Latest news with #MotorNeuroneDisease
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street fans floored over Bernie star's age as she celebrates major birthday
Coronation Street fans have been left in disbelief after discovering the real age of actress Jane Hazlegrove, who plays Bernie Winter on the ITV soap Coronation Street fans were gobsmacked to discover the real age of actress Jane Hazlegrove. Jane burst onto the scene in 2019 as Bernie Winter, the long-lost mother of Gemma (played by Dolly-Rose Campbell) and Paul (portrayed by Peter Ash), quickly becoming a hit with viewers. Bernie has been at the centre of some major plots, including the poignant storyline in 2023 where Paul was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), leading to his tragic death in September 2024 with Bernie at his side. Additionally, Bernie's world was rocked when her long-lost son Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) made an unexpected appearance last year. Her romantic escapades have also been a hot topic, particularly her beloved relationship with Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin). Before joining the cobbles, Jane graced our screens in Silent Witness, The Bill, Doctors, and notably as Kathleen 'Dixie' Dixon on BBC's Casualty from 2006 to 2016, reports Leicestershire Live. However, it's her recent birthday that has left fans astounded. Celebrating her 57th birthday on the 17th of July, a fan posted on a Corrie Facebook group: "Happy 57th birthday wishes to Jane have a fantastic day." The revelation sparked a flurry of compliments from fans, all agreeing that Jane looks absolutely fabulous for her age. Someone else exclaimed: "No way she doesn't look it ." A third surprised fan added: "I thought the same!" In agreement, another commented: "An amazing actress, she looks good for her age doesn't she?". When she's not gracing the soap world, Jane is blissfully in love with her devoted soap star wife Isobel Middleton. The couple exchanged vows in 2015 and have shared over 28 years together. Isobel, an accomplished actress herself, is no stranger to the small screen. She has portrayed three different characters on Emmerdale throughout the years. She appeared as Dr Lane in 2014, played a barrister during Simon McManus' trial in 2018, and in 2020, she took on the role of Jean Rawson. However, Emmerdale isn't the only soap opera where Isobel has made her mark. She featured as Sadie Banks in BBC's EastEnders back in 2002. Not just confined to television, Isobel also had a role in the 2009 blockbuster Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Phil Tufnell is among sports stars paying tribute at funeral of England cricketer David 'Syd' Lawrence who lost battle with motor neurone disease aged 61
Phil Tufnell was among a raft of sports stars who gathered to pay tribute at the funeral of England cricketer David 'Syd' Lawrence yesterday. Fast bowler turned nightclub owner, Lawrence, 61, died after a year-long battle with the debilitating Motor Neurone Disease (MND) on June 21. In a career which was cruelly cut short just as he made a late breakthrough into the England team, Lawrence represented the national side in five Tests between 1988 and 1992 and took 515 first-class wickets over 17 years. Off the field, Lawrence was held in such high regard that he was named president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in 2022, before being made an MBE last month in the King's birthday honours list. The sport has mourned his death in the weeks that have since passed, evidenced by rows of the historic St Mary Redcliffe church in Bristol being packed with those looking to say their final goodbyes to the cricketing hero. Lawrence was carried by his son at a service attended by family, friends and sporting icons like his England teammates, Tufnell, Jack Russell and Mark Alleyne, as well as Ipswich Town footballing legend, Marcus Stewart, who also has MND. Led by Rev Rupert Martin, attendees at the funeral heard of Lawrence's love, personality and his willingness to always see the good in every situation. A eulogy was read by George Orchard, while tributes came from those who knew him best - Shauna Mighty and Bev Powell, Alice Lawrence and his son, former professional rugby player, Buster Lawrence. The order of service showed how Lawrence should be remembered: in his powerful prime, with a cricket sweater adorning his broad shoulders - before he spent his latter days in a wheelchair as a result of the neurological disease. Inside were images of Lawrence as a bow-tied schoolboy, before he discovered he had such a terrific cricketing talent, and the back cover revealed an image of Lawrence riding one of his beloved motorcycles. Mr Russell had the job of catching Lawrence's bowling behind the stumps since they were both children, before the pair went on to represent their nation together. Paying tribute to his late friend outside the church, he said: 'Syd was everything because we grew up together, we were youngsters together at under-13s together, so we travelled the same path really, in the same changing room for many, many years together and he was really close. 'It's a difficult day for everyone, it's been a difficult time for the last year or so for his family in particular, but we're determined to give him a good send off because he meant so much to so many people. 'He was a special person, a great personality, larger than life, did everything at 100mph, 100 per cent, no half measures, and played his cricket like that. It's a sad day, we're all going to miss him, but he'll never ever be forgotten.'
