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DECEMBER-JANUARY, 2019

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December/January 2019

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The best place for a life free of stress

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INDEPENDENT LIVING

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SCANDINAVIA is the best place in Europe for a stress-free lifestyle – while the UK comes out in 13th place.

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Can YOU help? n All Together NOW! is a registered charity set up to provide a tip top news service for anyone whose life is affected by disability, long-term health condtions or age. n The charity – the only one of its kind in the UK – relies entirely on support from its sponsors, advertisers, subscriptions and donations.

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TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2019 All Together NOW! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387 Company No. 5096931

Medicash hands £700K to charities

TOP HONOUR: Medicash chief executive Sue Weir receiving the Freedom of the City award from Liverpool Lord Mayor Cllr Christine Banks with Frank Field MP, right, Cllr Lynnie Hinnigan, left, and Ron Odunaiya, director of Community Services, Liverpool City Council

IVERPOOL cash plan provider Medicash is donating all of its last year’s surplus of over £700,000 to local charities and community groups.

The unprecedented move by the not-for-profit health organisation was announced at a Liverpool Town Hall ceremony at which Medicash received the Freedom of the City. Medicash chief executive Sue Weir said: “We are extremely proud of being awarded Freedom of the City. This comes on the back of achieving our most successful trading results ever in 2017. “Our commercial success means we’re now able to support even more organisations performing vital, often lifesaving work across our region who rely entirely on donations for survival.” The move was kick-started with a donation of £50,000 split across 10 local hospices. Freedom of the City is the highest nomination that can be bestowed to an organisation that

has rendered significant and valuable service to the City of Liverpool and its citizens. Medicash was recognised for its longstanding contribution to healthcare and commitment to charitable giving since 1871. Lord Mayor Cllr Christine Banks said: “Medicash’s distinguished record of philanthropy and work in healthcare means the organisation is thoroughly deserving of this award. Giving away such a large amount of money to local causes is a magnificent gesture and we were delighted to hear this announcement.” Frank Field, MP for Birkenhead and chair of Medicash, has championed Feeding Birkenhead – a project aimed at tackling food poverty which received a donation from Medicash last year. Addressing the 150 guests, he said: “There are still parts of our region where hunger and poverty are crippling families. “In addition to supporting the Feeding Birkenhead initiative, the Medicash charitable trust has

already had a significant positive impact on a wide number of organisations doing critical work in our communities. This money will provide a welcome boost to them.” Over the last ten years Medicash has donated over £1 million to health-related charities – including Samaritans, the Firefighters Charity and The Children’s Air Ambulance. Charities and community groups based on Merseyside can now apply for a grant from the Medicash charitable trust. The focus is on those providing services around the health and wellbeing of adults and/or children. Medicash employs over 80 staff at its head office in Liverpool. Many people remember the organisation as “Penny in the Pound” where workers contributed one penny for every pound they earned to help fund local hospitals who relied on funding and donations before the NHS. n www.medicash.org/charity

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

The stress-free league table finds Denmark and Sweden topping the list. Denmark led the way for happiness and fared exceedingly well on average salary against cost of living, time devoted to leisure, and hours worked. The Netherlands topped the results for their low number of hours worked in a week, averaging only 30.3 in total. They did, however, suffer a lack of bank holidays, with only nine in a year, the second lowest in all of the countries studied. The United Kingdom, while far from the lowest scoring (a position that went to Turkey) could have fared better. The UK’s holiday allowance of 28 days was the second highest in the research, falling behind only Spain, which had 30. But productivity was limited, less than that of France or Ireland, while remaining higher than Spain and Iceland, both of which proved to have a better balance overall. The UK also had a 13th position on happiness, winning out over many other major European powers, including France, Spain, Italy, and Greece in the research by credit comparison website TotallyMoney. Portugal fell to the bottom of the list, perhaps due to their low salary compared to their high cost of living, for which they also scored the poorest.

HAPPY DAYS!

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OPE is a wonderful thing. It’s what keeps many of us going! Back in 2004, few people thought that this free charity newspaper would last a year, let alone to go on to become one of the biggest and best read titles in the North West. Well, it is! And we have our ever-growing band of partners and supporters to thank for this. But finding the revenue to keep things ticking over has been especially tough this year. Thankfully, our loyal partners, United Utilities and the Steve Morgan Foundation dug deep and paid for special ‘wraparounds’. There was also continued support from Park Group, DaVinci Mobility and Allied Vehicles. We’ve also received generous donations from readers, the latest coming from friends at North West Fuels and the Unite trade union members at the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo. Our new hope is that communityminded organisations will

December/January 2019

consider covering our everincreasing printing and running costs. The Persula Foundation immediately agreed to help. They are covering the full printing costs of the next issue. The Foundation’s administrator Teresa Chapman said: “We think the newspaper is making a vital social contribution and are delighted to cover the printing costs of one of the editions during 2019.” The W O Street Charitable Foundation have also committed to contributing to costs of the April-May issue. Other organisations are also considering supporting us. It’s all looking good . . . Here’s to another exciting year – brimming with hope. And here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in February!

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Benefit fears stop take up of sport

FEARS of losing benefits are one of the main reasons why disabled people are not as active as the rest of the population, claims a new study. Kamran Mallick, chief executive of Disability Rights UK, said: “Disabled people deserve the same right to be active as everybody else, no matter whether they want to make use of their local gym or become an elite athlete. But the reality is that disabled people are still twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people.”

The Activity Trap – Page 30

THE TV production company responsible for popular quiz shows !mpossible, Tipping Point and The Weakest Link wants more disabled contestants. A spokesman said: “We are six of !mpossible, and want more than anything to represent everyone in society. “We are hoping to feature some of All Together NOW!’s amazingly funny, wonderful and darn right clever readers to appear on all of our productions, now and in the future. “We cater for every need, from ground floor hotel rooms with disabled facilities to booking accessible transport.” n www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/ takepart/ impossible

TOM DOWLING, editor

Reinvent renting

COMMUNITY housing projects and charities across the North West and North Midlands are being urged to apply for grants worth up to £50K from Nationwide. The Society is inviting applications for grants for housing projects that will strengthen local communities by supporting the most vulnerable, that find new approaches to increasing the supply of housing, or by reinventing renting for both tenants and landlords. n Closing date: 7 December 7. Applications – online or via Nationwide branches. www.nationwide.co.uk/community

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December/January 2019

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Award that’s an award winner

Damning findings of ‘Fairer Britain’ report

BRITAIN’S most at-risk groups of people are in danger of being forgotten and becoming trapped in disadvantage, warns the UK’s equality body Prospects for disabled people, some ethnic minorities, and children from poorer backgrounds have worsened in many areas of life – and could do so for generations to come, says the report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Is Britain Fairer? 2018 is the biggest ever evaluation of progress on equality and human rights in Great Britain. Disabled people, particularly, are finding themselves increasingly excluded from mainstream society, starting in education and continuing later in life. The disability pay gap persists, the likelihood of disabled people being in low-pay occupations has increased, and they are more likely to be in poverty, face poorer health and a lack of access to suitable housing. David Isaac, chair of the EHRC, said: “Britain is facing a defining moment in the pursuit of equality. Unless we take action, it will be at least a generation before we put things right.” Sue Bott, chief executive of Disability Rights UK said: “The report demonstrates what we are hearing daily; that in almost every aspect of life, the chances for disabled people are getting worse.”

Cartoons help kids

TWO short animation films have been launched to help primary school children who have a family member diagnosed with blood cancer. The animations, which are voiced by young children, explain what lymphoma is, the treatment available, and how it might affect day-to-day life. You can view the films on the Lymphoma Action YouTube Channel n www.lymphoma-action.org.uk n Tel. 0808 808 5555.

Apps to aid healing

BREAKTHROUGH technologies at Manchester and Chester hospitals that promise to revolutionise people’s lives are a step closer to becoming reality following a government competition. Smartphone apps to monitor and improve treatment of long-term complex wounds are being developed by Medical Data Systems at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, while Cadscan is working with the Countess of Chester NHS Trust to create virtual reality headsets to help people recover after a stroke, Other projects sharing a slice of a £17 million package from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund include artificial intelligence for bed availability in hospitals and 3D printing technology for tablets.

INTREE hospital is one of All Together NOW!’s biggest supporters with thousands of copies eagerly picked up by staff, patients and visitors.

CARING: The Liverpool diabetes team and, inset, Danielle McDermott

NEW HOPES OF SAVING SIGHT Fin McNicol, the hospital’s director of communications, said: “All Together NOW! has covered everything from information about our stroke services to work done by our prosthetic services.

EOPLE who are going blind due to a genetic eye condition have been given fresh hope of their vision being improved.

Scientists are hugely excited about the results of the world’s first gene therapy trial for choroideremia – also known as “retinitis pigmentosa”, the most common cause of untreatable blindness in young people. Dr Neil Ebenezer, at the charity Fight for Sight, said: “We are delighted to have been part of this breakthrough which will have huge benefits for the future. This technique could transform how we treat diseases and could have broad applicability to a range of other conditions.” The ground-breaking study, published in Nature Medicine, involved 14 patients receiving a single injection into the back of the eye of a virus containing the missing gene. By the end of the five-year study there was a significant gain in vision across the group of patients as a whole. And of the 12 patients who received the treatment without any complications, everyone either gained or maintained vision in their treated eyes, which was sustained for up to five years at the last follow up. Only 25% of the untreated eyes – which acted as controls – maintained vision. Professor Robert MacLaren the ophthalmologist who

“The newspaper is a great way of reaching people who are faced with disabilities all across the region. That’s why Aintree is so proud of the work we are doing with All Together NOW! ” n If you would like to stock the newspaper contact us now on 0151 230 0307 or email info@alltogethernow.org.uk and we will do the rest!

led the trial at the Oxford Eye Hospital – part of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The early results of vision improvement we saw have been sustained. The trial has made a big difference to their lives.” The success of the study has led to a much larger international gene therapy trial involving over 100 patients across nine countries in the EU and in North America. Last month, the European Medicines Agency formally approved its first gene therapy treatment for another eye disease. Experts predict approved gene therapy treatments for other currently incurable diseases will follow. Earlier this year it was reported that doctors had taken a major step towards curing the most common form of blindness in the UK - age-related macular degeneration. Douglas Waters, 86, could not see out of his right eye, but “I can now read the newspaper” with it, he told BBC News. He was one of two patients given pioneering stem cell therapy at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Cells from a human embryo were grown into a patch that was delicately inserted into the back of the eye. The technique was published in Nature Biotechnology. Prof Lyndon da Cruz, consultant retinal surgeon at Moorfields, said: “We’ve restored vision where there was none. It’s incredibly exciting.” However, he did not call this a “cure” as completely normal vision is not restored.

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

MORE than 400 staff from Aintree University Hospital gathered for the annual Aintree Excellence Awards. Team of the Year went to the Liverpool Diabetes Partnership, which has improved diabetes services for patients across the city by providing individual care programmes to meet the needs of complex and hard to reach patients. Danielle McDermott, Stroke Data and Quality Coordinator, was named Employee of the Year after creating a relaxation room to help patients combat some of the psychological effects of a stroke. The Proud of Aintree award, which was voted for by members of the public, went to Ward 30, which is part of the hospital’s Department of Medicine for the Elderly. Volunteer of the Year went to Eileen Saunderson, who clocked up more than 4,000 hours volunteering in the last decade and who meets and greets patients and visitors to the Elective Care Centre as well as helping with inpatient surveys and the ward trolley service. She is one of more than 800 people who give their time to the hospital as a volunteer. The Accident and Emergency team was presented with a special recognition award, acknowledging the improvements made in four hour performance against the backdrop of unprecedented levels of demand. Steve Warburton, chief executive at Aintree University Hospital, said: “I’m proud to work alongside these incredible teams and individuals who work tirelessly every day to provide outstanding care for our patients.”

HAPPY HAMPERTIME!

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EET the lucky Jackson family who’ve just won our sensational tenth anniversary Park Christmas hamper competition. “I just can’t believe that we’ve actually won the hamper,” said a delighted Mrs Linda Jackson, from Rowson Street, New Brighton.

December/January 2019

“My husband, Mark, and three children Nicola, Aaron and Kyle are all still in a state of total shock. “This is going to be a Christmas we’ll all remember for a very long time.” Linda is a massive fan of

All Together NOW! She said: “I work with children with special needs and love this paper. It’s packed with information on all sorts of issues relating to health and disability. I wouldn’t be without a copy!” Thousands entered the competition to win Birkenheadbased Park’s top of the range Empire hamper, worth £562

HAMPER WINNERS: Linda Jackson, husband Mark and son, Kyle. Picture: KEN ALMOND

Mental and physical arthritis help online

PEOPLE with arthritis can get direct help to improve their daily life via a new online service. UK charity Arthritis Action’s groundbreaking service features 16 educational videos, broken down into physical and mental aspects of living with arthritis. Expert advice comes from a team of rheumatologists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, dietitians, clinical hypnotherapists, and a selfmanagement trainer. Topics include diet, medication, X-rays, aids and devices, positive thinking, persistent pain, and weight management. The charity’s chief executive, Shantel Irwin, said: “Ten million people in the UK live with arthritis. It is the leading cause of pain and disability nationwide. “Our recent research revealed that around three-quarters of people with arthritis worry that they can’t continue to enjoy their usual hobbies, and over half find it very challenging to get around.” n www.arthritisaction.org.uk/onlinesme. Helpline, 0800 652 3188

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All Together NOW!

Airport act on shock ‘crawling man’ video

LUTON Airport has improved its policies of helping disabled passengers after a man crawled across the terminal when told his wheelchair had been left in Croatia. Justin Levene said the airport only had “desk type” chairs and did not have any loan chairs to offer him while waiting to be reunited with his own wheelchair. Now, after a video of Mr Levene crawling across the terminal went viral on the internet, the airport says it has installed 10 self-propelled chairs and set up a wheelchair loan service. An airport spokesman said: “Our team worked hard to find a solution, offering Mr Levene an assisted wheelchair as a temporary replacement. Mr Levene refused all offers.” Mr Levene said: “This is a fantastic result. Mistakes do happen and it’s important that you learn from them.”

