musician)
- Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer)
- Gorka Marquez (Dancer)
- Nadia Nadim (Footballer)
- Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star)
- Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer)
- Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer)
- Harry Kewell (Former footballer)
- Big Zuu (YouTube star)
- Noah Beck (Actor)
- Carlos Tevez (Former footballer)
- Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler)
- Robbie Keane (Former footballer)
Manager:
- Peter Schmeichel (Former footballer)
Chelsea’s ‘Inside Story’
FROM the infamous transfer embargo to splashing over £2.1BILLION on players, life under Roman Abramovich was certainly action-packed.
However, the sale of Chelsea wasn’t without its controversy – with the Russian selling due to his links to Vladimir Putin in the immediate aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier this week, Abramovich was threatened with legal action over the £2.3bn proceeds from his sale of the club – so the timing of Nick Purewal’s book on the incredible story, which goes on sale on Tuesday June 10, is perfect.
“Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC” should to be the ultimate page-turner for fans of football and politics.
The book promises: “Through unprecedented access to Abramovich himself and key figures from Chelsea’s new ownership, as well as further interviews with a star-studded footballing cast… Sanctioned chronicles ninety-five extraordinary days in English football.”
Queen’s
For the first time in 52 years, the Queen’s Club Championships will feature a women’s competition – and it promises to be a belter.
For many, Queen’s means summer has officially arrived, with the strawberries, cream and Pimm’s of Wimbledon just weeks away.
However, for over 50 years, Queen’s Club has only hosted a men’s tournament.
But this year, there’s a women’s event – with the main draw starting on Monday and the whole tournament available to watch on BBC.
For Brits, Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu are the big hopes – while there are a whopping SIX Grand Slam champions in total in the draw.
Best of the rest…
Live sport
England vs Senegal – The second and final match of the Three Lions’ international break – following Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra – takes place on Tuesday night.
The match kicks off at 7.45pm, with all the action on ITV.
US Open – Golf’s third major of 2025 tees off on Thursday June 12, with the final round on Sunday. Can Rory McIlroy at to his Masters title?
Sky Sports have the whole tournament covered.
England Under-21s – The Under-21s European Championships kick off this week in Slovakia, with England in group stage action. Can they defend their title?
All the action is live on Channel 4 with England vs Czechia on Thursday June 12 at 8pm before Slovenia on Sunday June 15 at 5pm.
Diamond League Athletics – A European double-header for fans of track and field action.
Thursday’s meet in Oslo will be available via the BBC red button, while Sunday’s action in Sweden will be shown on BBC Two.
England vs West Indies T20 – England play their third and final T20 international of the series against West Indies
Sky Sports has the action with the match getting underway at 6.30pm.
World Cup of Darts – Luke Littler and Luke Humphries will fly the flag for England at this week’s event in Germany.
Sky Sports will show every dart thrown in Frankfurt from Thursday to Sunday.
Canadian Grand Prix – The latest instalment of a thrilling 2025 Formula One campaign.
Sunday’s race in Montreal starts at 7pm live on Sky Sports F1.
Club World Cup – The first match of the revamped and expanded tournament hits our screens this week with Al-Ahly vs Inter Miami getting things underway in the early hours of Sunday morning.
You can watch all the action by signing up to DAZN.
Basketball – The NBA Finals continue this week as Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers battle it out.
TNT Sports show games two, three and four in the best-of-seven series this week, in the early hours of Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
TV shows and films
Welcome to Wrexham – Fans of the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-run football club can enjoy Season 4 Episode 6 which is released this week.
The next episode will be available on Disney+.
American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans – The incredible story follows a NASCAR team attempting to compete in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race in a stock car.
Coming to Amazon Prime Thursday June 12.
Soldier Soldier star dies aged 61 as devastated colleagues pay tribute to ‘truest actor & good friend’
SOLDIER Soldier star Marise Wipani has died suddenly aged 61.
The actress – who also appeared in Xena: Warrior Princess and Shortland Street, and was a former Miss New Zealand – passed away on her birthday on Friday (June 6).
A post on her Facebook page said: “Marise passed peacefully today on her 61st birthday surrounded by family and friends.
“She just wanted to say….I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Good byyye, good luuuck, good God!!! Quote from Driving Miss Daisy.”
A cause of death was not revealed.
Wipani played Ellie in season three of ITV drama Soldier, Soldier, which broadcast in 1993.
