Latest news with #Macie
Glasgow Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Premature Clydebank twins saved by revolutionary co-sleeping cot
Macie and Marcus Lee came into the world at just 29 weeks and were the first to benefit from a specially designed co-sleeping cot at the neonatal unit at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Parents Jennifer Prior, 30, and Darren Lee, 38, were told to expect the worst at their 20-week scan and were warned their babies would be so premature that they would likely be stillborn. (Image: Colin Mearns) Little Macie was born weighing 2lbs and her brother Marcus just 1lb 3oz, but thanks to round the clock care of dedicated staff tasked with looking after them, the twins amazingly pulled through. They then made such incredible progress that were able to go home after 12 weeks in hospital. Now proud great-grandparents Yvonne and Peter Prior are on a fundraising mission to ensure the neonatal unit can buy more twin cots to help other families in a similar position. (Image: supplied) Yvonne, 67, exclusively told the Glasgow Times how she is in awe of her 'wee miracles', whose bravery continues to astound everyone. She said: 'Jennifer had a very tough pregnancy and was told to expect the worst at 20 weeks. It was a nightmare and we were all so worried at what lay ahead. 'She managed to hold on until she reached 29 weeks and Macie and Marcus arrived on January 10 this year. They were both so tiny, weighing not much more than a bag of sugar. 'From the minute they were delivered, they both needed specialist care and were the first to use the co-sleeping cot. This meant they could be together, and medics believe that made a massive difference to their progress. 'The twins continue to go from strength to strength. We could not be prouder as great-grandparents. They truly are our own wee miracles.' READ NEXT: Glasgow Postmaster devastated at branch closure fears The state-of-the-art cot keeps twins close and can support their development, strengthen their bond, and offer comfort, not only to the babies, but to families who may not be able to stay by their side overnight. (Image: supplied)Each side of the cot can be adapted to suit individual needs, with the option to place a heat mat under one baby for extra temperature support. The entire structure can also be gently tilted to help ease reflux, which is common in premature babies. These features mean twins can remain side by side, while still receiving personalised care. Until now, tots who were able to sleep together were often placed in a larger cot. The new design offers easier access, which is especially useful for parents recovering from birth and for staff who need to reach equipment or provide feeds quickly and safely. To give something back for the incredible care Macie and Marcus received, the family from Clydebank are backing a special effort being undertaken by Yvonne's husband Peter, who turns 70 this December. Peter with the twins (Image: Colin Mearns) He is cycling 106 miles throughout June for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity Stride the Clyde charity event. Yvonne added: 'We just felt as a family that we wanted to do something to help others in a similar position. We saw first-hand how the co-sleeping cots transformed life for Macie and Marcus, and we want to do our bit to make sure the charity can fund even more specialist equipment for the neonatal unit. 'Peter will cycle 10 miles a day and we will all be there cheering him on. So far, he's raised almost £600 of his £700 target. Any donation no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated and go to such a good cause - supporting the care of premature babies fighting for their lives.' To donate, click here
The Citizen
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Easter road safety: Over 600 drunk driving arrests as authorities clamp down across provinces
In Mpumalanga, at least 18 people lost their lives in multiple road crashes. A Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer during Easter road safety operations at N1 Carousel Toll Plaza in Pretoria on 26 March 2024. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen As the long Easter weekend comes to an end, authorities across the country are intensifying efforts to curb road accidents and fatalities, with significant arrests reported in Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape The Easter period typically sees increased travel, as many families head to religious gatherings, traditional ceremonies, or holiday destinations. However, the season is also often marred by tragic road incidents, many of which are linked to alcohol abuse. Mpumalanga records 18 road deaths during Easter weekend In Mpumalanga, at least 18 people lost their lives in multiple road crashes between 17 and 19 April. More than half of the fatalities occurred in the Nkangala District. Among the most serious incidents, six people were killed on Thursday afternoon in a head-on collision on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Belfast. Five people died on the scene, while a sixth succumbed to injuries in hospital. In another tragic crash on the same route near Middelburg, two people died and 13 others were injured when a mini-bus taxi overturned after the driver reportedly lost control. Elsewhere, three lives were lost on the R35 between Bethal and Middelburg in a collision involving a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and an articulated truck. ALSO READ: Easter weekend turns tragic as multiple accidents claim lives across SA roads Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, said many of these deadly collisions could have been prevented. 