At 28 years old, Ala was living with his family in Aden, Yemen, when he was forced to flee—for his safety and for the chance to build a new life.

Yemen, located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Oman, and has been described as a breathtaking coastline along the Arabian and Red Seas. Yet, since 2014, Yemen has been devastated by conflict.

Nine years of war has resulted in a major humanitarian crisis. Over 4 million Yemenis are internally displaced, 17 million face food insecurity, and millions - especially women and children - suffer from malnutrition.

This is Ala's story. 

Thank you to Ala for sharing his story, and the North West Migrants Forum for your help. https://nwmf.org.uk/ 

At 28 years old, Ala was living with his family in Aden, Yemen, when he was forced to flee—for his safety and for the chance to build a new life.

Yemen, located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Oman, and has been described as a breathtaking coastline along the Arabian and Red Seas. Yet, since 2014, Yemen has been devastated by conflict.

Nine years of war has resulted in a major humanitarian crisis. Over 4 million Yemenis are internally displaced, 17 million face food insecurity, and millions - especially women and children - suffer from malnutrition.

This is Ala's story. 

Thank you to Ala for sharing his story, and the North West Migrants Forum for your help. https://nwmf.org.uk/ 

 Between 1999 and 2015, over 900 sub postmasters and mistresses across the UK and Ireland were wrongly accused by the Post Office of theft, false accounting and fraud due to an error in the Post Office Horizon software.

Maureen McKelvey was a sub postmistress in Clanabogan and was among those affected and was forced to close her business after the false allegations.

Here, Maureen shares her story of the detrimental effect this accusation had on her health physically and mentally and on her reputation.

 Between 1999 and 2015, over 900 sub postmasters and mistresses across the UK and Ireland were wrongly accused by the Post Office of theft, false accounting and fraud due to an error in the Post Office Horizon software.

Maureen McKelvey was a sub postmistress in Clanabogan and was among those affected and was forced to close her business after the false allegations.

Here, Maureen shares her story of the detrimental effect this accusation had on her health physically and mentally and on her reputation.

Gerry Kelly was one of four young Derry men wrongfully charged with the murder of a British Soldier in 1979. 

These men, known as the ‘Derry Four’ fled to the Republic of Ireland and were on the run for 20 years, returning to Northern Ireland in 1998  for their acquittal. 

In these four episodes, Gerry shares the enormous impact this incredible miscarriage of justice had on him and his family.  

Gerry Kelly was one of four young Derry men wrongfully charged with the murder of a British Soldier in 1979. 

These men, known as the ‘Derry Four’ fled to the Republic of Ireland and were on the run for 20 years, returning to Northern Ireland in 1998  for their acquittal. 

In these four episodes, Gerry shares the enormous impact this incredible miscarriage of justice had on him and his family.  

Gerry Kelly was one of four young Derry men wrongfully charged with the murder of a British Soldier in 1979. 

These men, known as the ‘Derry Four’ fled to the Republic of Ireland and were on the run for 20 years, returning to Northern Ireland in 1998  for their acquittal. 

In these four episodes, Gerry shares the enormous impact this incredible miscarriage of justice had on him and his family.  

Gerry Kelly was one of four young Derry men wrongfully charged with the murder of a British Soldier in 1979. 

These men, known as the ‘Derry Four’ fled to the Republic of Ireland and were on the run for 20 years, returning to Northern Ireland in 1998  for their acquittal. 

In these four episodes, Gerry shares the enormous impact this incredible miscarriage of justice had on him and his family.  

Sunny Jacobs Story - Part 6

In 1976 Sunny Jacobs, with her partner Jesse Tafero was arrested and sentenced to death in America for the murder of two police officers – a crime they did not commit. 

After 17 years on death row, five of which were in solitary confinement, Sunny was proven innocent and released. Unfortunately, justice didn’t arrive on time for her partner Jesse, who was executed by electric chair after spending 15 years behind bars.

Over the next six episodes, Sunny shares her shocking, breathtaking, sad and inspiring story.  

If you have a story you think would suit this theme, or would like to reach out to our host - email richard@whataboutyou.co.uk

Sunny Jacobs Story - Part 5

In 1976 Sunny Jacobs, with her partner Jesse Tafero was arrested and sentenced to death in America for the murder of two police officers – a crime they did not commit. 

After 17 years on death row, five of which were in solitary confinement, Sunny was proven innocent and released. Unfortunately, justice didn’t arrive on time for her partner Jesse, who was executed by electric chair after spending 15 years behind bars.

