Latest news with #Accrington
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
My baby's bruise was dismissed as a birthmark only for a tumour to engulf her face – I want to warn all parents
AT first, doctors dismissed the growing mark on Natalie Brooks' newborn baby Brontë's ear as nothing more than a birthmark. What began in November 2024 as a flat, pale blemish about an inch wide soon started to protrude, eventually pushing the little girl's ear out by two to three inches and engulfing her tiny face. 7 7 7 The mum-of-three said she "knew something was wrong" as her daughter cried non-stop and refused to feed, but was reassured by doctors it was nothing to worry about. 'We would never have expected it to turn out like this," the 29-year-old from Accrington, Lancashire, said. "It literally just looked like a little bruise next to her ear.' Brontë, now eight months old, was eventually diagnosed with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) – a rare, aggressive vascular tumour. The baby girl spent six weeks in hospital and has since developed Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP), a life-threatening condition that stops her blood from clotting. 'This tumour is benign, it's not cancerous, but she still might need chemotherapy," Natalie added. "It can be life-threatening if it's not managed.' She first noticed the blemish when Brontë was just two weeks old. 'From about two weeks of age it appeared and it was just a little bruise and as the weeks went on, we noticed that it never actually went,' she said. 'It was flat and very light in colour. Slowly over the months it started to get slightly bigger. 'We went to the doctors and they just confirmed it was a birthmark so we came away and carried on.' But by January, the lump was darker, hotter, and growing fast. 'It started to get darker and started to protrude out and get quite big,' said Natalie. 'Since the day she was born she was hysterical nearly every day. There was nothing we could do to calm her down. "I know every baby cries but this was just relentless. She wouldn't stop crying for about three or four hours non-stop. 'She'd refuse her feed and never finish a full bottle. She was awake every hour through the night. She was very restless and I never got a break. 7 7 'I knew something wasn't right but I didn't know what.' After pushing for tests, Natalie was told Brontë would need an MRI in five weeks. By May, the mark was growing so quickly that Natalie took Brontë to hospital herself. There, an MRI was done, and the tumour was finally diagnosed. 'My family were saying I couldn't leave it that long as it was getting so aggressive,' she said. 'It was very hot to touch. It was very purple and looked angry. It was swollen and it was protruding and pushing her ear out. "It was behind her ear in a full circle.' Doctors told her the tumour would have been 'excruciatingly painful'. '[The diagnosis] was shocking. It's flipped our world upside down to be honest. It's crazy because it's super rare. 'You never think becoming a parent of having this in your lifetime. "You never imagine being in the hospital for a long time and having a poorly baby.' On medication for life Brontë was discharged after six weeks, but just ten days later Natalie spotted it growing again. Tests confirmed her daughter now had KMP and her medication wasn't working. 'They can reverse that with medications but the tumour that she has gives her body really low platelet levels so her blood actually can't clot,' Natalie explained. 'It can now because she's had transfusions… but we were also informed that this tumour will never actually go. 'It's just managed by medication – and they can't tell us how long she will be on it for, it could potentially be for life.' Natalie has set up a GoFundMe to help support the family as her maternity pay ends soon and she can't return to work in September. What is KHE? Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a very rare tumour that forms from blood vessels, usually in babies and young children. It's not cancer, but it can still be aggressive, painful, and dangerous. The tumour typically appears in the skin, deep tissue or muscle and can cause swelling, redness and discomfort. What causes it? Doctors don't know exactly why KHE happens. It's not inherited and isn't caused by anything the parents did. It's believed to be a random overgrowth of abnormal blood vessel cells, often starting shortly after birth. What are the risks? Around 70% of cases can lead to a serious complication called Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP). This causes a big drop in platelets, meaning the blood can't clot properly — which can be life-threatening if not treated. How is it treated? Children with KHE are usually treated with: Steroids Drugs like sirolimus to shrink the tumour Blood transfusions if platelet levels drop Chemotherapy in some severe cases In the UK, specialist centres like Great Ormond Street Hospital manage most cases. How rare is it? KHE is extremely rare - affecting around 1 in every 100,000 children. 'It takes the stress away as my maternity pay ends in a couple of weeks. 'Trust your instincts' I was due back at work in September and Brontë was meant to start nursery,' she said. 'Although it can't take the pressure of her illness away, it can take the pressure of the financial struggle. 'Brontë deserves some really nice days out when she's stable so it gives us the chance to do that as well.' The mum now urges other parents to speak up if something doesn't feel right. 'Trust your instincts. Even if you're wrong and you go to the doctors and it's nothing it doesn't matter," she said. "You're not going to get told off. Just go and get it checked out as there is no wrong in doing that. 'You have your motherly instincts for a reason and I'm a firm believer that instincts don't lie.' 7