Putting flyers first

NEW industry guidance on how airlines should assist passengers with hidden disabilities has been published by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Paul Smith, at the CAA, said: “Passengers with hidden disabilities can find airports and aeroplanes confusing and challenging environments, which is why we want to work with the industry to ensure the journey from check-in to arrival at a final destination is made as comfortable as possible.” n The full guidance document can be found at www.caa.co.uk/cap1603

Lego sensory space

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort has opened a “Total Sensory Space” for visitors with additional sensory needs. It is the first of its kind to be installed in a theme park, providing a calming environment for people who need a quiet moment. The sensory space is full of interactive sensory experiences, with vibrating bean bags, soft seating, interactive projections, bubble tubes, infinity tunnels, tactile panels, and soft lighting. A spokesperson for the National Autistic Society said: “Many autistic children love trips to theme parks where they can have fun and socialise. “But unfamiliar places, especially popular attractions, can increase their anxiety levels and overload their senses. “A calming place like a sensory room can help them to decompress, relax and really enjoy their visit. “Supportive spaces like these play an essential role in opening up the world for autistic children and their families.” n www.legoland.co.uk/sensory

TRAVEL

December/January 2019

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Venues losing out on a slice of £249bn

OURIST attractions and leisure venues are losing out on a lucrative slice of £249 billion – because they are not providing good information about access.

Disability organisation AccessAble say that almost everyone who took part in a recent survey said it was important to know about accessibility before visiting a new place and search for information in advance. But only 14% get the detail they expect and 80% find it to be inaccurate. Three in four said they feel nervous or anxious visiting somewhere new, and a similar number have not visited

somewhere due to a lack of accessibility information. Three out of four also claimed they’ve had to leave a venue after finding accessibility wasn’t what they’d expected. Dr Gregory Burke, creator of AccessAble, formerly DisabledGo, said: “AccessAble was founded on my personal experiences of trying to access the places I wanted to go and finding I just had to leave it to chance or not go at all. “We need to commit to changing a situation where disabled people and carers are being excluded from everyday life and recognise that ‘access begins online’. Everyone’s accessibility needs are different, providing trusted

accessibility information should be seen as an integral part of providing a great customer experience.” The survey also highlighted the wider need for improvement, with 68% of respondents said they had faced discrimination – physical access and staff/customer attitudes – when visiting a venue. Dr Burke added: “This is the time for organisations to do better, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because it makes business sense. Disabled people influence the spend of £249bn per year and they will go to the places that are doing the right things, a fact overwhelmingly backed up by our survey results.”

STRANDED! HALF HALF OF OF UK UK STATIONS STATIONS DO NOT HAVE HAVE FULL FULL ACCESS ACCESS

TIME FOR ACTION: Many railway stations are ‘no go’ areas for wheelchair users like Hannah Rose

ISABLED people are prevented from using almost half of the UK’s railway stations because of steps.

Research by disability charity Leonard Cheshire reveals 128 of 335 (38%) North West stations do not have full step-free access. Nationally, 40% of stations in England, 50% of stations in Scotland and 32% of stations in Wales do not have full step-free access. Many disabled people also face difficulties planning travel, due to the unclear information on step-free access from National Rail. Even at stations with step-free access, often a ramp is still needed to get from the platform to the train. This needs extra assistance, which is not always available, making it impossible for disabled people to travel spontaneously. Hannah Rose, from Northwich, Cheshire, uses a wheelchair and relies on trains to be able to visit her friends in London. She said: “I’m lucky that my local station is accessible, but that is not always the case at my destination. The lack of consistent step-free access at stations across the country makes journeys at best, a logistical challenge, and at worst,

impossible to achieve.” Leonard Cheshire is calling on people to write to their local rail operating providers to fulfil their duty to disabled passengers and provide step-free access at their train stations. The charity’s chief execeutive, Neil Heslop, said: “Poor public transport is forcing disabled people to miss out on every day events which others take for granted – from employment opportunities to social events. “Disabled people cannot continue to put their lives on hold. Rail operators must make it their absolute priority to ensure that their train stations have stepfree access, so that all their customers can travel as they choose.” n THE Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is currently looking to “significantly revise” guidance for train and station operators to make the railway more accessible for all. Stephanie Tobyn, deputy director, Consumer Affairs ORR, said: “We recognise the potential cost of changes and that they may take time to put in place, but we are ambitious in our vision of a more accessible railway for all.”

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

£1m Fylde coast plans ‘to spread across UK’

BLACKPOOL and the Fylde coast will be more accessible for disabled people, thanks to £1m funding from the Government’s Coastal Communities fund. It is the fund’s biggest grant for a disability focused project and will be run by Blackpool-based charity Disability First, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary. Alan Reid, CEO of Disability First, said: “Access Fylde Coast will be a game changer. Improvements have been made over the years to assist people with physical conditions, but this project will go far wider and also include the needs of sensory, mental health and learning conditions.

‘Hugely exciting’

“This is ground-breaking and could be a best practice model to other UK coastal towns. The Fylde coast must strive to become a more truly inclusive resort for all. “The Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre Disability Partnership have been heavily involved in terms of both the consultation body as well as having specialist knowledge on the needs of a wide range of disabilities.” Jake Berry, the Coastal Communities Minister and MP for Rossendale and Darwen, wants others to look and learn from the example. He said: “For many of us who live and work in Lancashire, the idea of opening up what I consider to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country to people who might otherwise have problems accessing it is hugely exciting. “Our coastal community teams will signpost other areas of the country to go and see what they are doing in Blackpool Fylde and Wyre – and replicate it.”

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2019

Have a Happy 2019!

HE Steve Morgan Foundation has enjoyed another very busy year and is on target to exceed last year’s record giving of £7.4 million to so many fantastic charities in our four supported regions.

The decision of chairman Steve Morgan to donate a hugely significant amount of share capital to the charity last year has been transformational, and turned the Steve Morgan Foundation into one of the largest giving charities in the UK. That has allowed us to distribute funding to even more charities, community groups and organisations, helping them have a real impact at the grass roots of society. Most importantly though, we have managed to continue our overriding principle of taking a real

foodbank, community hub or other charity, or an Enable grant of equipment to allow a young person or adult to enjoy some muchneeded freedom or independence, our Trustees take a keen interest in that person or organisation, and continue to keep in touch long after the funding has been awarded. At the end of another busy year, we want to say a huge thank you to all of those charities we continue to work with, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and plenty of celebrations; just as we will be enjoying at our annual Children’s Christmas party at Carden Park. We also send you our very best wishes and hopes of a Happy New Year. We look forward to working with even more of you in 2019.

RIDING HIGH

interest in – and caring about – the charities we support. So whether it is our first ever research grant of £3 million awarded to JDRF in their battle to cure diabetes, a funding award to a local school,

Good Will travelling

Power to the people

WORLD of adventure is opening up for 11-year-old Will, thanks to a Steve Morgan Foundation Enable grant.

E LOVE helping people to be more active.

So when we heard about the great work being done at Liverpool’s Greenbank Sports Academy we had to get involved. Our £18,000 grant has covered the cost of manufacturing four bespoke powered wheelchairs that can be used in wheelchair Power Hockey and Power Football, both of which are played at the club. Steve Morgan Foundation trustee Jonathan Masters said: “Many of the powered chairs used by the club were becoming obsolete because of the nonavailability of replacement parts. “Our grant now allows four more severely disabled people to be able to join in the fun.”

MEET THE TEAM: All smiles at the Clwyd Special Riding Centre

ORSE riding can be a great tonic for EVERYONE – improving coordination, balance and confidence.

For 25 years, the Clwyd Special Riding Centre at Llanfynydd, near Wrexham, has given independence and a sense of freedom to hundreds of people with all sorts of disabilities across Flintshire. A three year-funding

package from the Steve Morgan Foundation worth £37,449 means the centre has its own coordinator to look after their ever-growing team of 153 volunteers. Centre manager Sorrel Taylor said: “We only have a staff of 11, of which five are full time, so we rely heavily on our volunteers for our day-to-day running. “Without them we would

www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk Tel 01829 782808

cease to exist. Our Volunteer Coordinator helps us to offer activities to over 200 children and adults – aged from three to 87 years-old – every week.” The centre also has a fully accessible 18-bed holiday accommodation block for people with additional needs. Sorrel said: “The Steve Morgan Foundation funding has had a huge impact on the work we do.”

Steve Morgan Foundation

Will, from Flintshire, has a new allterrain wheelchair – complete with a Batec Mini Electric attachment that turns the chair into a powered trike. Will suffers from Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, which affects his movement and co-ordination. But this new equipment is changing things for the better. Mum Michaela says it has proved a “changing point” not just for Will but the whole family. “Running is my favourite thing,” she says. Today, for the first time ever, I got to run with both of my children alongside – or rather ahead – of me. “This has revolutionised our weekends!”

@stevemorganfdn

NEWS

First class delivery for lonely older people

POSTAL workers in Liverpool are helping lonely older people. The Anfield and Everton (L4 and L5 postcode) areas of the city have been targeted by the Government as one of the test-bed areas for the Safe and Connected scheme, in partnership with Royal Mail. It is based on the successful Jerseybased project Call&Check with postal workers calling on over 65s who sign up to participate, as part of their usual delivery rounds. Initially, the scheme is being limited to 100 people. Mark Kempster, Royal Mail Liverpool North Delivery Office Manager, said: “Our postmen and women develop a lot of knowledge about the local area and the people who live there. “We are really pleased to be doing our bit to help look out for our customers’ well-being and help put them in touch with local support services if they need it.” n Careline: Tel. 0151 233 3800.

Classroom cheers

PUPILS with special needs are to get more places and better facilities at four Liverpool schools. The funding is coming from a special £1.9 million Government grant to improve provision for youngsters with education, care and health plans (ECHP). n Clifford Holroyd Special School, Knotty Ash, will create 10 new places to take pupils from the recently closed Clarence High School run by Nugent Care charity. n Millstead Special School, Everton, and Princes Special Schools, Toxteth, will also create 10 additional places. n All Saints RC Primary School, Anfield, will have a special area for children with severe learning difficulties. n And there’s a lift on the way for Smithdown Community Primary School, Wavertree.

Low cost funerals

A NEW low-cost funeral service is being offered to increasing numbers of Liverpool residents struggling with the cost of organising a dignified send off for loved ones. Councillor Jane Corbett, Assistant Mayor for fairness and tackling poverty, said: “These funerals are open to absolutely anybody who wants them, regardless of how much money or savings they have.” The £1,000 fee does not include the following costs: Burial fee - £1,860 for a new grave (£840 if family-owned); cremation £855; medical fee - £164; minister or celebrant’s fee - £190 (approx) Additional fees apply for embalming, limousines, newspaper notices and floral tributes. n Tel. 0151 233 2840. n www.liverpool.gov.uk/ communityfunerals

December/January 2019

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PICTURED ( from left): Jamie Wheelan (Broadgreen International School), Cllr Barbara Murray, Jakob Olach (Broadgreen County Primary School), Michael Lawrence (Heygreen Community Primary School), Ashlyn Chiong (St Nicholas Catholic Primary School), Isabelle Harlow Brooke (LIPA Primary School), Bethany Fowler (St Edward’s College), Keziah Pattison (Childwall CE Primary School), Faye Nuttall (Longmoor Community Primary School), and Steve Reddy, director of children and young people’s services

CITY’S WAR ON OBESITY ‘We must do more than just change behaviours’

IVERPOOL has declared war on obesity after a study revealed two thirds of residents are overweight or obese, and almost one in three children do not have a healthy weight.

“The figures are stark. Younger generations are becoming obese at earlier ages and staying obese for longer,” said the city’s Director of Public Health, Dr Sandra Davies. CAMPAIGN: Cllr Brant and public health director Dr Davies at the launch “Unhealthy weight is a risk factor Sports Strategy, and will take action to promote healthier for a range of diseases including heart disease, eating. diabetes and some cancers. Obesity can also reduce “We will work with residents, schools, businesses and life expectancy by up to a decade, as well as causing other organisations. Signing this pledge signals a many years of ill health and loss of independence. determination to work together supporting local “We will have to do more than just change our communities to make healthier lifestyle choices easier.” behaviours. We will also have to change our physical Fiona Lemmens, GP and chair of Liverpool CCG, said: and social environments in a way that supports and “The pledge confirms our commitment as NHS partners enables an improvement in health within our to adopting a range of preventative polices which will communities.” help protect the health and wellbeing of our staff, The city council and health body Liverpool Clinical patients and visitors, and improve the health of our Commissioning Group (CCG) have now signed up to population.” the Local Government Declaration on Healthy Weight, Liverpool has also launched a Cardiovascular Disease developed by charity Food Active in partnership with Prevention Strategy, which tackles the five key factors Directors of Public Health. that have the biggest impact in preventing heart attacks, Councillor Paul Brant, cabinet member for public strokes and related conditions – diet, smoking, physical health, said: “Liverpool has championed a successful activity, alcohol and mental wellbeing. ‘Fit for Me Campaign’ through its Physical Activity and

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

Everyone a winner at sensory awards ceremony

CHILDREN with visual and hearing problems were guests of honour at Liverpool’s St George’s Hall.

They were being recognised for their hard work and dedication as part of Liverpool City Council’s Sensory Service Awards. Steve Reddy, the city council’s director of children and young people’s services, said: “Our approach is focused on supporting children wherever possible to attend their local mainstream school. “The awards are a celebration which recognises excellent progress. They are also part of our strategy to promote independence through ensuring our young people have the skills, qualifications and confidence to prepare them for a successful adulthood.” There are currently 112 visually impaired and 275 hearing impaired children supported in mainstream schools in Liverpool. Cllr Barbara Murray, cabinet member for education, said: “It’s a real honour to recognise the achievements of these remarkable young people and to share in their success. “We must also pay tribute to the great work of the sensory support services and the officers who have worked with the students and encouraged them to perform at their best. “This is a fantastic team effort that is producing outstanding results for our young

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December/January 2019

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let one job turn into lots this winter

Insulating the water pipes in your home will protect them from freezing and bursting and a simple job thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well worth doing. Follow our top tips to protect your home this winter and save yourself the misery of frozen and burst water pipes:

1. Wrap up your pipes as well as yourself Wrap your pipes with lagging to prevent them from freezing (or even bursting) this winter. Pay extra attention to the pipes in the garage, loft or outside your home, as these are the ones most likely to freeze when the temperature drops. Your local DIY shop should have everything you need; just remember to use ZDWHUSURRI ODJJLQJ IRU DQ\ RXWGRRU SLSHV 3LSH ODJJLQJ LV FKHDS DQG HDV\ WR Ç&#x2021;W

2. Find your stop tap and check that it works <RXU VWRS WDS FRQWUROV WKH Ç&#x2C6;RZ RI ZDWHU LQWR \RXU KRPH ,WĂ V XVXDOO\ IRXQG XQGHU WKH NLWFKHQ VLQN RU VRPHWLPHV LQ WKH FHOODU RU JDUDJH ,WĂ V KDQG\ WR NQRZ ZKHUH LW LV VR \RX FDQ WXUQ WKH ZDWHU RÇ&#x201E; TXLFNO\ LI \RXU SLSHV IUHH]H RU EXUVW )RXQG LW" 0DNH VXUH \RXU VWRS WDS LV ZRUNLQJ ,WĂ V DOVR ZRUWK FKHFNLQJ if your household insurance covers burst pipes.