Over the next six episodes, Sunny shares her shocking, breathtaking, sad and inspiring story.  

If you have a story you think would suit this theme, or would like to reach out to our host - email richard@whataboutyou.co.uk

Sunny Jacobs Story - Part 4

In 1976 Sunny Jacobs, with her partner Jesse Tafero was arrested and sentenced to death in America for the murder of two police officers – a crime they did not commit. 

After 17 years on death row, five of which were in solitary confinement, Sunny was proven innocent and released. Unfortunately, justice didn’t arrive on time for her partner Jesse, who was executed by electric chair after spending 15 years behind bars.

Over the next six episodes, Sunny shares her shocking, breathtaking, sad and inspiring story.  

If you have a story you think would suit this theme, or would like to reach out to our host - email richard@whataboutyou.co.uk

Sunny Jacobs Story - Part 3

In 1976 Sunny Jacobs, with her partner Jesse Tafero was arrested and sentenced to death in America for the murder of two police officers – a crime they did not commit. 

After 17 years on death row, five of which were in solitary confinement, Sunny was proven innocent and released. Unfortunately, justice didn’t arrive on time for her partner Jesse, who was executed by electric chair after spending 15 years behind bars.

Over the next six episodes, Sunny shares her shocking, breathtaking, sad and inspiring story.  

If you have a story you think would suit this theme, or would like to reach out to our host - email richard@whataboutyou.co.uk

In August 2020, Geraldine, her husband John, and their two children—14-year-old Tomás and 6-year-old Amelia—were making their way back home to Moville, Donegal, after a family trip to Derry.

Due to adverse weather conditions, their car careered off the road and ended up in the River Foyle. Geraldine was the only survivor.

This story is not only incredibly heartbreaking but also hugely inspirational.

This is Geraldine’s story.

Sunny Jacobs Story - Part 2

In 1976 Sunny Jacobs, with her partner Jesse Tafero was arrested and sentenced to death in America for the murder of two police officers – a crime they did not commit. 

After 17 years on death row, five of which were in solitary confinement, Sunny was proven innocent and released. Unfortunately, justice didn’t arrive on time for her partner Jesse, who was executed by electric chair after spending 15 years behind bars.

Over the next six episodes, Sunny shares her shocking, breathtaking, sad and inspiring story.  

If you have a story you think would suit this theme, or would like to reach out to our host - email richard@whataboutyou.co.uk

Welcome to the third season of 'What About You?' This season,  our host Richard Moore interviews individuals who have been accused and convicted of crimes they did not commit. Given the detail, each of these individual stories will be told over multiple episodes.

Sunny Jacobs Story - Part 1

In 1976 Sunny Jacobs, with her partner Jesse Tafero was arrested and sentenced to death in America for the murder of two police officers – a crime they did not commit.

After 17 years on death row, five of which were in solitary confinement, Sunny was proven innocent and released. Unfortunately, justice didn’t arrive on time for her partner Jesse, who was executed by electric chair after spending 15 years behind bars.

Over the next six episodes, Sunny shares her shocking, breathtaking, sad and inspiring story. 

If you have a story you think would suit this theme, or would like to reach out to our host - email richard@whataboutyou.co.uk

BBC comedy star, DJ and member of the award winning Folk band ‘The Young’uns’ - David Eagle shares his inspiring story about life as a blind comedian, how he finds humour in his disability and has conquered the folk music world.

An inspirational and captivating life story.

How does a North Belfast man become a yo-yo champion in his teens, overcome two mini strokes and is now a well known stand-up comedian in Northern Ireland.

In this episode, 42 year old Terry McHugh joins our host Richard Moore and shares his incredible and unique story through humour.

Belfast man Roy Walker is a stand-up comedian best known for his 15 year stint as presenter of the popular TV show ‘Catch Phrase.’  

In this podcast he talks about growing up in Belfast, his job as a ‘Catch Boy’ in the Shipyard to becoming one of the UK and Ireland’s most loved comedians, spending almost 50 years at the top.  

Derry Girl Diona Doherty is an actress, writer and stand-up comedian.  

Diona has appeared regularly in programmes such as 'The Blame Game', 'Give My Head Peace' and 'A Perforated Ulster'.  She also starred in the series 'Derry Girls'.  In 2021 she was in the Northern Ireland final of the BBC’s 'New comedy' Award.  

In this podcast Diona shares her journey from being a young girl wanting to study law to becoming one of Northern Ireland’s top actresses and comedians.