At its peak, the show saw an average viewership of 16.1 million, which coincided with Wipani’s time in the cast.
The programme – created by Lucy Gannon – followed the daily lives of a group of soldiers in ‘A’ Company, 1st Battalion The King’s Fusiliers, and also featured Robson Green and Jerome Flynn, running from 1991 to 1997.
Co-star Jay Laga’aia, who played Sgt. Bob Gilligan, was among those to pay tribute to Wipani, writing: “I saw this and quickly checked that it wasn’t some kind of sick joke.
“Sister I am devastated to hear this news. You are so young and I will miss you. We have worked together over the years and I was always so pleased to have you on set. Travel well my sister, love you always.”
Popular kitchen gadget sold on Amazon is urgently recalled over ‘serious risk of fire & EXPLODING’
A KITCHEN gadget from Amazon has been recalled over a “serious” risk of exploding.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has now banned all imports of the Moongiantgo Food Dehydrator.
The entire product appeared to be riddled with issues, including faults with its fuse.
On the OPSS website, it states: “The product is a serious risk of fire as the fuse has insufficient granular filler to ensure safe operation under fault conditions.
“If the product experiences an electrical fault whilst in use, it may catch fire or explode.”
According to the body, it does not meet the requirements of Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations 2016 or the Plugs and Sockets Safety Regulations 1994.
The product was used to dehydrate various food items such as fruits, herbs, vegetables and meats.
A similar item listed on Amazon, which meets the regulation standards, says it is fitted with a high-powered rear fan which delivers “consistent airflow throughout”.
The description reads: “A sleek digital control panel gives you full command of the dehydration process.
“Set the temperature anywhere between 30°C and 90°C, and use the programmable timer for up to 24 hours of continuous drying.”
Another Amazon product was recalled over serious risk of injuries.
The Soppycid Reusable Water Balloons have been removed from the online marketplace following the safety concern.
The toy was available in a pack of six on Amazon for £18.
“The product presents a serious risk of injuries because it contains accessible magnets with a magnetic flux index that exceeds the acceptable level,” the product’s risk description reads.
“Small, high-powered magnetic products can easily be swallowed and, when ingested, have the potential to cause serious internal injuries within the gastrointestinal tract.
“The product also requires improvement to marking,
labelling and documentation.”
Another children’s toy was removed from the website over fears it could cause serious injury.
The swimming float was also urgently recalled over fears it could cause serious injury or even drowning.
The Joycat Baby Float, sold on Amazon, has been flagged as a safety risk.
Authorities found that its attachable canopy could lift the float from the water in windy conditions, putting children in danger.
The alert was issued in the UK following a border inspection.
The blue and yellow sea-themed swim seat, intended for babies and toddlers, poses a “serious risk of injuries”, according to the Product Safety Report.
If the float becomes airborne, a child could be thrown out and suffer an impact injury or drown.
I’m the Machine Gun Preacher who Gerard Butler played in film – here’s how I survived ISIS and 10 assassination attempts
A HOLLYWOOD star who gave up being a drug dealing bikie is now fighting ISIS through the dripping jungles of central Africa.
The Machine Gun Preacher is on a mission to rescue child sex slaves on the continent – and is has come up against the notorious terror group.
The priest, real name Sam Childers, is battling ISIS in the Congo as he continues his holy war to save abused children.
He’s famously known as being the inspiration behind the movie Machine Gun Preacher.
The film starred an A-list cast of Gerard Butler as Childers, Michelle Monaghan as his wife, and Michael Shannon.
Machine Gun Preacher told the story of how Childers came to be fighting in Africa after growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Once a criminal, he found God, turned his life to charity work in Africa and dedicated himself to saving children.
Machine Gun Preacher – the film – showed him battling Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army in 1997.
Now he’s released a self-made documentary – trying to raise money to take the fight to ISIS in Congo.
He said: “I’m not worried about dying. I’m 62 years old. The last thing I worry about is dying. I worry more about living than dying.”
After being hammered in the Middle East, ISIS turned to Africa and is now enslaving thousands of children as its militants rampage through impoverished areas.
Childers has a network of orphanages, schools, and farms set up across the centre of the continent.
But he’s come into combat with ISIS as they have expanded into Congo.
He said: “We don’t want to see our children be kidnapped, sold in prostitution.