3. Keep snug with your heating on Keeping your central heating on low during a cold spell will prevent your pipes from IUHH]LQJ 0DNH VXUH WKH KHDWLQJ FRPHV RQ ZKHQ \RXĂ UH DZD\ WRR \RX GRQĂ W ZDQW WR FRPH EDFN WR D Ç&#x2C6;RRGHG KRPH DIWHU D UHOD[LQJ ZLQWHU EUHDN Lots of modern boilers have a frost setting. Handy for preventing frozen pipes when your central heating is not in full use.

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Time to wrap up! Dark nights, cold snaps and wrapping up ZDUP ,W FDQ RQO\ PHDQ RQH WKLQJĂ¨ ZLQWHUĂ V here! Getting your home ready for the cold ZHDWKHU DQG DOO LW EULQJV PHDQV \RXĂ UH PRUH likely to stay warm and happy and enjoy a hassle free winter. Rose Francis from United Utilities says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doing just that one job of lagging your pipes to protect them from the cold will save the hassle and expense if they freeze and burst. We want our customers to enjoy D FDUHIUHH &KULVWPDV 7KH JRRG QHZV LV LWĂ V really easy to prevent this from happening.â&#x20AC;? Go to unitedutilities.com/winterwise for great tips from Craig Phillips, former Big Brother winner and DIY expert on how to keep your home warm and welcoming this winter.

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Now is time to plan for future

HOW much do you think you would have to pay for private nursing care in the North West? A new report from the consumer organisation Which? finds most of us don’t know. And those who were prepared to take a guess underestimated the cost by more than £200 a week! The actual average weekly private nursing care fees are £747 – £38,844 a year. We are facing a looming financial crisis, says Which? More than 400,000 people in the UK live in residential and nursing care homes. Almost half of these pay for care themselves, while the rest are paid for, either wholly or partly, by their local authority or the NHS. For approximately 10% of older people with care needs, the bill they face is over £100,000. Alex Hayman, Which? managing director of public markets, said: “Many people are seriously underestimating the costs of care in later life – meaning they could struggle to find highquality care for themselves or a loved one, or even face financial difficulties. “The care system can be confusing and daunting – and must often be navigated at a time of great stress for older people and their families. That’s why it’s vital that people have access to tools and resources to help them plan for the future.” To help, Which? has launched a simple online cost of care and eligibility tool: n www.which.co.uk/laterlife-care/financingcare/cost-of-care-andeligibility-checker

December/January 2019

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Here comes future of dementia care

THE SPADEWORK has started on a multimillion pound plan to transform social care for people living with dementia. Work has begun at two sites in Liverpool – a new £7.8m Dementia Hub on South Parade in Speke and at a proposed £8.2m Venmore Dementia Centre on Hartnup Street, Anfield. Each centre will provide 60 bed spaces, along with state-of-the-art care facilities for people with dementia and other long-term residential and nursing care needs. A planning application has been submitted for a third dementia hub in Stonebridge. Work is also under way on a £5.1m new 35-bed stroke facility at Townsend Lane, Anfield. This centre replaces an existing one at Hartnup Street, which is being relocated to make way for the Venmore Centre. Meanwhile, Besford House in Belle Vale has undergone a £900,000 makeover. Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for adult social care andhealth, Cllr Paul Brant, said: “The hubs will enable us to deliver a flexible service, tailored to the needs of the individual service-user.”

SLEEP WELL

DIGGING DEEP: Pictured at the Speke Dementia Care Hub site (from left) Cllr Mary Rasmussen, Martin Farran, director of adult services, Mayor Joe Anderson, Geraint Evans, director, Shaw Healthcare, Cllr Doreen Knight, Richard McLinden, chair select committee chair for adult services, and Julie Umpleby from Willmott Dixon

Lift mood, ease pain with night time aids

MALL changes are allowing older people with complicated health problems to sleep better, experience less pain and feel less depressed.

The position people sleep in can be harmful to their health, especially those with conditions such as Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and dementia, who often lie in one position for long periods. This can result in serious problems with breathing, digestion and blood circulation and, in extreme cases, even lead to death. But simple positioning equipment, like adapted cushions and supports, can make huge differences to their health and quality of life, researchers have found. In the first study of its kind, nursing lecturer Melanie Stephens and occupational therapy lecturer Carol Bartley worked with care home residents to see what difference it made using night-time positioning equipment, which is used to help people sleep in safer postures. The pair found there were big improvements to how residents slept, as well as how depressed they felt and how much pain they were experiencing, while their risk of choking decreased. Residents were aged 51-89 and had suffered from a

wide range of conditions including dementia, asthma and advanced Parkinson’s, while some were amputees and many experienced depression. Many of those taking part had better food and fluid intake, while half of them put on weight throughout the programme – critical for people suffering a deteriorating condition – and in some cases the medication they were taking was reduced or even stopped. Now the University of Salford lecturers are calling for more research to be carried out into the effects of the equipment on a wider group including younger adults. Carol Bartley said: “Many health professionals use this equipment and have been calling for research into the effect it has on adults with complex needs, but this is the first time that any serious analysis has been carried out. We’ve found the effects have been considerable across a wide range of factors.” Sarah Clayton, chief executive of healthcare company Simple Stuff Works, said: “Having worked for many years supporting people to use simple, effective nighttime positioning, we have a great deal of anecdotal evidence about their benefits. “We hope that this study will be the first of many and that older adults with complex needs will have improved access to this simple, transformative support.”

How robots can solve challenges of ageing

by KELVIN SUMMOOGUM, founder and CEO of miiCare, which uses an artificial intelligence solution to help older people live independently in their own homes

HILE ageing brings its challenges, technology is already enabling people to live at home for longer.

But computers and smartphones are not suitable for all – around 85% of the over-75s don’t use a smartphone and don’t intend to. Hence the need for more artificial intelligent (AI) technologies that are already allowing many to live in relative independence. People can now use: n Panic buttons and pendants to call for help from emergency services or family at the touch of a button. n Electronic medicine dispensers, reminder clocks and mobile apps. n User-friendly smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers, allowing people living on their own to chat to friends, relatives or healthcare professionals. n Devices such as Inirv React, which connect cookers to a sensor in your home and to a smartphone app, automatically turning it off if it hasn’t detected motion for a long time. Smart tech is also helping older people to overcome challenges caused by immobility. Robot vacuum cleaners, smartphone-controlled lights, doors and thermostats are already making living at home far more manageable. And for peace of mind, tiny sensors can be placed across the home to identify movement. miiCare – often dubbed “Alexa for the elderly” – is an example of how technology can be employed. It can be used to predict and prevent health problems, falls and other accidents, and to alert the right people to assist. Elderly people are already able to stay at home far longer than would have even been imaginable 10 years ago. With a little help from technology, we can all hope to retain independence as we age – and look forward positively to our golden years. n miicare.co.uk

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December/January 2019

Afghan victim takes on new safety mission

SH Hall was a soldier serving in Afghanistan when he was blown up resulting in the loss of both legs.

Eight years later he has transformed his life, becoming a racing driver with his sights set on the legendary Le Mans 24Hour Race. Now Ash, 27, believes his new role will allow him to use his experiences to inspire and encourage others.

SAFETY FIRST: Racing driver Ash Hall

The former Royal Engineer has become an ambassador for independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart. Ash will be advising IAM RoadSmart (formerly the Institute of Advanced Motorists) on how its courses and products can be made better for disabled customers, giving talks at IAM RoadSmart local groups, and acting as a charity spokesman. In 2010, he was hit by an improvised explosive device resulting in a shattered

pelvis and the amputation of both legs above the knee. After countless operations to provide him with greater mobility, Ash became involved with Team BRIT, which aims to be the first all-disabled team to enter the Le Mans 24Hour. Ash, from Colchester, Essex, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to be able to inspire others in a similar situation, and I am sure through IAM RoadSmart I will have the chance to do that.â&#x20AC;?

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December/January 2019

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December/January 2019

MAKING HEARTS YOUNG AGAIN . . .

CIENTISTS are working on ways to make the hearts of older people young again!

Researchers are developing exercise programmes to “keep the heart youthful and even turn back time on older hearts and blood vessels”. Dr Benjamin Levine, who described the work as “really exciting”, added: “Previous work by our group has shown that waiting until 70 is too late to reverse a heart’s ageing, as it is difficult to change cardiovascular structure even with a year of training. “Our current work is focusing on two years of training in middle aged men and women, with and without risk factors for heart diseases, to see if we can reverse the ageing of

a heart and blood vessels by using the right amount of exercise at the right time.” As we get older, arteries are prone to stiffening, which increases the risk of heart disease. While any form of exercise reduces the overall risk of death from heart problems, this new research shows different sizes of arteries are affected differently by varying amounts of exercise. Two to three days a week of 30 minutes exercise may be sufficient to minimise stiffening of middle sized arteries, while exercising four to five days a week is required to keep the larger central arteries youthful. Researchers at Presbyterian Hospital Dallas studied 102 people over 60 and found that a lifelong

history of casual exercise (two to three times a week)resulted in more youthful middle sized arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck. However, people who exercised four-five times a week also had more youthful large central arteries, which provide blood to the chest and abdomen, in addition to healthier middle sized ones. The fact the larger arteries appear to require more frequent exercise to remain youthful will aid the development of long-term exercise programmes. They also enable the research now focus on whether or not ageing of the heart can be reversed by exercise training over a long period. n The research is published in The Journal of Physiology..

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Smart flat has talking cups WARRINGTON Disability Partnership is always trying to open doors for disabled people and their families. Over the past few decades they have been providing information and services to tens of thousands of people affected by disability. Now the charity has opened the doors to an innovative Smart Flat, which is packed with all kinds of hi-tech gadgets to help people maintain their independence. The Smart Flat has voice and

switch operated openers/ closers for doors, windows, blinds and curtains, movement sensors, talking glasses, mugs, cups and microwave. There are also facial recognition security cameras, talking clocks, medication dispensers and reminders, and lots of products to help those with physical and sensory disabilities and dementia.

n The Smart Flat is open Mon-Fri (10am-2pm). Appointments are necessary, call 01925 240064.

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December/January 2019

ARM GAMES

OBOTIC arms could soon be helping stroke victims to exercise – anywhere, anytime – without the hassle of travelling to and from hospital.

A lightweight device with a heavyweight name, the mobile exo-neuro-musculo-skeleton can link to a new app to monitor progress and can serve as a social network platform for stroke patients to communicate online with each other.

It is the first time that exoskeleton, soft robot and exo-nerve stimulation technologies have been combined in this way. Dr Hu Xiaoling, at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said: “We are confident that patients can conduct rehabilitation training anytime and anywhere, turning the training into part of their daily activities.” Her team say the device can be commercialised in two years.

A brisk walk adds years to your life A

TEN minute brisk walk rather than just counting steps is the best way to improve our health AND can save us from an early death, say experts. In England, one in five middle aged adults are physically inactive, doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week. Many adults struggle to fit in exercise, with not enough time (30%) cited as the main reason for those in the North West, followed by not feeling motivated (25%) and being too tired (27%).

BALL game that makes exercising weakened arms and hands more fun has scooped the £50,000 prize in this year’s Inventor Prize.

Guilem Singla Buxarrais and Dimitris Athanasiou invented the Neuroball, which connects to an online platform, allowing users to play games of increasing complexity throughout the recovery process. Cambridge-based Urologic, led by Nawar Al-Zebar, received the £15,000 second prize for their NuCath catheter,

‘A brisk walk has health has improved so much,’ says Graham Ward

Public Health England is now encouraging adults in the North West to join the 600,000 across the country who have downloaded the free Active 10 app in order to briskly walk into a healthier life. Graham Ward, 63, from Stockport, Cheshire, pictured, downloaded the app to help him live a healthier life after being diagnosed with diabetes. He said: “It is amazing how easy something as simple as briskly walking has had such a positive

Tel 0151 230 0307

which uses smart materials to replace the standard Foley catheter. The NuCath device is easier to use and, it is claimed, could reduce infections by up to 50%. Ed Rogers, from Bristol Braille Technology CIC, received the £5,000 third prize for the Canute 360 Braille e-reader, which can be used to read mathematical formulas and tables in textbooks, as well as musical scores. . The awards are funded by Nesta (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

impact on my life in so many ways. My physical health has improved so much.” Dr Juliet McGrattan, PHE North West Physical Activity Champion, said: “Regardless of your age and activity level, I’d advise everyone to find ways of including a 10-minute brisk walk during their day. If you’re taking medication for a long-term health condition, you’ll notice even more benefits from walking briskly for 10 minutes.” n Download the Active 10 app from iTunes app store (for iOS), Google Play store (for Android).

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Switch to a Skwitch?

FIRST came Skoog, the ground-breaking, musical cube that anyone can play. Now comes Skwitch, a pocket-sized electronic musical instrument that fits into your palm and allows you to connect to your iPhone to make music at the touch of a button. The device was created by the pioneering UK company Skoogmusic and is on sale via Apple and Amazon with an RRP of £44.95. There is nothing quite like it on the market, children can jam along with songs, compose and mix new tunes by connecting to apps and even use it to explore coding. It’s compatible with the new iPhone XS Max, XS, XR and previous models as far back as 6S.

Brill for braille

A NEW – and much cheaper – device that converts text into braille has been launched by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. The charity says the Orbit Reader 20 is available at a fraction of the cost of other devices and will open up the language to many blind people for the first time. Claire Maxwell, at RNIB, said: “This revolutionary product shows our commitment to breaking down the major cost barrier that has prevented many blind and partially sighted people being able to enjoy the reading freedom of braille.” Price, £499. Members of RNIB’s Connect group can get the device for £399. Tel. 0303 123 9999.

Roll on . . . and take over at the wheel All Together NOW!

December/January 2019

New centre to make access easier

HE country’s first ever specialist centre to open up access to the countryside for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs is open for business.

