Weekly round-up: Stories you may have missed

The aftermath of Storm Goretti and consultation on proposed bus fare increases have been prominent in the news this week but here's our round-up of some of the other Channel Islands you may have missed.

People are avoiding visiting the doctor in Guernsey because it is too expensive, a charity has warned.

Increases mean the average cost of seeing a GP in the island has risen to £73, up from £70.50 in 2025, according to BBC analysis of the prices listed by the island's three main providers. The States of Guernsey provides a £12 subsidy.

Jim Roberts, chief executive of the Guernsey Community Foundation, said: "Lower and middle income households are thinking, 'I just can't afford that'."

Mat Dorrian, Guernsey representative for the British Medical Association, said the cost of providing healthcare had gone up "significantly" around the world due to rising demand.

A medical student who had her limbs amputated after suffering septic shock has spoken of her optimism for the future as she settles back home.

Lily McGarry, from Jersey, fell seriously ill when she contracted meningitis B and went into septic shock while studying at Cardiff University at the start of 2025.

The 24-year-old had to have all of four limbs amputated to save her life and with support from medical staff she was able to begin the slow process of recovery. That hit a milestone last month after she was flown home to Jersey in time for Christmas with her family and friends.

"I just felt a sigh of relief," she said. "I just feel very safe here which is what I need at the moment."

A pilot and flying instructor has expressed concerns over plans for a £24m project to reconstruct an airport runway.

The proposed work involves resurfacing and realigning the main asphalt runway in Alderney, along with the taxiway and runway, with a tendering process to begin depending on the outcome of a States debate expected to take place in February.

Guernsey officials warned Alderney Airport may need to close for an "extended period" to complete the scheme in the shortest time - work could start in 2027.

Chris Blythe, Alderney resident, pilot and also a flying instructor, said he was concerned about the possibility of the airport closure which would be "brutal" and leave islanders "cut off".

An animal charity has rescued its fifth seal pup in less than five weeks.

The GSPCA said the pup, named Icicle, was found to be half her ideal bodyweight at 20kg (44lb), was in poorly condition and there was no mother in sight.

It said the pup was monitored over the weekend but due to stormy weather it was likely Icicle had been separated from her mother and quickly lost condition and weight.

Icicle was rescued near the Fairy Ring, Guernsey, on Sunday and was "doing well" at the GSPCA's temporary seal pup area.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].