In 2020 Serena Terry, AKA Mammy Banter, took the social media world by storm. From a working mother to becoming a Comedian, Author, Actress, Presenter and Public Speaker, Mammy Banter kept us entertained thanks to her relatable and hilarious viral videos.

In this episode, Serena opens up about her life's journey and the experience of becoming a social media phenomenon.  

Nuala Mc Keever is an actress, writer and comedian from Belfast. She became a household name playing the role of 'Emer' in the BBC comedy TV series, 'Give My Head Peace' and went on to write and produce her own sketch show 'Mc Keever' which aired on UTV.  A wonderful episode filled with honesty and humour.

Tim Mc Garry is an Irish comedian, well known for his role as ‘Da’ in ‘Give My Head Peace’, the comedy  which he co-wrote and as one of the infamous ‘Hole in the Wall Gang’. 
In this episode Tim talks of growing up in Belfast through the troubles and how he went from being a lawyer to one of Northern Ireland’s most loved comedians. 

Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket from Cookstown, Northern Ireland first came to fame in the 1970's. In this episode, Jimmy chats about his journey to stardom from working in a betting office in Belfast, as a Redcoat in Butlins to then being a top comedian across the UK and Ireland.

In August 2020, Geraldine, her husband John, and their two children—14-year-old Tomás and 6-year-old Amelia—were making their way back home to Moville, Donegal, after a family trip to Derry.

Due to adverse weather conditions, their car careered off the road and ended up in the River Foyle. Geraldine was the only survivor.

This story is not only incredibly heartbreaking but also hugely inspirational.

This is Geraldine’s story.

John Linehan, AKA May McFettridge is one of Northern Irelands top comedians. In this episode, John shares his story of growing up in Belfast during the Northern Ireland troubles. A story of conflict and comedy, from humble beginnings to Northern Irelands most loved comedian.. Hear all about how Pantomime Dame May McFettridge came to be (Oh yes she did!).

Eamonn Baker, Maureen Hetherington and Anthony Russel are community-based practitioners dedicated to peace building and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.  In this podcast they discuss the significant role that ‘storytelling’ plays in the process of reconciliation.  This final episode also touches on a number of the themes emerging from the stories shared in the first series of What About You.

Patrick Magee was a member of the IRA.  In 1985 he was sent to prison for planting a bomb in the Grand Hotel in Brighton which exploded during the Conservative party conference.  Over 30 people were injured in the blast and Sir Anthony Berry MP was one of five people who were killed.  Patrick Magee spent 14 years in prison and shortly after he was released, he met Jo Berry who is the daughter of Sir Anthony.  In this episode, Patrick explains his reasons for joining the IRA, talks about the Brighton bomb and his journey of reconciliation with Jo.

The IRA planted a bomb at the Grand Hotel in Brighton in October 1984 where the Conservative party conference was being held.  Just before 3am the bomb exploded killing 5 people and over 30 were injured.  The target was Prime-minister Margaret Thatcher and the British Cabinet.  Sir Anthony Berry who was an MP at the time was one of those killed.  In this podcast Sir Anthony’s daughter Jo Berry shares her story and how  she eventually met and befriended the man who planted the bomb. 

James Greer was a member of the Loyalist Paramilitary Group, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) in the 1970’s in Northern Ireland. During a planned operation to plant a bomb, the device prematurely exploded and one of the group was severely injured and the others, including James, were arrested at the scene.  Whilst in prison, James had time to reflect and decided he would devote his time to peacebuilding and reconciliation work. This is a story of his journey from paramilitarism to peace.

In July 1975 the Miami Showband were ambushed  by a Loyalist Paramilitary group, the UVF on their way home from a gig in Northern Ireland.  Three of the band members were murdered.  Bass guitarist Steve Travers was seriously injured and in this episode he gives a graphic account of what happened on the night that became known as the 'Miami Showband Massacre'. 

27 year old David Montgomery was a part-time member of the UDR, a battalion of the British Army, when he was shot dead by the IRA in February 1981.  David’s brother Victor shares his story in this podcast, the impact the shooting had on him, his family and in particular his parents.  

Derry man Danny Toland was just 15 years old in 1976 when his father, John Toland was shot dead by a loyalist paramilitary group.  John was a 36 year old well known publican who owned a pub in Eglinton, a small village just outside Derry.  This is a shocking story of collusion, devastation, forgiveness and the search for truth.

Claire Bowes was just 15 years old when she was permanently blinded in one of Northern Ireland's worst atrocities, the Omagh Bomb in August 1998.  In this episode Claire shares her remarkable journey of dealing with blindness, becoming a mother of three and a successful business woman.  