The new National Land Access Centre, located Oxfordshire’s Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve, has been designed to help and advise on the installation of gaps, gates, and stiles to meet the new British Standard for improved countryside access. Natural England research shows that more than 20% of the population cannot use public rights of way, either because they can’t use stiles or kissing gates themselves, or they are accompanying someone who can’t. Lord Blencathra, deputy chair of Natural England, said: “This project is the culmination of many years of partnership working and determination to ensure that our countryside can rightfully be enjoyed by everyone. “Improved access will help to connect more people with their natural environment, giving them a chance to enjoy our countryside, its open space and fascinating

wildlife– all key aspects of the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan.” Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Sarah Newton said: “Getting out into the countryside is an experience that many of us take for granted, but for disabled people it can often be much more difficult to access nature. The National Land Access Centre will play an important role in ensuring everyone can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty our country has to offer.” John Cuthbertson, chairman of the Disabled Ramblers charity, said: “I’m over the moon. Open access has got the ability to transform lives. We look forward to using the centre to test the new structures, helping to shape the future of access to the countryside.” Visitors to the centre will be able to access specialist equipment, try out new designs and touch and test real examples in situ to fully understand this new equipment in operation. They can learn about its installation and maintenance, and see what compliance with the British Standard looks like in practice.

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ALL ABOARD, SKIPPER: Andy Beadsley, director of The Wheelyboat Trust

F YOU use a wheelchair user you will know how difficult it can be to get on and off boats.

Well, not only can you roll on and roll off the specially built Wheelyboats – now you can actually take the wheel! For over 30 years the Wheelyboat Trust has been making boating accessible for disabled people through its specially adapted boats. Apart from powerboating, fishing and general leisure pursuits, the Coulam V20 boat is also used as rescue and safety craft, water taxi, workboat, harbour launch or cargo carrier. Now comes the 2019 model, which features a drive-from-wheelchair helm as well as a digital instrument display with a multitude of readings that keeps the driver informed of the outboard’s status and performance. The binnacle mount throttle is fitted to be in easy reach of wheelchair-using drivers and the stainless steel wheel has a factory fitted knob as an additional aid for steering.

Stainless st seating for am down to prov For more ad on the floor a strapping poi Roll-on, roll lowers to form have been re and accessib In terms of p world’s lighte n Tel, 01798

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December/January 2019

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Irton House Farm

HAPPY HO LID AWARD 2 AY 012!

A warm welcome is waiting for you at our superbly scenic, fully accessible self catering cottages in the Lake District.

www.irtonhousefarm.com 017687 76380

All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. Tel, 0151 230 0307 news@alltogethernow.org.uk www.allthogethernow.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1106387

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SHOPMOBILITY

n ALTRINCHAM . Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 631564 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151 355 1420 n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan. Tel 01942 777 985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre. Tel 0161 747 2684 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01606 288820 n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691 656882 n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438 n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204 667 n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 710144 n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743 236900 SKELMERSDALE. Tel 01695 550066 n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 240064 n WARRINGTON. Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411 WIDNES: 0151 511 8833 n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070 n WINSFORD Tel 01606 557550 n WREXHAM. Tel 01978 312390 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM. Snow Hill Railway Station. Tel 0121 236 8980. Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring. Tel 0121 616 2942 n STAFFORD. Tel 01785 619456 n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel 01782 233333 n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel 0121 355 1112 n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827

December/January 2019

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Let’s make making music easy for us all

USICIANS and parents of disabled children are being urged to make music making more accessible for everyone.

And if you take part in the online survey there’s a chance you could win £100 for your efforts. The current National Plan for Music Education aims for “equality of opportunity for all pupils” – but there are widespread concerns that we’ve a long way to go to achieve this goal. Now a consortium of Arts Council funded organisations is calling on parents – and everyone connected with music in the UK – to help them gather

data on the barriers facing disabled people with regard to access and participation in music. Mary-Alice Stack, chief executive of Creative United, one of the partners involved in the survey, said: “We are determined to ensure that disabled people of all ages are given every opportunity to participate fully in music, and

that both the music education and retail sectors are better equipped and prepared to respond to the access needs of disabled customers” n The Take It Away online survey, organised by Creative United, Drake Music, Open Up Music, The OHMI Trust and Youth Music, is open until 15 January. n www.takeitaway.org.uk/

THE FIVE lucky winners of our spring flower gardening competition are: Mrs B O’Brien, Beech Street, Fairfield, Liverpool (“I picked up my copy of All Together NOW! at the Royal hospital, Liverpool) Mrs M Astley, Eastmoor Drive, Clitheroe, Lancs (Clitheroe Library) P Harris, Crosslee Road, Blackley, Manchester (Asda Harpurhey) Mrs B Hunter, Clifton Road, Southport (Southport & Formby hospital) Derek Wynne, Redcar Road, Bolton (Bolton Central Library) All winners receive £20 vouchers from Sutton Seeds.

Mike’s amazing trek to help the homeless

MAN who 10 years ago lost the ability to walk completed a remarkable 250-mile Trans-Pennine hike to help formerly homeless people.

Derek Cash’s Southport-Hornsea trek raised funds for the Emmaus charity that support previously homeless people by providing them with a home and work. A decade ago, Derek went from being a reasonably fit and able 53year-old, doing a job he loved, to someone who could not carry out many of the basic everyday things that we take for granted. Following tests, scans and consultations, he was diagnosed with acute peripheral

neuropathy and had to teach himself to walk again. Derek, now a board member with Your Housing Group, said: “At the lowest points I thought I would never walk or work again

and long-held retirement dreams of cruising our wonderful inland waterways system instantly evaporated. “Six months on – and with the terrific support of my wife and employers – I was back functioning relatively normally and could once again look over the horizon with optimism. “It taught me that well-worn lesson of making the most of better health to do the things we want to and enjoy while we can, as we never know when it might come to a crashing halt!” n Emmaus Merseyside, tel, 0151 928 1588.

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n ANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933 n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support. Tel 01253 472 202. Textphone 01253 476 450 n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853 n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655 n DENBIGHSHIRE Tel 01745 354445 n ELLESMERE PORT DICE Tel 0151 355 1420

n HALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. 0151 480 4090 n LANCASTER DISC Tel 01524 34411 n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People. 0151 263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076. n ACSIL (Amputees and Carers), Tel, 0151 261 1166 n THE BRAIN CHARITY Tel 0151 298 2999

n MANCHESTER (GTR) Coalition of Disabled People Tel 0161-273 5154 n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n NELSON: Pendle Pakistan Welfare Association. Tel 01282 603 616 n PRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863. Text 01772 204 787 n RHYL Tel 01745 350665 n STOCKPORT: Disability

Stockport. 0161 480 7248 n WARRINGTON Disability Partnership. 01925 240064 n WIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Disability Resource Centre Tel 0121 789 7365

n Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 n STOKE: Disability Solutions Tel 01782 683800 n WOLVERHAMPTON Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552 n WEST MIDS Amputee

Group. 07891 794733; 07585 958322; 07557 228154

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All Together NOW!

December/January 2019

Strawberry Fields forever works wonders

HE song Strawberry Fields Forever broke new ground for John Lennon and The Beatles.

Now, the old Salvation Army children’s home that inspired the hit is breaking new ground, too, as a training centre for young adults with learning disabilities. Run by The Salvation Army, The City of Liverpool College and local employers, the Steps to Work course gives students experience in customer services, retail, garden maintenance, business administration and catering. Tina Callaway’s son is one of the first cohort of trainees: “My son, Anthony, is 19 and is on the autistic spectrum. “He has learnt loads at college which has been wonderful, but what he now needs is an extra step, an extra lot of training which helps him to transfer the skills he’s learnt, builds his confidence and gives him support. And that’s what Strawberry Field aims to do.”

VISUAL PROBLEMS n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 233332 n BARROW Tel 01229 820698 n BIRMINGHAM Action for Blind Tel 0121 665 4200 n BLACKBURN Tel 0125 554143 n BLACKPOOL: N-Vision Tel 01253 362696 n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014 n BURNLEY Tel 01282 438507

ALL TOGETHER NOW: A choir of young people with learning disabilities recording their version of the iconic song at the world-famous Abbey Road studios

Mobile hospital

ATIENTS at Warrington hospital can now get all the advice and products they need to help with their independence, thanks to a new one-stop disability shop.

OPEN FOR INFO: Dave Thompson, seated, CEO at WDP, Mayor of Warrington Cllr Karen Mundry, Steve McGuirk, chair, Warrington & Halton Hospitals NHS Trust, Mel Pickup, chief executive , and, right, John Gartside, chair WDP

Steve McGuirk, chair at the Warrington and Halton NHS Trust, said: “This new service – run by Warrington Disability Partnership – will provide our patients and staff with direct access to mobility and independent living products, as well as peer support, information, advice and guidance to disabled people, from disabled people, at the point where people need it most.”

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 n CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474 n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland) Tel 01539 726613 n GUIDE DOGS Tel 0118 983 5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 234 or 0151 708 7055

n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West) Tel 0800 587 2252

n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 HEARING ISSUES n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180 n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre. Tel 0161 273 3415

Genie Networks. Tel 0161 941 4549. Text 18001 0161 941 4549 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902 420904 n N WALES Deaf Association, Tel 01492 542235

CARERS’ CENTRES

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 nCUMBRIA Carlisle. Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith. Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON Helpline:0300 102 0008 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 nLIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 442 0442 n WARRINGTON (WIRED) Tel 01925 633 492 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 683711 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 nDOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE

All Together NOW!

FLASHBACK

December/January 2019

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The mystery behind a special thorn bush In 1958, a flowering thorn bush was planted in the grounds of a Merseyside church.

This was said to be a cutting from the famous Glastonbury Thorn, which still grows in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, in Somerset. Legends say that this was the staff of Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy merchant who was the uncle of the Virgin Mary, and so the Great Uncle of Jesus of Nazareth. The legend also says that, when Jesus was a young boy, he travelled the world with Joseph as his guardian, and that they both came to England. It was from this story that the poet William Blake took the theme for his poem, ‘Jerusalem’, which he wrote in 1804. At the Crucifixion, Joseph is said to have collected some of Christ’s blood, as Jesus hung on the cross. He did so using the chalice used by Jesus and his disciples at the last supper.

Joseph then returned to England with the chalice – now known as the Holy Grail, and itself passing into legend. As he travelled around England’s ‘green and pleasant land’ he came to what was to become Glastonbury. Joseph stuck his staff in the ground. When he awoke, he found that it had sprouted as a thorn tree in full flower. This date was January 5th, which was to become Christmas Eve. But, in 1752, the calendar was changed by Pope Gregory, and the date of the first flowering now falls on the 6th of January, which is our modern 12th day of Christmas

and also Epiphany ~ which marks the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus in the stable. The tree flowered twice a year – once at Christmas and once at Easter. It survived for hundreds of years, but was chopped down by Puritans during the Civil War. However, local people had already taken secret cuttings from the original thorn, and had planted them around the town. The Glastonbury Thorn was replaced with one of these cuttings and continued to grown on Wearyall Hill. The ruins of Glastonbury Abbey now surround the site. The thorn bush planted at All Hallows Church, Allerton, is believed to have been taken from one of the secret, 17th Century cuttings. However, it soon died. The date of its final removal is uncertain, but it is said that a cutting from the thorn was salvaged, and that it still grows in secret, in someone’s garden in Allerton!

MATCH OF THE DAY

n KEN PYE tells about the First World War ‘Christmas Day Truce’, the strange story behind a thorn bush in a Liverpool park, and some very special angels …

n Ken’s new book, Liverpool’s Military Heritage, is available from his website: www.discover-liverpool.com

CHRISTMAS Eve 1914: The Western Front

CHRISTMAS DAY TRUCE: The memorial statue at St Luke’s church, Liverpool

As the British and German troops faced each other from their respective trenches, the spirit of Christmas settled over the battlefield. The shooting stopped and, in the eerie silence, the German troops began decorating the parapet of their trench with lighted candles. This prompted a few soldiers from each side to risk climbing out of their dugouts, and making their way towards each other, across

the barren battlefield. Without their weapons, they approached each other tentatively – hands extended in friendship: When they met they exchanged greetings, hand-shakes, and cigarettes. The soldiers, and their officers agreed not to shoot at each other at all during the following day – Christmas Day: Kurt Zehmisch was one of those soldiers, and his war diaries were discovered in an attic near Leipzig in 1999. This is how Kurt described what happened after they returned to their trenches: Afterwards, we placed even more candles than before on our kilometrelong trench, as well as Christmas trees.

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It was the purest illumination — the British expressed their joy through whistles and clapping. Like most people, I spent the whole night awake. It was a wonderful, if somewhat cold night ... In the morning, the English brought a soccer ball from the trenches, and pretty soon a lively game ensued. How marvellously wonderful, yet how strange it was. The English officers felt the same way about it. Thus Christmas, the celebration of Love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends for a time. The British troops who fraternized with

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Messengers from Heaven

THE word angel literally means messenger. In the Christian story of the nativity it was the angels who first announced the birth of Jesus, as the Son of God and Saviour of the world. They did so to the shepherds on the hillside as they were tending their sheep. The Bible describes angels as dressing in white, gleaming like lightning, and wearing clean, shining linen with gold sashes around their chest. But they can also appear in the most humble and ordinary of guises. The Bible says: ‘Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it’ (Hebrews 13:2). At Christmas, especially across Europe, images of angels appear as a central part of festive decorations, and particularly on Christmas cards. The Christmas tree angel also reminds us of the most important message that Christmas brings us, that we should remember to spread “Peace and goodwill towards mankind” – the true meaning of Christmas.

Zehmisch and his comrades were the men of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, the battalion of Robert Graves and Siegfried Sassoon. In his book ‘The War the Infantry Knew’, Captain J. Dunn, a medic in the Royal Welsh, recorded how hostilities resumed on Boxing Day: At 8.30, I fired three shots in the air and put up a flag with ‘Merry Christmas’ on it, and I climbed on the parapet. He put up a sheet with “Thank you” on it, and the German Captain appeared on the parapet. We both bowed, and I saluted and got down into our respective trenches, and he fired two shots in the air, and the war was on again.

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December/January 2019

Transplant gives new life to gun horror victim

MEDICAL NOTES

Alarming North West rates of liver disease

n FOUR years ago an 18-year-old American teenager tried to kill herself, blasting a bullet through her chin, causing devastating damage to her mouth, nose, and eyes. n Now Katie Stubblefield has become one of the youngest people in the world to receive a face transplant.

BRAVE FACE

ATIE Stubblefield’s wit shows through when she describes her face transplant surgery.

