Latest news with #BlackJersey
RNZ News
24-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Former Black Fern Cheryl Waaka left to fundraise for survival after shock cancer diagnosis
Photo: Mata with Mihingarangi Forbes Cheryl Waaka, a former Black Fern and a māmā of two teenagers, is now facing her toughest opponent yet, stage 4 bowel cancer. She was a fit and strong wāhine Māori hailing from Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Kahungunu, she's won two world cups in the Black Jersey and is still dedicated to the game, but her diagnosis in June has left her stricken with sadness. "I was healthy, running around, doing my everyday job. It was King's birthday weekend. There was a Johnny Isaacs Māori tournament in Kaikohe. I was running the line, AR-ing, and three days later, I'm on the floor in excruciating pain." She remembers the day her life was changed forever. "I got my brother to get me to the GP in Kaikohe. Ambulance to Kawakawa. Ambulance to Whangārei and then that night broke the news that I have a tumour in my bowel and I need to have emergency surgery. "I suppose I'm very lucky to my surgeon. He got the tumour, but unfortunately, it spread to my liver." In March, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced the National Bowel Screening Age would be lowered for all New Zealanders from 60 to 58, a step he said will save hundreds of lives. The "redirected" funding was previously set aside for a pilot programme that allowed Māori and Pacific people to access bowel cancer screening starting at age 50. While Health Minister Simeon Brown said the age of eligibility for free bowel screening is projected to prevent an additional 771 bowel cancers and an additional 566 bowel cancer deaths over the next 25 years, advocates are calling the move 'institutionalised racism' as half of bowel cancers in Māori occur before the age of 60. Waaka, who is up to date on all her health checks, said if the screening age was lowered to 50, her diagnosis would not have been stage 4. "If it didn't happen now, would [the tumor] have been still sitting there, and by the time I got to 58, if I got to 58, it might have been too late. "You look at me, strong, fit, healthy. It can happen to anyone. And I don't want it to happen to anyone." And the effect ripples to her whānau, she recalled the moment she had to break the news to her two children. "I wouldn't like to wish that on anybody. Just myself to be told, and then to actually tell the kids. "I was trying to hold myself to be strong, as we do as wāhine. So that was one of the hardest moments of my life. I wouldn't wish that." The rates of early onset colorectal cancer have risen by 26 percent per decade on average over the past 20 years, according to University of Otago researcher Dr Oliver Waddell. Researchers and Māori health practitioners have called for the age to be lowered to 45 as it was in many other countries. "If we had [earlier] screening, I most probably wouldn't be costing the country money. "That's how I'm looking at it. If I was able to get screened at a younger age, you just imagine how much money this government will be saving in health costs," Waaka said. Bowel cancer treatment costs depended on when it was found - stage 1 being the cheapest and stage 4 is the most expensive. For Waaka, her bowel cancer has got into her liver and aside from rounds of chemotherapy, the non-funded drug she needs comes at a cost of $30,000. To start her first round of treatment on 11 August, she is having to fundraise to survive. But Waaka said it's a big ask to turn to the community for funds. "Life is hard, people are struggling and for me, I feel like I'm taken from the whānau. "And everyone said, you know, you've given so much, it's our time, but deep inside you know everyone's struggling to survive out there, and I'm just so grateful that people are willing to help me to survive and for me to fight this fight... which I'm going to do." She wants her off-the-field legacy to be remembered as much as her on-the-field career. "I'm never one to ask for help, but I'm always giving. So for me, my legacy will be that I've given everything that I can, and hope I've just left something that will remind people of me."
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Comfy' and ‘flattering' Joe Browns floral dress ‘hides lumps and bumps'
Joe Browns' floral midi dress has been praised for its flattering fit that 'hides lumps and bumps' and you can wear it everywhere from the office to summer weddings A floral midi dress is a wardrobe staple for spring and summer, and is always a trusty go-to whether you're heading to work, off to a summer wedding or just looking for something to wear for a barbecue in the sun. The perfect one is breezy and comfortable, and can be styled with anything from trainers and sandals to heels and statement jewellery to instantly switch up its look. If you're looking for one to add to your wardrobe, shoppers have been singing the praises of this one from Joe Browns, which is versatile enough to wear anywhere. The Katie Printed Jersey Dress is £45 and has an impressive 4.7 star rating from Joe Browns' shoppers who love how flattering it is. The knee length floral dress combines a laid back look with elevated style, making you look like you've made an effort even when you've just thrown it on and rushed out of the house. It's made from a soft, stretchy jersey material that hugs your figure whilst still being comfortable enough to move around in. A V-neckline is flattering on every body shape, and it has a wrap-over design on the bust that accentuates your figure. The knee length hemline also makes sure it's appropriate for all kinds of occasions, whether you need something more formal for a wedding or event, or just prefer to have a little more coverage without getting too hot. The short sleeves keep you cool and comfortable whilst offering a little extra coverage if you prefer not to show them off. The red colour is also ideal for bringing a splash of colour to your summer wardrobe, with a dainty floral print that keeps it sweet and feminine. For other colour options, Nobody's Child has the Cream Ditsy Floral Atlas Midi Dress, which is £59 and comes in a light cream colour that would be perfect for holidays. It has a longer midi length hemline, with fluttery short sleeves and an adjustable tie at the back to create a more defined shape. If you've got a tighter budget, this Black Jersey Gingham Check Bow Back Midi Dress is £25.99 from New Look. It has an on-trend gingham print, with puff sleeves and a tiered midi skirt, and a statement black bow on the back for some added fun and drama. However Joe Browns shoppers have been singing the praises of the Katie Printed Jersey Dress, with one saying: 'A very well designed dress, tailored to fit and flatter, as it has a slight, elegant stretch.' Another agreed: 'Lovely dress to wear anytime. Fits well and just the right length. Nice material and hangs well.' A third chimed in: 'Hides lumps and flattering and good quality' whilst someone else wrote: 'Love this dress, comfy to wear, looks great.' Some struggled a little with the fit, with one writing: 'Returned this item as it didn't fit as well as the others I tried.' Another agreed: 'Too loose across shoulders, but needed size for hips. So returned.'