“We don’t want to see none of that so I’m willing to do whatever I have to do… and I’m willing to answer for it.
“They are murderers. They’re killers.
“I’m not afraid of none of them.”
Some 5.4million people have been killed in Congo’s ongoing conflicts since 1998 – but the wars have gone largely ignored in the West.
Three children were beheaded by rebel fighters in February and dozens more killed when they took a village.
Childers’ belief in God has given the preacher the strength to keep fighting – even against militant Christian groups.
The Lord’s Resistance Army raped and abducted girls, mutilated them, and enslaved boys into being child soldiers.
He said: “I’ve been ambushed over 10 times. Been in over 10 major battles. They tried to assassinate me over 10 times.
“That’s just in the Kony War.”
Despite the gun battles, Childers says that he was in more danger while a bikie and drug dealer in America.
He said: “I fought in guerrilla warfare, or been in war over 25 years, and I never was shot in Africa.
“I was shot once and stabbed 3 times in America.”
Childers said the soldiering was a means to an end – supporting the good work his organisations do through orphanages and farms.
“What you got to realize those rescues and to be active in stuff like that costs a lot of money.
“I have a lot of children and orphanages and children’s homes that got to be taken care of.”
Now, he runs a private military company in Congo that works with local forces to try and save children.
Childers said many of the children he rescued were severely mentally damaged by their time spent in captivity.
He said: “They cannot be kept in a normal orphanage with other children until after one year.
“That’s if the people believe they’re doing well. That’s doing the mental evaluations.”
But Childers revealed that he preferred to work with children rather than adults, saying they could work through the mental challenges they faced from being victims of rape or violence.
But it’s not just ISIS that his charities are fighting, with disease and hunger also continuing to kill children.
Childers said: “So then we feed over 10,000 meals a day. The majority of the children we feed only eat one meal a day, and that’s the meal we’re feeding them.”
Now, the preacher has released a new film trying to raise money for his work.
“Our goal is to do a hundred 1,000 downloads by the end of this year and that money’s used for children, man, you know. And so, instead of telling everyone, hey, send me $20.
“We’re asking everyone. Look, you want to hear a good story. You want to hear a good story of redemption. You want to hear a good story of saving people’s lives. You want to hear a good story of giving all.”
Becoming the Machine Gun Preacher
Childers was born into a difficult household with a heroin addict mum and drunkard dad.
They were always Christians, but in his teens Childers got in with the wrong crowd, he said.
“I started doing what they were doing to fit in, smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana.
“12 years old: drinking, eating pills.
“13, 14 years old: snorting cocaine.
“Then, at 15 years old, I woke up one morning, and here I got a heroin addiction. You know, I’m shooting up cocaine, shooting up heroin.”
Childers quit school and said he turned himself into one of the biggest drug dealers in Grand Rapids, running narcotics from all over the US.
He said: “The only good thing was my dad brought me and my brothers up to be hardworking people.
“I always held a job, even though I was a cocaine addict heroin addict.
“But I made a lot of money selling drugs.”
Childers said he always believed in God, but “I thought I had everything I needed.
“I had money. I had drugs, guns, women motorcycles.”
But then in his early 20s, Childers got into a bar fight that was so awful it changed the course of his life.
“There were big guys, tough guys laying on the floor crying, holding their guts in.
And I said that night, if I get out of here, I’m I’m done living this life.”
His charity work has seen Childers honoured with the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice in 2013.
What's happening in Congo?
ISIS has extended its bloody grip in Africa to the Congo in recent years.
The terror thugs are taking advantage of high levels of poverty and an already destabalised nation.
ISIS formally announced its arrival in the country – which it calls the Central Africa Province – in 2019.
It claimed another rebel group – the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) – as its affiliate in the Congo and neighbouring Uganda.
The ADF, originally a Ugandan Islamist rebel group formed in the 1990s and had already established a stronghold in eastern Congo’s North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
The ADF rebranded to ISIS and adopted its jihadist rhetoric and tactics.
The group began releasing propaganda via ISIS’s media channels, portraying its local attacks—mainly against civilians, Congolese soldiers, and UN peacekeepers—as part of the global jihad.
Hundreds of civilians have been killed in brutal raids, massacres, and bombings by the terror group.
The Congolese army has launched several offensives to knock out ISIS – but has struggled to fully eliminate them.