“Longest nap of my entire life,” she says. Those unfamiliar with Katie’s stilldeveloping speech pattern may not easily make out those words, but her parents are usually there to interpret. Robb and Alesia Stubblefield have been by her side – helping her “take four steps forward, two steps back,” as Robb describes it – since Katie, then 18, endured severe facial trauma and significant complications from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on March 25, 2014. It would take a team of 11 surgeons and multiple specialists to perform the hospital’s third face transplant – and its first total face transplant – on Katie. At 21, Katie was the youngest person in the United States to receive a face transplant, and one of the youngest in the world. And, indeed, it was extensive. The surgery included transplantation of the scalp, the forehead, upper and lower eyelids, eye sockets, nose, upper cheeks, upper jaw and half of lower jaw, upper teeth, lower teeth, partial facial nerves, facial muscles, and skin – with 100% of her facial tissue effectively replaced. Despite the success of the transplant, Katie’s journey is far from over. She currently remains unable to see, and she has also undergone additional surgeries to improve function in her tongue and jaw.

But the path forward – to college (she would like to be a counsellor, or a teacher), to independence, and to walking down the street “and blending in,” as Katie describes it – seems reachable at last. Katie had suffered life-threatening, severely traumatic injuries from her gunshot wound. While the single bullet pierced through her mouth and nasal cavity, exiting her skull between her eyebrows, it miraculously only grazed her brain tissue. By the time her parents arrived at the hospital, Katie was already in surgery. It would be the first of more than a dozen operations she would receive in the ensuing years. “The surgeons were very matter-of-fact with us,” said Robb. “No gloom and doom, but no peaches and cream, either. One of them – an elderly gentleman – said it was the worst case he’d ever seen.” And then the physician used a phrase Robb had never heard before, in all his life. “He said, ‘outside of a face transplant, I just don’t know.’” Katie was flown hundreds of miles north of her home in Oxford, Mississippi, and admitted to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. From the moment of Katie’s arrival, the team had the end goal of face transplantation in mind – as facial reconstruction alone would not correct her facial disfigurement or improve her quality of life. But it took three years to the day before

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doctors found a donor. Including her face transplant, Katie has endured more than 17 operations. Collectively, those procedures have given her the capability to breathe, chew, and swallow more effectively. She’s also able to use her face to better express emotions. A year later, her medical team decalre Katie’s transplant a success. She has not suffered any signs of rejection, or side effects from being on immunosuppressant drugs, and a series of subsequent operations to fine-tune certain areas (including her tongue to improve speech) have gone as planned. In a statement Katie prepared for the media, she spoke of her gratitude to everyone involved. “I am forever grateful for the care this hospital has given me and continues to offer on my journey of recovery and healing,” she stated. “And to my donor and her family – words cannot express the appreciation I have for this incredible gift. With a grateful heart, I say thank you to all who have made this possible for me.” Mum Alesia believes Katie is just beginning her journey: “I don’t know how exactly, but I know Katie will help people. I feel in my heart she will. I just want Katie to enjoy life and make a difference in society. And I want her to be able to be independent.” Dad Rob added: “We have a road to go yet. But we’re thankful that we have a road.”

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THE rate of people being admitted to hospital and dying from the most severe form of hepatitis C-related liver disease is almost twice as high in the North West as it is for England as a whole. A report from Public Health England North West suggests at least 40,000 people across the North West acquired hepatitis C infection in 2016, and of those 27,000 have developed chronic infection. It also shows the number of infected people who have not been diagnosed remains high. Many people may be unaware because they have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but they could be at risk of liver damage as well as passing on the infection. Figures show that Greater Manchester is the worst affected area, while Lancashire and Liverpool also have high numbers. Those most at risk in the North West are people who inject drugs or have injected drugs in the past – especially if they have shared injecting equipment. Evdokia Dardamissis, from PHE North West, said: “We encourage anyone who believes that they may be at risk to ask their GP or drug services to be tested for the virus. This is an infection which can be cured in most people.”

Sleeping mindfully

MINDFULNESS is more than just a buzzword for our times – evidence suggests it helps with everything from stress and anxiety to recovering from illness. Now it seems it can also help people with fibromyalgia get a better night’s sleep. A team at the University of Derby have conducted the first-ever study looking at whether mindfulness can improve the sleep of those with the condition. The results showed those using mindfulness experienced significant improvements in sleep quality, insomnia and sleepiness during the day.

Acupuncture plea

GPS are being urged to consider referring their patients for acupuncture to treat a range of conditions. Mark Bovey, head of research at the British Acupuncture Council, said: “Acupuncture can make a real difference to patients with low back pain, headache and migraine and osteoarthritis. In some cases it has even been shown to be more effective than pharmaceuticals.” n BAC: Tel 020 8735 0400.

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MEDICAL NOTES

Loosen up: Key to knee osteoarthritis

A GROUNDBREAKING study aims to find a way of helping people with painful osteoarthritis in the knee. Scientists in Manchester are helping sufferers to manage their pain with the use of movement sensors. About 10% of people aged over 55 have troubling knee osteoarthritis, of whom around a quarter are severely disabled. People with the condition often suffer severe pain and in extreme cases need knee replacement surgery. The condition happens when cartilage around the knee joint becomes worn – as well as age, being overweight is a major risk factor. Those affected tend to walk in a way that over-tenses their knee muscles. Scientists now believe treatments that tackle this stiff gait, which increases loading on the knee, could hold the key to reducing pain. Dr Steve Preece, research centre director in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Salford, is leading the research. Under the new technique, small sensors placed on the knee muscles are used to provide information to patients on how they are coordinating their leg movements during everyday tasks, such as walking. With this feedback, patients learn to improve their muscle control and consciously reduce muscle tension. Dr Preece explained: “People don’t realise they’re doing this and are amazed when they see how different their muscle coordination is from a healthy person. At present scientists are not sure why people with knee osteoarthritis over-tense their muscles. “Currently physiotherapists give these patients exercises to strengthen their muscles but we are exploring whether it would be better to find ways of helping them coordinate their muscles instead. “If we can improve their muscle coordination, and reduce their pain through less invasive treatments, that would be a major improvement on current practice as well as much cheaper for the NHS.” Wendy Manock, 80, one of the patients to take part in the programme, said: “I really have found it very beneficial. We have to train ourselves to relax, as the tightening of the muscles is what causes the problems.” Dr Preece is working with Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, as well as Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

December/January 2019

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Coeliac disease: Are you suffering in silence?

ALF a million people in the UK are unaware they are living with coeliac disease.

Coeliac is a serious condition that could lead to osteoporosis, infertility and, in rare cases, small bowel cancer. A study carried out for the Coeliac UK charity, also found one in four adults with the condition were previously misdiagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However, the biggest independent charity for people who need to live gluten free, said diagnosis rates had improved between 2011 and 2015. The research was commissioned by the charity from the University of Nottingham. The condition affects one in 100 people.

finding answers to other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes. “But the fact that it still takes 13 years on average for a person to be diagnosed is unacceptable and is creating severe long term health problems for many people.” Coeliac disease is caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, mouth ulcers, anaemia, repeated miscarriages and neurological problems. n The charity’s online assessment www.coeliac.org.uk/isitcoeliacdisease allows people to quickly check if they should ask for a blood test. n Coeliac UK Helpline: 0333 332 2033.

TAKE AN MOT

Survival rates soar if cancer caught early

EALTH MOT clinics have been diagnosing lung cancer in dozens of people – despite them having no symptoms.

It’s good news because survival rates are much better in those diagnosed early with the disease. The groundbreaking project to detect lung cancers before symptoms even appear has already found and treated more than 40 new cases. Liverpool has one of the highest mortality rates for lung cancer in England, It’s also estimated that over 6,000 people live with undiagnosed COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) across the city. But a new study by Queen Mary University London and the University of Liverpool on the impact of the Healthy Lung MOT clinics has found they are bucking that trend by finding more cases of lung cancer and COPD at an early stage, when it’s most treatable. The Healthy Lung programme has been inviting those aged 58 to 75, who have ever smoked and live in areas where lung disease rates are highest, to attend a routine lung health check – or lung MOT – at their GP surgery. In total, the clinics have successfully found and treated 43 cases of lung cancer among Liverpool residents since the programme

Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Coeliac UK, said: “It’s fantastic that the research shows around 45,000 people were diagnosed between 2011 and 2015. “But with half a million people in the UK still without a diagnosis we’ve a long way to go.” Ms Sleet continued: “Coeliac disease is one of the most understood autoimmune conditions and therefore has potential for

The key to fixing footy injury

KEYHOLE surgery for the groin pain suffered by many football stars works better than physiotherapy, say experts. Researchers studied two treatments for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a problem with the hip’s ball and socket joint. In some people the ball is more egg shaped than round which can cause it to rub unevenly against the socket. Probably the commonest cause of groin pain in footballers, and often mistakenly diagnosed as chronic groin strain, it is most common in young adults and people who do sports. Now a team from the Universities of

launched in summer 2016, and continue to spot one to two new cases every month. The study findings show 10% of those attending a clinic with no previous history of COPD received a first-time diagnosis of the condition. Symptoms include a cough with phlegm, breathlessness and wheeze. The vast majority of these cases have been found at early stage too, allowing action to be taken to stop symptoms worsening. GP Ed Gaynor, a member of the Healthy Lung Programme team, said: “The findings in this study are great news for Liverpool. “But we also know many more people across the city could be putting their health

HALF A MILLION people are reading these pages . . .

Warwick, Bristol and Keele has conducted the world’s first randomised trial to highlight the benefit of hip arthroscopy, a keyhole surgery procedure that can repair damage and reshape the ball to make it round. Professor Damian Griffin said: “Now hip surgeons like myself who specialise in looking after young active people are turning our attention to identifying the people who are most likely to benefit from hip arthroscopy. “We want to work out how to help these people recover in the shortest possible time, getting them back to work, everyday life without pain, and their sport.”

at risk unnecessarily by not attending a lung health clinic. If you have received a letter from your GP inviting you to attend, please don’t ignore it or put it off.” Ex-smoker Jane Gavin attended the clinic. She said: “I felt quite worried when I first received my letter inviting me to a lung health check because I had been a smoker in the past. “But the nurse I saw was very reassuring. We had a chat about my general health and she did a breathing test with me – the results of which were fine. “It felt like a huge weight lifted and I felt encouraged that the lifestyle changes I’ve made over the years really have helped to improve my health.”

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December/January 2019

A revolution in diabetes control comes a step closer

AN artificial pancreas that automatically releases the correct amount of insulin could be the future for people with Type 1 diabetes. Exciting results from a research project show that the artificial pancreas is better at helping people to manage their glucose levels than the best currently available technology. People who used the artificial pancreas spent 65% of time with glucose levels in range, compared with 54% for people using a continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump. During a three-month trial, people on the system also experienced greater reductions in HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin, which can lead to diabetes-related complications.

Happy ‘n’ healthy Chrimbo!

The artificial pancreas, also known as a closed-loop system, consists of three pieces of technology – a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pump, and a computer programme – that work together to automatically deliver precise amounts of

background insulin, as and when needed. Rachel Connor, from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, said: “Type 1 diabetes is a challenging condition, but these results take us a step closer to changing the lives of the 400,000 people that live with the condition in the UK.” Scientists will continue to gather evidence so that closedloop systems can be approved for use in the UK. Professor Roman Hovorka, from the University of Cambridge, who led the research, said they would be looking to commercialise their computer programme so people could use it with any pump and any CGM to make an artificial pancreas.

may highlight a hearing problem. So, be alert to even small differences, as latest research shows that hearing loss can increase someone’s chance of developing dementia by 2-5 times if left undiagnosed. Stay physically active THE British Heart Foundation revealed that British people spend an average of 178 hours sitting down over the festive period – make sure you’re not one of them! A daily walk will improve your health. Just 15 minutes of brisk walking a day can add up to seven years to your life. If you need to stay indoors, play games with your younger family members, whether that be a kickaround with a football or an exaggerated version of classic charades! Take it easy TRY not to stress out too much. Enjoy the

There’s one wee to be absolutely sure

ONLY one in six North West adults aged 50 and over check their pee when they go to the toilet, meaning they might not notice blood – a key symptom of bladder and kidney cancer. The colour of blood in your pee can vary – from very diluted, to bright red or even dark brown, like the colour of weak black tea. Blood in pee is a symptom in almost two thirds (64%) of all bladder cancers and around a fifth (18%) of kidney cancers. Blood might not appear every time, so it is important that people seek medical help even if they notice it just once. Worryingly, nearly half of those surveyed in the North West said they would not seek medical advice if they saw blood in their pee just once, and two out of five said they would wait and see if it happened again, potentially putting off a vital diagnosis. Early diagnosis is critical; four out of five adults diagnosed with kidney cancer and three quarters of those diagnosed with bladder cancer at the earliest stage (stage 1) will live for at least five years. At a late stage (stage 4), this drops to around only one in 10 people (10% and 9% respectively). Latest figures show that every year in the North West, around 1,777 people are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer and around 723 people die from these diseases.

Find your heart age

CHRISTMAS is notoriously about indulging and making merry with those close to you – but it’s important to take a step back and think about your health, as well as the health of your family and friends, before the festive season starts. We asked Dr Hilary, GP & health broadcaster, to share his festive tips . . . Avoid the temptations THE average British person consumes 6,000 calories on Christmas day, three times the average daily amount for women! And let’s not forget the calories of alcohol. It’s also a depressant – and it lowers your sleep quality. The weekly recommendation is 14 units a week which equates to seven 175ml glasses of wine or seven pints of lager, so don’t be afraid to say no to that extra glass of mulled wine! Choose anti-oxidant rich dark chocolate over the super sweet liqueur filled selection; seek vitamin rich foods like sweet potato, spinach and broccoli to keep your energy levels up; limit your alcohol intake, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Keep an eye on loved ones LOOK out for any changes in their behaviour – for example, feelings of lethargy or weakness may be an indicator of type 2 diabetes; physical unsteadiness may be an indication of osteoporosis; and being asked to repeat what you have said

MEDICAL NOTES

holidays by spending time doing what you want to do rather than constantly catering for the needs of others. Four out of five of us find Christmas stressful, so it’s important to switch off and take some time for yourself. Set yourself a New Year’s resolution SEE the New Year as an opportunity for reevaluating where you are in life, and where you’re headed. Set yourself some goals, but it’s important not to be too ambitious – make sure it’s something you really want to achieve. Take time to really consider areas in life you wish to improve – perhaps you want to start a new fitness regime, get a promotion at work or write a book – create a realistic timeline for yourself to make your goal achievable.