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Whalley brace not enough for Stanley against Wigan
Shaun Whalley scored twice but Accrington Stanley lost 4-2 to League One side Wigan Athletic in their latest friendly on Saturday. Whalley fired home from the edge of the area and then from the penalty spot as Stanley held a 2-0 lead over Ryan Lowe's side. But the Latics came back in the second half as both sides prepare for their respective campaigns, starting in a fortnight. Wigan's Paul Mullin has the first chance on 15 minutes, firing across the goal and narrowly wide. It was an even battle with limited goalmouth action before Whalley opened the scoring on 34 minutes. He got the ball on the edge of the area and drilled it low into the corner of the net beyond Sam Tickle. The Latics had a good chance to equalise on 43 minutes when a free-kick into the box fell to Jon Mellish six yards out, but Michael Kelly did well to keep out his effort with his legs. Just before half time, Charlie Caton rushed on to the ball in the area and swept it goalwards but it was straight into Tickle's arms. John Doolan made three changes at half time with Ollie Wright, Josh Woods and Tyler Walton coming on for the second period. Striker Caton had two good chances after the restart, turning and shooting in the area but it was off-target and then a header from close range could not test Tickle. The Reds pressed for a second and were awarded a penalty on 54 minutes for a foul on Whalley. Whalley took the spot-kick and celebrated his second goal of the game. Josh Woods almost made it three on 60 minutes with a superb strike from 20 yards which Tickle pushed away. Soon after, Doolan made wholesale changes, giving the majority of his squad the run out including Seamus Conneely, who is coming back from an injury sustained last season. Wigan got one back on 65 minutes when Callum McManaman's cross found former Red loanee Dara Costelloe in the area and he fired into the net. They levelled on 76 minutes when Maleace Asamoah got the ball in the area and finished well. Wigan were awarded a penalty on 78 minutes when Josh Woods fouled Jason Kerr and, although Wright guessed the right way, Costelloe squeezed the ball into the bottom corner. Stanley came close to levelling on 83 minutes when Walton hit the corner of bar and post with a looping effort. The fourth arrived for Wigan on 89 minutes when Asamoah got the ball in the area and stroked the ball home. Stanley: Kelly, Sass, Grant, Rawson, Coyle, Whalley, B Woods, Sinclair, Matthews, Caton, Brown. Subs: Wright, Mooney, Henderson, Trialist A, Popoola, Martin, Walton, Smith, Conneely, Tunstall, J Woods. Attendance: 1,141 (676 away).
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Accrington attempted murder arrest after knife attacks
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, after a series of violent incidents following a stabbing near a mosque. Lancashire Police was called to the Raza Jamia Masjid in Accrington, Lancashire, at 14:30 BST on Friday over reports a man in his 40s had been attacked. The force said officers later went to Steiner Street, where there were reports of people fighting with weapons, before another man was found stabbed in nearby Craven have not said over which of the two attacks they were holding the 33-year-old man they arrested, but have said they believed the incidents to be linked. The force said a 36-year-old man, and two women, aged 33 and 36, were in custody on suspicion of affray. The man stabbed near the Raza Jamia Masjid was described as being in a serious but stable condition in the man police later found in Craven Street, at about 17:20, was said to be "very poorly". A spokesman for the force said: "While we are at the early stages of our investigation these incidents are being treated as linked."An investigation is under way and inquiries are ongoing."You will see a significant policing presence in the area, to both carry out enquiries, and provide reassurance. "This increased presence will remain over the coming days." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Attempted murder arrest after double stabbing horror in town
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder as part of an investigation into two linked stabbings in Accrington. A day of violence shook the Lancashire town yesterday (Friday) which began outside a mosque. Police were first called to Lower Antley Street to a reported assault which occurred outside the Raza Jamia Masjid. READ MORE: Multiple people injured after shotgun blasted at pub READ MORE: 5 games released in 2025 guaranteed to take you back to the good old days of gaming Officers found a man in his 40s with an injury to his back 'consistent with being stabbed..' He was rushed to hospital where is currently in a serious but stable condition. Later that evening, at 5:15pm, police were called to Steiner Street, around half a mile from the mosque, to reports of 'of a number of individuals fighting in the street with weapons.' Then, three minutes later, the force was called to Craven Street and told another person had been attacked. A man was taken to hospital with an injury 'consistent with being stabbed in the neck.' He is currently 'very poorly' Lancashire Police said. "While we are at the early stages of our investigation these incidents are being treated as linked" the force said. Yesterday a man, aged 36, and two women, aged 33 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of affray. And in an update issued this evening (Saturday), Lancs Police said a 33 year-old man had now been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The man, of no fixed address, remains in custody for questioning, they said. "You will see a significant policing presence in the area, to both carry out enquiries, and provide reassurance. This increased presence will remain over the coming days," they added. DI Lou Briggs said