West Country’s 'know first' week: energy, donor, fitness and race stories all point to planning ahead

Energy coverage from the North Somerset Times, Weston Mercury, Cotswold Journal, Somerset County Gazette and Bridgwater Mercury said only four fixed energy deals currently beat the October price cap, with the cheapest tariffs just 2% lower [2][3][4][5][6]. Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust used Organ Donation Week to urge people to register their decision, reporting that between April 2021 and March 2026 more than 700 potential donations did not go ahead because families did not know for certain what their loved one would have wanted; this resulted in around 2,127 missed opportunities for transplant [7]. Bridgwater Mercury reported that Snap Fitness Bridgwater is set to open later this month, with staff hoping to help people of all ability levels to stay fit and active [8]. BBC News Wiltshire said thousands of runners are expected to take part in the Swindon Half Marathon 2026, with a number of roads expected to be closed [1]. SoGlos quoted Gloucestershire skin expert Karina Thomas, of ProSkin Clinic & Health UK, on what to know before considering laser hair removal [9].