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PEOPLE across the North West are being urged to take an online heart attack test. The advice comes after a survey found almost four out of five residents have a “heart age” higher than their actual age. Across the region there are around 8,096 deaths from heart disease and 4,243 deaths from stroke each year. About a quarter of these deaths are in people under 75, and four out of five of those are preventable if people make lifestyle and behaviour changes to improve their heart health. Of those quizzed, 35% have a heart age over five years and 16% at least 10 years over their actual age. Charlotte Simpson, from Public Health England North West, said: “Tens of thousands of people across the country are at risk of cardiovascular disease but don’t realise it. “Knowing your heart age is a simple way of finding out whether you’re at risk of a heart attack or stroke. By making important lifestyle changes you can reduce your risk before it’s too late.” n www.nhs.uk/oneyou/ be-healthier/ check-yourhealth/heart-age-test

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December/January 2019

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BOX OFFICE CONTACTS

‘till Jan 19: The Snow Queen. Everyman, Liverpool. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto, unlike any other. ‘till Jan 19: Dick Whittington. Theatr Clwyd. The Purrrrrfect BLACKPOOL SALFORD Panto for Cool Cats & Rockin’ Grand Theatre: The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 Rats! ‘till Jan 19: The Scouse 01253 290190 NEW BRIGHTON Cinderella. Royal Court, BOLTON Floral Pavillion: Liverpool. Dec 4-31: The Wonderful Octagon: 01204 520661 0151 666 0000 Wizard of Oz. University of CREWE Bolton Stadium (Octagon PRESTON: Theatre). BSL Dec 9, 5.30pm. Lyceum: 01270 368 242 Charter Theatre: Relaxed performance Dec 12 2.15pm. Captioned, Dec 20 LIVERPOOL 0845 344 2012 7.00pm. Audio described Dec Empire: 08444 999 999 RHYL: 22, 7.00pm. Dec 4-Jan 5: Wicked. Palace, Everyman & Playhouse: Pavilion: 01745 330 000 Manchester. A huge, bright, 0151 709 4776 RUNCORN colourful production that’s full of wonder and joy. BSL Dec 6, Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 The Brindley: 7.30pm. Audio described Dec 11, 7.30pm. Captioned Dec Unity 0151 709 4988 0151 907 8360 13, 7.30pm. LLANDUDNO SOUTHPORT: Dec 4-31. Raymond Briggs’ THE SIXTH annual relaxed performance of Disney’s hit Father Christmas. Venue Cymru: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380 West End musical THE LION KING goes ahead at Waterside, Manchester. See London’s Lyceum Theatre on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at 01492 872000 ST HELENS: Page 27. BSL, Sat 8 Dec, 6pm 1:30pm. and Fri 21 Dec, 11am. MOLD: Theatre Royal: 01744 Relaxed performances are specially adapted to be Relaxed Performance: Fri 21 accessible to a wide range of audiences such as those Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565 756000 Dec 11:00 with autism, those with a learning disability or anyone Dec 5-8: Nativity! The MANCHESTER STOKE: with a sensory predisposition. Musical. Regent, Stoke. Filled Trained staff will be on hand and dedicated quiet areas with the Spirit of Christmas, a Opera House: Regent Theatre: inside the theatre will be available for anyone needing to must see show for the festive 0870 401 9000 0844 871 7627 season. BSL Dec 6, 7pm. leave their seat. Touch tour 1pm and Audio n www.thelionking.co.uk/relaxedperformances Palace: 0870 401 3000 described 2.30pm Dec 8. Dec 6-Jan 3: Cinderella. Charter Theatre, Preston. Comedian Phil Walker writes, directs and stars. Dec 7-Jan 6: Beauty and the Beast. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. A brand-new spectacular panto for all the family. Audio described/signed Dec 15 and Dec 22, 2pm. comedy. Dec 19-22: Our Bev’s Christmas Dec 8-Jan 12: Spymonkey’s A Gretel: and Hansel 6: 14-Jan Dec Royal Court, Liverpool. Cracker. Christmas Carol. Playhouse, Liverpool. A Fairytale Detectives. Theatr Clwyd. Dust Hilarious mixture of story, comedy brilliantly funny flight of theatrical for prints, crack codes, and chase and song. fancy. Audio described Jan 2, immersive this in suspects down 22-Jan 5: Dick Whittington. Dec 7.30pm. Captioned Jan 5, Helens. Timeless classic tale about the boy Theatr from adventure n Christmas Colwyn. A family pantomime Theatr 2.00pm. Relaxed performance who never grew up. Theatre. Paperfinch and Clwyd adventure. Jan 8, 5.30pm. Dementia friendly Dec 10-Jan13: Beauty and the Beast. The Jan 9-29: The Rocky Horror Show. BSL Jan 3. Jan 8, 5.30pm. Brindley, Runcorn. Spectacular scenery, House, Manchester. BSL Jan 24, Opera the and Jack 6: 14-Jan Dec Dec 8-Jan 6: Aladdin. Floral dazzling costumes, hilarious jokes, singBeanstalk. Lyceum, Crewe. Starring 8pm. Audio described Jan 25, Pavilion, New Brighton. Packed with along songs and fun for all the family. BSL the legendary Cannon & Ball. 4.30pm all of the traditional pantomime ingredients. Dec 30, 5pm, Relaxed Jan 6, 7.30pm Dec 14-Jan 6: Jack and the Jan 10: Elkie Brooks. The Lowry Dec 8-30: Cinderella. Opera House, Dec 11-12: Christmas Gothic. The giant A Empire. Liverpool Beanstalk. Theatre). Still one of the best (Lyric Manchester. Pantomime starring Coronation Brindley, Runcorn. A Victorian of a pantomime. Relaxed voices. Street’s Connor McIntyre (Pat Phelan) and tradition of presenting three seasonal performance Jan 2, 2pm. Jan 10-12: Dick Whittington and his Cat. TV presenter, comedian and actor Les tales of terror to scintillate the Beast. the and Beauty 14-30: Dec Pavilion, New Brighton. Join Dick and Floral Dennis. BSL Dec 13, 7.00pm. Audio gooseflesh for dark Christmas Southport Theatre. his cat for an exciting adventure of fun. described Dec 19, 7.00pm. Relaxed Dec nights. Dec 14-Jan 6: Robin Hood. Regent, Stoke. Jan 11: Cinderella. Grand Theatre, 20, 1.00pm. Dec 12-Jan 5: Aladdin. Pavilion, A show packed full of comedy, action, Blackpool. Performed by the Russian State Dec 8-30: Cinderella. Venue Rhyl. Escape to a world of magic, and glitz of plenty and adventure of Siberia. Ballet Cymru. BSL Dec 15, 1pm. Audio where adventure beckons. glamour. Relaxed performance Jan 11: Fastlove - A Tribute to George described Dec Dec 13: Our Rita’s Christmas Comedy Jan 2, 2pm. Michael. Regent, Stoke. Get ready for an 16, 1pm. Relaxed Gala. The Brindley, Runcorn. Festive unforgettable evening celebrating the global Dec 14-17: Santa’s Christmas Dec 28, 1pm. comedy night of entertainment. superstar. Party. The Brindley, Runcorn. Dec 8-Jan 13: Dec 13-15: Terry Titter’s Court by the 12: Let Me Entertain You. Regent, Jan particularly show, family Interactive Peter Pan. Baubles. Royal Court, Liverpool. Stand up JK as Robbie Williams . Stoke. olds. year 2-7 for suitable Theatre Royal, St

The mane attraction

LET’S GO PANTO! Compiled by CHRIS GROVES

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December/January 2019

Sit in on Santa’s big night

Jan 16-26: The Band. The Lowry (Lyric Theatre). A new musical with a beautiful story. Perfect for anyone who grew up with a boyband. Jan 17: Moscow City Ballet presents Romeo & Juliet. Palace, Manchester. Moscow City Ballet is at its outstanding best, performing to acclaim around the globe. Jan 18: The Elvis Years. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. A world class cast, authentic costumes and rare film footage. Jan 18-19: Moscow City Ballet presents Swan Lake. Palace, Manchester. Presented in classic Russian style with full orchestra. Jan 18-20: 019 Dance. Regent, Stoke. Dance companies from all over Staffordshire, Cheshire and the Mid-West perform new innovative dance routines creating a celebration of hope. Jan 22-26: Saturday Night Fever. Palace, Manchester. Spectacularly re-imagined in a big new music and dance extravaganza. Jan 24-Feb 2: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Octagon, Bolton. In fear that her mother might blow a fuse, Little Voice escapes to her attic room and discovers she

can sing like Bassey, Garland, Piaf, Springfield, and Holliday. Is she bound for stardom? Audio described Jan 30, 7.30pm, Captioned Jan 31, 7.30pm. Jan 24: Max Boyce. Theatr Clwyd. Max Boyce’s tour has been extended into 2019 due to overwhelming public demand. Jan 24: Girl Power - The Spice Girls Experience. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Tribute show. Jan 24-26: Swan Lake. Regent, Stoke. Moscow City Ballet returns with the stunning Swan Lake, presented in classic Russian style with full orchestra. Jan 25: Bowie Experience. Charter Theatre, Preston. A spectacular concert celebrating the sound and vision of David Bowie. Jan 25: The Magic Of Motown. Southport Theatre. Prepare yourself for 40 back-toback classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship. Jan 25-26: Alice in Wonderland. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Presented by Blackpool

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SANTA is arriving early this year – and he’s certain to put a huge smile on everyone’s faces. Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas is on its way to the Waterside arts venue in Trafford, Greater Manchester. Children of all ages will delight in Briggs’ grumpy but loveable Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Watch as he prepares his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night. With plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry, this critically-acclaimed adaptation of the much-loved book is a delightful festive treat for everyone. n Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas. Waterside, Manchester. Dec 4-31. BSL, Sat Dec 8, 6pm. Combined BSL and Relaxed Performance, Fri Dec 21, 11am. n Tel, 0161 912 5616

and Fylde Children’s Pantomime. Jan 26: Max Boyce. Pavilion, Rhyl. Don’t miss out on the unique experience of seeing Max live in concert, Jan 26: Hal Cruttenden: Chubster. Theatr Clwyd. His daughters chose the title of his new show. He’s now on a diet. Jan 27-29: ShenYun. Liverpool Empire. This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. Jan 28-Feb 9: Kinky Boots. Regent, Stoke. A musical inspired by a true story. With songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this fabulous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Jan 29-Feb 16: Jersey Boys. Palace, Manchester. This smash hit musical has won 57 major awards worldwide. BSL Feb 7, 7.30pm. Audio described Feb 12, 7.30pm. Captioned Feb 14, 7.30pm. Jan 31: The Bob Paisley 100th Anniversary Show. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. To mark the 100th anniversary of

Bob Paisley’s birth, four of his great Liverpool players – Ian Callaghan, Jimmy Case, Alan Kennedy and Phil Neal are on stage to salute and reflect on his unrivalled achievements. Feb 1: The Searchers Farewell Concert. Pavilion, Rhyl. With total record sales of more than 50 million, The Searchers have been touring the globe, entertaining audiences of all ages for more than 50 years. Feb 2: Lipstick on your collar. Charter Theatre, Preston. Step back in time to the golden era of music where the jukebox roared and feet didn’t touch the floor. Feb 2-16: Annie. Opera House, Manchester. Direct from London’s West End. Feb 2-3: Bing Live. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. The perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families. Feb 7: Hits of Motown 2019. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Live Music.

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Books

Family guide to a happier home life Create Your Own Happy, by Penny Alexander & Becky Goddard-Hill, Harper Hollins, £9.99

A FUN-FILLED activity book with easy-to-follow exercises and happy life lessons for the whole family. Packed with interactive activities like planting a seed bomb, crafting a recycling monster and making a happy playlist, this gem sends out the message that “Your happiness is your superpower”, giving children the ability to shape their future and “make happy happen” by spreading happiness around them. It’s a book of uplifting anecdotes that explain in simple terms the science behind what makes you happy or sad, offering practical help and a fun approach that will appeal directly to both children and parents.

Dr May’s prescription A Journey with Brendan, Book Guild, Price £8.99

DR MAY Ng’s inspiring book is filled with a wide range of resources and practical advice for parents of children with autism. Through her knowledge, both as an award-winning paediatrician and as the mother of a boy with autism, May provides a first-hand account of bringing up a child with the condition. Today, Brendan is a happy 13-year-old in an autism school and is able to do many things they once believed might not be possible.

Fantasy families... Children of the Earth, by E. J. Jackson, Troubador, £8.99

WELCOME to a fantasy world that explores characters who battle with autism and mental health issues. E.J. Jackson, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, says: “My characters have autistic traits and make decisions the way autistic people do, as well as other mental health issues.” The story begins with the five families all tasked with watching over the earth and all its inhabitants. They were given unique gifts and abilities that made them stand out, but before long the people of the world soon began to get extremely jealous of the families and started to see them as a threat.

December/January 2019

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ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

transformative Solar Eclipse. The changes ahead will give you a positive outlook that attracts even more good fortune. A Lunar Eclipse on the 21st brings the end to a public position you’ve held. Taking more exercise will help you relieve stress and increase your energy level.

A power struggle will erupt in early December. A Lunar Eclipse on the 21st finds you benefitting from a big risk. Confessing a crush or taking a financial gamble was daring, but it was the right move. Spending Christmas away from home is a strong possibility. You’ll end the year on a high note. A Solar Eclipse on January 6th gives you an extraordinary opportunity to exercise your leadership ability. On the 21st, a Lunar Eclipse will mark a turning point on a romantic relationship. If you’ve been dating someone special, you could decide to get married or engaged. Do you already have a partner? Your amour could give you a beautiful token of their esteem, causing your confidence to soar. If you’ve been working on a creative project, you can bring it to a successful conclusion.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

The Solar Eclipse on the 6th changes your world view. On the 21st, a Lunar Eclipse will bring the end to a property matter. You could sell a piece of land, buy a new home or both. If you’re happy with where you are living, a grown up child could leave the nest or a home improvement project will come to a close. Christmas will be a cosy, intimate affair spent with your nearest and dearest. 2018 will end on a romantic note; prepare for a passionate encounter with an ardent admirer. A life changing trip is in the cards in early January. The Lunar Eclipse on the 21st spells changes to your domestic routine. It’s also possible a young adult will leave the nest or a home improvement project will be concluded.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

An unexpected windfall will arrive on or around the 6th. An inheritance, legal settlement or insurance refund will transform your lifestyle. The Lunar Eclipse on the 21st will prompt you to finish a creative project or withdraw from social media. Although you’ve enjoyed sharing your thoughts with others, it’s time to replenish your intellectual stores. You’ll spend Christmas rubbing elbows with stimulating people; let someone introduce you to their culture’s holiday tradition. Ring out 2018 with someone who makes your pulse pound. The beginning of January will be a profitable patch for you. On the 21st, a Lunar Eclipse will mark the end of an educational programme. Don’t pass up an invitation during the second half of the month.