yesterday: ""Two men have been left seriously injured and first and foremost of thoughts are with them and their loved ones. "Incidents of this nature are rare in Accrington and we know that the community will be understandably concerned by them. "I want to assure everyone that we have a significant policing presence in the area, to both carry out enquiries and provide reassurance to residents. This increased presence will remain over the coming days. "We know that there were people in the area filming. If this is you, or if you know of any mobile phone, CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist our enquiries, please get in touch with the investigation team as soon as possible. "Finally, I would ask people not to engage in unhelpful speculation but to allow my officers the time and space to carry out a thorough investigation." Anyone with information that may help detectives is asked to call Lancs Police on 101 quoting log 1245 of July 18.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Everton transfer priority is crystal clear despite surprise in first friendly of summer
Everton's opening game of pre-season was about fitness rather than learning lessons. But David Moyes will still have left the Wham Stadium with some useful takeaways - some new, some that he already knew but which will now have hardened in his mind. These are the key points taken by the ECHO after watching the Blues grab a 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley thanks to Beto's late penalty. READ MORE: It took just three minutes to see why Everton have already saved millions on one summer transfer READ MORE: Everton player ratings as Harrison Armstrong shines and other youngsters impress in first friendly The fearlessness of youth The highlight of this match was the impact of the younger players. Youth was always going to be blended with experience given the threadbare nature of the squad - a matter made all the more significant with Iliman Ndiaye, Jordan Pickford and Idrissa Gueye absent having only returned to Finch Farm on Monday and with new signings Mark Travers and Thierno Barry yet to link up with their teammates. Teen star Harrison Armstrong is becoming a known quantity - his talent is there for all to see and he made a strong case to remain part of the first team set-up on Tuesday night. The element of surprise instead came from the wingers Isaac Heath and Justin Clarke. Both brought confidence and fearlessness to the pitch when they were given their chance midway through the second half. Heath, just 20, signed a new deal with the club last week - reward for his player of the year success in the Under-21s last season, while Clarke had an outstanding debut campaign with the U18s after arriving from AFC Wimbledon. They had an impact, running at defenders, forcing them onto the back foot and creating chances for themselves and those around them. It was Heath whose driving run earned the penalty from which Beto scored the equaliser. Everton's transfer priority is crystal clear For all that those starlets prospered at the end, it remains clear that Everton's greatest need is on the right wing. That is something everyone at the club already knew but it was again apparent at Accrington. Dwight McNeil is a talented player and his left foot is known as the paintbrush for a justified reason. He started on the right wing - a position he had minutes in last season after recovering from injury. But this is not his best position and, of all the senior options currently in the club, every one feels as though it would be a square peg in a round hole. For Everton to be more dynamic in attack, at least one specialist option in that position is essential. Carlos Alcaraz's influence is most powerful from the middle It was Carlos Alcaraz who started on the left wing and this was another example - after countless last season - that his best does not come from that slot. The 22-year-old was one of Everton's better performers in this match but the best of his influence came when he drifted in-field, searching for the ball. From there, his ability to go both ways caused problems and he was able to thread useful balls to Vitalii Mykolenko, who then surged into the space vacated by Everton's first summer signing. The displays that convinced Moyes to make his move from Flamengo permanent - in the away wins at Crystal Palace, Fulham and Newcastle United - came with Alcaraz playing in a central role. Whether it is at the Wham or St James' Park, his skillset is best utilised in the middle. Full-backs showing adventure It was notable how willing Everton's full-backs were to overlap. Nathan Patterson had some joy pushing forward and he had good chances in both halves of the match. He did not hit the target with either but on both occasions it was promising to see an Everton full-back in the opposition box. Mykolenko had a strong 20 minutes at the end of the first half - helped, as above, by Alcaraz leaving space in front of him as he drifted inside. Alcaraz and Armstrong picked out his runs with incisive balls and Youssef Chermiti twice came close when meeting the crosses of the Ukraine international. The composure of Harry Tyrer Harry Tyrer was the most senior goalkeeper available to Moyes, with Pickford absent and Travers having only signed earlier in the day. His role will now reduce given there are two first team options ahead of him but he could make a strong claim for the third spot in the first team squad, one vacated by Asmir Begovic. After good loan spells at Chesterfield and Blackpool, venues such as this are not unknown to him. But he showed composure and, while he may be disappointed with the manner of the Accrington goal, the problem came from Benn Ward being unmarked at the back post. Tyrer was particularly confident on the ball - important given how much the Everton back four relied on his willingness to take it.