7NEWS
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Brisbane Broncos end investigation into Reece Walsh after star's wild punch video
The Brisbane Broncos say they have closed their investigation into their superstar fullback and the aggressive video he shared on his own TikTok account. The video showed the 22-year-old willingly punching a mate in the head. The vision infuriated Broncos bosses, and Walsh took it down not long after. 'The club has addressed the video involving Reece Walsh, which was posted on social media,' the club said in a statement on Wenesday afternoon. 'Walsh today met with the club management about the matter and apologised for his lack of judgement. 'He has also offered to make a donation to the Black Dog Institute. 'The Black Dog Institute has partnered with the Brisbane Broncos for a Mental Health awareness campaign, which will see the NRL squad play in a Black Jersey on June 7 in a dedicated Mental Health Round, to shine a light on an important issue in our community.' Walsh said he 'went too far' and admitted it was not a good look.. 'I feel like I could choose them (actions) a lot better I guess,' he said. 'I feel like just having a laugh with my mate and putting it on social media, stuff like that, it's really important to try and keep those things away (from social media). We don't support violence. '(I was) just having a laugh with my mate, obviously. You know we don't support violence and stuff like that, but obviously, it's not a good look for myself and that was all me trying to have a laugh and a good time with friends. 'There's a really cool jersey coming out that we should be talking about and not letting this overshadow it.' It came after he addressed the clip on social media late Tuesday night. 'Just to add context to the video recently posted - it was a joke with me (sic) best mate no one was harmed, boys being boys,' he wrote on his Instagram Story. Walsh has endured a disappointing season by his standards and is currently sidelined with a knee injury, which dashed his hopes of playing for Queensland in the State of Origin series opener. He is expected to return to face Manly after the Broncos' bye this weekend. Walsh was last year investigated by the NRL integrity unit over an incident in Bali that left a fan with a damaged phone. He also made headlines for a video in which he appeared to threaten another fan's mother during an event for the 2023 grand final. While playing for the Warriors in 2021, Walsh was arrested on the Gold Coast during a night out and later pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
All Blacks' Show Of Support For New Zealand's Veterans
Press Release – RSA National President Sir Wayne Shelford said it was heart-warming to see this show of support from the national team. When the All Blacks played France in Paris last November, they honoured New Zealand's veterans of military of service by wearing an RSA Poppy embroidered onto their jersey. One of those jerseys has now been gifted to the Royal New Zealand RSA to help raise funds to continue their support to our veterans. National President Sir Wayne Shelford said it was heart-warming to see this show of support from the national team. 'Pulling on the Black Jersey is incredibly emotional for any player. But having that mark of respect for veterans embroidered on the sleeve takes it to another level. The poppy is worn to honour the fallen, but this gift from the All Blacks will now allow us to provide more support to our living veterans.' The 'Remembrance Test' was played on 17 November (NZ time) with the All Blacks wearing the poppy to commemorate Remembrance Day and honour those New Zealanders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. The All Blacks wore the white version of the national jersey to differentiate from France's dark blue. The jersey has been signed by the 2024 All Blacks Squad and Coach Scott Robertson and is a true collector's item, with no supporter version ever produced for sale. The jersey is now being auctioned on Trade Me and closes on – the RSA is incredibly grateful to the All Blacks for the opportunity to raise more funds to improve the wellbeing of New Zealand's veterans. The auction closes on Wednesday 7 May at 7.45pm and can be viewed here:
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
All Blacks' Show Of Support For New Zealand's Veterans
When the All Blacks played France in Paris last November, they honoured New Zealand's veterans of military of service by wearing an RSA Poppy embroidered onto their jersey. One of those jerseys has now been gifted to the Royal New Zealand RSA to help raise funds to continue their support to our veterans. National President Sir Wayne Shelford said it was heart-warming to see this show of support from the national team. 'Pulling on the Black Jersey is incredibly emotional for any player. But having that mark of respect for veterans embroidered on the sleeve takes it to another level. The poppy is worn to honour the fallen, but this gift from the All Blacks will now allow us to provide more support to our living veterans.' The "Remembrance Test" was played on 17 November (NZ time) with the All Blacks wearing the poppy to commemorate Remembrance Day and honour those New Zealanders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. The All Blacks wore the white version of the national jersey to differentiate from France's dark blue. The jersey has been signed by the 2024 All Blacks Squad and Coach Scott Robertson and is a true collector's item, with no supporter version ever produced for sale. The jersey is now being auctioned on Trade Me and closes on – the RSA is incredibly grateful to the All Blacks for the opportunity to raise more funds to improve the wellbeing of New Zealand's veterans. The auction closes on Wednesday 7 May at 7.45pm and can be viewed here:
