Latest news with #Freckleton
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Family set to be filmed for DIY SOS launch appeal to bring 13-year-old son home
A family set to be filmed on DIY SOS has issued an urgent appeal for help to bring their 13-year-old son home. Dan Flemen's life drastically changed after he began experiencing flu-like symptoms in November 2022. This turned out to be a sign of a severe brain tumour. Dan went from being an active teenager volunteering at church to needing constant care after a stroke left him with severe disabilities. He is now non-verbal, cannot sit unaided, requires night-time ventilation support, and needs round-the-clock care. Dan has had to stay in hospital since his diagnosis (Image: Supplied) Due to the extensively specialised care Dan now requires, his family home no longer meets the requirements for his needs. His house in Freckleton, Lancashire, is not accessible, meaning that Dan has had to stay in hospital since his diagnosis in November 2022. Dan's mum, Julie, has moved into hospital accommodation to be close to her son, while his dad, Nigel, and two sisters travel more than 50 miles to be with him. The renovations required to transform the family home into a safe and suitable environment for Dan include a private accessible bedroom, an adapted bathroom, facilities for full-time care and a suitable social space. Getting these changes made quickly and under budget means Dan can be with his family as soon as the work is finished. However, these renovations are far beyond the family's means. Good news has come in the form of a community effort. READ MORE: Pictures: Scooter rally returns as crowds enjoy ride-in and live music Why Darwen's Mill & Yarn deserves your vote in best barbers contest Ian McKellen 'holds back tears' after appearing at Glastonbury with Scissor Sisters The BBC's DIY SOS series has stepped up and will air the family's journey, with filming in Freckleton scheduled from July 16 to 23. Contributions have also come from the automotive industry charity, Ben, and the local authority is also offering support. However, volunteers and contributions are still needed. If you would like to donate, more information can be found here:
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'My blood cancer was dismissed as a pulled muscle'
A former footballer has told how he was in "complete shock" after being diagnosed with blood cancer - after first believing the pain was from a pulled Tottoh was diagnosed with myeloma after months of rib and back father-of-three, from Freckleton in Lancashire, when to the GP after feeling a "searing pain" that made him feel like he had broken a rib when taking a swing on the golf course in 2021."When I was diagnosed, I had holey bones in my ribs, thighs, spine and skull," said the 68-year-old, who played for Preston North End in the 1980s. He said he had twinges in his ribs and back for a year and a half before his diagnosis, but initially put them down to playing a lot of the pain got worse in the middle of 2020, he consulted his GP who told him he had likely pulled a muscle and that the twinges would sort themselves out. "It progressed over months to being quite debilitating," he recalled. "It got to a point where it started having a real impact on my life."After blood tests he was diagnosed with myeloma in August 2021. "Being struck down with this was a complete shock," he said. "My dad had died of cancer and then, in the last 12 years, two of my brothers died of cancer. I thought it was the end."But the team at Blackpool Victoria Hospital "were amazing", he said. Mr Tottoh had radiotherapy to treat the damage to his bones. He then had chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant and has been in remission since November 2022. 'Positive mindset' Throughout, the support of family and friends has been invaluable, he said."It takes a small army to get you through this ordeal," said Mr Tottoh, who is still on maintenance treatment to keep his cancer at bay for as long as possible. "The most important thing now is having people in your corner, people who care, people who lift you up when you're down. "My family and closest friends have done that."Nearly five years on from his diagnosis, Mr Tottoh is now determined to make memories with his family and his grandson Theo, nine."My mindset is really positive," he said. "I will see my grandson go to university and get married - if that's what he wants to do. I will see my kids fulfil their dreams. "Right now, I'm in an amazing place and I'm on the path to living with myeloma for a very long time."He said if anyone feels unsure about any symptoms they may have, they should visit the doctor."Nobody knows your body better than you, so own it," he said. Myeloma Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrowDespite being the third most common type of blood cancer, myeloma is difficult to detect as symptoms are often linked to general ageing or minor conditionsWhile it is incurable, myeloma is treatable in the majority of casesTreatment can lead to periods of remission but the cancer will inevitably come backSource Myeloma UK Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
East Lancs pub joins hundreds nationally to smash world record
An East Lancashire pub has broken a Guinness World Record as part of a national attempt for most pints poured simultaneously. Fronted by Heineken 0.0 ambassador Gareth Bale, the record-making feat was achieved in ten seconds and involved the Whitaker Arms in Accrington. They were joined by 114 pubs and breweries across the UK, and Freckleton's The Plough, in the event which took place on April 7. In 10 seconds, pints of Heineken 0.0 and Heineken were simultaneously poured in perfect sync. The attempt was made possible through online video technology, and publicans and pub managers from Scotland to Surrey joined a mass video call to pour their pints together. All pubs now possess the title, which was earned under the watchful eyes of an official Guinness World Records adjudicator. Lawson Mountstevens, Managing Director of Star Pub at Heineken UK, said: 'Part of the ritual of going to the pub is watching your pint being freshly poured from the tap -the tilt of the glass, the smooth cascade, and the mouthwatering anticipation of the first sip. 'This draught experience is central to pub culture, and for non-alcoholic beer to become truly mainstream, it needs to be part of that experience. It needs to be poured from the tap like any other pint, not just another option in the fridge. 'That's why we're committed to getting 0.0 on draught in pubs everywhere, because everyone deserves a proper pint, with or without alcohol.' READ MORE: Runner aims to break record for fastest London Marathon run in traffic cone suit READ MORE: Accrington Royal Marine aiming for world record in rowing challenge 'The Big Pour' celebrates the installation of Heineken 0.0's 1,000th tap, making Heineken 0.0 the most widely available 0.0% beer on draught, with more installations than any other brand. It was orchestrated to support British pubs and to celebrate the fact that British pub goers now have more choice when it comes to alcohol and alcohol-free draught beer. All pubs involved now hold the Guinness World Record title for the most people pulling a pint online simultaneously.
