Latest news with #Freya
BBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Bristol carer, 21, shares story of looking after little brother
An older sister has described caring for her little brother every day as "a gift".Freya, 21, became a young carer at the age of 14 after the birth of her brother Harry, who has a life-limiting condition, and his twin sister is now sharing her story as part of a campaign by Bristol-based charity Jessie May, which is highlighting the importance of siblings who are said: "He is my brother first, and a medical mystery second." Jessie May, which currently cares for more than 190 children and was set up in 1996, offers specialist home nursing support.A charity spokesperson said it wants to raise awareness of the "quiet constants in the background", namely the siblings of those in care, who "are just as deeply impacted". Freya said she became a second carer to both her twin siblings as soon as they came home from hospital, saying for a period of time she "was never without one of them"."If I wasn't helping with Harry, I would have Bonny with me," she the first time she held Harry, who is now seven, Freya said she was "terrified" she would hurt him."But once I relaxed, he smiled at me and went to sleep," she she supports her mum with any important hospital visits in place of Harry's dad, who stays at home with the children."I deal with hospitals better, [so it works best] and I tend to make notes so mum can focus on what's being said and read it over later," she said. On the difficulties of caring for her younger sibling, Freya said she found it hard when people stared at Harry. "We were always happy to answer questions, but the staring really got on my nerves," she ended up making a custom T-shirt for Harry that said, 'take a picture, it'll last longer'," she said she her two support systems have been her dogs and her aunt who would take her for a drive "if things got too much"."It's a lot to take on as a teenager," she said although she knows they miss out on some things due to juggling life around Harry's condition, they still have a lot of her brother as a "cheeky monkey", Freya said he has "such a personality" and she views him "no differently than any of [her] other siblings" because medical conditions do not define him."He can really make your day if you catch him giggling," she said. 'Family is important' Freya said for anyone in a situation like hers, just "keep going and take everything in your stride"."Don't let anyone say it can't be done or that something isn't meant to be. If you want to get involved and help with the caring, do it as long as it's safe to do so," she said."Don't shut down and don't block them out as you will miss out on some of the most amazing things.""Family is more important than anything, especially when tomorrow isn't guaranteed," she added.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
'Fantastic' neurodiverse students cycling 1,000 miles
A group of neurodiverse students are taking on a 1,000 mile (1,609km) cycle challenge from John O'Groats to Lands End. The 12 students, aged between 14 and 16, are from Appleford School in Shrewton, Wiltshire. They live with dyslexia, ADHD, autism or other difficulties and want to complete the challenge to prove they can achieve "extraordinary things". They will be leaving John O'Groats in Scotland on 19 June and aim to cycle between 70 (112km) and 80 miles (128km) a day back down to their final destination in Cornwall. Mark Ball, the school's head of outdoor education, said: "I think something on this sort of scale will remain with these students for a long time, if not for life." More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Mr Ball said many of the students faced "significant education struggles" before they began learning at Appleford. However, he added many of them "thrive" outside, with some students having completed previous long distance physical challenges. Student Freya suggested the challenge to Mr Ball following a cycle from Devizes to Westminster. She said she "loves" a challenge and was most looking forward to getting a suntan on the journey next month. Jess, who is also taking part, said she had not cycled since she was a child. "Since this has started, we go out as a school most weekends... I cycle to school now which is about 20 miles (32km)," she said. "We're going to cycle, stop at a hostel and then carry on in the morning on repeat for 14 days," Jess added. Mr Ball credited the "fantastic" students for their hard work so far. "Their enthusiasm and determination is second to none," he said. "To be able to have the support of the school, to organise something like this and to give the students the opportunity, I'm very, very grateful for that." Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Cyclist who was unable to walk breaks world record Cyclist completes 'dream' ride across the world Family pick up cycling challenge after dad's death Appleford School
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
Wiltshire neurodiverse students on John O'Groats to Lands End cycle
A group of neurodiverse students are taking on a 1,000 mile (1,609km) cycle challenge from John O'Groats to Lands End. The 12 students, aged between 14 and 16, are from Appleford School in Shrewton, Wiltshire. They live with dyslexia, ADHD, autism or other difficulties and want to complete the challenge to prove they can achieve "extraordinary things".They will be leaving John O'Groats in Scotland on 19 June and aim to cycle between 70 (112km) and 80 miles (128km) a day back down to their final destination in Ball, the school's head of outdoor education, said: "I think something on this sort of scale will remain with these students for a long time, if not for life." Mr Ball said many of the students faced "significant education struggles" before they began learning at Appleford. However, he added many of them "thrive" outside, with some students having completed previous long distance physical challenges. Student Freya suggested the challenge to Mr Ball following a cycle from Devizes to Westminster. She said she "loves" a challenge and was most looking forward to getting a suntan on the journey next month. Jess, who is also taking part, said she had not cycled since she was a child. "Since this has started, we go out as a school most weekends... I cycle to school now which is about 20 miles (32km)," she said. "We're going to cycle, stop at a hostel and then carry on in the morning on repeat for 14 days," Jess added. Mr Ball credited the "fantastic" students for their hard work so far. "Their enthusiasm and determination is second to none," he said. "To be able to have the support of the school, to organise something like this and to give the students the opportunity, I'm very, very grateful for that."