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
00s pop icon reveals how crystal meth addiction 'almost killed' him
S Club 7's Jon Lee has opened up about his past struggles with drugs and how crystal meth 'almost killed' him. The pop star rose to prominence in 1998 when the band was formed by ex-Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, also comprising Tina Barrett, Paul Cattermole, Bradley McIntosh, Jo O'Meara, Hannah Spearritt, and Rachel Stevens. Lee rejoined the pop group for smaller reunions in the 2010s, including the 2023 arena tour, which took place without Spearritt, who left when Cattermole died of heart failure. In a new interview, the 43-year-old singer has admitted he once spent £250 per week on crystal meth, a habit that began long after S Club's heyday. It also led to him being sectioned in 2019. 'I didn't even recognise myself at that time,' he recalled. 'Sometimes, in the midst of one of the psychotic episodes where I'd be smashing my flat up with a hammer, I'd catch sight of myself in the mirror and say, 'What the f**k?'' Crystal meth, a highly addictive recreational and performance-enhancing drug, can boost energy levels and confidence in the short term, but its longer-term health impacts can be devastating, such as serious depression, anxiety, memory loss, aggression, and hallucinations. On how it took over his life, Lee reflected to MailOnline: 'I'd have a moment of lucidity, thinking, 'I was a successful young man; I had a brilliant career, incredible life. What am I doing?'' There were points when he found himself with 'holes in the walls around [him]' and 'cuts all over [his] knuckles', as well as a 'swollen eye' from punching himself in the head. Lee would sleep with a hammer underneath his bed, once breaking down his bathroom door out of paranoia after hallucinations convinced him there were other people in his apartment. 'I didn't look anything like Jon from S Club, or what people would expect Jon from S Club to look like,' he admitted, having also shaved his head in his thirties. His addiction struggles came to a head when concerned neighbours called police, after which the Reach hitmaker was sectioned, having been transported to a clinic via ambulance. Acknowledging that he was a 'danger to [himself]', he said someone would sit outside his room, and he had to leave the door open. Lee, who also took the party drug GHB, which is a type of liquid ecstasy, now has immense 'regret' for what his family went through during that period. 'I'm not sure how I'm still here,' he stated, having previously taken four times the dose in his darkest moments with the intention of not waking up the next day. He also used hard drugs as a distraction from his grief after his dad's death from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2014. While once unable to leave his flat for days on end, Lee went travelling three years ago to find himself. In India, he met a rescue dog, which he claims gave him a new purpose, resulting in him returning to the UK in 2022 with three rescues of his own. Lee moved to Cornwall, living next door to his mum and sister. Career-wise, Lee is set to appear on the next series of Celebs Go Dating. And it's believed Lee found the love he was looking for in the pre-recorded E4 series, as he's now said to be dating Jordan Fairhurst. More Trending The performer, who came out publicly as gay in 2010, is said to have felt sparks fly 'instantly' upon meeting his new boyfriend under the dating agency. 'There was a real connection there from the get-go, and things developed really quickly,' a source told The Sun. 'They have been on a few dates on the show, but now they are official and in a full-blown relationship.' 'Jon never expected to find something serious on the show, but Jordan really took him by surprise,' added the insider. 'Fans will see how the relationship develops on the show, but it's one of the love stories of the series. It's all very sweet.' MORE: Grammy-nominated singer Robbie Pardlo dies aged 46 MORE: Robbie Williams releasing the album he actually wanted to after quitting Take That MORE: Supernanny star Jo Frost, 55, reveals she suffers from 'life-threatening' medical condition
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Syd Lawrence 'was very fast, very quick ... a mean bowler!'
The cricket world is saying goodbye to David "Syd" Lawrence MBE, the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, who died in 61-year-old, from Gloucester, had recently been appointed an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to cricket, something he was "incredibly proud" Garmston talks to one of his early mentors and friends to discuss Syd's legacy. Guy Reid-Bailey's eyes moistened as he remembers his old friend the former England cricketer David 'Syd' Lawrence who has died from Motor Neurone pair met when Syd's parents brought him to Bristol as a teenager because they were worried that he might fall in with the wrong crowd in his home city of from the Bristol West Indies Cricket Club, took young Syd in hand."He needed a mentor. He needed someone he could look up to. And I was always there for him."He played cricket in the way it should be played. He listened, he learned, and he did it." Dr Guy Reid-Bailey OBE turned 80 the day before Syd's funeral. When they first met Guy was already known in Bristol as a civil rights campaigner and one of the instigators of the Bristol Bus Boycott which changed race relations in Britain for is still Guy's passion and when we met at his club in Easton he discarded his walking stick, took up a bat and gleefully knocked some balls around with me."I remember when we were playing at Oldland Common. I saw Syd hit one of the biggest sixes there ever was."At the end of the field there was a light pole. He said, 'I am going to hit the ball over there'. He did. He scored a hundred in that match. His first hundred as a batsman."He chuckles."He was a mean player to the opposition," he adds. "When he was running in they could tell what was coming. Can you imagine someone coming at you at ninety miles an hour when you are playing in league cricket?"David Lawrence - nicknamed Syd - was the first British born black player to be selected for his career was cut short by a terrible knee injury while on tour in New Zealand. Guy believes that event changed the course of cricket history."He would have become one of the world's finest fast bowlers," Guy two men remained life-long they made Syd President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Guy was his Vice President."A lot of young black players did see him as an example for them to become good players, not to play for the county or England, but to play league cricket in the west of England."He added fondly: "I only wish Syd's family the best right now because he made us all very proud."With those words Guy walked away from the wicket clearly in deep two men were soulmates and in Guy, David Lawrence had found someone who believed in Lawrence's funeral will take place in Bristol on Friday.