'We are pleading with every driver to ensure that they use the road cautiously. People must stop overtaking dangerously and driving with excessive speed so that they can safely reach their destinations,' Macie said in a statement. He stressed that if all road users prioritise their own safety and that of others, road fatalities could be drastically reduced. The MEC further urged public transport operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to take breaks every two hours or after every 200 kilometres (KMs) driven. Over 100 arrested for drunk driving in Mpumalanga As part of ongoing Easter operations, traffic officers in Mpumalanga have stopped and checked over 13 500 vehicles. More than 5 000 vehicles passed through weighbridges, and over 2 700 summonses were issued for various violations. READ MORE: Bakkie ambush in Tzaneen leaves one dead and nine critically injured The authorities also arrested over 100 motorists for drinking and driving. Macie praised law enforcement for their proactive stance and added that officers must remain relentless in enforcing the law and bringing reckless drivers to book. 500 nabbed in Eastern Cape In the Eastern Cape, road safety operations have also yielded results, with around 500 drunk drivers arrested during the Easter weekend. According to Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose, the focus on drunk driving is showing promising outcomes. He highlighted a significant decline in the number of crashes and the number of fatalities on roads and an increase in the number of those arrested for drunk driving. Binqose further appealed to motorists to remain responsible and vigilant, particularly on busy routes like the N2 and R61, as traffic volumes continue to rise. In Limpopo, two suspects were arrested in Polokwane for attempting to bribe National Traffic Police officers in an effort to avoid being charged with drunk driving. It is alleged that the individuals offered R600 and R100, respectively, in bribes to the officer. NOW READ: Guns, booze and border busts: Limpopo's 4 600 Easter arrests
The Citizen
21-04-2025
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga MEC urges caution after 19 Easter road deaths
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie has once again reminded motorists travelling back after the Easter long weekend to drive with caution amid rising road fatalities in the province since Thursday. In a statement by the MEC yesterday, it was reported that the province had recorded 18 deaths in various crashes that occurred between Thursday and Saturday. More than half of these fatalities were reported in the Nkangala District. However, shortly after the number of fatalities was confirmed as 18, Middelburg Observer reported that one more person had died in a collision about 10km outside Belfast on the Stoffberg road last night. According to reports, the vehicle was travelling in the direction of Belfast and the truck towards Stoffberg when the collision occurred. The driver of the vehicle died at the scene, and the truck driver sustained injuries. In other fatal crashes on the province's roads, six people were killed in a head-on collision on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Belfast at Berg-en-Dal on Thursday. Five people died on the scene, while the sixth succumbed to injuries in hospital. Two people also lost their lives and 13 others were injured when the taxi they were travelling in overturned after its driver lost control on the N4 toll road near Middelburg. Three more lives – including that of a toddler – were claimed on the R35 between Bethal and Middelburg in a collision involving a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and an articulated truck. Macie says most of these deadly collisions could have been avoided had motorists heeded calls to adhere to the rules. He believes that if all road users prioritise their own safety and that of others, deadly crashes would be drastically reduced. He calls on public transport operators to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles and to rest every two hours or after driving 200km. 