Latest news with #VoicesofHope
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Voices of MND community take part in concert
A choir filled with people whose lives have been affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) will take part in a concert to raise money and awareness of the condition. Voices of Hope choir were brought together by Mel Upton, who volunteers with the North Wiltshire Group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) - a charity that supports those living with the disease and their families. Many had never sung before and Ms Upton coached them in 10 rehearsals ahead of their concert at the Ellendune Community Centre in Wroughton, at 18:30 BST. "I felt it was really important to raise awareness for MND and my skills are singing so I thought I could bring a big choir together," said Ms Upton. Mark Quantick, who is involved in the choir, said: "I'm looking forward to the show, but it's going to be very emotional." A former plumber, he began noticing symptoms when he struggled to complete everyday tasks at work. "I realised I couldn't lift radiators that I used to throw over my shoulder," he said. Mr Quantick was later diagnosed with MND - a rare neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness. More than 5,000 people in the UK live with the disease and life expectancy is typically just a few years after diagnosis. Ms Upton said she and her daughter wrote a special song for the event, The Love Inside, inspired by words shared by people living with the disease. "The words are beautiful and really well meaning," she said. The choir includes hospice workers, people living with MND, those who have lost loved ones and friends of the MND Association. Mr Quantick's MND has affected his breathing, swallowing, and mobility, but he says he remains optimistic. "I'm fortunate my MND has progressed slowly. The biggest challenge is getting up on my feet. "I've coped quite well - I'm a positive person. But it's difficult when you know what it's leading to." Mr Quantick's wife, Wendy, will be singing in the choir and has supported him throughout his diagnosis. "Day-to-day tasks can be a struggle, but we manage. He likes to stay independent - he doesn't want me doing everything for him," she said. Mrs Qunatick added the performance will be both therapeutic and emotional. "I think it's going to be tough," she said. "There are songs he's always sung along to without thinking - but now the words hit differently. They're very poignant." More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. 'Life-changing' research to help choking in MND Husband's death from MND inspires widow to publish book Swindon fan fundraises to return Darby shirt MND Association
BBC News
12-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
MND community take part in Wiltshire fundraising concert
A man diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) is to take part in a fundraising concert to raise money and awareness of the Quantick is a member of the Voices of Hope choir, which includes people who are either living with MND or have been affected by it. The concert, organised by Mel Upton - a volunteer with the North Wiltshire Group of the MND Association, will be held at the Ellendune Community Centre in Wroughton, starting at 18:30 BST."I'm looking forward to the show, but it's going to be very emotional," said Mr Quantick. Mr Quantick, a former plumber, began noticing symptoms when he struggled to complete everyday tasks at work."I realised I couldn't lift radiators that I used to throw over my shoulder," he was later diagnosed with MND - a rare neurological condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness. More than 5,000 people in the UK live with the disease, and life expectancy is typically just a few years after diagnosis. Mel Upton, who formed the choir, said she wanted to use her passion for singing to raise awareness of and her daughter wrote a special song for the event, The Love Inside, inspired by words shared by people living with the disease."The words are beautiful and really well meaning," she choir includes hospice workers, people living with MND, those who have lost loved ones, and friends of the MND Association. They have prepared for the performance with just ten weeks of some choir members, this will be their first experience singing in public. Mr Quantick's MND has affected his breathing, swallowing, and mobility, but he says he remains optimistic."I'm fortunate my MND has progressed slowly. The biggest challenge is getting up on my feet."I've coped quite well - I'm a positive person. But it's difficult when you know what it's leading to."Mr Qunatick's wife, Wendy, has supported him throughout his diagnosis."Day-to-day tasks can be a struggle, but we manage. He likes to stay independent - he doesn't want me doing everything for him," she Quantick will perform This Is Where You Ain't by Glenn Tilbrook - a song he says now reflects his life with wife, who will also be singing in the choir, said the performance will be both therapeutic and emotional."I think it's going to be tough," said Mrs Quantick."There are songs he's always sung along to without thinking - but now the words hit differently. They're very poignant."
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers say a dangerous drug-cutting agent was detected in Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Researchers report that a dangerous drug adulterant has made its way to Kentucky. Local organizations partner with the University of Kentucky Harm Reduction Hub to collect used syringes for testing. A recent study shows that Bis (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS), a UV stabilizer, is being used to dilute fentanyl in Jefferson County. Read more of the latest Kentucky news This marks the first known detection of BTMPS being used in Kentucky, per a press release. 'Research indicates that BTMPS can lead to severe cardiotoxicity, ocular damage, and evensudden death,' Voices of Hope, a recovery organization, wrote. 'Adding to the concern, this compound has calcium channel-blocking properties that may complicate overdose reversal, making it imperative for medical professionals to be aware of this emerging threat.' BTMPS has been detected in nine locations across the nation, with the largest samples found in Los Angeles, California, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Out of 284 drug samples collected in the two cities, 98 tested positive for containing BTMPS. Researchers say a dangerous drug-cutting agent was detected in Kentucky Lexington business owner still considering run for US Senate 3 killed in Louisville drivers license branch shooting: 'No suspects' 'Most samples had more BTMPS than fentanyl by mass, with eight having no detectable fentanyl,' the study reads. 'Public safety is our top priority, and we urge anyone who may come into contact with illicitdrugs to recognize this growing risk,' said Jimmy Chadwell, Program Director at Voices ofHope. 'Individuals who use drugs should never do so alone and must exercise extracaution due to the presence of BTMPS in the drug supply. Education and awareness arecrucial in addressing the escalating dangers of drug adulteration.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two local educators honored by Voice of Hope
HAMPTON — Two local educators have been honored for excellence. Stephanie White, the current grant facilitator at EASTCONN, and Ester Soffer, a former educator with the agency, have been awarded the 2025 Simon Konover Recognition in Holocaust Education from the Voices of Hope.