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brave mum Emma Bray's final days after deciding to starve herself to death for sake of her kids
Dignity in Dying campaigner Emma Bray has died after making the heartbreaking decision to starve herself to death. Just last month, she spoke with the Mirror about her poignant hopes for her final days A courageous mother has shared a heartbreaking message from beyond the grave after making a difficult decision. Emma Bray, who lived with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), previously spoke with the Mirror about her plans to voluntarily stop eating and drinking after moving into a hospice. The Dignity in Dying campaigner explained that she wanted to shield her 'amazing' children, aged 15 and 14, from the 'brutal' and "terrible" death she faced, in what she regarded as her "last bit of parenting". Now, an Instagram post has revealed that the 42-year-old has sadly died, just one month after she opened up about her wishes for her final days. The pre-written message was accompanied by a photograph of Emma lying in her hospice bed in Devon, looking out over a tranquil tree-lined view. Expressing gratitude for her time on this earth, Emma, from Barnstaple in North Devon, wrote: "If you are reading this, then I've finished my final spin round the sun. "I've lived a very good life, surrounded by love, music and laughter, and I want this to continue in my memory. Rather than shed a tear (or whilst you do), please plant a tree or call a friend, do a random act of kindness or take time to watch a sunset. "For moments of doubt, please ask, 'What would Emma do?' and run with that probably inappropriate answer. Hug everyone a little tighter and love openly. "Please surround those who were closest to me with love, time and patience. And to quote Frank Turner - Remember you get to dance another day, but now you have to dance for one more of us. Love you, bye." Back in June, Emma, who helped hundreds of domestic abuse victims and homeless people through her career as a charity worker, reflected on how she'd like to spend her final days. She shared her longing for a 'calm and peaceful death', and revealed that she'd already planned her funeral and written her eulogy. Emma continued: 'VSED is not an easy death, but with the current law in England, this is the only way I can have control over my death. 'I want to protect my children from seeing me choke and struggle to breathe. I don't want to die, but I am going to and have come to terms with my impending death, and I know I want to die surrounded by loved ones, music and laughter, not in an emergency way after further decline.' "My end-of-life wish is to be at the hospice surrounded by my friends and family. I want to have music playing, to hear people laugh and watch them playing card games over me.' As per Compassion In Dying, VSED is a process whereby an adult 'with mental capacity to decide to do so and in the absence of control or coercion, makes a decision to hasten their death by completely stopping the oral intake of all food and fluids'. Death can take between 10 to 14 days. Emma was first diagnosed with MND two years ago. She told us: 'I've had four different health professionals tell me I've got the worst disease possible." MND is a terminal neurological condition that affects a person's brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness and wasting. As her condition progressed, Emma was left unable to hug her two children or wipe away their tears, and she was left fearing the possibility of choking to death in front of loved ones. The devoted mum, who spoke with the Mirror using her eye gazing machine, discussed the severe difficulties she was facing day to day, stating: 'I now feel I am at the stage where my quality of life is very affected, I can no longer use any of my limbs. My talking is severely affected, and I struggle to eat, and it's getting harder to breathe. I am only really comfortable in bed, and social visits are exhausting. 'I have carers multiple times a day, can't be left alone overnight and can no longer do any basic tasks. I can't scratch an itch, push up my glasses, or move a bed sheet if I am too hot or cold. I feel like I am losing the essence of me. I am still so loved, but I can't be myself, and I see that grief on everyone's faces." Expressing her support for the Assisted Dying Bill, Emma said: 'This bill will have offered me protection for those I love who have already spent two years living with anticipatory grief and watching me suffer. 'Imagine seeing your children crying and upset and not be able to hug them or curl up in bed and wipe their tears away. This is hands down the thing I hate the most about motor neurone disease. It's taken my children's mum from them little by little… 'I urge MPs to realise that this bill will not end my life, motor neurone disease is doing that, but they can help me and others with less than six months to live to die with peace. '