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Meath: Five fun things to do in the Royal County this weekend
A visit to Emerald Park Emerald Park in Ashbourne is always a perfect family destination, with over 45 rides and entertainment for all ages, however visitors might be more keen than ever to visit the park over the next few weeks to welcome a new addition to the diverse zoo. Emerald Park recently welcomed the arrival of a 13-year-old male Amur leopard called Manchurian, who joins resident Amur leopard, Freya. The park will also be holding it annual campaign on the bank holiday weekend, 'Love Your Zoo Week', with activities taking place both Saturday and Sunday. Activities on across the weekend include 'Wildlife Ally Workshops', which teaches people how to make bird boxes, feeders, and wildlife-friendly garden spaces. There will also be interactive zoo tours, talks, and a chance to track local pollinator species. Battle of the Boyne Living History Step back in time at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre on Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4pm as Laoch Living History presents a 17th century military camp complete with blacksmiths, gunners, sutlers, monks, and soldiers. Costumed historian Tóla Collier will also hold a battlefield walk both days from 2pm to discuss tactics, strategy, geography, and personalities on the battlefield. Moynalty country music festival This one day festival offers performances from All Folked Up, The Highstool Prophets, The Whistlin' Donkeys, and Meadhbh Walsh and her band. ADVERTISEMENT The entrance fee is €35 and campers are welcome for the festival in the field at €20 per night, starting Saturday. There will be a full bar, food trucks, coffee dock and ice cream on site, for what promises to be a fantastic days entertainment in raising money for the local church. Blue Jean country Queen Festival Since 1987, the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival has been an annual staple organised by Macra. The event sees women from all around the country and abroad compete for a perpetual trophy and a golden sash. This year's event in Athboy includes live music from Rhythm and Sticks and The Fógues. The opening ceremony on Friday will be at The Darnley Lodge Hotel followed by a pub crawl through Athboy's main streets. Follow Independent Meath on Facebook EcoChic clothing swaps The first of the EcoChic Meath clothing swaps will be held on Saturday, May, 31 at 11am at Swift Cultural Centre in Trim. With clothing waste on the rise, this campaign aims to raise awareness on the impacts of clothing waste, and encourage sustainable alternatives. Visitors are encouraged to bring any unwanted clothing and swap it for something else. A maximum of 15 items can be swapped per person and tokens will be given based on what you bring, which can be used for swapping. All events are free to attend and aim to give participants awareness about the environmental impacts of their clothing choices and provide them with the tools and skills to be more sustainable.
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Five things to do in Meath this bank holiday weekend
A visit to Emerald Park Emerald Park in Ashbourne is always a perfect family destination, with over 45 rides and entertainment for all ages, however visitors might be more keen than ever to visit the park over the next few weeks to welcome a new addition to the diverse zoo. Emerald Park recently welcomed the arrival of a 13-year-old male Amur leopard called Manchurian, who joins resident Amur leopard, Freya. The park will also be holding it annual campaign on the bank holiday weekend, 'Love Your Zoo Week', with activities taking place both Saturday and Sunday. Activities on across the weekend include 'Wildlife Ally Workshops', which teaches people how to make bird boxes, feeders, and wildlife-friendly garden spaces. There will also be interactive zoo tours, talks, and a chance to track local pollinator species. Battle of the Boyne Living History Step back in time at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre on Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4pm as Laoch Living History presents a 17th century military camp complete with blacksmiths, gunners, sutlers, monks, and soldiers. Costumed historian Tóla Collier will also hold a battlefield walk both days from 2pm to discuss tactics, strategy, geography, and personalities on the battlefield. Moynalty country music festival This one day festival offers performances from All Folked Up, The Highstool Prophets, The Whistlin' Donkeys, and Meadhbh Walsh and her band. The entrance fee is €35 and campers are welcome for the festival in the field at €20 per night, starting Saturday. There will be a full bar, food trucks, coffee dock and ice cream on site, for what promises to be a fantastic days entertainment in raising money for the local church. Blue Jean country Queen Festival Since 1987, the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival has been an annual staple organised by Macra. The event sees women from all around the country and abroad compete for a perpetual trophy and a golden sash. This year's event in Athboy includes live music from Rhythm and Sticks and The Fógues. The opening ceremony on Friday will be at The Darnley Lodge Hotel followed by a pub crawl through Athboy's main streets. EcoChic clothing swaps The first of the EcoChic Meath clothing swaps will be held on Saturday, May, 31 at 11am at Swift Cultural Centre in Trim. With clothing waste on the rise, this campaign aims to raise awareness on the impacts of clothing waste, and encourage sustainable alternatives. Visitors are encouraged to bring any unwanted clothing and swap it for something else. A maximum of 15 items can be swapped per person and tokens will be given based on what you bring, which can be used for swapping. All events are free to attend and aim to give participants awareness about the environmental impacts of their clothing choices and provide them with the tools and skills to be more sustainable.