'We are pleading with every driver to ensure that they use the road cautiously. People must stop overtaking dangerously and driving with excessive speed so that they can safely reach their destinations.' Traffic law enforcement officers have stopped and checked over 13 500 vehicles since Thursday in various ongoing Easter operations across the province. Over 5 000 vehicles passed through various weighbridges. About 2 700 summonses were issued to motorists for various offences. Macie lauds the arrest of more than 100 suspects for drinking and driving. He says it is important to clamp down on drinking and driving, considering the devastating consequences road crashes bring to many families. He urges law enforcement officers to remain relentless in their quest to enforce the law and bring reckless and negligent drivers to book. Also read: Heavy Easter traffic expected on N1 and other Limpopo routes today At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Chicago Tribune
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
New Lenox twins help Providence Catholic capture dance title
Hayden Farry was all-in. Her twin sister, Macie, not so much at first. In the fall, Providence Catholic held a two-day tryout for its state-power competitive dance team and Hayden showed up all ready to go. Macie did not show up the first day. Like her sister, she had been dancing most of her life. But as she got ready for her freshman year, she was torn about what she wanted to do at the New Lenox school. She was toying with the idea of running cross country and track. 'Hayden and I wanted to go our separate ways in high school,' Macie said. 'We've obviously been really close. We wanted to try different things.' Celtics coach Stephanie Coglianese coaxed Macie to come to the second day of tryouts. So much for separate ways. 'I really liked it,' Macie said. 'I liked the atmosphere around the team. I was nervous. It was my first time trying out for a varsity dance team. 'We both made the team and during the year, we all got close, and I wouldn't want to be on any other team.' The Farrys and the Celtics had a great season capped by winning the Illinois High School Association Class 1A state championship Feb. 1 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. Even though a few months have passed by, Coglianese said the team is still feeling happy and celebrating the win. Hayden Ferry said she still can't believe it happened. The New Lenox twins and fellow freshmen Alexandra Cokinos and Karina Porcelli were put into a high pressure situation right away. The twins were used to pressure as they have been in national competitions with Mokena's Street of Dreams Dance Studio. But they had to learn a whole new set of ropes at Providence. Coglianese admits she runs a tough program and the result have been strong, winning the Class 1A state title in 2021 and 2025, taking fifth in Class 2A in 2024 and sixth in Class 2A in 2023. 'It was hard at first,' Hayden said. 'As we got more into the season, we got more comfortable. This team was special.' Coglianese said the twins are special as well. 'They are wonderful,' Coglianese said. 'They are from a very wonderful family. When they came into the program, they definitely took everything in. Our program is rigorous and our expectations are high. We have a champion mindset. 'They grasped everything and took the time outside of practice to really improve their technique' Performing all year to the Stevie Nicks song 'Edge of 17,' the Celtics nailed it at state as they took first place in the preliminary round with a score of 93.56 and came back in the finals with a 94.66 while Jacksonville was second with a 93.26 and Morris third with a 92.90. The setup at state has the final three teams announced with many dramatic pauses. Morris was announced as the third-place team and defending 1A champ Jacksonville was announced as the runnerup, leaving all of the other 10 second-day teams anxiously awaiting the final announcement. Hayden said she started to cry, fearing the team didn't make it. She apologized to one of the upperclassmen sitting next to her for letting the team down. When Providence's name was called, she cried again. 'I didn't think we were going to win,' Hayden said. 'But coach said we were the team to do it. That was probably one of the best days of my life, I would say. It was such an amazing moment — especially as a freshman.' Lindsay Kos and Olivia Cantu were the lone senior leaders on the squad and Coglianese said they are going to be hard to replace. Juniors Ava Englert, Chloe Hall, Emilia Kobylarczyk, Emma Arentz, Kendall Burkhart and Natalie Hill, and sophomores Lilly Andrews and Natalia Cybulski and the four freshmen rounded out the roster. It was the 33rd IHSA state championship a Providence team has brought home. The freshmen have goals of winning more titles however they are savoring the 2025 triumph. 'I'm never going to forget it, definitely,' Macie said. 'It's still going to be a day to remember, the best day of my life. 'And it was cool to experience it with my sister and we will remember it for the rest of our lives.'