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

The Solar Eclipse on the 6th paves the way for a powerful partnership. If you’re not interested in love, you could join forces with an accomplished business partner. This will be a great time to become your own boss. On the 21st, the Lunar Eclipse will bring a source of income to a close. This will leave you free to pursue a more rewarding line of work. January’s Lunar Eclipse on the 21st brings the end to a labour of love. Although you enjoyed this line of work, you’re ready to try something new. Moving into a hi-tech field will be very rewarding. Not only will you have a chance to learn valuable skills, you’ll also be given a greater measure of independence.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

The Solar Eclipse on the 6th is the best time of the entire year to begin a health regime. Overhauling your diet and exercise routines will result in a happier, healthier you. Christmas will be a time of lovely surprises. If you get a chance to celebrate with friends who live overseas, do so. Ringing out 2018 in exotic surroundings will set an exciting tone for the New Year. January’s Lunar Eclipse on the 21st puts an end to a role you’ve performed for a long time. Although you’ll be sad to leave your old life behind, it will be exciting to make a fresh start. Take this opportunity to enrol in university,

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

travel the world or launch a creative project. After performing your duty for such a long time, you’re ready to embark on an adventure.

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

A love affair will give you an attractive glow on the 6th, courtesy of the romantic Solar Eclipse. If you’re looking for a partner, you will find one. It will be difficult to resist the charm of an accomplished person. The Lunar Eclipse on the 21st prompts you to tie up loose ends in style. You’ll be able to spend Christmas relaxing in the company of friends. If you’ve been longing to spend quality time with your amour, sneak off to a quiet hideaway together on New Year’s Eve. A Solar Eclipse on the 6th invites you to let your hair down and have some fun. This is a great time to fall in love, go on vacation or enter a contest. Would you like to earn a money or reward? Sign up for a competition; you just might win the top prize.

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

The Solar Eclipse on the 6th marks a big change in your home life. Moving to another place, welcoming a baby or elderly relative to your household and changing your citizenship are all possibilities. This change will have a profound effect on your entire life. If a relative leaves an inheritance to you, use this money to create long term financial security. Throw a big Christmas party that includes both old and new friends. It’s time to bring separate parts of your life together. New Year’s Eve will be quite romantic, when your amour surprises you with a fun outing. January brings changes to your home life. There’s a chance you’ll be welcoming a youngster or elderly relative to your household.

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

Adopting a positive attitude will attract a loyal following, while a snarky attitude will create fame that is only fleeting. The Lunar Eclipse on the 21st brings a satisfying end to a job or public office. This will leave you free to enjoy a relaxing Christmas season. New Year’s Eve urges you to get a head start on a health regime. Spend the final days of 2018 by cleansing your body of toxins. Terrific news could arrive on the 6th, thanks to a

An impressive moneymaking opportunity will arrive on or around the 6th, thanks to an enriching Solar Eclipse. On the 21st, a Lunar Eclipse will find you returning from a journey. You’ll be able to spend Christmas at home with your nearest and dearest. Don’t be surprised if you hear news of an engagement on New Year’s Eve. If you’re the one who is tying the knot, 2019 promises to be one of your most festive years ever. The Solar Eclipse on the 6th attracts a welcome opportunity. You’ll become more practical and diligent. On the 21st, a Lunar Eclipse could mark the return from a trip. Coming home to someone who loves you will give you a new lease on life. Alternatively, you might collect a diploma or publish an article, book or short story.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)

You’ll undergo an impressive transformation in the days surrounding the 6th, thanks to a powerful Solar Eclipse. The Lunar Eclipse on the 21st brings the end to a power struggle. You’ll be able to spend Christmas at home with loved ones, enjoying old traditions that make you feel happy, comfortable and secure. New Year’s Eve will be a quiet affair, spent with a few close people who make you excited about 2019. Happily, the focus will move from work to home. On the 6th, a Solar Eclipse will catapult you into the spotlight. If you’ve been longing to change your lifestyle, this is the ideal time to do so. You’re tired of walking on eggshells.

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

The Solar Eclipse on the 6th find you embarking on a spiritual crusade. You’ll have an opportunity to devote more time and energy to activities that make life meaningful. Instead of worrying about money and status, you’ll cultivate contentment through solitary activities like writing, reading or communing with nature. Traveling to stay with nearby relatives is a strong possibility at Christmas. New Year’s Eve will be a quiet affair, spent recharging your emotional batteries after a busy holiday season. The opening days of January invite you to rest, relax and recharge your batteries. Sign up for a class, join a new social group or attend some lectures.

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

The Solar Eclipse on the 6th poses an excellent opportunity to join a political group, professional organisation or creative society. A Lunar Eclipse on the 21st causes you to break bad habits and overcome addictions. Do whatever you can to promote radiant health. Christmas finds you making a splash at a glamorous party. New Year’s Eve is best spent in the company of supportive friends. Surround yourself with people who share your values; they’ll help make your dreams come true in 2019. Your social circle will undergo dramatic changes at the beginning of January. If you’ve been working towards a fitness goal, you will achieve it around the end of January. Give yourself a handsome reward for your hard work and diligence.

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WIN a patio full of colour and veg!

RING colour and fresh produce to your patio or balcony in 2019 with one of three Grow Trugs® from top seed firm Thompson & Morgan.

The trugs come with £20-worth of vegetable seed – making each prize worth £40 in total. The Grow Trugs ® have durable metal frames which make them easy to erect and take down and their convenient height eliminates bending or kneeling when tending to the plants. Plants are grown in the lime-green liner, made of felt with a sewn-in membrane to help maintain moisture levels. The liner is suitable for growing strawberries, vegetables such as carrots and beetroots, salads like lettuces and rocket, and herbs such as chives and mint. Annual flowers will also flourish in it or flowers and produce can be mixed.

The trug, which comes with a two-year guarantee, can be moved around the garden to make the most of the best growing positions and is easy to take if you move home. To enter the competition, answer this question: Which fruit is suitable for cultivation in the Grow Trug ®? Send your entry with your name and address on a postcard or sealed envelope, stating where you picked up your copy of All Together NOW!, to Grow Trug ® Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday, January 18, or enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk

HAPPY HOLLY DAYS

HINK about holly and the chances are you’ll think about Christmas.

Along with ivy and mistletoe, holly, sporting shiny, spiny leaves and blood-red berries, invokes the Yuletide spirit more than any other plants. Holly and ivy were immortalised in an 18th-century pop song that became adopted by the church as a carol, while mistletoe … well, you know what that’s for. All three are essentially wild plants but two at least can be grown in a reasonable-sized garden. Holly has long been credited with the power to ward off evil and it was thought that bad luck would strike anyone who took an axe to a holly tree. Hollies grow in virtually any soil or conditions, tolerate pollution, make thick, impenetrable hedges and are

n To see the full range of Thompson & Morgan plants and products, go to www.thompson-morgan.com

CHECKLIST

PORTABLE AND CONVENIENT: The handy Grow Trugs

WINTER WONDER: The holly J.C van Tol

N FOR most of the 20th century, IVY was considered too dull for gardens. However, it has made a spectacular comeback. The varieties Goldheart, Sulphur Heart, Little Diamond and Pedata are among many fine garden varieties. N Mistletoe was sacred as a sex symbol to Druids and Vikings. Some people try to grow mistletoe on a garden tree – but there’s not much point unless you can take ripe berries from a tree. N When the sprigs are cut for selling, the seeds inside the berries are usually too immature to be viable. So the mistletoe hung in the hall is good for only one thing.

good for topiary. Not only are their berries colourful – there are varieties with margins and splashes of yellow or cream. Most hollies bear male and female flowers on separate plants. That means male plants cannot produce berries - and neither can the females, unless there is a male within 30m (100ft) to ensure pollination by insects. If there are other hollies in your

neighbourhood, grow a prolific berry-producing female specimen such as Alaska. But, if there are no other hollies nearby and berries are your priority, grow one of the self-fertile kinds, J.C. van Tol or Pyramidalis, both of which produce red berries without outside help though their leaves lack the prickles generally considered attractive in hollies. Some varieties, such as Amber

Stunning Salford

THE Royal Horticultural Society plans to create a stunning new 62hectare (154-acre) garden in the North West – RHS Garden Bridgewater at Worsley New Hall, Salford. First phase of the £30m project includes the restoration of a fourhectare (11-acre) walled kitchen garden, one of the largest in Britain. Plans also include a learning centre for schools. RHS directorgeneral Sue Biggs said the site has “a range of habitats from woods and lakes to streams and meadows” and would become “one of the most beautiful and inspiring gardens in Britain”.

and Bacciflava, have berries that ripen yellow. The leaves of some hollies are so beautiful that berries hardly seem necessary. Silver King, which strangely is female, has shimmering green leaves edged with silver, and Golden Queen – a male, equally oddly - has gold-edged leaves. Container-grown hollies are easy to establish when planted in holes enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost, given plenty of water at planting and watered again for a year or more afterwards when the ground is dry. Despite every precaution, newly planted hollies will occasionally shed their leaves. This is nothing more than a defence mechanism, triggered by insufficient water at the roots, especially in windy, exposed places. Given care, they usually recover.

FLOWERS: There are two schools of thought on keeping dahlias over winter. Many exhibitors lift and store the tubers after the stems have been blackened by frost. People who grow dahlias for garden decoration only often get better results by leaving the tubers in the ground and covering the area with a thick mulch. SHRUBS AND TREES: If frost is severe enough to lift the roots of autumn-planted shrubs, firm them back in after the thaw. Heavy snow can break branches of evergreen trees and shrubs so brush it off. Virginia creeper and other rampant climbers on house walls should be pruned well clear of gutters and windows to allow for the new year’s growth. PATIOS: Move patio pots into the sunniest position and raise them on bricks or pot feet so they do not stand in puddles after winter rains. LAWNS: When frost strikes, keep off the grass to avoid causing dead patches. PONDS: Clear fallen leaves from the surface before they sink and pollute the water. When ice covers the pond, allow gases in the water to escape by using a saucepan of boiling water to melt a hole. Never use a hammer to break the ice as the shock waves can harm fish. FRUIT: Cut down the canes of autumn-fruited raspberries to ground level but not the young green canes of summerfruiting varieties. These should be tied to wires stretched along the row. Prune gooseberry bushes for shape and thin out overcrowded branches. HERBS: Pot up roots of mint in 22cm (9in) pots and keep them under glass to provide early shoots when they will be most appreciated early next spring. GLASS: Wash greenhouse pots and trays in warm, soapy water, then soak them in a weak solution of household bleach at 5ml to 1 litre (1.5 fluid ounces to a gallon) of water to kill disease spores. HOUSEPLANTS: Water only when the compost is nearly dry but continue to feed varieties still to flower. Keep plants in good light, away from radiators and fires.

All Together NOW!

December/January 2019

The Accumulator Quiz

STARSPOT CROSSWORD Can you find the celebrity name hidden in this Starspot Crossword? Complete the crossword in the normal way then make a note of the letters contained in all the squares which are marked with shaded stars. These letters will make an anagram of the name you are looking for. 1

★

★ 11

★

12 16

★

22 19

★

22 23

★

★ 31

ACROSS

DOWN

2. 7. 8. 9. 10. 12. 15. 17. 18. 19. 21. 22. 23. 26. 28. 29. 30. 31.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 20. 21. 24. 25. 26. 27.

Small amount (7) Citrus fruit (4) Lazily (4) Pasta dish (7) Office table (4) Amphibian (4) Promenade (5) Absolute emptiness (6) Kettle stand (6) Living-room (6) Roll of parchment (6) Banish (5) Homework (abbrev.) (4) Glimpse (4) Excessive fatness (7) Overt (4) Slacken (4) Abandoned (7)

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120. QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Which of the following is affected by the medical condition rickets? A Bones B Heart C Lungs D Skin

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Which US east coast city is served by Logan International Airport? A Baltimore B Boston C Atlantic City D Bridgeport

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Which cartoon character was hunted by Elmer Fudd? A Donald Duck B Road Runner C Bugs Bunny D Yogi Bear

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: What, on a boat, is a sprit? A A spar B An oar C A chain D A sliding hatch

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: Which London bridge is the starting point of the annual university boat race? A Chelsea B Battersea C Hammersmith D Putney

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: From where does the sandwich get its name? A The Earl of Sandwich B A brand of white flour C The Sandwich Islands D A type of bread oven

Stare amorously (4) White liquid (4) Remove weapons (6) Powerful, convincing (6) Literary manner (4) Behind time (4) Unfold (7) Shut off from contact (7) Jealous (7) Wholly (7) Soft sweetmeat (5) Cease-fire (5) Scope (6) Toboggan (6) Stout cord (4) Small pool (4) Looked at (4) Bygone (4)

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: What vegetable do Americans call zucchini? A Spinach B Mangetout C Courgette D Brussels sprout QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: Which of these creatures has the longest lifespan? A Elephant B Blue whale C Giant clam D Condor

EASY

6 8

Musician Sting – see question 8

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: What is congou? A An early type of varnish B A pigtail stew C Chinese black tea D A fragrant tree resin QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: What is the subject of the books by C.J.J. Berry which have sold more than three million copies? A Gardening B Winemaking C Stamp collecting D Trainspotting

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Musician Sting rose to fame as the lead singer of which English band? A The Cure B The Smiths C The Clash D The Police

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: To which post was Sir Martin Rees appointed in 1995? A Poet Laureate B The Queen’s Press Secretary C Astronomer Royal D Master of the Horse

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: What is a quinella? A A type of racing bet B A 500th anniversary C A species of soapbark tree D A five-pronged fork

KAKURO

There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, and you should not have to guess.

1 9

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: The Monarch of the Glen was painted by which artist? A Dante Gabriel Rossetti B Sir Edwin Landseer C Thomas Gainsborough D William Blake

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Which of the following would you be searching for if you went fossicking? A Fossils B Gold C Meteorites D Insects

SUDOKU

DIFFICULT

2 3 5 8 6 9 5 9 6 3 4 6 9 7 9 3 3 1 2 4 6 9 1

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6 8

8 7 3 5 4 2

1 7 8 3 2 1 6

3 4

3 6 8

7 4 6 9 1 5

Fill in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it. Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners. You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

MEDIUM 9

14 13

13 15 17 6

4 9

7 16

27 17

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3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

2 ABC

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

1 []â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Telephone dialling pads combine several letters on one key. Here we have encoded several sets of words or items by using numbers rather than letters. Then we have divided them into groups of three characters and run all the names one after another to make your task a little more difficult. Can you crack the codes?

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

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December/January 2019

6 2

2. groups of islands 226 279 122 532 742 162 534 837 132 555 263 124 266 351 425 272 467 173 924 355 371 847 446 174 385 263 167 563 912 967 371 327 631 724 559

3. cosmetic items 627 227 213 937 423 691 263 912 888 371 258 743 716 245 182 764 741 547 456 771 368 632 846 617 373 863 127 669 371 774 637 132 231 769 337

4. birds of prey 772 776 942 951 677 739 162 774 142 774 371 289 927 315 378 735 173 315 483 173 734 746 316 375 461 548 853 169 514 653 361 324 531 462 29

5. measuring equipment 227 663 837 173 366 383 714 344 371 268 683 717 733 366 383 712 566 317 737 787 312 833 178 537 182 731 632 787 318 437 666 383 712 663 837

6. UK rivers 896 313 379 368 128 259 331 893 331 993 368 124 731 936 786 225 316 363 133 361 929 133 312 266 163 914 732 816 873

PATHWORDS

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find the surnames of 18 rock and pop stars.

Can you place the six dominoes (right) into the grid below in such a way that the number of spots in all four rows across and all four rows down totals 11?

E W

Y M A

G G

H M U O

MISSING LINK Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both (e.g. FRONT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DOOR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAT). The initial letters of the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out an aromatic spice.

1. parts of a theatre 287 824 612 834 867 486 167 243 787 217 481 782 431 366 713 737 746 417 666 178 255 713 693 712 691 633 423 177 672 364 861 272 412 289 255

I G

N O N

C L

O N

N O

RASH

TOW

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

WRITTEN

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

BOOK

SEA

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

DUTCH

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

BLOCKED

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

A M R I W R TRANSFORMER

TREE PRESS

A C B

E D

COFFLE 1) A gang of

slaves tied together;

MAKE A DATE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Here is an unusual word with three definitions, only one of which is correct. Can you identify the right definition?

STINGING

WORD WIZARD

661 187 174 633 773

2) A colloquial term used by

In which year did all three of these significant historical events take place?

New Yorkers for a coffee

1. England cricketers regain the Ashes from Australia using the controversial bodyline tactics.

stall; 3) A small

2. The iconic film King Kong, starring Fay Wray, opens in New York.

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word. Clue: Worry about the diligent investigator.

____ +ER=_ER___

ornate presentation

3. The London Underground diagram designed by Harry Beck is introduced to the public.

box,

WAS IT? a) 1930; b) 1933; c) 1936; d) 1939; e) 1942.

of-pearl.

decorated with mother-

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: Clapton; Franklin; Presley; Turner; Bowie; Armatrading; Cohen; Minogue; Richard; Bassey; McCartney; Ross; Streisand; Stewart; Jagger; Jones; Cocker; Easton.

4 7 1 9 3 5 2 6 8

2 9 6 8 4 1 7 3 5

8 5 3 2 7 6 9 1 4

3 1 4 7 5 9 8 2 6

SUDOKU EASY

7 8 2 6 1 4 3 5 9

5 6 9 3 8 2 4 7 1

9 3 5 1 2 8 6 4 7

1 2 8 4 6 7 5 9 3

6 4 7 5 9 3 1 8 2

4 1 7 5 8 3 2 6 9

5 6 8 7 9 2 1 4 3

9 3 2 1 4 6 7 8 5

6 2 4 3 1 8 9 5 7

& $

) *

' 4 +

; 8

0 6 2 :

< 5

(

CROSS CODE

1 8 5 4 7 9 6 3 2

7 9 3 2 6 5 8 1 4

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

2 5 1 6 3 7 4 9 8

8 7 6 9 5 4 3 2 1

3 4 9 8 2 1 5 7 6

17 27 8 4

1 6

2 9

9 17

8 3

4 9

3 8 15 13

KAKURO MEDIUM

2 1 3 4 6 16

2 9 8 19

Accumulator Quiz 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C. Starspot Crossword Across â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 Modicum; 7 Ugli; 8 Idly; 9 Lasagne; 10 Desk; 12 Newt; 15 Front; 17 Vacuum; 18 Trivet; 19 Lounge; 21 Scroll; 22 Exile; 23 Prep; 26 Espy; 28 Obesity; 29 Open; 30 Ease; 31 Ditched. Down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Ogle; 2 Milk; 3 Disarm; 4 Cogent; 5 Mien; 6 Slow; 10 Develop; 11 Seclude; 13 Envious; 14 Totally; 15 Fudge; 16 Truce; 20 Extent; 21 Sleigh; 24 Rope; 25 Pond; 26 Eyed; 27 Past. Star Name: PAUL McCARTNEY

Word Wizard No 1 is correct. A coffle is a roped gang of slaves. Dialling Codes 1. curtain; auditorium; orchestra pit; stage door; dressing room; stalls; foyer; box office; proscenium arch; catwalk. 2. Canary; Balearic; Maldives; Falkland; Channel; Galapagos; Seychelles; Virgin; Shetland; Orkney; Azores; Faroe; Scilly. 3. mascara; eyeshadow; body butter; blusher; nail varnish; lipgloss; foundation; perfume; bronzer; primer; face powder. 4. sparrowhawk; osprey; marsh harrier; buzzard; kestrel; red kite; peregrine; merlin; little owl; golden eagle; hobby.

5. barometer; pedometer; Geiger counter; speedometer; blood pressure cuff; ruler; tape measure; thermometer; ammeter. 6. Tyne; Derwent; Avon; Clyde; Tweed; Wye; Trent; Aire; Wensum; Ribble; Nene; Eden; Medway; Dee; Bann; Mersey; Great Ouse. Spot Check A = 2; B = 3; C = 4; D = 5; E = 1; F = 6. Missing Link nettle; under; text; mist; elm; gutter. Spice: nutmeg. Make a Date The year was 1933. Transformer Fret + RE = Ferret.

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December/January 2019

Disabled people are being forced to turn their backs on sport

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SPEAKING OUT: Carly Tait worried about losing her Motablity car

WE FEAR FOR OUR BENEFITS

ANCHESTER Paralympian Carly Tait has spoken about the fear of having her Motability car taken from her.

Carly, 32, who has cerebral palsy, was told she would lose her adapted Motability car four months before she was due to fly to Rio for the 2016 Paralympics. This came after being assessed for PIP in February of that year. The wheelchair athlete, who had access to a car for 12 years under the Motability charity scheme, needs the car for work and when in training used to attend two training sessions a day with local club Stockport Harriers. Now eight months pregnant with her first child, Carly already lives in fear of having to undertake her next PIP assessment in eight years’ time. Carly said: “When I was assessed for PIP in 2016 and found out that I was going to lose my car, the bottom fell out of my world. I was distraught and couldn’t focus on my training – I couldn’t even get around the track without breaking down in tears. “It was an extremely distressing time in my life, and despite the fact that my next assessment is eight years away, it’s already causing me stress just thinking about what might happen.” Carly was speaking out after a new study revealed that almost half of disabled people are worried about taking part in sport because they might lose their benefits. The study by the sports charity

Two in every three said they rely on payments to stay active

Active Alliance, ‘The Activity Trap: Disabled people’s fear of being active’, shows that almost two thirds of disabled people who participated in the study said they rely on benefits to be active. Without this financial support, they would not be able to afford travel, paid-for exercise and the specialist equipment needed to be active. Carly, from Wythenshawe, added: “Being active means I can manage my disability better; I have more energy, am more confident and all-round I’m a lot happier in myself. Without the financial support that I received, I would never have been able to get myself to training twice a week. “There are enough financial barriers to sport as it is, especially with the high costs of adapted equipment for some disabled people, without the additional fear of losing benefits. “We need to give all disabled people the same rights to be active that everyone else enjoys – and end the activity trap now.”

Others speaking out about their fears include Alan Ringland, chairman of the Birmingham Ability Counts League, the largest league of disabled footballers in England. Alan, a qualified coach and referee, said the league had 455 players three years ago and now only has only 250, with many dropping out because they have lost benefits after PIP assessment. The 62-year-old, whose sons both represented England in disability football teams, said: “I’ve seen players who have lost their PIP and aren’t able to attend anymore. When you see them again you see that they’ve not been as active as they were, often they have put on weight and over time their health may deteriorate. “Playing football on a Sunday was one day where they really enjoyed themselves and if they don’t take part anymore they can lose confidence, friendships, and the camaraderie that goes with that.” TV broadcaster Mik Scarlet, 53, has been a wheelchair user since childhood after complications from his cancer treatment resulted in paralysis. Mik said: “While my yoga blog has generally been well received, quite a few disabled people have contacted me saying they’d be concerned about trying it – in case they were either considered fit enough to work or receive a lower level of financial support. “The Activity Trap report highlights the desperate situation for far too many disabled people in this country.”

HALF A MILLION readers across the North West . . .

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December/January 2019

All Together NOW!

Helmet time for golfers?

OLFERS could be forced to wear hard hats in a bid to reduce golfing-related injuries, a health and safety expert suggests.

CRACK SHOTS MASTER STROKE: Daniel Harwood. Inset, Mickey Chambers receiving his award

RESTON’S Mickey Chambers made it two titles from two with a 3-1 success against 2017 champion David Church at the Fizz Open Disability Snooker Championship.

Chambers, who is a lower leg amputee and also represents England’s amputee football team, progressed through to the final of the Group 4-5 category in Northampton without the loss of a frame. Liverpool’s Daniel Harwood completed the successful defence of his title for players with learning and sensory disabilities, beating fellow Liverpudlian Leroy Williams, 4-0. With four breaks over 30 during the weekend, Harwood dropped just one frame on his way to a fourth WDBS title, the most for a Group 6

player so far. It was a similar story for former professional Paul Smith (Stevenage), who also claimed his fourth WDBS win with a 4-1 success against first-time finalist Ronnie Allen from Wales. Having come through a tight five-player round robin group, Smith defeated Robert Craft in the semi-finals before seeing off Allen in the decisive match to secure yet another title. There was also further glory for Shabir Ahmed, who defeated Nikolas De Whytell 4-2 to secure victory. Ahmed did not drop a frame on his way to the final, before seeing off another first-time finalist in De Whytell to win his fourth WDBS crown and confirm his status as the most successful deaf player so far. In the Group 1-2 category for wheelchair players it was Aslam Abubaker who won his

Ready to take the plunge?

ANCY a try at scuba diving – but worried about whether your disability will get in the way? Well, here’s your chance to find out.

The team at Warrington Disability Partnership want to get more people to sample the thrills of diving. Thirty divers – including many with wideranging disabilities – completed the group’s latest annual Going the Extra Mile Scuba Diving Challenge, 64 lengths of the town’s Livewire pool, raising more than £2,000. They were joined by eight-year-old Heather-May Sloan, who completed the mile (64 lengths) challenge, and Chloe Thompson (22 lengths). WDP boss Dave Thomson said: “A big

thanks to the team at Livewire, Derek Howden and his team at Cheshire Scuba Academy, admin and counters from Birchwood and Warrington Lions, and WDP staff and volunteers. Now we want to hear from anyone wanting to take up the sport.” WDP have already starting planning next year’s scuba Challenge – “The Three Deeps Challenge” which will involve diving in three countries in one day. An early morning 18 metre dive in Loch Long in Scotland, a mid-day 18m dive in Capernwray in England and an early evening 18m dive in Vivian Quarry in North Wales. n WDP: Tel. 01925 240064.

first WDBS title. A former runner-up at this event last year in Wolverhampton and July’s Welsh Open, it was to be third time lucky as he defeated Shahab Siddiqui 2-0 to secure victory. The Group 3 ambulant competition saw Scotland’s William Thomson complete a hat trick of WDBS victories with a resounding 4-0 success against defending champion Daniel Blunn (Sutton Coldfield). Thomson also made the weekend high break of 66 across all classifications on his way to the title. Richard Gott (Hull) and Richard Bradburn defeated David Grant and Danny Luton in the final of the mixed classification Challenge Cup. There was also a win for John Fenwick in the first-ever WDBS billiards competition after he defeated Daniel Blunn in a close final to secure victory.

Protecting.co.uk, a health and safety and employment agency, has noted that a number of insurance companies and private businesses are seeking to reduce the financial burden of golfing injuries by pushing for greater protection for players – including wearing hard hats or helmets. National health statistics, highlighted by Golf Monthly, show that golf is statistically more dangerous than rugby. Seven in 10 amateur golfers suffer an injury while playing the game. Insurers are keen to reduce the financial implications of these injuries, with thousands of pounds paid out each year in claims for head injuries from misjudged golf balls. Chris Hall, spokesperson for Protecting.co.uk, said: “It makes sense for clubs (and their insurers) to prove they’ve reduced harm wherever possible. “It has worked with cycling, and all cyclists are aware that helmet use is recommended. “With enough support from insurers, businesses and health and safety professionals, a similar scenario could happen with golfers.” So what do golfers say? Scotsman David Adams said: “A ball in the head would be hard to recover from, so put me down for a tartan hard hat.” Tony, retired and now a full time golfer, added: “I’ve had the same golf cap for 20 years. I’d definitely buy a new hard wearing one!”

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December/January 2019

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The best gift of all – independence

OOKING for something to help you with your mobility needs? Or a Christmas gift for someone close to you? A walking aid, a wheelchair, a powered scooter or a handcycle – manually propelled or a powered variety . . ? Or do you need your car adapting

with hand controls, or something to help you getting in and out of a vehicle? If so, then make sure you check out the team at Da Vinci Mobility, one of the most innovative wheelchair manufacturers in the UK. Set up 16 years ago by wheelchair user Vincent Ross, the company provides a wide range of mobility

solutions for people with all sorts of needs. “We love helping people retain or regain their independence,” says Vin. No task is too small, too big, or too challenging for the team. And it’s not all about hi-tech solutions . . . Co partner Steve Curran says: “We can provide simple solutions to make

life so much easier for everyone with a mobility issue – whatever their age and whatever their situation. “We’re here to help. Just give us a call, or drop in at our showrooms and take a look at what’s available.You won’t be disappointed!”

Tel: 0151 548 1999