Robin Young served as a police officer during the conflict in Northern Ireland.  During his career he responded to a number of major bombing incidents which had an enormous impact on him.  This episode provides an insight into what it was like being a police officer during a very violent period in Northern Ireland's recent history.   

In August 2020, Geraldine, her husband John, and their two children—14-year-old Tomás and 6-year-old Amelia—were making their way back home to Moville, Donegal, after a family trip to Derry.

Due to adverse weather conditions, their car careered off the road and ended up in the River Foyle. Geraldine was the only survivor.

This story is not only incredibly heartbreaking but also hugely inspirational.

This is Geraldine’s story.

This is a story of enormous tragedy and great hope. Josephine Mc Ateer is the daughter of  56 year old Gabriel Wiggins who was shot dead in Belfast by loyalist gunmen in 1976.  The father of 14 was brutally murdered when he responded to a knock at his front door.  Listen to Josephine's story of how she and her family coped in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy.  After leaving Belfast to start a new life in a County Down village, Josephine faced further heartache when she lost her son Gerard in 2003 and 6 years later, lost her son Michael. In this episode, Josephine shares her remarkable story and discusses the coping mechanisms she developed.

35 year old Bill Mc Connell was shot dead at close range by two IRA gunmen in his driveway in 1984 in front of his wife Beryl and his 3 and a half year old daughter. Bill was the Deputy Governor of the Maze prison at the time. 

Beryl share’s her story of tragedy, forgiveness and her relationship with God.

Fiona Kelly’s Father, Gerry Dalrymple was one of four men killed in March 1993 by loyalist paramilitaries.  The attack happened as the men turned up for their work in the village of Castlerock.  The shooting had a devastating impact on Fiona and the other members of her family.  Listen to Fiona's story on this weeks episode of 'What About You'.

In 1994 Belfast man Paul Gallagher was just 21 years old when he was shot 6 times by a loyalist paramilitary group.  The loyalist gang held Paul and other members of his family hostage in their home in an attempt to stage an ambush on their neighbour.  When the neighbour didn’t turn up they turned their guns on Paul.  Remarkably Paul survived the shooting but sadly sustained life changing injuries.  Listen to Paul’s story on this weeks episode of ’What About You.’  

Derry woman Fiona Gallagher shares her story about her brother Jim Gallagher who was shot dead in 1976 by the British Army, just a few days before his 21st birthday.  Fiona was seven and a half years old at the time. The shooting had a devastating effect on her, her parents and wider family.   This podcast provides a unique insight to one families experience and tragic journey living in the Northern Ireland conflict. Fiona reflects on her journey of incredible grief, terror, anger and reconciliation.

In August 2020, Geraldine, her husband John, and their two children—14-year-old Tomás and 6-year-old Amelia—were making their way back home to Moville, Donegal, after a family trip to Derry.

Due to adverse weather conditions, their car careered off the road and ended up in the River Foyle. Geraldine was the only survivor.

This story is not only incredibly heartbreaking but also hugely inspirational.

This is Geraldine’s story.

Jan spent almost 11 years in prison for a crime she did not commit. As a mother of two, she continues to fight for her innocence. In this episode, Jan opens up about her remarkable journey of survival in prison, the challenges she faced, and how she battled a serious illness while incarcerated. 

Join us as she shares her story of resilience, hope, and the ongoing quest for justice.

Learn more about APPEAL at https://appeal.org.uk/

Jan spent almost 11 years in prison for a crime she did not commit. As a mother of two, she continues to fight for her innocence. In this episode, Jan opens up about her remarkable journey of survival in prison, the challenges she faced, and how she battled a serious illness while incarcerated. 

Join us as she shares her story of resilience, hope, and the ongoing quest for justice.

Learn more about APPEAL at https://appeal.org.uk/

Jan spent almost 11 years in prison for a crime she did not commit. As a mother of two, she continues to fight for her innocence. In this episode, Jan opens up about her remarkable journey of survival in prison, the challenges she faced, and how she battled a serious illness while incarcerated. 

Join us as she shares her story of resilience, hope, and the ongoing quest for justice.

Learn more about APPEAL at https://appeal.org.uk/

 Between 1999 and 2015, over 900 sub postmasters and mistresses across the UK and Ireland were wrongly accused by the Post Office of theft, false accounting and fraud due to an error in the Post Office Horizon software.

Maureen McKelvey was a sub postmistress in Clanabogan and was among those affected and was forced to close her business after the false allegations.

Here, Maureen shares her story of the detrimental effect this accusation had on her health physically and mentally and on her reputation.